The herbs and spices used in Malaysian cooking lend a flavorful taste to many local dishes. One such local ingredient, often used in Malaysian cooking, is known as serai in Malay. I remember my late mother, Arwah Hajah Aminah Mat Desa (AlFatihah (read) may her soul rest in peace) revealed that “Serai can be added to steamed fish & soups and used as marinade for chicken & other meats. Sometimes, serai stalk is crushed to release flavor & fragrance and added whole to soups. At other times, it is chopped thinly and stir-fried with other spices. Serai is also an ingredient in the very healthy nasi ulam or herb rice. The cooked rice is mixed with a variety of finely chopped fresh herbs and leaves, including serai which gives a refreshing zing to the delicious dish.”
My wife, Zarina & I are deeply grateful with our son, Farouq & his best half, Nadja and their son, Daniel for hosting family luncheon at Serai @Shaftsbury Cyberjaya, a prominent upscale restaurant in Cyberjaya. It is recognized for serving a fusion of Malaysian, Thai, and Western cuisines in a refined, spacious setting. Known as a premier venue for families & corporate gatherings, it is celebrated for signature dishes like Nasi Kerabu, Ayam Percik & Barry Pavlova.
I noticed the menu focuses on high-quality, flavorful food, offering a mix of traditional Malaysian tastes blending lemongrass ingredients, as a cornerstone of Malaysian cuisine, valued for its ability to infuse dishes with a bright, citrusy aroma and a spiciness offered in modern presentations. It is considered the “essence of Malaysian cooking” and is used to balance rich flavors, particularly in coconut-based dishes. It is a key ingredient in “rempah” (spice pastes).
I understand this restaurant is a key outlet of the Serai Group, a well-known family-run business that has developed several distinct culinary brands that spread across the Klang Valley. A globally-inspired, yet proudly Malaysian at its core, each of the establishments carries a unique gastronomical identity. (https://seraigroup.com.my)
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