A host of dining options

By OH ING YEEN
Photos by BRIAN MOH and OH ING YEEN

ingyeen@thestar.com.my

Like other cities in Malaysia, when it comes to food, Putrajaya has it all – and more.

FOR a city that’s only about 14 years old (construction on what was formerly an oil palm plantation began in 1995), Putrajaya has grown by leaps and bounds and has become not only the nation’s administrative centre but also a tourist attraction.

All aboard: Cruise Tasik Putrajaya offers a different experience in dining on its luxury boats.

Developed on the theme of “City in a Garden”, open spaces and greenery are in abundance here.

Nature-lovers can enjoy a trip to the Botanical Gardens, Taman Putra Perdana or Rimba Alam. There is a 600ha man-made lake here that should please water enthusiasts and the government buildings are also sights to behold especially for those interested in design and architecture.

For those whose interests are chiefly of the gastronomic nature, there is a host of dining experiences to be had at Putrajaya. From seafood restaurants to local fare, Putrajaya has it all, with an added attraction – the scenic dining cruises on the lake.

Spoilt for choice: You can choose to dine in more formal surroundings like the Putrajaya Seafood Restaurant.

And when all the feasting is done, one can take a stroll at Taman Putra Perdana or drive around the city to take in its picturesque scenery and eye-catching architecture. Traffic congestion is a rare sight in Putrajaya and the roads are rather quiet at night. So it will be a breeze of a drive.

Sunday Metro did a walkabout to check out the food places and dining options and here are a few of them:

Cruise Tasik Putrajaya, Precinct 1

Enjoy a sumptuous meal as you coast along Putrajaya Lake on board one of Cruise Tasik Putrajaya’s luxury boats.

According to its website, patrons can dine in style on board either theDaun, Kelah or Sebarau cruise boats which are fully air-conditioned and can accommodate up to 60 persons. They offer a range of dining packages including the Express Lunch, Drink, Dine & Cruise, and Cocktail Cruise. The Express Lunch is on every day from 1pm to 2pm and costs RM75 nett per person for adults and RM65 nett per person for kids.

The Drink, Dine & Cruise package, which offers a four-course meal with free flow of juice, coffee and tea, is available on Fridays and Saturdays only from 8pm to 9.30pm.

The cruise boats are also suitable for hosting exclusive corporate and social functions, private charter for special luncheons, tea and cocktail gatherings as well as onboard karaoke sessions.

Some of the landmarks that come into view during the cruises include the Millennium Monument, Putra Mosque, Perdana Putra Building, Seri Perdana Bridge, Seri Perdana Complex and Seri Wawasan Bridge.

Guests need to book at least three days in advance for the Drink, Dine & Cruise package.

For more information, call 03-88885539 or visitwww.cruisetasikputrajaya.com

Samudera Restaurant, Putrajaya Lake Club, Precinct 8

Enjoy the calming view of Putrajaya Lake as you sit back and savour a cuppa or a meal at the Samudera Restaurant at Putrajaya Lake Club. Patrons can choose to dine indoors or outdoors.

There is also a private area for VIPs, club members and their guests who prefer privacy.

Business Hours: 10am-10pm daily. Tel: 03-8889 5008. Website:www.kelabtasikputrajaya.org

Putrajaya Seafood Restaurant, Precinct 1

Situated in Taman Botani, Putra jaya Seafood Restaurant is the place for seafood lovers. The ambience especially at night is romantic, and seafood connoisseurs can pick from the large selections of ocean fish, crustaceans, shellfish and other seafood choices. The restaurant is suitable for business lunches, wedding functions or dining with family.

Alamanda Shopping Centre

When it comes to food, you will also be spoilt for choice at the Alamanda Shopping Centre. There are more than 20 outlets here ser ving a wide range from local delicacies to fast food and Western food. There is also the Rasa Food Arena food court at the lower ground.

At night, enjoy the water fountain display at the Alamanda Esplanade while you dine outdoors. For details, log on to www.alamanda.com.my

Food courts

These places normally offer a wide range of cuisines at affordable prices and there are a number of them at Putrajaya, including the Precinct 8 food court and the Seri Teja Food Court at Precinct 9.

Selera Putra, Precinct 1

The Selera Putra at Souq, Precinct 1 is currently under construction and is tentatively due to re-open during the second week of October.

For details on places to dine in at Putrajaya, visit www.ppj.gov.my or the information centre at Precinct 1.