Seafood and heat are two qualities I love in my food, and Coast by Kayra in Starhill fulfils that — and so much more. Nestled in The Starhill on Bukit Bintang, the restaurant earned its Michelin Bib Gourmand status for two years running. After a team excursion there, I can understand why.
Owner Meriam Alfonso, a third-generation Keralite-Malaysian, opened Coast as a sister restaurant to the Michelin-selected Kayra. Where Kayra offers a broader Kerala experience, Coast dives headfirst into the seafood treasures of the Malabar Coast. Executive Chef Sal Sabeel sources locally from Selangor, Pahang, Perak, Kedah, and Sabah; a choice to mirror the abundance of Kerala’s shores, but with Malaysian waters.
We began our dining experience with the Lassi Chaat and Dahi Puri Shooters, which were fun and refreshing. But the Mini Appams with Sea Tiger Prawns were the ones that caught my attention. These mini appams were morsels of delight: delicate, lacy edges with soft, pillowy centres, topped with perfectly cooked prawns.
Then came the Beef Pal Kappa, a traditional Kerala comfort dish that deserves its own spotlight. The slow-cooked beef with tapioca was rich and beautifully spiced, while the accompanying tapioca base added an earthy, starchy balance to quell the spice. It’s a great Asian alternative to the Western rendition of mashed potatoes under braised beef — and it works well.
The Kerala Fish Curry and Seafood Biryani, on the other hand, both showcased the restaurant’s confidence with seafood, while the Ghee Roast Chicken was aromatic and golden. Fibre is important in any diet, and thankfully, Coast by Kayra does some pretty mean vegetables too. The Roasted Cauliflower and Local Fern Kachidi held their own. However, I do need to give a special mention to the Grape Pachadi, a sweet and tangy chutney that cut through the richness of everything
Read more from original article, all rights reserved Malabar Meets Malaysia at Kuala Lumpur’s Coast by Kayra
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