Three-course Lunch at Indigo Restaurant, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
LLocated on the first floor of the Blue Mansion, Indigo restaurant is inspired by Cheong Fatt Tze himself, offering a fusion of East and West. My friend and I had the three-course set meal priced at RM75++ per person, available only for lunch. We selected one dish for each course.
First course
After a complimentary roll, we shared the mesclun salad with melon cubes, smoked duck, basil, vanilla yoghurt and lime oil.
We also had the signature tiger prawn and crab cakes with petit Asian salad, drizzled with chilli and tamarind vinaigrette. I felt there could have been more crab meat in the cakes instead of potatoes.
Other options on the menu for starters were the soup of the day, seared duck foie gras (additional RM45) and cold laksa capellini with blue fin tuna (additional RM45).
Second course
For the main course, I had the duck confit served with spiced duck jus, Medjool dates, baby spinach, house sausage, and white beans. Although the dish was quite salty, I did not send it back to the kitchen—perhaps I should have, as the table next to me did.
My friend had the pan-roasted lemon masala sea bass served on a bed of mashed potatoes, sugar snap peas and on the side, turmeric sauce.
The diners at the neighbouring table decided to change their order after sending back the duck confit. One of them opted for the 180g Australian beef tenderloin (additional RM45), served with mashed potatoes, sautéed mixed mushrooms, baby spinach, and sauce bordelaise on the side. Options to add seared foie gras (additional RM45) or upgrade to Wagyu sirloin (additional RM92) were also available.
Her companion chose the truffle mixed mushroom spaghetti (a vegetarian option), served with field mushrooms, pine nuts, rocket leaves, truffle oil, and parmesan cheese. We ended up chatting, and they kindly allowed me to photograph their main courses.
The remaining option on the menu was the steamed clams with Southeast Asian broth served with cauliflower, cherry tomatoes and garlic bread.
Third course
All the desserts were served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
I had the signature brooke with chantilly whipped cream.
The other two dessert options were the signature burnt cheesecake or lemongrass crème brûlée. The set lunch also included a cup of coffee or tea.
My friend, who was on a gluten- and dairy-free diet, was kindly served a sago-based dessert with coconut cream prepared specially by the chef.
The service was attentive and prompt. The Blue Mansion, rich in history, exuded a charming ambiance. Setting and service aside, a diner should leave a place where they have lunched feeling happy and satisfied. I left with somewhat lukewarm feelings, though perhaps the restaurant will, in time, evolve in a different direction and refine its culinary focus.
A la carte menu is only available for dinner. Indigo is open daily for lunch, dinner and private events.
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Indigo
14, Leith Street, 10200 Penang
T: +604 262 0006
Hours: 12.00 noon – 2.30 pm and 6.00 – 10.30 pm
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Written and photographed by Adrian Cheah
© All rights reserved
29 July 2020