South-East Asian flavours on the spread

The grill station has a variety of grilled favourites. — Photos: SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star

MALAYSIA is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, and nowhere is this more apparent than in our food.

Arab, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Javanese are just a few of the influences that make Malaysian food truly unique.

Diners can now experience a variety of dishes at Nipah in EQ Kuala Lumpur, where a diverse buffet spread of over 100 delectable traditional Malay and South-East Asian dishes await.

Executive chef Hafizzul Hashim said Citarasa Nipah highlights the many aspects of Malaysian cuisine as well as those around the region.

“Our Citarasa Nipah menu consists of Cambodian, Thai, Indonesian, Peranakan and Laotian influences, which all go well with our staple dish — rice.

Sambal Tumis Udang Galah is an indulgent treat as this spicy dish features giant freshwater prawns.

“Malaysia truly represents South-East Asia as a forefront of flavours and spices. We want guests to be spoiled for choice with all that we have to offer from the region.”

From appetising rendang daging to fragrant Sambal Tumis Udang Galah, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the feast.

For starters, dig in to crowd-pleasing classics such as the Urap Pucuk Manis dan Taugeh, Kerabu Limau Bali, Udang Harimau dan Kacang, as well as the tantalising seafood on ice section, which includes myriad fresh selections of mussels, tiger prawns, baby scallops and more.

The carving station will feature succulent kambing golek and heartier favourites can be found at the main buffet with dishes like Gulai Lemak Cili Padi Daging Salai, asam pedas and the signature Kari Laksa Nipah.

Ayam Minang is braised chicken with spices, coconut milk, lemongrass and turmeric leaves.

The Kari Laksa Nipah is a classic recipe that has been shared over generations of Hotel Equatorial’s illustrious history.

The laksa broth was thick, flavourful and had the right balance of creaminess and spiciness. Choose your favourite noodle and toppings, and add the piping hot gravy for a tummy-pleasing experience.

The indulgent Sambal Tumis Udang Galah is not to be missed for its giant freshwater prawns.

The slightly spicy sambal sauce complemented the sweet prawns without overpowering it.

Traditional kuih offer a pretty picture of colours on the Ramadan buffet.

On the main buffet line, the appetisers are handsomely laid out with the must-have ulam-ulaman and choice of kerabu alongside various sambal belacan, dips and cold dishes.

The buffet places emphasis on live cooking stations, with grilled satay and other meats as well as freshly prepared spring rolls.

Diners can also expect dishes often found in celebratory Malaysian events such as weddings, rumah terbuka and street carnivals.

Daging rusuk gulai kawah.

At the outdoor station, signature Briyani Gam Johor Ayam/ Daging is cooked with rich spices, vegetables and meat.

The Citarasa Nipah Ramadan buffet is available at Nipah until May 12, from 7pm to 10.30pm.

It costs RM188 per person, and is 50% off for children between ages six and 12.

NIPAH, Ground Floor, EQ Kuala Lumpur, Equatorial Plaza, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

(Tel: [phone]). Business hours: 7am to 11pm, daily. Pork-free.

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