New Asian favourites at the Forum KL @ Desa Sri Hartamas

At the Forum KL, western dishes have mainly dominated the menu and Instagram feeds ever since the cafe wave bloomed in the local food scene, including popular brunch selections. Remaining some western touches on the menu, the Forum KL recently launches the best of comfort food, showcasing Asian interpretations of soulful dishes.

For the starters there is the fried chicken wing than three ways. They’ll be serving six pieces of succulent Fried chicken wings (RM 17) done in one of the following Styles; Singaporean style with spices, honey, ginger served with Siracha sauce; Hickory style with our house made BBQ sauce and Buffalo style with a tobasco based marinade, served with blue cheese sauce & celery sticks. But for an area saturated with Korean Fried Chicken houses, I’m just not convinced with their renditions.

Popiah usually tickles my fancy but this one slightly overwhelmed me with the big pieces of prawn, and hard boiled egg. Popiah (RM 18) isn’t at a desirable portion and it certainly lack plenty of the flavours.

Straits dishes are probably one of the most unique when it comes to tatse profile and while some of us reserve our ferocious devotion to the love of laksa, they are cooking up Singapore Katong Style Laksa Lemak (RM 30) as their signature dish. With a blend of yellow mee and bee hoon simmered in rich coconut and shellfish broth served with sliced hard-boiled egg, prawns, Japanese scallops and bean sprouts, the thick and hot becomes a comfort factor when seeking nostalgic contentment through the palate. Too bad the Mee Rebus (RM26) didn’t quite live up to expectations. I’ll be happier if there is some tofu in it.

Another comforting flavour comes from their Nasi Goreng Forum (RM 26). This Malay style fried rice with chicken, sambal belacan and vegetables is accompanied with grilled chicken skewers and prawn crackers. Also hearty is the Ayam Masak Lemak (RM 26), served with steamed basmati rice and side prawn crackers. The rich coconuty curry pleases the palate and the fact that basmati rice is served instead of white rice just pleases me in general. LOL.

The introduction and launch of aplenty local and Straits dishes was a bold move but they seem to have remained their best Western favourites as well. The Forum Big Breakfast (RM 30) serves the free ranged eggs cooked to your choice of liking and along with the usual suspects of turkey ham, beef bacon strips, hash brown, sautéed mushrooms, grilled herb tomato, baked pumpkin and 2 slices of artisan bread as well as a chicken Vienna sausage. This no frill breakfast could still use a little tweek to match some of the famous big breakfasts served around this enclave.

If fish is your favourite protein source, skip the Fisherman’s Lunch (RM 19) and go ahead with the Grilled Atlantic Salmon (RM 39). Together with charred corn, green lentils, couscous, rocket salad, dill & lemon aioli, this one easy if you ever find yourself in dilemma when choosing your fish. Otherwise, there is the Chicken Roulade (RM 30) with spinach and mushroom rolled with a filleted 30 herb-encrusted chicken thigh served with sautéed cauliflower, tomato salsa & pumpkin mash. It was cold when we have them but I reckon this would be lovely while it was hot.

Speaking of cold, most of the servings were a little cold upon arriving to the table. Given some more time to perfect their flow from in the kitchen to the dining table, would put this place delightful for communal dining, as well as for private functions. And if anyone is interested with their fusion creation, they have some “interesting” Rendang Burger (RM 29) as well as the Moroccan Burger (RM 28) that will prolly be very subjected to individual palate.

Hearty Quiche Pie (RM 23)
Forest and Field Mushroom Soup (RM 18)
Sichuan Hot and Sour Soup (RM 17)

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The ForumKL is located at The Signature:

3 Jalan Sri Hartamas 22,
The Signature Serviced Suites &, Studios,
Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +60 3-6412 0833
Monday to Friday (12-10pm)
Saturday to Sunday (10am-10pm)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onlyattheforumkl/
GPS: 3.1637437,101.652070

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