There was a time when durian was believed to be avoided by most people from Mainland China due to its strong aroma and unique taste. However, times have changed dramatically.
Today’s Chinese culinary scene mirrors the versatility seen in Malaysian cuisine, where cheese is a popular addition to almost any dish. In this era of culinary experimentation and fusion, durian has emerged as a bold ingredient in many Chinese street foods.
One of the most controversial yet intriguing incorporations of durian is in chicken soup, a staple in many Asian cultures.
Taking this concept even further, some innovative chefs have elevated it to the centrepiece of a hotpot. This daring combination has sparked both curiosity and debate among food enthusiasts.
The Durian Chicken Hotpot at Claypot Sifu on Jalan Imbi is a prime example of this culinary innovation, representing a fusion that challenges traditional taste boundaries while offering a unique gastronomic experience.
Nestled near the bustling TRX area, Claypot Sifu is easily accessible by just a short walk through the new TRX Exchange Mall.
At the heart of Claypot Sifu’s menu is their signature Durian Chicken Hotpot, a dish that boldly combines traditional hotpot with the exotic flavours of durian and tender chicken.
A Tropical Twist Of Durian and Coconut
The hotpot journey begins with a base broth made from pure coconut water, infused with the flesh of durian. The result is a sweet and fruity essence that tantalizes the taste buds.
After enjoying part of this unique concoction, the broth is enriched with chicken soup, offering a layered taste experience of fresh sweetness.
The Star Ingredient: Free-Range Chicken
The dish features 400g of free-range chicken, expected to be chewy but, to my pleasant surprise, it is tender and devoid of any off-flavours. This high-quality poultry adds a robust, meaty dimension to the hotpot.
In addition to chicken, the hotpot includes pieces of Musang King durian and coconut flesh. This combination enhances the tropical feel of the dish and complements the rich flavours of the broth.
While the basic ingredients focus on simplicity, the option to customize the hotpot with additional items is available.
We opted for Tong Ho vegetables, a Yunnan wild mushroom platter, frozen tofu, and spinach noodles.
The mushroom platter, featuring rare varieties like ginseng, yellow ears, matsutake, bamboo fungus, morel, and black and white wood ear mushrooms, added depth and earthiness to the dish.
Some of the mushrooms were dried, slightly impacting the texture but significantly elevating the umami of the broth.
Personalised Sauce Bar
An additional highlight of Claypot Sifu is its self-service sauce bar, which is not just an ordinary array of condiments.
In addition to the usual suspects like minced garlic, coriander, spring onions, and soy sauce, the restaurant offers a unique, house-blended sauce that is a gastronomic delight.
This special sauce, meticulously crafted and flavor-balanced, is the perfect complement to the hotpot ingredients. It enhances the taste of the cooked food without overpowering it, striking a harmonious balance that elevates the overall dining experience.
This sauce bar, with its blend of conventional and exclusive offerings, allows diners to experiment and personalize their hotpot experience, adding another layer of enjoyment to the meal.
More Than Good Food
The beverage menu at Claypot Sifu complements the meal with an impressive selection of drinks. They offer a range of premium fruit teas, which are a perfect accompaniment to the rich flavours of the hotpot.
These teas, brewed with high-quality ingredients, provide a refreshing counterpoint to the meal’s intensity. Additionally, a variety of sodas are available for those who prefer a fizzy, sweet touch to their dining experience.
These drinks, carefully chosen, enhance the overall enjoyment of the meal, providing balance and refreshment throughout this unique culinary journey.
Not only that, the staff at Claypot Sifu are amiable and attentive. Their frequent table-side checks to ensure the quality of our hotpot and our overall dining satisfaction were much appreciated, adding a personal touch to our meals.
Worth A Try
All in all, Claypot Sifu on Jalan Imbi offers a unique dining experience with their Durian Chicken Claypot Hotpot, despite the price being on the slightly pricey side as a small pot costs us RM138.
What I really liked was the transformative journey of the broth. It begins as a simple coconut water base, which then evolves into a complex, layered flavour profile after adding the chicken broth.
The initial sweetness of the durian-infused coconut water creates a refreshing and exotic start. As the meal progresses and chicken broth is added, there’s a delightful transition to a more savoury, hearty flavour.
The final transformation occurs as the ingredients, particularly the chicken and mushrooms, simmer in the broth, enriching it further.
This evolution of tastes from sweet to savoury to deep umami creates a rich tapestry of flavours that is both unexpected and utterly satisfying.
Coupled with the convenient location and excellent service, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the boundaries of traditional hotpot cuisine.
Claypot Sifu
Address: 53-1, Jalan Barat, off, Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: This is an independent review by WeirdKaya.
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