by Rosli Mansor
Pantai Hospital has emerged as the first private hospital in the state of Perak to provide five-star hotel quality food to patients in its ward.
Pantai Hospital’s Head Chef, Chef Dorrett Joseph said that since the special menu was introduced last September, the feedback from the patients have been well received throughout their stay in the ward.
“To begin with, we introduce two main menus for lunch and dinner, namely Nasi Dulang Nusantara and Nasi Goreng Smoked Chicken with Hot Chili Oil.
“This dish based on Negeri Sembilan cuisine, is the brainchild of a collaboration with Chef Dato’ Fazley Yaakob. After going through several phases of modification and experimentation, this menu was introduced to our patients.
“However, this dish is not an option for all patients, it is only served to normal patients and not to those suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and others,” he told Ipoh Echo after the Food Review Ceremony at Salt & Pepper Cafe, Pantai Hospital recently.
Nasi Dulang Nusantara combines Spiced Fried Pandan Rice, Creamy Fish, Stewed Vegetables with Sauce and Minang Sambal, Rembau Chicken Rendang, Green Sambal Pop Chicken and Smoked Chicken with Hot Chili Oil.
Meanwhile, Smoked Chicken with Hot Chili Oil Fried Rice is prepared with Grilled Eggplant, Padang Satay, Belinjau Crackers, Smoked Chicken with Hot Chili Oil and Green Sambal.
According to Chef Dorrett Joseph, preparing meals for patients in the ward is not something easy and should not be taken lightly.
“Although I have experience in the field of cooking for 30 years, the hospital industry is very different from the hospitality industry.
“Each preparation of cooking ingredients must be prepared in detail according to the set scale, for example the use of fat is replaced with milk but it is set optimally and the fibre content is sufficient to create a source of nutritious food for the patient in addition to stimulating appetite.
“A balanced diet should contain nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and mineral salts in the right proportions,” he said.
