Selangor’s history on a platter

The hotel’s nasi ambang features rice and several dishes like chicken, vegetables and salted egg as well as deep-fried noodles. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star

THIS Ramadan, Selangor folks have a chance to get better acquainted with the state’s best known Malay delicacies.

Dorsett Grand Subang banquet chef Shabani Sahan said not many people were familiar with Selangor’s Malay food, which has its origins in Java, Indonesia.

“Many Malays in Selangor can trace their ancestry to Java.

“If you go to places such as Banting, Tanjong Karang and Klang, you will meet many people of Javanese heritage.

“They are known for their pecal, nasi ambang, asam pedas and sayur masak lemak.

The hotel’s nasi ambang comes with several dishes, including chicken, vegetables and salted egg. Interestingly, it also comes with deep-fried noodles.

Usually, nasi ambang is served by the Malays during doa selamat events, where communal eating on a platter is the norm.

As for pecal, it is similar to rojak. This dish has fried tofu, leafy vegetables and bean sprouts. It is enjoyed with tasty peanut sauce.

“Sup gearbox and soto are popular dishes in Java. Now they are linked to Selangor too,” said Shabani.

He revealed that adding the broth of the sup gearbox – which takes four hours to cook – would enhance the soto’s flavour.

“Our sup gearbox has kurma spices and the empat sekawan spices, namely cinnamon stick, star anise, cardamom and clove,” he said

Other buffet highlights include Ikan Goreng Berlada, Gulai Kawah Daging, Udang Masak Lemak Cili Api, Nasi Kukus Ayam Goreng Istimewa and Hati Ayam Sambal.

Diners can also try the Sup Tulang Kambing Berempah and Ayam Masak Kalio.

The buffet at Dorsett Grand Subang is available until May 2 from 7pm to 10pm.

It is priced at RM138nett for adults and RM88nett for children aged from six to 12.

DORSETT GRAND SUBANG, Jalan SS 12/1, SS 12, Subang Jaya, Selangor. (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: 6.30am to 11pm.

This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.