Indulging in Western cuisines, especially high quality ones, is typically an expensive affair in Malaysia. Fortunately for us, even in the bustling city of KL, we can still find reasonably priced Western food! Love western food, but when you’re on a budget? Worry no more, cause we’ve got just the place for you.
Before we dig in, Rendezvous has two branches: at Kampung Pandan and Taman Billion. The Taman Billion branch is like a regular restaurant, and everything on the menu is pretty much the same. Today, we’ll be exploring the Kampung Pandan branch. Rendezvous Steak Garden in Kampung Pandan serves a variety of western and indigenous dishes at reasonable prices. I’ve been here a few times and can attest to the fact that this establishment is reasonably priced. But what I find unexpected every time I visit this restaurant is that it is always packed, especially at dinner time.
The restaurant is essentially an open-air restaurant, with some covered areas, allowing you to choose between sitting in the completely open area or the more sheltered portion. There is plenty of greenery (and, of course, mosquitoes) in a garden-like setting with a fountain in the centre. You won’t have to worry about finding a parking spot because the compound has enough of space, and it’s all free.
I really love the pleasant ambience there, which already greets you right at the entrance. Lots of greenery and also, the place is beautifully decorated with colourful lights, making it an ideal spot for romantic dinner dates. Also, you can enjoy live music as you indulge in your meal. Right at the centre of the restaurant is a fountain and even the seating arrangement is unique. If you prefer a romantic style, you can choose to dine under this cage-like table or opt for the swings! To cater for bigger groups, they have tables at the back and side of the restaurant.
Do note that it’s best you make a reservation or come earlier if you want to secure a spot. It’s not easy to get a seat during peak hours. Since there is no air conditioning and only al fresco dining under canopies, they may be able to keep their pricing lower than similar restaurants. Despite the al fresco ambiance, you’re not discouraged by a constant stream of customers every evening especially during festive seasons. That’s another good thing about dining here.
Next up the food. You’d be surprised, but there’s a lot to choose from. There’s not just Western food, but Asian and Italian dishes too.
For appetizer, I started with the Potato Skin, which is one of the chef-recommended items. The potato skins are a modest serving, but boy do they carry a flavour punch! These potato skins were baked to perfection. Oozing cheese, stuffed with sliced mushrooms and other tasty ingredients, this power packed appetizer will have you craving for more. One big scoop, and you can feel a burst of flavour. I know it’s just potatoes but this is one of the best potato dishes I’ve had, and I always order them when I visit this restaurant. They don’t just tickle your taste senses, but delicately caress them too.
Next up is the Fried Chicken Wings or as I prefer calling them, the ‘Suicide Chickens’, and you’ll see why. I really love how the dish was presented. It’s not like every day you get “hanging” wings. It’s pretty much chicken with skewers, but the presentation makes it a bit ‘atas’. Flavour wise, it was tasty and tender, not to mention it was hot too. Another good thing about this suicide chicken is that it is convenient to eat, if you’re not into getting your fingers dirty. There was also the Chicken Skewers served with fries, which pretty much looked like satay but fancier.
My third appetizer, was again potato, but this time it was fries. There are potato fries, potato wedges and wait for it, sweet potato fries! Now, wedges and regular fries are pretty common, but sweet potato? That’s something interesting! I even debated with myself if I should dip it into some chilli sauce, you know, cause’ sweet potatoes are actually sweet. But who cares, with sauce or not, it tasted great and eating it while hot was all the better.
For mains, I had the Lamb Mixed Platter. There were pretty much other stuff to eat, but since I had like three appetizers in my tummy, I decided to share my mains. I do think it’s a pretty good offer though, especially if you’re not a big eater. But before we get there, a little heads up. There are two kind of mix platters; with alcohol and without. The Lamb Mixed Platter came with chicken chop, grilled lamb, three grilled prawns, corn comb, vegetables and fries. Well cooked, tender, and bathed in black pepper sauce, this meal was definitely a way to fill your tummy! My favourite item on the platter was definitely the chicken chop and I absolutely loved their black pepper sauce.
I also tried another main. This time it’s Asian style – Kam Heong Fried Rice. Speaking of kam heong, I only had this style at Chinese restaurants when I order chicken or prawn, but with fried rice, I really didn’t know what to expect. Surprisingly, it was good! The kam heong flavour wasn’t too strong or overwhelming, which made the flavours balanced out. Served with fried egg, papadom, lettuce and tomato, this meal could be counted as part of one’s comfort food. Definitely going back for more of this! I even tried the Crispy Pizza Hawaiian. Just nice for one person and it was delicious.
For drinks, I ordered the Tropical Fruit Tea. If you’re going for heavy or fried meals, it’s better you order this. The tea is made by combining passion fruit, apple, orange and lemon in a pot of hot water. To drink, they provide shot glasses, which were really cute. This tea is said to improve your appetite, improve the digestive tract, support immunity and is rich in vitamins and mineral. Basically, you’re having healthy shots!
To end my meal, there was dessert of course. I chose Chocolate Lava Cake. A delicate chocolate cake filled with oozing chocolate sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream with chocolate drizzle on the side, this dessert is warm and a perfect way to end a meal. To me, at least, it wasn’t too sweet and I really loved how it felt when eating those two items together. Scoop some cake and top it with ice cream, have it in one bite and you’ll taste the best of both worlds. If you want something simple and small, you can try their Sundae Ice Cream served with colourful chocolate rice and cube wafers, and you get to choose from single or double scoop.
Overall, I really had a good time at Rendezvous Steak Garden. The music, the ambience, the food – everything was great. The only thing that could be a little frustrating (if you’re somewhat impatient like me!) is waiting for the food, as it takes slightly longer to arrive due to peak hours.
So that’s about it. If you’re looking for an affordable Western restaurant, then Rendezvous Steak Garden is the place to be. Be sure to make a reservation or head there early to get a spot. Click here to view the menu.
Rendezvous Steak Garden
14, Jalan Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur
Taman Billion Branch
40, Jalan Siput Akek, Taman Billion
Operation Hours:
3PM-12AM (Sunday – Thursday)3PM-2AM (Saturday & Sunday
