A surge of heat rises from the grill, carrying with it the aroma of the nine-spice lamb.
Inside Sunway Putra Hotel, the “Santapan Ramadan Serantau” spread at Kopi Haus exudes a vibe like that of an open house.
The centrepiece table is ringed with towers of kuih raya, their colours and textures forming a mosaic of celebration.
Eleven Asean nations are represented in one gastronomic spread, with each national dish contributing its own accent of herbs, spice and fire.
The undeniable showstopper is the grilled lamb.
Resting atop a mound of fragrant briyani beside the live grill, the meat glistens under the lights, paired with mint and barbecue sauces.
The lamb’s nine-spice marinade penetrates deeply, producing layers of flavour that unfold slowly, while the mint sauce strikes a flawless balance.
It is the dish diners gravitate towards the moment service begins, plates returning to tables accompanied by approving nods and satisfied smiles.
A highlight dish is from Timor-Leste, Asean’s newest member.
Its ikan bakar appears familiar at first glance but the tamarind-chilli marinade and traditional sambal dipping sauce adds a tangy, smoky complexity that distinguishes it from local versions.
The savoury selections are a regional potluck by master cooks.
Thai spicy squid with basil crackles with heat and fragrance, Filipino chicken adobo offers deep soy-vinegar richness while Indonesian bebek betutu delivers slow-braised intensity.
Dishes such as Burmese tea leaf salad, Cambodian black pepper beef lok lak, Singapore chilli crab with mantou, Brunei’s ayam katok and Vietnamese beef pho form a procession of flavours.
Desserts continue the journey. Laos’ nam wan with tapioca pearls, coconut jelly and jackfruit in syrup refreshes the palate, while Filipino maja blanca, Indonesian kek lapis, Thai red rubies in coconut milk, a dedicated cendol station and an array of traditional Malay kuih provide a finale that is as visually dazzling.
The buffet dinner, available until March 20, is priced at RM169nett per adult.
The early bird special which ends today is at RM114nett.
To complement the dining experience, Sunway Putra Hotel also has an exclusive Ramadan staycation package called the Iftar and Indulgence Retreat.
The two-day, one-night stay includes sahur and “Santapan Ramadan Serantau” buffet for two adults.
KOPI HAUS, Sunway Putra Hotel, Jalan Putra, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-4040 9888). Business hours: 7am to 10pm daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
