2018 Menu: Red Clementine @ Kajang

By Aiman Azri

It shouldn't be a surprise that Red Clementine's menu showcases an experimental flair: Its founder Vickey is a risk-taker, leaving a laboratory research career in Sydney to return to her home country, transforming herself into a language instructor and now, a restaurateur. So while Kajang is rarely on our radar, Vickey's venue is well worth travelling to, whipping up distinctive dishes that make a delicious mark.

For some customers, Kajang might be best known for its satay - you'll find that too at Red Clementine, but the restaurant's culinary team has completely rewired Malaysia's favourite grilled skewers. 

Call this a contemporary rendition - sous vide chicken satay meat is balanced with the uplift of a kerabu-style salad, cushioned with nasi impit, completed with the crunch of cucumbers, flavoured with a smooth peanut sauce (RM27). 

It's clearly inspired by satay, conveying somewhat similar nuances, but it's nearly unrecognisable in presentation. Ultimately, it's a daring move by Red Clementine to so dramatically deconstruct a staple that's beloved in this town.

Nasi lemak is ingeniously reimagined too, blending inspirations from East and West - the short-grain rice is infused with coconut oil instead of santan, topped with pandan-scented chicken leg confit and an egg croquette - the only conventional components might be the scattering of peanuts and chopped cucumbers and the side of prawn sambal (RM35 on its own; RM40 with a long black).

This was initially born as an Aidilfitri promotional creation, but it has more than earned a longtime berth in Red Clementine's repertoire - like the revamped satay, it's a memorable experience that simultaneously pays homage to Malaysia's gastronomic heritage while bringing a fresh interpretation to the table.

The wheel of reinvention has been spun for international crowd-rousers too - bid farewell to the typical white fish and take a chance on salmon instead for Red Clementine's Fish And Chips; bite through the crisp batter and the unmistakable lusciousness of salmon awaits within. The generous portion of two hefty fillets is rounded out with a satisfying serving of fries as well as sriracha and house-made tartare sauce (RM38).

While the spirit of adventurousness clearly permeates the selection, these concoctions prove capably executed, exemplified by the sticky comfort-food allure of the BBQ Beef Cheeks - Aussie beef braised for eight hours, resulting in a glorious tenderness with gelatinous dimensions, thoughtfully accompanied by corn pakora for textural contrast; if we could return for one dish at Red Clementine, it might be this, easily equalling beef cheeks served at respected establishments closer to KL (RM38.50).

On weekends, Red Clementine also offers a special brunch series - the most regal of them all is the King's Breakfast, conceived for two persons to share; the platter is packed with three eggs that can be prepared scrambled, poached or sunny-side-up, channeling fragrant notes of truffles, surrounded by (deep breath!) two pieces of organic French toast, beetroot-pink and turmeric-yellow sourdough toasts, butter house-made passion fruit-mango jam and blueberry jam, as well as a choice of smoked salmon trout, chicken sausages, or smoked duck. Fit for a ruler, indeed - a solid, substantial serving for RM50.

Red Clementine is also capable of crafting special dishes by advance order for any occasion, be it birthdays, anniversaries or other celebrations and events, preparing playful symphonies of unique productions. We had a sampling of one potential appetiser - a vibrantly ravishing Salmon Miang Kham, reconfigured as a trio of cured salmon, salmon skin and salmon roe, assembled with all the accoutrements of Thai miang kham - mix it up and have it in one mouthful with pea puree, crushed coconut and lemon gelato for a delicately sophisticated ballet of flavours and textures.

Even the beverages spring a few surprises - the Iced Jaffa (RM12) reformats the dynamics of jaffa cakes into liquid refreshment, expertly juggling the chocolate and citrus elements. For non-caffeinated lattes with lovely hues (RM15 each), order the naturally colourful Baby Maya, brilliantly blue courtesy of organic butterfly pea, and the PanCo, gorgeously green with pandan juice and coconut, both made creamy with Australian milk. 

Red Clementine strives to bring layers of wholesomeness to its entire menu, so you'll find ingredients like unbleached, unsulphured cane sugar in some of its beverages.

All in all, Red Clementine is certainly a culinary destination to bookmark, even for those of us who live far from Kajang. Many thanks to the team here for having us.

Red Clementine
3A And 5, MKH Boulevard Kajang, Selangor.
Open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-11pm. Tel: 03-8740-8935

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Meet & Dine @ Kajang

Meet & Dine showcases a playful sense of imagination in interesting East-West creations like its riff on Chilli Crabs (RM30; deep-fried soft shell crabs in sweetish egg chilli gravy, served with mantou) and Duck Potstickers (RM17; pan-fried gyoza stuffed with duck meat, braised with orange carrot emulsion and leeks), presented with warmth and heart in a spacious setting.

If you're a fan of Aussie beef, the kitchen imbues a bovine twist into recipes such as a spicy corned beef spaghetti (RM22; sauteed with tomatoes and bird's eye chillies, topped with fresh Thai basil) and lovingly brined salt beef sandwich (RM35; tender and thick with melted cheese, heartily partnered with fries, pickled cucumbers, coleslaw and a simple salad). Certainly a venue to consider if you live or work in Kajang.

Meet & Dine

29, Jalan Budiman, Budiman Business Park, Bandar Sungai Long, Kajang, Malaysia. Daily, 5pm-11pm. Tel: 03-8733-9929

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Red Clementine @ MKH Boulevard, Kajang

Kajang's new culinary darling is not this town's typical cafe - both the setting and the food are decked out in contemporary flourishes, so even though the menu comprises merely brief descriptions like 'slow-roasted chicken' (RM27.50) or 'chicken confit' (RM35), what emerges looks far more inventively ambitious and visually alluring; even the carrot and sweet potato accompaniments have undergone elaborate transformations. The appeal is not only cosmetic; the chicken tastes good.

Red Clementine's chef is Vietnamese-born, and he pays tribute to his heritage with the dressing for the Alexandre 1620 tuna salad (RM 22). The selection isn't extensive, but you can have a complete meal culminating in a dessert of French toast with mango coulis (RM20) or sticky date cake (RM11). If you're fortunate, Red Clementine's Malaysian founder might present you with a complimentary gift of a clementine, her favourite fruit, which also makes its presence known in the Clementito mocktail.

Red Clementine,

3A & 5, MKH Boulevard, Kajang. Open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-11pm. Tel: +603-8740-8935

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Le Moon's @ Jade Hills, Kajang

Le Moon's has risen over Kajang's gorgeous township of Jade Hills, radiating the sort of sunshiny cheer that's the hallmark of the Klang Valley's most pleasant cafes.

This three-story venue is beautiful, a real oasis where customers can linger, laugh & feel refreshed. Love the space.

Le Moon's is a family-owned restaurant, run primarily by former engineer Pey Pey, who shepherds a service team that's generous with smiles & graciousness. The kitchen is led by South African chef Steven Kruger (some might remember him from Romanza in Terrace At Hock Choon).

Splashes of creativity enliven Le Moon's recipes. The specialty breakfast wrap (RM19) is served 8am-11:30am; it's a bunch of beloved brunch components _ scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, caramelized onions & cheese _ swaddled in what tastes very much like roti canai.

Roasted pumpkin & sage soup, piping-hot with garlic-&-herb goat's cheese croquettes plopped in, accompanied by satisfyingly soft, fresh bread (RM18). These recipes can be heavier & creamier than expected, so it might be best to order them for sharing.

Always happy to have risotto (RM18): Le Moon's is a rich, flavorful one, heaped with pan-fried wild mushrooms (plus a mushroom-stuffed crispy tortellini), slow-roasted cherry tomatoes & those cheesy croquettes again. It's listed in the starters section, but it's really a main.

Grass-fed beef tenderloin (RM48), succulence that can be smoothly sliced, 180 grams crusted thickly with bone marrow, served with Anna potatoes (carbs cooked with lots of butter), veggies & rosemary jus.

There's only one dessert on the soft-opening menu; fortunately, it's a nice one. Crystallized almond parfait with choux pastry, apple sorbet & honeycomb coated with chocolate (RM15). Successfully complex in its ambition.

Le Moon's is also plenty proud of its pastries, hearty bricks for lusty appetites, including the French almond-studded bostock.

Coffee connoisseur alert! Le Moon's is hosting two "coffee masters" from Taiwan who'll "share their stories" here this weekend, specifically 11:30am-2pm, Saturday, January 11. Seats are limited, so call for reservations. Meanwhile, the cafe serves a very well-prepared latte, perfectly at drinking temperature too. It's illy.

Prefer something cooler? The iced chocolate might work for that. All in all, is Le Moon's worth what would be a long, winding drive to Kajang for KL's foodies? On a leisurely weekend, absolutely. Expect to hear & read much more about this place in 2014.

Le Moon's Eatery Bakery Zakka

18-G, Persiaran Jade Hills Utama 1/1, Kajang

Currently open Tues-Sun, 8am-6pm (kitchen closes 4pm). Will extend hours till dinnertime later

Tel: 012-620-3638 or 010-289-9585

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