The dessert section features assorted Nyonya and Malay kuih, festive biscuits as well as Western cakes and pastries.
A MENU that highlights diversity by including various dishes from Malaysian states is one that takes into account diners’ preferences for the break of fast.
The culinary team at Mosaic, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, is presenting a selection of speciality dishes from all over Malaysia in its “Santapan Warisan Melayu” Ramadan buffet.
“We are revisiting the Malaysian sultanate era through a menu that highlights the essence of each state’s culture and traditions,” said Mosaic chef de cuisine Zuber Affendy Zerai, who is working closely with Malay banquet sous chef Saiful Asrul Sadin and Malay banquet junior sous chef Ajmal Sadrudidn.“The inspiration for the buffet came from a discussion with my Malay chefs.
“They suggested the idea of highlighting aspects of Malaysia’s culinary history from various states.
While the chefs said every dish on the buffet was worth sampling, the Udang Galah Lemak Asam Nenas was one of those that left a lasting impression.
“We will continue to feature this popular dish as it has fresh river prawns cooked with pineapple and coconut milk. It was a best-seller last year,” said Ajmal.
The Perak speciality pairs juicy, giant fresh river prawns with a creamy sauce that is infused with the tangy sweetness of pineapple and rich taste of coconut milk.
The Udang Galah Lemak Asam Nenas is one of the dishes found at the kawah or wok station.
Zuber getting ready to slice the Kambing Golek 7 Rempah.
New kawah-based dishes introduced this year include Rendang Rusa Daun Kunyit and Siput Sedut Lemak Kuning, the latter a Negri Sembilan speciality.
Ajmal said the kawah-based dishes will continue to be a highlight this year as they were incredibly popular last year.
The Udang Galah Lemak Asam Nenas was a huge hit last year, with between 70 to 90kg of prawns used daily for the dish.
“We presented the Rendang Rusa Daun Kunyit and Siput Sedut Lemak Kuning in small batches last year, and they were well-received.
“Guests even requested that they be permanently included in the Ramadan buffet,” said Ajmal.
For that extra spicy kick to a chosen dish, guests can head to the sambal station and choose from a variety of sambal.
Options include Sambal Belacan, Sambal Belimbing Isi Ketam, Sambal Hijo and even budu.
Other traditional Malaysian dishes here are Sotong Masak Sambal Petai, Asam Pedas Berempah Ikan Jenahak and bubur lambuk.
“Our version of bubur lambuk is made with minced chicken, potato, carrot and local herbs,” said Ajmal.
Puyuh Goreng Berempah Bonda is a Perlis speciality.
Guests who wish to try something unique can head to the Kerabu Lidah Bakar.
“This dish has been well-received so far. We boil beef tongue for three to four hours until it becomes tender, then marinate it with a blend of spices before cooking it as kerabu,” said Ajmal.
The kerabu, which is a traditional Malay salad, has a mix of fresh herbs and vegetables combined with a spicy and tangy dressing that complements the smoky flavours of the Kerabu Lidah Bakar.
The Kambing Golek 7 Rempah is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds.
The lamb marinated with a blend of seven aromatic spices was roasted to perfection, resulting in a tender texture in each bite.
For desserts, the buffet offers a wide selection of assorted Nyonya and Malay kuih and festive biscuits such as kuih lapis, kuih kochi, semperit, kuih bangkit and pineapple tarts as well as Western cakes and pastries.
There is also a variety of tropical Malaysian fruits including dragon fruit, rambutan, buah salak and mata kucing.
The “Santapan Warisan Melayu” buffet, priced at RM298nett per person, is available until April 22.
Mosaic is also serving a Hari Raya Aidilfitri brunch, priced at RM245nett per person.
It is available on April 22 and 23, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
MOSAIC, Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2380 8888. Email: mokul-fb@mohg.com). Business hours: 6.30am - 10.30pm, daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.
