Songket

Come for the food, stay for the dancing!

Tucked away along Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Songket serves Malay recipes in a serene setting that seems suitable for both romantic dates and group outings.

Burung Puyuh Berempah, or deep-fried quail with onions, red chillies & curry leaves. Surprisingly tender and satisfyingly marinated _ a far cry from the bony, greasy versions elsewhere. Not outrageously priced either; a RM30 plate comprises nearly a dozen pieces.

Rusuk Panggang _ char-grilled marinated short ribs with sweet soy sauce & sambal belacan. Two massive slabs of mouthwatering meat, stunningly succulent and flavor-packed.

Udang Masak Lemak Ulam Tempoyak. A creamy creation, filled with fresh-tasting prawns in fermented durian sauce. Customers who are leery of durian can rest assured that this dish is rich and fragrant but not overpoweringly pungent.

Nasi Lemak Pandan. Might not be the best in KL, but moist and aromatic enough.

Nasi Kerabu. A slightly healthier alternative, with finely chopped veggies & herbs.

Booze is available, mercifully. Merlot makes everything more marvelous.

The highlight of a meal here might be the live performances at 9 pm, Mondays through Saturdays, featuring traditional dances such as the Mak Yong, Zapin, Joget Kelabang & Kipas Si Paku Lanang, culminating in a group hoedown with customers to the strains of Rasa Sayang.

But if Songket's food and feel strongly remind you of Bijan, there's a reason for that; its manager and chef used to work at Bijan, but they recently left and launched Songket.

Songket Restaurant,

29, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03-2161-3062