Marriott’s CNY Culinary Showcase

By Ruthraz W

Shah Alam, Dec 20: During a recent visit to the Marriott Courtyard, I had the pleasure of sampling their exquisite Chinese New Year buffet which will be available for visitors next year.
In its grand unveiling, the Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam Chinese New Year menu was previewed at their distinguished all-day dining restaurant, “The 5 Wells.”
The restaurant’s concept draws inspiration from wellness principles: Eat well, Sleep Well, Work Well, Exercise Well, and Clean well.
Boasting an open-concept kitchen with live-action local stations, “The 5 Wells” aims to create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere, accommodating up to 120 guests.
Dining at 5 Wells was a culinary delight, offering a diverse menu that catered to various tastes.

Assorted Fresh Seafood Extravaganza

The menu presented a lavish assortment of fresh seafood, including succulent clams, briny oysters, tender bamboo clams, plump tiger prawns, delicate flower crabs, flavorful squid flowers, and sweet slipper lobsters. This seafood extravaganza symbolizes abundance and prosperity, perfect for the Chinese New Year festivities.

Chocolate Fountain with Fresh Fruit Sticks

Indulge in the decadence of a chocolate fountain accompanied by fresh fruit sticks. The rich, velvety chocolate complements the natural sweetness of the fruits, creating a delightful harmony of flavours. This sweet treat signifies a sweet beginning for the upcoming year.

Classic Chewy Yogurt Candy

A nostalgic treat, the classic chewy yoghurt candy offers a delightful blend of chewiness and tanginess. It’s a playful addition to the menu, symbolizing the joy and sweetness of family gatherings during the festive season.

Crispy Lotus Pancake

The crispy lotus pancake, with its golden-brown exterior and delicate layers, embodies the essence of good fortune. The lotus symbolizes purity and perfection, making it an auspicious choice for the Chinese New Year.

Steamed Silken Beancurd with Crispy Shallot and Garlic Oil

This dish showcases the delicate balance between the silky-smooth beancurd and the crunch of crispy shallots and garlic oil. The symbolism lies in the harmony of textures, reflecting a harmonious and prosperous new year, a harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication. 

Butter Prawn with Curry Leaves and Birds Eye Chilli

The buttery goodness of prawns, infused with the aromatic flavours of curry leaves and the subtle heat of bird-eye chilli, creates a dish that’s both indulgent and flavorful. This dish signifies richness and spice, bringing warmth and excitement to the festivities. This dish promises a taste sensation that lingers on the palate.

Stir-fried chicken Kung Pao with Dry Chilli

A classic Kung Pao dish with tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and the smokiness of dry chilli. It represents the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savoury—a metaphor for a well-balanced and joyful life. Adds a spicy and savoury masterpiece to the lineup, showcasing the perfect balance of heat and flavour. 

Ginger Creme Brulee

The ginger creme brulee adds a touch of sophistication to the dessert selection. The subtle warmth of ginger complements the creamy sweetness, symbolizing a year filled with warmth, prosperity, and refined pleasures. A twist on the classic dessert, adding a subtle warmth to the sweet and crunchy delight.

Chilli Crab Stick Pizza and Chinese BBQ Pizza

These innovative pizzas combine traditional flavours with a modern twist. The menu takes a creative turn with the Chilli Crab Stick Pizza, fusing the flavours of chilli crab with the comfort of pizza. The Chilli Crab Stick Pizza pays homage to the local seafood delicacy, while the Chinese BBQ Pizza introduces a fusion of Chinese and Western barbecue elements. Both pizzas represent the blending of cultures and the diversity of the festive season.

Mediterranean Seaweed Mussels

A dish that marries the flavours of the Mediterranean with the freshness of seaweed-infused mussels. It represents a fusion of cultures, signifying harmony and unity in diversity. This dish transports taste buds to the Mediterranean, offering a symphony of sea-inspired flavours.

Chipotle Maple Chicken with Smoky Sauce

The chipotle maple chicken, with its smoky and sweet notes, represents a contemporary take on festive flavours. The dish embodies innovation and modernity, symbolizing a year filled with new and exciting opportunities.

Braised Beef with Rosemary

Slow-cooked beef infused with the fragrant aroma of rosemary signifies patience and the gradual unfolding of prosperity. It’s a hearty dish that promises a nourishing and fulfilling year ahead.

Pan-Seared Fish with Moroccan Sauce

The pan-seared fish, bathed in Moroccan sauce, brings a touch of exoticism to the menu. The blend of spices represents adventure and excitement, adding a global flair to the festive celebration.

Cheese Charcuterie Station and Fresh Salad Station

The cheese charcuterie station and fresh salad station offer a symphony of flavours and textures. The selection of cheeses and fresh greens symbolizes a bountiful harvest and an abundance of choices in the coming year. Artisanal Indulgence for those appreciating the finer things in life, the Cheese Charcuterie Station offers a spread of artisanal cheeses and premium cured meats. A vibrant array of fresh salads at the Salad Station provides a refreshing interlude to the rich and bold flavours of the main dishes.

Live Pasta Cooking Station with Special XO Sauce

An interactive culinary experience by customizing your pasta experience with the Live Pasta Cooking Station featuring a special XO sauce, adding a touch of indulgence to traditional flavours. The live pasta cooking station introduces a personalized touch to the dining experience. The special XO sauce adds a layer of umami and complexity, signifying the richness of life and the depth of flavours in the new year. 

Steamboat Station with Mala Broth

The steamboat station, featuring Mala broth, invites communal dining and symbolizes unity among family and friends. The spicy and numbing flavours of Mala represent the excitement and challenges that come with shared experiences.

Yee Sang Counter: A Prosperous Toss

The highlight of the menu, the Yee Sang counter, allows guests to participate in the traditional tossing of prosperity salad.
The colourful ingredients, representing various aspects of life, promise a year filled with good fortune, health, and happiness.
To me, the Courtyard by Marriott’s Chinese New Year menu available next February at the 5 Wells restaurant is a feast for the senses.
Each dish is not just a culinary delight but a symbolic representation of wishes for prosperity, joy, and well-being in the coming year.
The thoughtful curation and innovative twists make this menu a perfect choice for celebrating the festive season with family and loved ones.