10 Juicy Reasons Why The Malaysian Makan Scene Can't Get Enough Of Lychees
Duck lychee curry is just the beginning.
By Julie Mokhtar — 03 Sep 2015, 11:18 AM
Dear durians, we love you and everything, but after the 127th time of having durian pancakes and your many other incarnations, we're about ready to welcome a new fruit on the food scene...
Lucky for us, a sweet and juicy newcomer is slowly but surely making its way on menus around town
Lychee Pineapple Wontons, anyone? Or Vinegar Garlic Lychee Charcoal Noodles, perhaps?
And when the fast food gang starts getting inspired by these little spheres of sweetness, you know the lychee movement is here to stay
Here are just some reasons why lychees are on their way to reign as the supreme fruit in the local food scene:
1. They fit comfortably in a duck and chili marmalade sandwich
What? Pulled Duck & Lychee Sandwich
Where? Closer Kitchen & Espresso Bar, Mutiara Damansara
The pairing of duck and lychee has been known to work well, but add in a generous dollop of chili marmalade and you'll see how things take an epic turn in between these breads.
2. They don't bat an eyelid when chucked together with vinegar and garlic
What? Vinegar Garlic Lychee Charcoal Noodles
Where? Little Wonton, TTDI
Little Wonton's signature dish sees the combination of vinegar for tartness, lychees for subtle sweetness, and garlic to pack a punch! Add in some slinky charcoal noodles topped with boiled egg, shredded chicken, and spring onions, and say hello to next-level noodles.
3. They have no problems embracing their girly side
What? The Lady
Where? Frost & Flourish
This floral feminine creation starts off with a base of Earl Grey sponge cake, accented by a delicately-flavoured lychee filling, and topped with rose buttercream.
4. They swim bravely in curry
What? Gaeng Ped Pol Linchee (Roasted Duck Red Curry With Lychee)
Where? Rama V, KL
This iconic red curry dish gets its distinctive flavour from roasted duck steeped in coconut-based broth with lychee and herbs. Just like with most curries, it's best enjoyed with a bowl of piping hot rice.
5. They sweeten shooters like no other fruit can
What? Guinness Lychee Shooters
Where? SOULed OUT
This sweet and smooth shot consists of Guinness with lychee bits at the bottom, topped with Chantilly Cream. Think root beer, but way cooler.
6. Their fruity friends can help them jazz up meaty salads
What? Warm Pork Belly Confit With Watermelon & Lychee Salad
Where? S.Wine, Publika
In this playful salad, the juicy watermelon cubes and sweet lychees are used to lighten up the rich pork confit pieces. The platter is topped with crunchy peanuts and drizzled with lychee dressing.
7. They can use the same fruity contacts for chicken dishes as well
What? Grilled Chicken Watermelon Lychee Salad
Where? MACE by Coffee Chemistry
It seems like a strong alliance is forming between watermelon and lychees. MACE takes full advantage of this dynamic duo in their grilled chicken salad.
8. They make the best smoothies
What? Powerpuff Girls
Where? Ecole P, Damansara Uptown
The sun is blazing, the haze is getting worse, and all you need is a refreshing sip. Now imagine this ice-cold blend of watermelon, lychee, mint, and honey gliding coolly down your throat.
9. They revolutionised Ribena forever
What? Ribena Lychee Special
Where? Murni Discovery
Once you've had the mind-blowing pairing of Ribena and lychee in ice-blended form, you'll never go back to plain ol' Ribena again. If ice-blended is not your thing, there's always the option of having lychee-laden iced Ribena.
BONUS: Wasabi Lychee-flavoured ais krim potong existed once upon a time!
This was a Japanese-inspired limited edition ice pop by The Potong. Here's hoping they'll be revived!