We at The Grid Asia were given the opportunity to enjoy Grand Hyatt’s Private Dining with Nyonya Su Pei. It was a flavour adventure we won’t soon forget! Tucked away in the swanky JPteres, we had the chance to lose ourselves in authentic Penang Nyonya cuisine and it was absolute perfection. Chef Nyonya Su Pei herself walked us through every single dish, dishing out fascinating history lessons alongside her culinary masterpieces.
Kicking Things Off with a Bang!
Our private dining story started off with a trio of appetisers. First up, the Pineapple Kerabu. If “refreshing” had a flavour profile, it would be this. With ripe pineapple, fresh herbs and a zesty, spicy dressing that danced on our tongue perfectly balanced the tangy, spicy and sweet notes. It was a wake-up call for the taste buds in the best possible way. The perfect cold dish for a hot day.
Next, we dove into the Penang Otak-Otak and it was a revelation! It was a savoury custard dream. Delicate fish fillets swam in a creamy, coconut-spiced custard, all lovingly wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. Every bite left us wanting more.
And finally, was the Itek Tim. It warmed us from the inside out. This tangy duck soup was a hearty bowl of comfort, brimming with sour plums, tamarind, pickled vegetables and a medley of aromatic herbs that just brought the whole dish to life. Rich, comforting and perfectly balanced, each spoonful was like a warm hug.
The Main Course, Where the Real Magic Happened
Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, the main courses arrived. The Pucuk Paku Masak Lemak was a creamy, coconut-based masterpiece starring vibrant pucuk paku (fiddlehead greens) and succulent prawns, all simmered in aromatic spices. It was comfort in a bowl, bursting with flavour.
Then was the Kari Kapitan, a mildly spicy curry chicken curry that was an absolute knockout. With rich coconut milk, tangy tamarind and fragrant kaffir lime leaves, this dish was a symphony of aromas and flavours that left us reaching for more.
But if we had to pick a favourite, the Sambal Udang absolutely stole the show. Juicy, plump prawns stir-fried in a bold sambal sauce. This fiery concoction, packed with chilli, garlic, shallots, lemongrass and tamarind, delivered just the right amount of kick without being overpowering. It was a flavour explosion we’re still dreaming about. And to soak up all that saucy goodness? Fluffy, fragrant rice cooked with tamarind leaves, adding a unique and utterly satisfying touch.
Sweet Endings & Zesty Sips
Even though we were filled to the brim with all the wonderful dishes, we still made time for dessert. There’s always space for a sweet treat am I right? The undisputed star of the sweet show was Moonlight over Black Rice. This modern twist on Pulut Hitam was pure genius. Sweet black rice topped with slightly salty, subtly sweet coconut ice cream and a delightful crunchy crumble. It was the perfect textural and flavour contrast to cap off an incredible meal.
Tamarind Zing (right) & Paloma Fizz (left)
And to wash it all down, we had two fantastic drink options. The Tamarind Zing was a refreshing concoction of tamarind, wild mint, vanilla syrup, calamansi and soda – perfectly zesty and invigorating. For something a little different, the Paloma Fizz with apple syrup, grenadine, lime juice and soda offered a sweet and tangy sparkle. Both paired flawlessly with the vibrant flavours of the night.
Every dish was a true masterpiece of tradition, passion and incredible flavour. The dinner left us feeling utterly convinced that this private dining experience is a must-try for any food lover. Don’t just take our word for it – go experience the magic yourself and let your taste buds embark on their own unforgettable journey!
