The Loaf @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

October 17, 2020 Choi Yen 10 comments

Yes, literally I am……. ♥

An invitation to try out The Loaf latest offerings of “Dine in with Chef Yusuf” had us at The Loaf, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur a couple of weeks ago.

The restaurant with a sun-drenched and plant-adorned setting is very inviting and comfortable. Grey wall panels decorated with delicious looking food photos, mix and match cushioned banquette seating, rattan chairs and dark green rattan woven stools. Those colourful cushions and Tudung Saji (food cover) heightening the vibrancy of the overall atmosphere.

A more private dining area at the end of the restaurant.

The specially crafted menu of ‘Dine in with Chef Yusuf” featuring a list of promising and authentic Malay cuisine from all over Malaysia such as Malacca inspired Pari Asam Pedas, Negeri Sembilan inspired Ayam Kampung Masak Lemak Cili Api and Kelantan inspired Ayam Kuzi.

Available only at the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur outlet, the menu offers set meal for one, two and four pax with rice + condiments + main dishe(s), priced at RM32, RM66 and RM126 respectively.

Rice set ~ Steamed rice served along with Sambal Belacan (chili paste), Budu (fermented seafood sauce), Cincalok (fermented small shrimps with shallot, chili and lime), fish crackers and ulam (salad).

Pari Asam Pedas

A Malacca inspired dish with Ikan Pari (stingray) and assorted vegetables cooked in delicious and appetizing Asam Pedas gravy. The sour tang brought by Asam (tamarind) juice made the addiction kicked in once the first sip was taken.

Ayam Kampung Masak Lemak Cili Api

This unpretentious Negeri Sembilan inspired Kampung Chicken cooked in rich spicy coconut curry appeared to be my favourite dish on that day. The chicken whole leg with firm flesh submerged in a yellowish curry which was incredibly flavorful and spicy, made from a combination of turmeric, coconut milk, and various other herbs and spices. Don’t say I did not warm you that you may need another helping of rice with that compelling gravy.

Daging Balado

Tender beef cubes cooked in “Balado” style which is refers to red chilies-based spicy sauce. A dish that is painstakingly prepared, with all the grinding of herbs & spices, cooking effort for a wonderful end result – packed a punch and richly flavoured; the right comfort food to go with rice.

Sambal Terung

Fried brinjal with Chef Yusuf’s handmade special dried anchovies sambal.

Laksa Sarawak (RM25.00)

If you love Laksa Sarawak, Chef Yusuf’s version would suffice to please you. As a Sarawakian, Chef Yusuf prepared this famous Sarawak noodle dish with an authentic way of boiling the flavorful chicken based broth then seasoned with thick laksa paste, which consisted variety of spices and herbs ingredients. Served with hand-pounded sambal and lime, Laksa Sarawak’s broth is slightly subtler compared to the normal curry laksa. It has a fine balance of aromatic herbs and spices with a subtle hint of sourish and chili note and not overly rich and creamy. This bowl of noodles comprised thick rice vermicelli, fresh bouncy prawns, bean sprouts, shredded chicken and omelete.

We also sampled a few items from the regular menu which boasts wide selection of asian delights, mains, pastas, burgers, salad and breakfast.

Nasi Lemak Rendang (RM24.00)

Kerabu Mee Siam (RM24.00)

Meehoon tossed in lemongrass based sauce served with Kerabu salad, prawn and squid.

Kecek Kelate (RM26.00)

Sandwiched in between Danish Doughnut, the grilled chicken patty was generously drenched in rich coconut-y Percik sauce, served along with curly fries and salad.

Spaghetti Pad Thai (RM28.00)

Thai inspired Pad Thai with a twist. Cooked to al-dente spaghetti is used instead of the usual rice noodles, stir fried in with a sweet-savoury-sour sauce, assorted seafood and egg, finished with crushed peanuts.

Mango Juice (RM11.00), Wild Honey Lemon (RM13.00) & Cappuccino (RM12.00)

Verdict: To be honest, Malay cuisine most probably one of my least favourite food but I was totally impressed with what I tried on the menu of “Dine in with Chef Yusuf”. As a non Malay food fan, I give it a full stamp of approval!

Having appeased their followers with an array of delectable artisan baked goods and coffees, we didn’t leave The Loaf without trying some of their Japanese inspired bread and pastries from the bakery downstairs.

The main dining area has a glass facade all around the dining area, which creates an unbroken connection between the interior and exterior space while providing a sanctuary from the bustling city.

The chic and modern designed indoor seating.

Want a quieter space to enjoy your cuppa? Proceed to the mezzanie floor where the baristas in action take place.

Cranberry Cheese Oyaki (RM4.20) Black Beauty Oyaki (RM4.20)

Chocolate Croissant (RM5.50)

Caramel Mix Nuts Danish (RM7.90)

Chicken Mushroom Pie (RM4.90)

Tropical Square (RM6.20)