Bunga Kantan has replaced Rice Cafe at Lorong Maarof, but fans of Malaysian fare shouldn't fret; there's no lack of familiar, fulfilling food here.
In honor of Rice Cafe, we only tried the rice platters at Bunga Kantan. Our recommendation: Nasi dagang ikan tongkol, nicely priced at RM4.50. The firm, fragrant rice was flawless, well complemented by creamy fish 'gulai.'
Nasi goreng petai (RM7). Not bad, but not brilliant; petai lovers might be soothed by the hearty heap of stinky beans, though the rice itself tasted run-of-the-mill.
Need more rice? Drive five minutes to Jalan Maarof's Italian Tomato for a rustic risotto (RM25++), flooded with the earthiness of shiitake & button mushrooms.
Need even more rice? Drive another five minutes to Bangsar Village, where Garibaldi whips up perhaps the city's priciest risotto _ a saffron one with braised veal cheek for RM98++.
Garibaldi's risotto with pigeon ragu, walnuts & red wine sauce is as rich as imaginable, though also not cheap at RM83++. But there it is: a tour of the grainy goodness that Bangsar giveth.
'Tis still the season to be jolly! Complimentary panettone from Garibaldi.
Booze isn't available at Bunga Kantan. So drink up at Garibaldi (or Italian Tomato).
Restoran Bunga Kantan (RBK),
98, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar Park, Kuala Lumpur.
Open daily 7:30am-10pm.
