WHEN two culinary traditions that share the same richness and diversity converge, something deeper than flavour emerges.
This year, the breaking of fast at Penang Marriott Hotel is likened to a cultural dialogue, one where soulful Malaysian flavours meet the spice-laden complexity of Indonesian cuisine.
What results is a thoughtful buffet dinner – themed “A Journey Through Nusantara Flavours” – that celebrates regional identity and shared heritage.
The spread, served at Sago restaurant, was created by head chef Nor Ismail Mat Esa in collaboration with Fauzan Evantoro, chef de cuisine at Indonesian sister property Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel.
Nor Ismail said the selection showcased the rich tapestry of savoury spices, fragrant herbs and time-honoured recipes that define the archipelago’s cuisine.
“Most establishments focus solely on Malaysian flavours this time of year.
“We decided to weave in Indonesian dishes as their profiles are rather similar.
“While Indonesian dishes bring a touch more spice and fire, they would resonate with local palates just as naturally.”
This culinary storytelling begins right from the appetiser section, where crisp varieties of local kerabu, rojak, jeruk and ulam are welcome options.
From across the border is Tahu Tek, a popular Surabayan street dish of tofu, eggs, rice cakes and potatoes in peanut and shrimp sauce, as well as Martabak Telur Puyuh or quail’s egg fritters.
The seafood-on-ice selection includes flower crabs, bamboo clams, white clams and tiger prawns.
Warm up with bowls of Rawon Sapi, a traditional East Javanese beef soup, or Coto Makasar, a South Sulawesi variant that uses offal instead.
The satay station offers skewers of chicken, beef and lamb, complemented by seasonal favourites like Ayam Pandan, Otak-Otak, Lemang, Ketupat Daun Kelapa and Serunding.
Nearby are the Roast Delights and Seafood stations, offering cuts of poultry and varieties of shellfish.
The carving station features slow-roasted Kambing Golek, a must-have seasoned with aromatic spices, as well as the sweet Ayam Bakar Madu.
The Kawah Station brings nostalgic tastes via Rendang Daging Tok, Ekor Asam Pedas, Kerang Sambal, Bubur Lambuk and Chef Nor Ismail’s signature Sup Meletop Tulang Merah.
More crowd-pleasers come in the form of Nasi Daun Lemuni, Udang Asam Bunga Kantan, Kepah Masak Cili Udang Kering and Sambal Terung Berlado.
Alongside those, Fauzan presents his authentic Indonesian Nasi Padang paired with West Sumatran Minangkabau favourites such as Gulai Cubadak (spicy, savoury jackfruit curry enriched with coconut milk), Daun Singkong Rebus (steamed cassava leaves) and Gulai Kepala Ikan Kakap (snapper head curry).
Contrast that with the Javanese delicacy Gudeg – a stew of young, unripe jackfruit – which is sweeter, has a thicker consistency and served alongside seasoned duck egg, spicy crackers, chicken and rice.
“Even within our respective countries, the culinary landscape varies tremendously from region to region.
“Each has their own distinctive flavours and ingredients,” said Nor Ismail.
“For those who have yet to fully explore the archipelago’s rich spectrum of tastes, this buffet serves as a whirlwind journey,” he added.
Completing the savoury offerings are noodle dishes prepared with your choice of seafood and condiments.
Desserts comprise local Malay kuih served in tandem with Indonesian treats like Wedang Ronde (glutinous rice balls with crushed peanuts) and Es Palu Butung (steamed bananas with coconut milk custard, shaved ice and crimson syrup).
There are also French pastries with local twists, such as Cempedak Financier, Cendol Cheesecake, Harum Manis Mango Tart, Teh Tarik Swiss Roll and Dates Toffee Pudding.
And with assorted kunafa, baklava, ice-cream and air balang, the meal becomes a richly layered experience.
The “A Journey Through Nusantara Flavours” buffet dinner is served nightly from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, until March 19.
It is nett priced at RM178 per adult, RM98 per senior citizen aged above 60 and RM68 per child below 12 years old.
SAGO, Level 2, Penang Marriott Hotel, Gurney Drive, Penang. (Tel: 04-566 1888 or 012-881 5766.) Business hours: 6.30am to 11pm daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
