Brasserie 25, Kuala Lumpur

Hotel Stripes, Kuala Lumpur, has been strategically built on the ground floor of six shop houses that has been converted into a boutique hotel, thoughtfully designed for the best creative effect. Its creativity has clinched a spot in the Autograph Collection, a record of boutique hotels with striking designs around the world. In addition to being surrounded by culture and history, it definitely made us feel like we found a hidden gem!

Their restaurant, Brasserie 25, has to be the main motive of anyone’s visit. It adopts western styled designs, that means high ceilings, brass modernist chandeliers, exposed brick walls and tan leather chairs. It’s especially outstanding among buildings bearing marks of rich Asian history, as though bringing a piece of New York to the city itself.

For the appetizers, we had the Camembert Roti au Four (RM40) and Soup a L’Oignon (RM40). A great start to the night, each bite of truffle in Camembert Roti au Four is a reminiscence of a summer’s day in Paris.

The Soup a L’Oignon then slowly eases us into the entrée with a slightly stronger taste of onion, toasted croutons and melting cheese.

Being the only cold entrée, Pate Et Rillettes (RM40) triggered our curiosity and pleasantly surprised us with a symphony of flavours, platter style. The dish featured chicken pate, smoked duck breast and duck rillettes, each element contributes to the completion of the dish, rather than having one outshining another which is common among platters.

Next up is the Joue de Boeuf Braisee, the star of the night – Braised Beef Cheek, Red Wine Carrot, mushroom Pearl, and Onion Mashed Potato. Recommended for beef lovers, it was braised for hours beforehand, the Beef Cheek is definitely well-cooked with its signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. As the portion (and price, at RM120) can be quite big for one person, we recommend that you share the dish for maximum satisfaction. Look at that tenderly cooked meat glazed with the shining coat of red wine sauce, just do it.

Another beef dish, the L’Entrecote de Boeuf (RM120) measures up with the beef itself a 200 days grain fed Angus rib eye. It was served with a dense brandy cream sauce and crispy fries.

The grand finale. Desserts. We decided on the merciless classics: Grand Marnier Souffle with Vanilla Ice Cream (RM30) and Crème Brulee (RM20). The soufflé did not disappoint us with the fragrance of high quality egg whites were distinctly brought out, and the texture itself soft and fluffy, as you would expect a soufflé.

The brulee was rich and creamy, served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted rice crispies.

Considering its modernity, breath-taking designs, service, sheer quality of the food and the reasonably sized hole in the pocket, this place rates high on the recommendation list.

Brasserie 25

Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur

25, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit,

50300 Kuala Lumpur

Phone: +60 3-2038 0000