Element Kuala Lumpur is the new eco-conscious kid on the block which marks Marriott & Starwood’s debut of the Element Hotels brand within Southeast Asia, and since opening its doors in May this year, the 252-unit hotel perched on top segment of the 275-metre high Ilham Tower has been the preferred choice for long-stay guests who seek sustainable living.
Designed by celebrated architects Foster+Partners, the Green Building Index (GBI) certified property prides itself on a green design and ethical practices that include rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient LED lighting amongst others, while offering a panoramic 360º view of the KL skyline on top of the abundant natural light that illuminates its vicinity.
With wellness at its core, Element Kuala Lumpur echoes Westin® Hotels and Resorts’ six pillars of wellbeing by featuring the necessary conveniences for guests to maintain an optimum and healthy lifestyle, such as an indoor saline pool, the Motion: Fitness Centre, daily yoga and zumba classes, and its Bikes-to-Borrow Program.
Having the right kind of sustenance reinforces this philosophy and guests can opt for fresh produce to be delivered right to their doorstep for them to prepare home-cooked meals, or have a private chef cook within the confines of their kitchenette-equipped suites. Alternatively, head on over to Element Kuala Lumpur’s all-day dining venue – TRACE Restaurant & Bar.
Situated on the 40th floor with stunning sights of the city, TRACE extends a wholesome menu of local and western-fusion cuisine, spotlighting fresh, local produce in an array of well-balanced selections for its Rise breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner as well as handcrafted cocktails that are also served.
Under the helm of Executive Chef Hashrul, patrons can expect Homemade Granola and the Chef’s Daily Special Egg for breakfast, whereas for lunch and dinner, try a la carte signature main courses like the sous-vide baby chicken, Nasi Kukus Ayam Berempah and Live Well Salad, before finishing off with sweet treats including the Earl Grey Chocolate Sphere.
We’ve had the liberty to experience some of Chef Hashrul’s recommendations at TRACE Restaurant & Bar, and here’s a rundown of the offerings we sampled.
Homemade Granola – Fresh yoghurt is layered with luscious fruit compote, topped with chia seed, an assortment of nuts and berries to kickstart mornings with a refreshing zing of tartness.
Beans & Toast Supreme – Lovely comfort food consisting of stewed beans and spiced minced beef with a soft-centred egg, tossed with green chili, red onion, kyuri (Japanese cucumber) and cilantro salad for extra crunch.
Nasi Lemak Kelapa Dara – A decent nasi lemak with extra virgin coconut oil steamed rice, anchovies, onion, peanuts, egg omelette and kyuri, alongside a sweet tiger prawn sambal with a kick, and chicken roulade rendang.
Live Well Salad – Sweet fruits like berries, orange and peach are paired with savoury ingredients such as pickled beef and buffalo mozzarella in this interesting salad that is dressed with a mango emulsion.
Smoked Loch Fyne Salmon – This two-part dish comprises smoked Loch Fyne salmon presented in a lid-sealed jar to trap the smoky aroma within and buckwheat blinis served with prawns with sour cream and chives, balsamic pearls and a mango-hazelnut dressing.
Hand-picked Wild Mushroom – A heartwarming serving of balsamic glaze portobello and crushed walnut sloshed with a flavourful wild mushroom reduction, and the ideal accompaniment, also a naughty treat – a grilled cheese petit croque monsieur – on the side.
Sous Vide Baby Chicken – Garlic boursin cheese and basil pesto is encased in a baby chicken galantine and cooked sous vide style for extra succulence, served with turkey ham hasselback potato gratin, vegetables and chasseur brown sauce
Alaskan Black Cod – A semi-dried tomato and olive crusted Cod fillet that is lightly salted is cooked to flaky perfection, then presented with carrot puree, cilantro-green chili sauce and basil oil.
Nasi Kukus Ayam Rempah – This Malaysian favourite is surprisingly done justice with juicy and aromatic spice rubbed, honey glazed fried chicken, stir fried asparagus belacan, curry, pickled vegetable acar and spicy egg omelette.
Exotic Fruit Lava Carrot Cake – TRACE’s refreshing take on an otherwise typical chocolate lava cake involves a moist carrot cake enveloping a passion fruit compote that oozes out as you dig into it.
Earl Grey Chocolate Sphere – Warm lemon cream is gently drizzled over the chocolate sphere to reveal an earl grey cremeux, though the earl grey flavour is barely noticeable.
While we can happily vouch for most of the delicious offerings sampled, the most impressive ones include the simple yet absolutely satisfying Beans & Toast Supreme, the Nasi Lemak Kelapa Dara that is a lighter version of a hearty and sinful coconut milk rice, and the enjoyable Alaskan Black Cod which flavours weren’t overpowering.
Element Kuala Lumpur
Ilham Tower 8,
Jalan Binjai,
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
