KEN HUNTS FOOD: Chinese New Year Menu 2023 @ Maple Palace Restaurant 美宝阁, Georgetown, Penang.

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Chinese New Year Menu 2023 @ Maple Palace Restaurant 美宝阁, Georgetown, Penang.

Embrace the joyous spirit of the Lunar New Year with Maple Palace Penang's exquisite Chinese New Year menu 2024. Renowned for its culinary prowess, Maple Palace 美宝阁 invites patrons to embark on a gastronomic journey. The upcoming Chinese New Year menu themed "The Spirit of the Dragon and Stallion" banquet has a blend of traditional Cantonese tastes with Sze Chuan-inspired elements; curated using modern cooking techniques, diners can expect for a unique and memorable dining experience, exclusively available this Chinese New Year (there are 6 different menus, with incremental pricing options from a party of two to a table of ten and more). Reservation opens from 26 December 2023 and a 50% deposit is required to secure the table.

Many Thanks to Maple Palace for hosting us.

[1st course] Salmon Yee Sang 丰收七彩三文鱼生

[2nd course] Double Boiled Sea Conch Soup with Pear, Dried Tangerine Peel 二十年陈皮雪梨螺头汤

[3rd course] Steamed Marble Goby with Trio Chili, Home-made Cuttlefish Balls 墨鱼丸剁椒蒸笋壳

[4th course] Superior Chicken Pot with Abalone, Prawns, Sea Cucumber and Antler Mushrooms 鹿茸菌鲜虾鲍鱼海参槽鸡煲

[5th course] Signature Roasted Spanish Iberico Pork Loin Rib 招牌西班牙排骨

[6th course] Stir Fried Australian Lobster with Winter Melon and Onion Scallions 姜葱澳洲龙虾焖冬瓜

[7th course] Steamed Lotus Leaf Rice with Chinese Sausages 北方腊味荷叶饭

[8th course] Lychee Rose Tea with Peach Resin and Chia Seeds 荔枝桃胶奇亚籽玫瑰茶

For the benefit of this article- it shall focus on the 8-course 鱼跃龙门宴 (RM2,988++). It starts off with Salmon Yee Sang which is traditionally enjoyed during this festive season. But Maple Palace is trying a slightly modern and healthier approach. Natural ingredients are used in lieu of artificially colored crisps; diners can expect to see Apple, Mango, Ice Plants, some crunchy nuts and fresh Salmon Sashimi... served over a home-made dressing. After the prosperity toss, it is about time to warm up the tummy with the Double Boiled Sea Conch Soup with Pear and a Cantonese touch of Dried Tangerine Peel. The rich and comforting broth has a nourishing feel on the palate, with each spoonful delivers a medley of savory, umami and sophisticated invigorating taste.

For the third course, the culinary team behind Maple Palace is stepping up the game by challenging the sense of taste. Instead of the play safe to have the fish steamed, Mr Loy and his team is coming out with something new- Steamed Marble Goby with Trio Chili and Home-made Cuttlefish Balls. Using the Chinese pickled Chili Pepper (剁椒) as the main course of seasoning; the chopped pickled Chilies are spread on top of a fresh Marble Goby. The dish has quite a chili kick but at a comforting level (at least for most Malaysian adults) and surprisingly, it works for the fresh water fish. To add on the texture, home-made Cuttlefish Balls are also included... for a slightly different bite. The next course is Superior Chicken Pot consists of Abalone, Prawns, Sea Cucumber and Antler Mushrooms. The depth and complexity of the broth showcase the culinary mastery involved... only made possible with fresh and premium ingredients.

The dinner goes on with Maple Palace's Signature Roasted Spanish Iberico Pork Loin Rib which has a sweet-savory seasoning and succulent meat texture; best enjoyed using hands (gloves will be provided). Lobster lovers will be glad to learn that fresh live lobster is included in this menu, the Stir Fried Australian Lobster with Winter Melon and Onion Scallions has a nice classic flavors of Ginger and Scallions. Seasoning is not too heavy so that diners can taste the fresh seafood sweetness of the crustacean. Quintessential Chinese New Year item- the Steamed Lotus Leaf Rice is served with a few types of premium Chinese Sausages. Ending the meal is something refreshing- Lychee Rose Tea with Peach Resin and Chia Seeds. It has a gentle touch of sweetness to end the meal but more so for the Rose-infused Tea. The Rose fragrance is bold enough to complement everything; unusual but very good.