Kontiki @ The Federal Hotel Kuala Lumpur

It seems like I'm on a hotel streak lately. I had dinner at Soi 23, Pacific Regency Hotel two Fridays back. Here I am again, in yet another hotel on a Friday night, eager to indulge in some of Kontiki's Asian and Continental favorites.

Kontiki

Hot off the grill, the Kontiki poolside restaurant is one of Federal Kuala Lumpur's latest addition, and also one of the most inviting restaurants that I've been in awhile!

The place is not downright extravagant and posh, rather exudes a laidback atmosphere that I really liked, especially on a sunny weekend or a tiring day after work. With its trendy yet polynesian charm, I couldn't wait to pull out my camera and take photographs of the artistic interior - and the food too of course.

A little history on how Kontiki got its name. Kontiki was inspired by a Norwegian explorer and his expedition across the Pacific Ocean. Hence, the space you just saw above has elements of the sun, sea and sand. In like manner, the food showcases a fusion of Asian and Intercontinental cuisine alongside our traditional culinary delights. Prices of the buffet below.

Tiki Buffet Lunch
Mondays - Fridays (excl. Public holidays) 12pm - 2.30pm
RM88++ (Adult) RM48++ (Child/Senior citizen)

Tiki Buffet Dinner
Mondays - Thursdays & Sundays 6.30pm - 10pm
RM98++ (Adult) RM58++ (Child/Senior citizen)

Tiki BBQ Buffet Dinner
Fridays & Saturdays 6.30pm - 10pm
RM118++ (Adult) RM68++ (Child/Senior citizen)

Gastronomic Hi-Tea A Plenty
Saturdays & Sundays 12.30pm - 4pm
RM68++ (Adult) RM38++ (Child/Senior citizen)

The buffet that I will be sampling tonight is their Tiki BBQ Buffet Dinner. You can find detailed descriptions of some of the dishes I had Here, but I reckon pictures would probably speak louder than words in this case.

I flocked straight from work, didn't bother with a change of clothes - loose and comfortable clothes. I guess I shall hold off that extra chop of roast lamb.

For me, the centerpiece of Kontiki would probably be the swanky countertop smacked right in the middle of the buffet spread - colorfully decorated dainty desserts, fresh seafood stacked high, an assortment of salads and appetizers, including rows of sushi and sashimi waiting to be served.

Surrounding that, the hot-foods. From local favorites like the Nyonya laksa and Peking duck to the South Pacific inspired, poached snapper fillet and seaweed sauce with potato pudding and beef cube stew to just name a few.

Not forgetting the cylindrical barbecue station outside. The chicken and beef satay - those were scrumptious!

Overall Rating: 7/10. I had fun exploring the buffet spread that evening, squirming pass the hungry crowd and reaching out to some of my favorites of the night - the South Pacific dishes that I sampled had interesting combinations yet worked harmoniously well; the colorfully decorated desserts were very nice to look at but tasted just alright; the fresh seafood selection - I really liked that too; the ready roasted meats at the barbecue grill were gratifying but the freshly grilled ones were way too overcooked. Most that came off-the-grill were really chewy and dry apart from the beef and chicken satay - those deserved additional praises, one of the best I've had too. Tip: Remember to request for the wagyu meats while you're at the barbecue station.

Kontiki is located at:
Address: Mezzanine Floors, The Federal Kuala Lumpur, No.35 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 KL
Phone: 603 2148 9166
Email: f&b@federal.com.my
Website: www.fhihotels.com
Opening Hours: 12.30pm - 2.30pm (Lunch) 6.30pm - 10pm (Dinner)