Grilled lamb with herbs and spices at the carving station not to be missed. – SHAARI CHE MAT/The Star
THE act of breaking fast together during Ramadan underscores the importance of togetherness and community, and the role that family and friends play in our lives.
Perched above the hustle and bustle of the Federal Highway, DoubleTree by Shah Alam i-City has just the right setting for breaking fast with friends and family at its Makan Kitchen restaurant that’s comfortable and welcoming.
This year’s buffet theme “Citarasa Serantau” which translates to “flavours of the region”, showcases traditional local and festive favourites as well as regional delights from neighbouring countries like Indonesia and Thailand.
At the heart of this year’s spread are its signature dishes, proudly presented in their own kawah (cast iron wok) and placed in the centre of the restaurant.
These include Rendang Ayam Minang, Kambing Kuzi (braised lamb in thick curry stew), Gulai Tulang Rawan (braised cartilage stew), Sup Kambing Meletup (lamb in spiced stew) and Kupang Hijau Ala Thai (Thai style stir-fried green mussels).
Kupang Hijau Ala Thai (Thai style stir-fried green mussels).
Each speciality stands out with its own unique characteristics, but the tender lamb leg of the Kambing Kuzi is most memorable, thanks to the variety of spices and flavourful ingredients.
This dish uses cardamom, star anise, tamarind and coriander seeds and results in a warm, hearty stew which infuses into the meat to create a bold, rich taste.
Another delectable speciality is the Kupang Hijau Ala Thai, thanks to the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, tomatoes, shallots, bird’s eye chilli and tender green mussels.
The medley of ingredients in the dish creates a flavourful sauce and inviting aroma and is perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy a little bit of heat and spice in their meals.
For the specialities, chef Nor Halis Shafiq Ahmad, with 15 years of industry experience, drew inspiration from his culinary roots by showcasing his take on his grandmother’s recipes.
“The lamb dishes and rendang are inspired by the flavours and techniques I learned from my grandmother in Perak, and I added my own take on them,” said Nor Halis.
“These are dishes during Ramadan which people yearn for, similar to lemang, serunding (meat floss) or bubur lambuk, even though they are not typically consumed at other times,” said executive chef Lee Keen Suaan.
Kambing Kuzi (braised lamb curry stew).
Other notable dishes include nasi minyak berempah, ayam goreng lengkuas (fried chicken with galangal), sotong sambal petai (squid with stink beans) as well as rojak buah Pak Muaz (fruit rojak).
This is the hotel’s first Ramadan buffet offering but Lee and Nor Halis are confident the spread can stand among the best.
“We have been operating for about seven months and we received very positive feedback on our food from our banquet events,” said Lee.
Among the 80 to 100 dishes available at the buffet are an assortment of Chinese dishes and the popular dim sum, as well as a selection of popular Indian dishes, choice of kerabu appetisers, fresh seafood, local favourites like satay, otak-otak , grilled lamb and chicken.
Fret not if things get a tad spicy as there are plenty of “antidotes” to neutralise the sensation like refreshing iced soybean with grass jelly, sugar cane and rose syrup drinks.
A wide selection of sweet treats such as pengat durian and durian choux made with D24 durian, local kuih, cakes, tarts, and shaved ice desserts ensure that those with a sweet tooth are also taken care of.
The buffet is available from Saturday to Wednesday night until April 21.
It’s priced at RM178 nett per adult and RM89 nett per child aged six to 12 years. Children below five years eat for free.
Those intending to dine in groups of 15 people and above can enjoy a 15% group discount.
Makan Kitchen, Level 1, DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City, Finance Avenue, i-City, Shah Alam. Tel: 03-5650 0200. Business hours: 6.30pm to 10.30pm.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
