Delightful Raya Dulang Set with a Touch of Old World Charm at Crane KL Restaurant

Are you looking for a delicious meal with a touch of history this Raya holidays? If so, head over to Crane KL located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s lively Chinatown! Owned by Puteh Beach Bar and founded by Mr Alex Martin, Crane KL occupies the ground floor of Selangor Grocers’ Guild, a four-storey historical neo-classical building built in 1927. The Grocers’ Guild is a trade association established by 7 founders from China in the early days to represent the interests of grocers, retail traders, and sundry shop owners in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Crane KL serves an interesting menu prepared by Chef Nizam and his team, consisting of East-meets-West dishes such as Udon Masak Lemak and Ribeye Steaks with Kai Lan, plus green pea mash on the side, as well as premium dishes like Wagyu Cheeseburgers and Steaks. In addition to these popular items, the restaurant offers an extensive menu that would satiate the palate of even the most discerning diner.

As we set foot into the restaurant on the ground floor, we were greeted by a brightly lit Oriental-themed dining room adorned with lush greenery, hanging lanterns plus origami cranes, giving a relaxing and welcoming ambience to the restaurant. Art pieces from bygone years like the Opium Bench and photo of the Grocers’ Guild’s seven founders add a nostalgic charm to the restaurant.

We had the opportunity to try the Raya Dulang Set Menu. The generous portion is good for two pax but take note that this special item on the menu is only available from 22nd to 30th April. It’s priced at a good deal of RM90++ (subject to a 10% service charge and 6% SST).

The Raya Dulang is a colourful tray of tasty selection of traditional Malay dishes comprising the Mandi Rice served in the middle of the platter in a half-cut shaved coconut shell. Surrounding this rice are two Chicken Kebabs on Serai Sticks with Sriracha Aioli, 4 sticks of Beef satay (non-beef eaters may request for chicken), Chicken Rendang, Pickled Mixed Vegetables, Lemang and Ketupat. The three dips served in the Dulang are Chickpea Curry, homemade Sambal and Peanut Sauce.

The Raya Dulang Set also includes desserts featuring Kuih Bahulu, Dodol, Kuih Semperit, Coconut Cookies, and Almond London. Also part of the set is a choice of fresh fruit juice or soft drinks for 2.

As the Dulang was served, the aroma of spices instantly made our stomach growl. Oops. Its beautiful presentation was a feast for the eyes as well. The Mandi rice was flavourful by itself but adding the Chickpea Curry really enhanced the flavour. The Chicken Kebab on serai stick was one of our favourites – juicy and well seasoned, they went extremely well with the tangy Sriracha Aioli topping.

The beef satay was perfectly tender and paired well with the peanut dip which was tasty with the right note of spice. The chicken rendang was succulent and the gravy deliciously creamy. Those who love spicy food would take delight in the sambal sauce which had a fiery scalp-sweating kick to it. The pickled mixed vegetables were a perfect accompaniment to the meal as they helped to cool down our palate. Phew ~

The dessert platter perfectly completed our meal and allowed us to sample the delectable Raya treats. We opted to have fresh watermelon and orange juice to wash down our food. Both beverages were refreshing and not overly sweet.

We were told that there is a cool Bar on the first floor known as Up-Stairs. We were too replete for a cocktail but look forward to visiting the Bar, as well as tasting Crane KL’s Speciality and Lunch Menu on another day. Stay tuned to our upcoming visit.

Overall, we had an amazing gastronomic experience at Crane KL. Dining on a scrumptious meal at a historical building certainly added a layer of interest to our unforgettable culinary episode.

Video: Delightful Raya Dulang Set with a Touch of Old World Charm at Crane KL Restaurant

Crane KL
Address: 78, Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur (nearest LRT station is Pasar Seni, then a mere seven-minute walk)
GPS Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Rd8FrqzDm2KBn6zN8

Website: https://cranekl.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecrane_kl/

Business hours:
Restaurant: 12 noon to midnight daily
Up-Stairs Bar: 4pm to midnight (Tuesday to Sunday)

For reservation, call: 012-209 7057

Written by: Jean De Witt