MARCH ENAK! XTRA! - 13th March 2024 (Wednesday)

Host : Paul Moine (first time host)

Venue : Sauerkraut Restaurant, AmpleWest@Menara, 6, Jalan Puncak, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.

Phone: 017-634 6680 Chef Jochen / 012-6841372 Vincent (Maitre’d)

Sauerkraut: A Slice of Authentic Germany in Kuala Lumpur

Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur lies a culinary gem that transports you straight to the heart of Germany. Sauerkraut, helmed by first-time host Paul Moine, delivers an unparalleled experience of genuine German dining. Recently, 25 Enak! members and a guest were treated to a memorable lunch on Wednesday the 13th of March.  Priced at RM41.00 inclusive of taxes, the Enak! Xtra! lunch offered a comprehensive package.

At the lunch, Paul Moine introduced Chef Jochen and explained that this was a restaurant where the owner was the chef and he personally cooked all the meals in the open kitchen. Chef Jochen has a small staff and his wife helps where possible. There is an assistant cook in the kitchen and at the counter and waiting on everyone is the impossible Vincent, who takes care of everyone’s needs. Kudos to the restaurant for being able to cook and serve all 26 of us at lunch.

From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed tomato soup with Spätzle (a German egg noodle pasta with a chewy, dumpling-like texture) accompanied by slices of rustic bread. The salad bar beckoned with its array of potato salad, vibrant greens, pickled vegetables and dressings, while the main course menu boasted traditional German delights crafted by Chef Jochen, a master of his craft with decades of experience.

The choices were as diverse as they were delightful: from the crispy Deep-fried Atlantic Snapper Fillet with French Fries & Tartar Sauce, to the comforting Boiled Konigsberger Klopse Dumpling in Capers Sauce with Boiled Potatoes, and the hearty Bratwurst Sausage on Sauerkraut with Pan Fried Potatoes, each dish was a testament to Chef Jochen's expertise and dedication to authenticity.  It's worth noting that this restaurant serves port and had no vegetarian options.

What truly sets Sauerkraut apart is the personal touch. The sole waiting staff Vincent, with the help of Chef Jochen’s wife, managed to serve everyone on time. The Chef himself was at the helm, ensuring that every dish was prepared to perfection. His passion for German cuisine is evident in every aspect of the dining experience, from the home-baked bread to the meticulously curated salad bar.

While the service was impeccable, the registration was seamless, thanks to the assistance of Kyoko Hidaka, Cilla Takahashi, and Angela Wijaya, allowing us to start our culinary journey promptly at 12. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success, especially the Enak! team.

Towards the end of our lunch and before our group photo, Paul Moine thanked everyone for coming and called on the chef to say a few words. MCG President Liem Ay Ling concluded by making a few announcements especially reminding everyone about the upcoming AGM which is to be held in April on the 17th.

In conclusion, Sauerkraut is more than just a restaurant – it's a culinary journey to Deutschland. Chef Jochen's dedication to authenticity, coupled with his unparalleled skill, makes it a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of Germany in Kuala Lumpur. We left with satisfied palates and eager anticipation for our next visit. Prost to Sauerkraut!

Review written by Santhi Nair-Moine