When it comes to having a dining experience that is completely out of this world, we aren’t just talking about fancy Masterchef level dishes and modern yet elegant plating styles. What we meant by that is experiencing a unique culinary journey reinterpreting the fascinating fusion of both culture and traditions in a restaurant. That said, we had the chance to dine at the nation’s first immersive fine dining restaurant with 360-degree projection technology situated in Genting Highlands — Dinetopia.
This 360-degree cinematic dining restaurant didn’t just blow our minds visually with its amazing aesthetics, but we were also taken on discovery through their exclusively curated 3-course dining menu called Magical.
Thai Mango Salad with Biun Nam Dessing and Romaine Lettuce
Before the first dish arrived, the music kicked off and there were animations spread across our tables and walls bringing the cultural perspective alive to the culinary world.
Our first course was a classic Thai mango salad that was presented on a black tile with a landscape plating technique. The dish wasn’t just presented elegantly but was a good starter as it was light and refreshing. Pretty much, when it comes to the salad, it really is all about flavours and textures. Served with thinly sliced mangoes, diced cherry tomatoes with some croutons, dried shrimps and roasted peanuts, we have to say it was a well-prepared appetizer.
I found the dish amazingly well-balanced with both sweet and sour flavours coming from the fruit and dressing. Just place some salad on the lettuce as it works as a wrap and bon appétit.
Chicken Roulade with Caramelised Onion served with Ribbon Acar and Assam Pedas Sauce
Just like the first course, we were taken to another animatic journey but this time into the lush tropical jungle for hidden treasure that eventually led up to a traditional village giving us some Raya vibes to enjoy. Not much of a surprise as our second-course was clearly a fusion of Western-Malaysian flavours.
In first glance, we thought that the dish was plated elegantly. The chicken roulade was stuffed with caramelised onions and was served on a bed of potato puree with a side of vegetable pickles and assam pedas sauce.
However, we personally harboured mixed sentiments about the assam pedas sauce, wondering if the tanginess of the gravy would complement the roulade well. When it came to the chicken, not only was it cooked perfectly with a crispy skin but much to my surprise, the spiciness of the sauce came through and certainly elevated the flavour profile of the dish. Making it a perfect fusion of Asia meets West. On the other hand, the vegetable pickles that consists of onions, cucumbers, lemon skins, red chilli strips and carrots were a nice added touch of freshness and acidity.
Deconstructed Tiramisu Infused with Sour Plum
For the final change of animations, we submerged right into the traditional charm of an ancient underwater city making way for last course, the dessert.
This visually stunning dessert was plated in a glass with a bottom layer of mascarpone cheese, chocolate cream working up to a nice layer consisting of ladyfingers which served with a side of sour plum, strawberries and whip cream.
We enjoyed the dessert for its novelty however we are not quite keen on the sour plum as it overpowers the flavours from the other elements of the dish. If only the tiramisu was served without it, we would pretty much enjoy the dessert much more. Nevertheless, we found the consistency of mascarpone cheese, chocolate and ladyfingers were just nice alongside the espresso that helps add the balance of bitterness towards the overall dish.
To conclude this unique culinary journey, we had the most amazing time at Dinetopia and if we have the chance, we would definitely be back to try out their other two courses: Enchanteur and Miraculous.
This Magical 3-course meal is priced at RM180 and is available for lunch from 12.30pm – 1.45pm and dinner with three sessions from 5.45 – 7pm, 7.15pm – 8.30pm and 8.45pm – 10pm.
Presentation: 5/5
Ambience: 5/5
Taste: 4/5
Value: 3.5/5
Address: Level 9, Tower 7, Grand Ion Delemen Hotel, Genting Highlands, 69000 Pahang