Bref @ M Resort, A Dining Destination

Bref @ M Resort – A Dining Destination, Bukit Kiara

Words: Karen Santosuosso
Photos: Peter Tan

Chef Patron Darren Chin, famed for his meticulous attention to detail and award-winning kitchens, has launched the next evolution of his dining dynasty. An entire building in M Resort & Hotel in Bukit Kiara is dedicated to three of his casual dining concepts – Bref, Gai and Monsieur Darren, helmed by Executive Chefs Lim Wei Han, Nana Chin and Chef Pâtissier Hazel Chan.

Located just to the left of the lobby of the 5-star hotel, it has a separate entrance. Guests can avoid the bustle of the hotel and access Bref, Gai and Monsieur Darren directly. If you choose to drive, there’s a shared car park not far away with a buggy service to transfer you between locations. Whether as a guest of the hotel, after a round of golf at the neighbouring range, or as destination dining, this new culinary hotspot is a must.

Bref @ M Resort

Bref @ M Resort is a bigger version of the original intimate TTDI location. There is a commitment to high-quality ingredients, service and hospitality while also being casual and accessible – 5-star quality and service without exorbitant 5-star prices. We immediately notice the tall, dark ceilings adorned with starlights that make us feel like we could be inside an observatory. Inspired by a recent trip to Florence, Darren decided on this feature as it was reminiscent of the domed cathedrals and historic buildings there. 

The expansive open kitchen features a Mibrasa oven that burns fresh balau wood from local mangrove trees, giving off a woody and smoky aroma and adding to the cosy atmosphere. “We have some classics with a local twist,” says Darren, “local chefs come in with their own set of experiences, so this platform gives them the freedom to grow and express themselves. We set our own standards and cover our own genre of understanding the quality of food and ingredients we use.” 

Monsieur Darren @ M Resort

Monsieur Darren’s Home of Pastry shares the space with Bref @ M Resort. Pastry Chef Hazel Chan and her team whip up the most magical-looking patisserie displayed in large glass domes, an adaptation of a French pastry shop with mossy accents that add liveliness to the display.

Brunch & Lunch Menu

Anyone who makes a reservation for brunch, lunch, or dinner can start their meal with a complimentary basket of freshly baked croissants, brioche and sourdough bread baked in-house by MD. The breads are accompanied by dips, including artichoke, sun-dried tomatoes and a garlic spread. It is a wonderful way to start a meal.

The amount of plant-based options on Bref@ M Resort’s menu and a section dedicated to healthier choices are impressive. We start with the Australian Kohlrabi (RM 45), which is surprisingly juicy in the middle and well-charred on the outside. Served atop a truffle mushroom and celeriac paste, there is acidity from ponzu, which gives the dish more depth. This recipe has enough complexity to even enjoy it as a main course. 

We also dig our teeth into the Charred White Pearl Corn Ribs (RM 40), dressed with lime and Pecorino Romano cheese. There is a nori (seaweed) and sesame topping for extra crunch. The conclusion looks like the remnants of a ribs session; only the “bones” on the plate are the thinly sliced cob leftovers. 

Monica is excited for more of MD’s fresh sourdough that comes with the sandwich options. We go for the Ultimate Apple and Brie Sandwich (RM 22) with a spread of truffle cream. Apples and brie are a match made in heaven, and the truffle adds extra complexity. Alternatively, Smoked Salmon and Poached Egg (RM 40) is a fresh option and a natural pairing. The sandwiches all come with a side of hand-cut potato chips, which are honestly the best potato chips I’ve had in recent memory. They have the ideal crunch with just a bit of softness in the middle and a light coating of sea salt for ultimate potato chip satisfaction. 

Bref @ M Resort Main Menu

Chef Wei Han Lim and his team prepare some excellent meat and seafood dishes at Bref @ M Resort, which work well as sharing plates. We are served the Whole Turbot (RM 120), prepared ala meunière. The side of tender broccolini, sliced potatoes and buttermilk emulsion add complexity to the firm flesh and delicate flavour of the fish . It is paired perfectly with a glass of 2021 Domaine Vincent Delaporte Sancerre (RM 78). The smooth texture and concentrated peach and pear notes go well with seafood. Bref @ M Resort has quite a diverse wine menu with offerings from various regions around the world. Any wine enthusiast will indeed find something to their taste on this list.

Following the turbot is the Spatchcock Chicken (RM 75) from a local Penang farm. Chef Wei’s team dry-ages the chicken in-house before preparing it over the hot mangrove coals, making for delightfully thin skin and satisfying crispness on the outside. Charred zucchini and crispy layered potato round out the dish. The open-fire cooking really makes for a homey and rustic finish to the meal. 

We move to a vibrant 2020 Montalto Pennon Hill, Pinot Noir from Mornington Peninsula with the chicken. It bursts with juicy raspberries and cherries, a touch of earthiness adding depth. Bright acidity makes it a versatile partner for both dark and white meat. Mon thinks it’s an Aussie gem.

Cakes by MD

We conclude our meal with two petit gâteaux from Monsieur Darren at M Resort. The presentation of Oeuf (RM 35) is a creative take on an egg. The “yolk” gives a tangy punch from the sea buckthorn jelly with bergamot curd and mascarpone whip cuts the tartness. 

The Fromage Blanc (RM 35) is MD’s signature cake, and we can clearly see why. The flawless, milky-white shell encases vanilla yoghurt mousse, yuzu curd and almond Joconde sponge. Paired with a layer of almond crumble on the bottom for added crunch, it is my idea of a faultless dessert. 

High Tea by Monsieur Darren

While we’ve enjoyed a full and satisfying meal at Bref @ M Resort, you could just as easily pop in for afternoon tea. With the dedicated pastry kitchen, each and every petite bite is made with utmost care. The High Tea Set (RM 98 for 2 people) is an excellent deal for the quality and variety of sweet and savoury treats that come with the set, along with two teas or coffees. Pastry Chef Hazel warmly explains the love that goes behind each morsel of deliciousness. The top tier includes a guava bonbon with smooth caramelised white chocolate, an MD Rocher with cinnamon, dark chocolate and toasted almond nibs, and my favourite – a yuzu jasmine macaron made with natural yuzu citrus puree for a refreshingly sweet and tart bite. The other tiers come with sweet and savoury bites, including buttery cranberry and parmesan scones, mini croissant sandwiches, fried potato and smoked duck croquettes, as well as a light and moist walnut financier with cream cheese and orange zest. 

Bref @ M Resort Review

Bref @ M Resort is the perfect spot to visit with a group and share some plates for lunch or dinner or just go for the afternoon tea set or a sandwich. The team is innovative yet stays true to simplicity and quality. Bref @ M Resort’s unique offerings and inspiring interior design make it a terrific destination for those seeking a versatile dining experience with top-notch service.

Reasons to visit Bref @ M Resort: the high tea deal; exquisite desserts (particularly the Fromage Blanc); an excellent range of vegetarian and healthier choices; great service; conveniently located on the same grounds at M Resort and right next door to two very nice golf clubs.

Bref @ M Resort
Level 2, 1, Jln Damansara, Bukit Kiara
60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
bref-kl.com
+60379323322 WhatsApp +601128893374

Getting there: to reach Bref @ M Resort, follow directions to M Resort. Diners can be dropped off just in front of the restaurant building (adjacent to the hotel lobby). A valet service will be available soon. Parking is shared with the neighbouring golf resort for a nominal fee of RM 5, complete with a buggy service to the restaurant. 

Bref @ M Resort Opening Hours
Brunch: 11 am – 12 pm (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
Lunch: 12-3 pm
High Tea: 4-6 pm
Dinner: 6-11:30 pm
Closed Tuesday

Find more Darren Chin restaurants here and stay up to date with the latest food and beverage happenings in KL here and here.