For my last evening in Malaysia I wanted to treat myself to something special. And so I booked a table at Beta KL. Admittedly, I was skeptical at first. Is this place a melting pot for the Instagram generation? Is it more fluff than substance?...Would I like the food? I needn't have worried. None at all! While the place can be described as "trendy" nothing in the setting distracts from the ultimate goal to enjoy great food in a nice, appropriate setting and to have a good time. You're welcomed in the bar area, where you can enjoy a beer or a cocktail and are introduced into the first nibbles of the upcoming menu. After this you're guided to the dining area with its open kitchen with 5 chefs who are incredibly focused on the delicacies they provide. While it's true that the food is very photogenic this should not distract from the quality and taste of the products leaving the kitchen. There is a hint of molecular gastronomy to the offerings, but it's always in the service of the food and never an end in itself. The rhythm is perfect and the service can only be described as genuinely friendly and professional. But it's more than that. You get the feeling that it's of utmost importance to the entire team, front of house and kitchen, to make you happy. But everything they do is in the service to the food provided. The concept, a culinary visit to all parts of the country, sometimes with a surprising result, but always a satisfactory balance between taste and haptical experience of every bite served. A word on me, as the solo eater. Sometimes it can be difficult in terms that you're sidelined or get pushed off to a lousy table. Not so, at Beta. The care provided by the team made the whole evening an experience to be treasured and enjoyed. It's a meal I will be remembering and there are not many of those. A word on value. Is it worth it to spend so much money for a meal in a country where you can eat a fantastic dish for 20 Ringgit? As a matter of fact I just did that for lunch. My answer is an unreserved: Yes! The care and quality provided has a price and I found the price / value relationship absolutely OK. The offerings are on a Micheline 1 - 2 * level. As is the service and this has a price. Two tips: Go for the cocktail pairing. While this my sound surprising it works extraordinary well. The extremely competent bar woman adds with the provided offerings to the experience. Let her or your server know what you dislike (sweet drinks in my case) and they will cater for it. Secondly, Go for the "Tour of Malaysia" menu. It's totally worth it. Kudos! And thanks again to the whole team for an extraordinary evening.More
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