Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur will be featuring a wide array of well-loved dishes unique to the 13 states of Malaysia (Photo: Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur)
The quintessential buka puasa feasts would not be complete without at least one trip to the buffet. These restaurants in the Klang Valley boast unique themes and offerings that set them apart from the rest, promising a memorable Ramadan dinner for you and your loved ones.
The St Regis Kuala Lumpur
Banquet chef Mohd Ridzwan Mohamed Rasit and executive sous chef Norazizi Taslim of The St Regis Kuala Lumpur are upping the ante by introducing a variety of smoked and indigenous dishes to the hotel’s annual Malam Warisan Melayu menu. While iconic dishes from all the Malaysian states will be present at the table, Ridzwan will shine a special spotlight on Mambau, a small town in Seremban. He will be using its traditional smoked recipes handed down through generations to prepare several protein dishes — the meat and spices are simmered for hours in only water without a drop of oil. On the other hand, chef Norazizi will introduce indigenous rendang, including mussel rendang, lamb shank rendang mamak and beef lung rendang, served with fragrant lemang.
6 Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, KL Sentral, KL. Apr 19-May 7. Daily, 6.30-10pm. RM238+ per person. Call 03 2727 6696 to book.
W Kuala Lumpur
W Kuala Lumpur is transforming its all-day dining restaurant, Flock, into a night bazaar by setting up stalls and stations to serve a plethora of Malaysian favourites. The perfect dining option for those who enjoy a bit of everything, Flock’s Bazaar Malam will host stalls for roti john, otak-otak and satay, and Hainanese chicken rice, among many others. Diners can also relish cuisines from the world over, including Vietnamese, Japanese and Western fare. As for durian lovers, the selection of desserts featuring the King of Fruits is set to impress. Look forward to durian crepe cake, musang king cheesecake, durian choux and warm serawa durian dessert at the dedicated counter.
121 Jalan Ampang, KL. Apr 13-May 13. Daily, 7pm onwards. RM198 nett per adult; RM99 nett per child. Call 012 347 9088 to book.
Hilton Petaling Jaya
While all Hilton hotels nationwide are offering dining deals for Ramadan, Hilton Petaling Jaya distinguishes itself by curating an assisted buffet dinner in honour of the great Tan Sri P Ramlee. The Lagenda P Ramlee menu will showcase more than 300 delicacies, featuring the celebrated artist’s favourite dishes as well as special items inspired by his work at Paya Serai. Mosey over to the live cooking stations — aptly named after Ramlee’s films and music — such as Mamak Corner Simpang Enam Komtar for sizzling stir-fried Penang-style noodles or Ohh Manisku for a cup of frothy teh tarik. The restaurant will also be airing some of Ramlee’s award-winning films and music throughout the dining session and fans can view some of his mementos, including his typewriter, clothes and trishaw, on special display.
2 Jalan Barat, PJS 52, Petaling Jaya. Apr 13-May 12. Daily, 6.30-10pm. RM188 nett per adult; RM94 nett per child. Call 03 7955 9122 to book.
Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur
In celebration of the holy month, Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur will host its Grand Buka Puasa Buffet, featuring a wide array of well-loved dishes unique to the 13 states of Malaysia. Prepared by chef de cuisine Zuber Affendy Zerai and his culinary team, the large-scale buffet will be presented at three venues — Mosaic, Lounge on the Park and Diamond Ballroom — all of which are located on the upper lobby of the hotel. Diners can look forward to a lavish spread, with dishes such as satay Baung Kota Bharu from Kelantan, char kuey teow from Penang and rendang tok pedas from Perak. After touring the country with your stomach, settle for something sweet at the dessert station, which will serve all-time favourites such as ais kacang and cendol.
Kuala Lumpur City Centre, KL. Apr 19-May 2. Daily, 6-10.30pm. RM238 per person. Call 03 2330 8798 to book.
Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown
Bazar Selera is transporting diners back to the ancient Silk Road, the major trade route where different civilisations from the East and West met and exchanged ideas and goods. The cross-cultural interactions resulted in the introduction of new cuisine which used ingredients and cooking methods brought and taught by visiting traders. Quan’s Kitchen will present a smorgasbord of dishes from Central Asia at Bazar Selera, with highlights such as lan zhou la mien, or hand-pulled noodles, demonstrated by the restaurant’s noodle master; cumin slow-roasted whole lamb, an iconic dish from Xinjiang, paired with fluffy uzbek plov, a savoury pilaf and traditional Persian saffron brittle from the city of Qom in Iran. The restaurant will also serve traditional local cuisine, from the comforting sup berempah tulang rawan to rice-pairing dishes such as ikan patin tempoyak and sambal udang petai.
2 Jalan Balai Polis, KL. Apr 13-May 12. Daily, 6.30-10.30pm. RM158 nett per person. Call 012 507 3327 to book.
De.Wan 1958
If you are a traditionalist and delight in classic Malaysian recipes, look no further than chef Wan’s Buka Puasa Buffet. Presenting the very best of our local cuisine, from rojak betik Terengganu to rendang Selangor and laksa Johor, the celebrity chef and his team are preparing everything traditionally without frills to evoke nostalgic memories of your balik kampung days. The restaurant is divided into sections, with the Kampung Corner, barbeque carving stations and stalls spread out to allow diners to practise social distancing.
The Linc, 360 Jalan Tun Razak, Taman U Thant, KL. Apr 16-May 11. Daily, 6.30-9.30pm. RM158 nett per adult; RM73 nett per child. Book here.
This article first appeared on Apr 26, 2021 in The Edge Malaysia.
