KEN HUNTS FOOD: Fine Dining by the Beach- Jala Restaurant @ The Andaman Resort, Langkawi, Kedah.

Friday, March 3, 2017

Fine Dining by the Beach- Jala Restaurant @ The Andaman Resort, Langkawi, Kedah.

Perched along the long-crescent Datai Bay (also recognized as the 9th best beach in the world by National Geographic) at the Northwest tip of Langkawi Island and well-hidden in the tropical rain forest, The Andaman is one of the best luxurious resorts in Langkawi, most ideal for a quiet getaway or quick escape from the hectic city life. Unlike the tourist-district at Pantai Cenang, the Datai Bay is far from town center and is usually visited by hotel guests only. The strategic location and what the nature could offer (to The Andaman) are the sine qua non of the resort winning multiple International awards (not forgetting its extraordinary effort in preserving the nature as well). While the various facilities in the resort are applaudable, The Andaman Resort houses 4 in-house restaurants that strive to offer exquisite dining experience for the guests/ visitors (open to public).

Many Thanks to The Andaman Resort for hosting us that evening.

Located right on the beach, Jala offers breath-taking panoramic view for its diners; like any other beachfront restaurants or bars, you can relax and enjoy the soothing sea breeze complemented by the sunset scenes while savoring the restaurant's finest offering. With a name like "Jala" (refers to fishing net in Malay), one would expect the restaurant to offer an incredible Seafood-dedicated menu. Like its resort, Jala supports the concept of sustainability, all Seafood are sourced from local suppliers and only sizable catch shall be accepted (release back to the water otherwise). There will be at least 10-11 types of fishes available daily and that includes Snapper, Grouper, Barramundi, Pomfret etc.

The airy cafe has a relaxed atmosphere, with tables and chairs on the beach, allowing guests to kick back and relax with toes in the sand, so visiting the restaurant in smart casual would be wise. The restaurant is built and designed to enchant the five senses- taste (the exceptional offering), sound (the melody of the sea waves), sight (picturesque panoramic beach view), touch (the smooth pristine sand) and smell (the alluring aroma of the food). The prices commemorate with the top-notch service and the setting are of highest standards (although the setup was on sandy floor). The wise spenders would be glad to know that CIMB and Citibank Credit Card holders are entitled for 40% discounts on all food (excluding alcoholic drinks).

Seafood Salad (Rm 48)

Octopus (Rm 52)

We started off with Seafood Salad, a beautiful piece of art that comprises of smoked King Prawns sitting on a raft of julienned raw Mangoes, completed with home-made Rice Paper Rolls stuffed with green Mango salad and Squid. Octopus on the other hand, was unusual- grilled Octopus with Madrass Curry served with Lettuce somewhat reminded us of Satay, in the form of Octopus and served with crunchy green. A familiar yet abnormal way to kick start the meal.

Grilled Golden Pomfret (Rm 35.50 per 100 grams/ 800 grams shown in the photo)

Steamed Grouper (Rm 32 per 100 grams/ 1.2 kg shown in the photo)

Side dishes [from top left/ clockwise]- Fried Rice, Creamy Potatoes, Stir Fried Water Spinach, Stir Fried Asparagus, Fettuccine with Beef Bacon and Stir Fried French Beans

For the selection of fresh seafood, go over the display fridge and if you are unsure on what to order, the very experienced server would be able provide good advice. We had Golden Pomfret and Grouper with the former fish grilled and the latter one steamed. 4 types of side dishes will be served, complimentary to every order of fish. The Golden Pomfret was nicely grilled- crispy skin with smooth and soft texture. Steamed Grouper was equally good, if not better. The meat was firm and the fish oil complemented everything well. We'd recommend taking fishes with at least 1 kg and above, for better texture and higher fat content.

The seasoning was minimal but diners whom prefer bolder flavors could ask for their home-made dips. Amongst the dips, the Langkawi Green Chili is preferred but mind you, it might leave a lip-burning sensation.

Exotic Fruits in different texture (Rm 40)

Black Forest (Rm 40)

We top off the meal with Jala's one of its kind sweet treats. The Exotic Fruits in different texture offers tropical flavors with an artistic touch. It comprises of Lychee, Passion Fruit, Papaya, Young Coconut, Honeydew and Watermelon Sorbet. We were more than pleased to see the way they presented Black Forest, a famous Cherry-Chocolate sweet treat well-inflected in another form. There was this cute and attractive Mushroom (Strawberry Mousse on top and White Chocolate with Lemon Curd filling as the Mushroom stem) sitting on the log, together with some Sponge and Cherry-Strawberry Ice Cream. Not only that it looks presentable, it was delicious as well!