Mosaic at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

Once upon a time, there was Biba Cafe at the Mandarin Oriental (MO) KL, where we used to hangout for breakfast.. and dine on eggs benedict till our heart’s content, while waiting for the exhibition center in KLCC to open their doors at 10am. Now, Biba Cafe is no more.. and in its place is the cool and calculated Mosaic – a super swanky, award winning, all day dining venue at MO. I must say, I feel a little sad to say goodbye to Biba and their great eggs benedict but, that’s OK. As hotel restaurants go, Mosaic, situated at the corner ground floor level of MO, in the increasingly overrun fine-dining zone known as KL’s golden triangle, is an impressive operation.

Oh yes, Mosaic more than fills the Biba void, with a classy interior reflecting the Peranakan culture one cannot help but notice the terrific attention to detail: the modern flooring, the intricate hanging pewter lights and the warm mosaic walls and columns. I can’t stop gawking at the lovely lace weaves that cover the walls from floor to ceiling. The food stations though not as extensive as some hotels, look extremely fine; all in a calculated manner, not unlike the restaurant. I personally prefer a controlled spread of great quality food rather than an overwhelming selection of underwhelming dishes. And slightly separate from all this are two well-appointed, even intimate, dining rooms, which is where we had the privilege of having our dinner. Tres chi chi.

Chef Raymond Abour Jeily, Chef de Cuisine, has cannily constructed Mosaic’s menu to suit a range of currently trendy tastes. But what separates Mosaic’s buffet spread from the rest, is the unexpected quality cooking. The kitchen has a knack for making everything on offer look good, and most things deliver. The Moussaka was superb and tasted like something you’d encounter in a Greek kitchen. The Pasta station and the Indian stations were all equally impressive. Even a Chinese style steamed fish was fresh and expertly cooked. Needless to say, the sushi, sahimi and oyster stations thrilled us too.

Most of the food at Mosaic is presented in cast iron pans, woks, copper pots or served in individual portions. Fans of Indian cuisine can enjoy Tandoori chicken, lamb, prawn with naan and other North Indian specialities. Chinese dim sum baskets, stir-fries and even barbecue seafood at the Malay open kitchen are amongst the dishes you can choose from. The live cooking stations include the  grill, wok, noodle and tandoor stations, plus a large dessert bar. The desserts are a must! My personal favourite of the night was a peach strudel, baked by Pastry Chef, Chef Holger Deh. So, so good.

 pre-dinner drinks

the salad station

Spicy indian cuisine

the live station – grill

gourmet pizza

satay

side dishes for the grill station

Chinese style wok fried fish

the live station – wok action

the live station – tandoor

Pasta station

the live station -desserts

Mosaic is open 24 hours and serves buffet breakfast from 6.00am to 10.30am, lunch from 12pm to 2.30pm and dinner between 6.30pm to 10.30pm. The restaurant seats up to 148 diners.

For reservations, call +60 (3) 2179 8881 or email [email protected].