Parkroyal Collection's ramadan buffet transports diners on a nostalgic culinary journey
Are you ready to embark on a flavorful journey as we dive into the festive vibes of the upcoming Ramadan season? As fellow food lovers ourselves, we can hardly contain our excitement for the delicious chaos that's about to unfold this coming blessed month.
Ramadan, often referred to as ‘Syurga Makanan’, is a time when vendors seize the opportunity to showcase a variety of delectable dishes at stalls and bazaars, making it a food lover's dream come true.
Families and friends come together during Maghrib to enjoy iftar meals in various ways, whether it's savouring homemade dishes, indulging in street food from bazaars, or treating themselves to buffet dinners at restaurants or hotels.
Recently, Sinar Daily had the pleasure of indulging in the Santapan Nusantara buffet dinner preview at Parkroyal Collection Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Let us take you on a journey through the vibrant ambiance, exquisite setting, and mouthwatering dishes.
Santapan Nusantara at Parkroyal Collection is more than just a buffet; it's a nostalgic journey back to grandma's ‘kampung’ house, complete with alfresco-style dining, a hint of smoky ambiance, and lively beats of ghazal music adding to the festive flair.
Imagine the tantalising aroma of dishes wafting through the air, bustling stalls, and the joyous melody of ghazal music creating the perfect atmosphere for a grand celebration.
Imagine being surrounded by a feast of over 300 mouth-watering dishes and cuisines, spanning appetisers, side dishes, main courses, and desserts. It felt like an impossible mission to choose the best among the incredible array of options!
Now, let’s get down to the real business shall we?
Our adventure began with 'Siput Sedut Masak Lemak,' and let us tell you, the broth was a symphony of flavours that hit all the right notes. The spiciness danced on the tip of the tongue, perfectly harmonising with the richness of coconut milk.
'Daging Tetel Asam Pedas' takes you back to a nostalgic trip to the village. It is a flavour-packed companion to any meal, offering a delightful balance of sourness, spiciness, and saltiness.
The tender meat and broth creates a perfect marriage with rice, making every bite a delightful addition to the dining experience.
The 'Salai Kampung' served by the hotel is a feast for the eyes and the palate. We indulged in the smoked fish and meat, and it was an explosion of deliciousness.
The tender fish, fresh taste, and the thick sauce blending sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness were irresistible. We couldn't resist going back for seconds.The other 'salai' dishes, like the Salai Ayam (Smoked Chicken) and Salai Itik (Smoked Duck) were equally delightful as well.
Who doesn't love Lobster right? Lobster Kerabu is certainly a favourite, especially when prepared in the style of Thai cuisine, renowned for its kerabu dishes that truly tantalise the taste buds.
The ‘Kambing Golek’ and Oven Prepared (OP) Ribs Rendang stall felt like entering a culinary kingdom. Each bite was a burst of flavour, with tender meat that practically melted in mouth. Paired with fragrant Bukhari Rice, it was a match made in heaven.
Beyond the array of traditional and village foods, the plates come alive with festive dishes, evoking memories of making 'lemang' with the family.
We tried the unique black glutinous rice lemang. Savouring its delicious blend, it is somewhat like regular lemang but with a subtly rich and sweet twist. What truly stood out was pairing the lemang with Chicken Rendang, it truly felt like we were celebrating Hari Raya already.
Meanwhile, the ‘Sup Aneka Berempah’ live stall boasts a wide array of options, from succulent lamb and beef ribs to crispy fried chicken, all served with fragrant Bengali roti and soft roll porridge.
For noodle lovers, the selection is unparalleled, offering everything from rich laksa to savoury wantan mee, each bowl brimming with flavour. Dessert lovers won't be disappointed either, with an indulgent spread of Middle Eastern treats, cakes, and ‘Kuih Raya’ to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Additionally, the refreshing drinks and fresh fruit selection provide the perfect balance to the rich and savoury dishes with options like Rojak Petis & Sengkuang Calit and Pasembor, there's something to please every palate.
Overall, this culinary journey is a celebration of Malaysian cuisine at its finest, leaving diners fully satisfied and craving more. The man behind the delicious feast, Chef Mohd Khezir Idris explained more about the dishes.
“This year, we're presenting an extensive selection of approximately 300 dishes for our Ramadan Buffet. "While our focus remains on Malay cuisine, we're excited to introduce more Malay dishes that have gone away from the spotlight, such as Kambing Kerutup and Ayam Kapitan,” he said.
Khezir also mentioned that they’re placing emphasis on smoked (salai) dishes, offering four delectable options including Smoked Fish, Smoked Chicken, Smoked Duck, and Smoked Beef, along with duck eggs. The smoked dishes feature a live stall concept, ensuring each order is freshly cooked to perfection upon request.
“A standout dish this year is our OP Ribs Rendang, which requires about three hours of meticulous preparation. Served with Bukhari Rice and Roasted Lamb, this unique creation combines the flavours of OP Ribs with the rich essence of Malay rendang.
“In the seafood category, our highlight is the Kerabu Lobster, prepared live in order to ensure freshness and flavour,” he added. Khezir added the goal for this year's Ramadan Buffet is to provide each guest with an unforgettable dining experience, where they can indulge in the diverse array of dishes that the hotel has meticulously prepared.
We also had the pleasure of chatting with some guests who shared their thoughts on the buffet.
Hana Omar, 30, expressed her delight with the food, especially the traditional Malay dishes. She mentioned that the flavours reminded her of home-cooked meals from her village, as the menu includes a wide variety of village delicacies, including cakes and other treats.
Hana particularly enjoyed the Kerabu Lobster, noting its unique taste, which she found to be a perfect blend of Thai and Malay flavours.
"This is my first visit here, and I was pleasantly surprised by the extensive selection of food available. I was spoiled for choice because there were so many options to choose from.
“One of my favourites was the 'Kuih Kampung' selection, which offers more than 10 different types. I especially loved the 'Dodol',” she said.
Another guest, Fariz Rusadio, 30, praised the wide variety of food available. "The food here suits my taste perfectly, and I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. The offerings are worth it, and it's the perfect place to satisfy my cravings. I particularly enjoyed the Roasted Lamb and OP Ribs Rendang served with Bukhari Rice and condiments.
“This is my first time experiencing the food here, and I must say it's been a worthwhile experience. The spacious venue adds to the comfort, and I am thoroughly satisfied," he added.
With prices starting at RM232 nett per person, RM119 nett per child, and RM119 nett for senior citizens (ages 55 and above), the heavenly spread offered at Santapan Nusantara is definitely worth it.
Plus, here's a little secret – early birds can enjoy a fantastic buy four, get one free offer!
This offer is valid for bookings made between Feb 1, 2024 to Feb 29, 2024 with dine-in dates scheduled between March 10, 2024 to March 17, 2024. If you’re planning a feast for 50 or more guests, the hotel has you covered with a private buffet dinner option on Level 2.
Bookings can be conveniently made by calling 60328728503, emailing [email protected], or reaching out via WhatsApp at 60122302782.
