There’s a lot to love about Prime steakhouse – its masculine décor, large arm chairs and open kitchen with a view of the chefs at work. I think the restaurant has aged well, creating a name of its own and it is to me, the best steakhouse in Kuala Lumpur.
Perhaps it’s the professional and attentive service. Perhaps it’s the fact that I always order the same thing. Or perhaps it’s because I go there often enough for the staff and chefs to recognise me and deliver their best. But what is certain is that I’ve always enjoyed my dining experience at Prime. And that’s most important.
On my recent visit, I was coaxed to try the 150 Days Grain Fed Augustus Tomahawk, served with the Prime combo side dish and steak fries. This bone-in rib steak has a large amount of intermuscular fat so the meat is incredible flavourful, right to the bone.
It was quite a steak. Even before the platter arrived, I could smell it; the top note of its char and delicious aroma of melted beef fat. The tomahawk was sliced and served the Prime way, and each forkful of meat had a spectrum of textures – crunchy at the side and tender at the bone, with a richness from the fat.
They always get the fries right; thick and crisp enough to withstand the soggy plunge into the steak juices. I love them even more dipped in truffle jus and béarnaise sauce. The combo side dish of grilled asparagus, roma tomato, onion rings and crab croquette did not disappoint.
We ordered a different set of appetisers that night, all good in their own right. Especially noteworthy was the Prime crab cakes (RM55) – sweet from the crab and dense, with a crisp and light crust. It was mostly crab, lightly seasoned and tasted like heaven. Roasted Roma tomato soup (RM40) came with Ratatouille garlic bread and while the soup was rich and thick, nothing beats the signature lobster bisque.
The Spicy Thai beef salad – Yum Nua (RM55) was a delicious assemblage of seared wagyu chuck flap tail on onion, cucumber, cherry tomato, romaine and cilantro salad with Thai dressing. It was a marriage of tangy, spicy, sweet and savoury flavours, complimenting the beef slices beautifully.
Our dining companion had the Charcoal grilled Wagyu Burger (RM138), a sizable portion and quite a sight to behold. This happens to be rif’s personal favourite and justly so. The patty is thick and tightly packed, juicy but not dripping, and perfectly seasoned to exert presence, but not to overpower the meat. All that, topped with a generous slab of foie gras and truffle shavings, and sandwiched in buttered brioche bun. Beat that.
The Illy coffee flavoured tiramisu (RM30) has been our favourite from the beginning, and it still is. While I would have preferred it in bowl like how they served it 5 years ago (the bowl holds more Sambuca liquor), this version is prettier to look at. The deconstructed lemon tart (RM30) is a lighter option to end your meal – a pretty platter of meringue, cream, butterscotch, maple ice cream and tart crumble. Loved the assortment of textures and how the flavours complemented each other.
Many steakhouses have cropped up in Kuala Lumpur in the recent year or two, but Prime remains my favourite. To each his own, really. :)
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Ambiance: 8/10
Price: 5.5/10
Food: 8/10 (pork free)
Verdict: Still my favourite place for steak!
Prime
Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Stesen Sentral,
Kuala Lumpur Sentral,
50470 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: 03-2263 7888
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