Array of ‘kerabu’ among starters at Roselle Coffee House, Imperial Lexis Kuala Lumpur.
RAMADAN buffets in the capital city often feature kampung-style dishes portraying a nostalgic sense of home for the Malay Muslim community.
At Roselle Coffee House in Imperial Lexis Kuala Lumpur, a fusion of local and international flavours is on the cards for the break of fast.
While traditional Malay delicacies remain at the heart of its buka puasa spread, the buffet extends beyond the familiar.
It incorporates Western and regional Asian cuisines to cater to diverse palates.
The appetisers set the stage with an array of kerabu, each delivering a burst of freshness.
The Western section highlight ofthe Tagliatelle Beef Bolognese.
The Kerabu Tauhu Bakar has a balance of smoky grilled tofu with zesty lime and onion flavours while the Kerabu Sotong reveals a briny, citrusy punch.
For meat lovers, the Kerabu Daging is a must-try with thinly sliced beef infused with a spicy, tangy dressing.
Moving on to the mains, the fragrant Nasi Tomato provides a slightly sweet base for the Gulai Ayam with tender chicken coated in rich, spicy gravy.
The Rendang Daging is an undisputed highlight.
Slow-cooked in coconut milk and a spice paste comprising chillies and aromatics including lemongrass and onions, the deep caramelised richness of the rendang shines through in each bite.
Pucuk Paku Goreng Belacan is savoury fiddlehead fern with shrimp paste lending delicate umami notes to the dish.
For seafood enthusiasts, the smoky, spice-laden otak-otak wrapped in banana leaves is a nostalgic find.
There’s also plump Garlic Butter Prawns cooked in aromatic buttery gravy.
The Grilled Salmon with Butter Sauce is another standout – the fish is perfectly seared, presenting crispy skin with moist and warm flesh.
Sweet somethings at the dessert section.
Those looking for bolder flavours, the Thai-inspired Lamb Green Curry is fragrant with fall-off-the-bone meat infused with lemongrass and basil.
For a comforting lentil stew with cumin, coriander and turmeric, there’s dhal which is best paired with rice or warm bread.
The Tagliatelle Beef Bolognese is the highlight at the Western corner.
This dish offers ribbons of pasta enveloped in a slow-simmered meaty tomato sauce infused with aromatic herbs.
Of course, no buffet is complete without sweet treats.
Look out for all-time local favourite putu mayam served with freshly grated coconut and brown sugar.
The crispy trio of cempedak, banana and durian fritters provides a crunch while the velvety bubur pulut hitam (black glutinous rice sweet porridge) delivers rich, earthy notes accompanying creamy coconut milk and sugar.
Finally, the apam balik with its crisp edges revealing a soft, fluffy interior filled with crushed peanuts and a drizzle of condensed milk is a nice find.
Available until March 26, this buffet is priced at RM199nett (adults) and RM120nett (senior citizens aged 60 and above, children aged seven to 12).
ROSELLE COFFEE HOUSE,
Imperial Lexis Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur.
(Tel: 03-2177 1167, 010-784 0176) Business hours: 6.30am to 11pm, daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
