The festive (read: binging) season is here, and many restaurants and cafes in KL are already rolling out their Christmas specials: Apart from the traditional turkey, your tummy will be happy to tuck into cheese and meat platters, pot pies, festive fried chicken (finally!) as well as Xmas motif-decorated gingerbread cookies and puddings. Thankfully, holiday calories don’t count but our pro tip would be to wear something loose and comfy (or anything high-waisted) to accommodate and conceal that three-month food baby post-makan. At these places, it’s beginning to look (and taste) a lot like Christmas!
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It’s impossible for anyone to turn into a Grinch if you serve them this homemade Christmas granola. Oven-baked with rolled oats, dried cranberries and crystallised ginger and autumn spices and nuts to perfection, this breakfast treat is served with vanilla-infused Greek yogurt and fresh fruit salad. For the caffeine addict, wake yourself up with their sweet-and-spicy gingerbread latte that adds a twist to the classic espresso and steamed milk beverage.
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They’ve also got plenty in the dessert department; from classic fruit cake and chocolate swirls to crowd-pleasing gingerbread cookies and cupcakes in snowman faces and Christmas tree motifs – all ready for pre-order.
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We reckon they’ll make awesome last-minute stocking-fillers too!
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Come here in a big group and you won’t be disappointed because there’ll be more food to go around from their “31 Days of Christmas” menu, which by the way, comprise English-inspired sharing platters and not individual meals, so don’t be surprised if the item you order come with no sides. If having roasted turkey is a snooze fest for your taste buds, opt for their recommended – wait for it – fried chicken platter; order a large (RM36) and you’ll get six generous pieces that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside – best dipped with Lingham’s chilli sauce and eaten with hands.
Calamari & citrus | source: fb
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Other worthy mentions include their refreshingly succulent squid salad called calamari & citrus (RM21) and charred eggplant dish (RM19). The former comes with citrus-y chopped fruits that lend that extra nuance while the latter is infused with miso and topped with bonito flakes. Meanwhile, the Christmas entrée platter that serves chicken liver mousse and country pork terrine among others is a winner; we only wished it came with complimentary bread instead of having to order it on the side, considering sourdough is the only available option.
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Got a sweet tooth? Don’t miss the hearty apple pie (RM18) with a dollop of gula Melaka and whipped cream. Again, great for sharing even if you’re #blessed with food coma since there’s always space for dessert!
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If roasted turkey is a must-have on your dining table this Xmas, look no further than this happy place that serves the traditional poultry dish with chestnut stuffings and trimmings starting 20th December, along with their festive menu that lasts the entire month.
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Feeling thirsty? Things will be all merry and bright in no time with several helpings of the “Pom Pom”, their seasonal Pomegranate Mojito cocktail infused with rum. Sounds yum!
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If you’re on the nice list and prefer something sans alcohol, trust their “Jingle Bell Shake” to get your dose of sugar rush. This Insta-worthy drink is headlined by festive flavours of peppermint, gingerbread and chocolate – lots of them.
4. W.I.P
Kuleke platter | source: ig
If you love a hint of Hawaiian in your food and drinks, WIP has got you sorted with its tropical-themed menu. For grubs, choose from either the Aloha Beef Burger (RM35) comprising cheesy goodness, teriyaki sauce and topped with a golden grilled pineapple ring; or the Huli Huli Chicken (RM38), which is a roasted half spring chicken drizzled in a sweet-and-savoury huli huli sauce (think a combo of pineapple juice and teriyaki-like sauce), with a side of veg and avo mash.
Aloha beef burger | source: ig
If meat maniac is your middle name, grab a few more meat-loving mates and dig in the Kuleke Platter (RM88) that offers sliced roasted turkey, spicy beef sausages, fresh water prawns, along with seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Maui fizz & orinoco fog | source: ig
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For booze, the Tiki-style cocktails complete with tribal aesthetics will steal the limelight on your IG feed. At RM35 a pop, there’s a total of five mostly rum-based concoctions to try, but if you’re feeling a bit more atas, you can also get two bottles of bubbly for RM750 nett. Say whattt!
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Just in case you’re wondering, no, the holiday special is NOT nasi lemak lobster. It’s actually Spaghetti Lobster, combining claw and carbs (and homemade beef stock, juicy tomato ragu, and a dash of cognac) to ultimate comfort food perfection. So, twirl your fork into this premium plate of pasta (RM148) before the festive season is over!
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Otherwise, you can opt for the joint’s signature lobster dishes paired with a glass of vino on the side. Never gets old!
6. Agak-Agak
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We suggest you book in advance for this venue, because their Christmas menu is only limited to dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, and brunch on Sundays. Their festive menu includes roasted turkey, hearty pies, cheese platters and jolly desserts, among others!
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7. TWG Tea
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This December, TWG Tea is bringing back a tantalising yuletide feast in the form of their three-course Joy of Christmas festive menu (RM98 before GST) that’s available all month long. For starters (literally), you can indulge in either; 1) a creamy pan seared foie gras served with wild mushroom mousse that’s infused with White Christmas Tea, candied orange and wild berry mélange; 2) a piping-hot bowl of spiced green pea soup plus a touch of Red of Africa infused chilli oil and cream; or 3) a trio of Hokkaido scallop, poached king prawn and peppered yellow fin tuna. Sounds luxe!
Pan seared foie gras | source: twg tea
Meanwhile, the main highlights comprise duck, beef and fish options that will leave you spoilt for choice: The duck breast is marinated with French Early Grey and citrus; the grain-fed Australian beef tenderloin is pan seared with herb butter; then there’s the pan-roasted Emperor Fish fillet served with homemade fried prawn dumpling. Ugh, life is tough.
For dessert, the Christmas confection is an adorable little chocolate yule log that might just be too cute to eat. Of course, the set wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of a hot or iced TWG Tea of your choice! Click here for the full menu.
Psst… if you’re a Citi cardholder, you can enjoy this feast for RM100 nett!
Bonus: Amazin’ Graze
Even if you’re planning to eat healthy this holiday, who says you should compromise on taste? Which is why this Christmas edition granola set from Amazin’ Graze, aptly dubbed “Naughty Made Nice”, is perfect for guilt-free snacking since it’s 100 per cent natural, vegetarian, and free of preservatives and refined sugar! DIY granola bowls, I shall make aplenty ’tis season.
As if their regular line-up of flavours aren’t yummy enough, this seasonal special features comeback favourites like Candied Fruitcake Granola, Gingerbread Crumb Granola, and Frosted Cinnamon Nut Mix, along with the newest addition of Chocolate Fudge Orange Bites. That’s not all, because this year they’re spoiling us even more with a jar of Caramel Pecan Almond Butter! Think of all the possible spreads, dips and toppings you can make!
from left: candied fruitcake granola 250g (rm19. 90), gingerbread crumb granola 250g (rm19. 90), caramel pecan almond butter 180g (rm29. 90), frosted cinnamon nut mix 100g (rm12. 90), chocolate fudge orange bites 120g (rm15. 90)
Plus, packaging is pretty on-point, so you know what that means – perfect presents for people you love. Choose from their various pre-packed gift sets – ranging from RM24.90 to RM99.90 – and send them straight to those nearest (or even furthest) and dearest! Shop here!
See, who said being naughty while staying on Santa’s nice list is hard? 😉
So, if you’re clueless about where to take your family for a festive feast this Christmas, now you know! Feliz navidad, folks! 🙂
Also read: 10 Super Glorious Food Combos Malaysians Probably Can’t Live Without
