Surrounded by natural wonder, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is home to Jeff's Cellar, which has scooped up awards at the Tatler Dining Awards 2020 and 2021
Cover Surrounded by natural wonder, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is home to Jeff's Cellar, which has scooped up awards at the Tatler Dining Awards 2020 and 2021

Stunning subterranean establishment Jeff's Cellar is a bucket list destination that has carved out a new category of its own. The first and only cave restaurant cum wine bar in Malaysia was rarely without a busy weekend prior to lockdown, but is making the most out of present conditions to polish their latest menu.

Ten tantalising courses make up the Tanah Tasting Menu, which marks a pivotal turning point at Jeff's Cellar. Hoping to set an example for his peers, head chef Lee Choon Boon has called for heightened emphasis upon Malaysia's wealth of produce, whether fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in the resort’s own organic garden or seafood and meat sourced from sustainable partners.

The new menu is bookended by "Puyuh," a starter starring Perak quail with cured yolk and spiced broth, and "Taugeh," a truly original dessert melding Kedah-grown, vanilla-infused beansprouts with a slew of other local ingredients, from soy milk to Ipoh White Coffee. Filling the space in between are the likes of "Pomelo," which might sound self-explanatory, but comes with a shellfish surprise, to "Ayam Kampung," a crystal clear consommé that puts seaweed-fed chicken in the spotlight. Without giving away too much, know that the main event revolves around lamb tenderloin, but wouldn't be what it is without the main ingredient, which lends the “Bentong Ginger” dish its eponymous name.

TATLER TIP: Jeff’s Cellar pays close attention when picking its partner suppliers, which include Beacon Chicken; for every chicken sold, the farm directs RM3 towards the needful.

Jeff's Cellar | The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, 1, Persiaran Lagoon, Sunway 3, Ipoh

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Photo 1 of 8 Surrounded by natural wonder, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is home to Jeff's Cellar, which has scooped up awards at the Tatler Dining Awards 2020 and 2021
Photo 2 of 8 Lee Choon Boon, chef de cuisine at Jeff's Cellar, is on standby to welcome guests back to The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
Photo 3 of 8 The “Bentong Ginger” features lamb tenderloin with wild oxalis, galangal essence, roasted buah ara fig compote, pearl onion confit and fermented buah kulim
Photo 4 of 8 Highlighting a slew of Ipoh specialities, the dessert titled “Taugeh” meshes vanilla-infused beansprouts, soya bean foam, organic bee pollen and toasted peanuts
Photo 5 of 8 Jeff's Cellar was originally excavated to be turned into a private wine cellar, but founder Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah decided to share its splendour with the public
Photo 6 of 8 Were it not for Covid-19, the cavernous fine dining restaurant would be full of romancing couples come every weekend
Photo 7 of 8 While it isn't compulsory to stay at the hotel to dine at Jeff's Cellar, it would be wise, especially after one too many glasses of wine
Photo 8 of 8 Guests of The Banjaran Hotsprings have complete access to the surrounding natural hot springs with healing properties