Heritage flavours evoke spirit of the season at Bayan Lepas hotel
DURING Ramadan, food often becomes the bridge that brings families and friends together.
Especially when its flavours are nostalgic and comforting, as diners will discover in Iconic Marjorie Penang’s “Jom Iftar!” buffet.
The spread, served in the hotel’s Tiffin Hall coffee house, combines beloved kampung classics with refined interpretations of local favourites.
Iconic Hotel Group sales and marketing executive assistant manager Catherine Ooi said they sought to bring the warmth of home to the table, as the fasting month has always been a time of reflection, connection and togetherness.
“Through the buffet, we wanted to create a space where guests could gather with loved ones and friends to enjoy heritage flavours,” she said of the promotion.
Highlights include an Ulam-Ulaman Kampung selection served with a variety of traditional sambal, ikan masin and pekasam.
There is also a refreshing array of Nusantara Kerabu, with offerings such as Salmon Pegaga Labu Berempah, Urap Ayam Bersama Kelapa and Kerabu Kambing Pudina.
Other time-honoured favourites like Sup Ekor Berempah, lemang, ketupat daun palas, serunding, bubur lambuk and rojak buah are also available alongside imported dates.
Though not strictly traditional, seafood on ice has become something diners expect at buffets nowadays and here the selection includes whole abalone, tiger prawns, scallops, cockles, sea snails, mussels, swimmer crabs and fresh sashimi, to be paired with various condiments.
Live cooking stations add to the experience, including the Bakar Bakar grill station with four offerings each night.
Let chefs carve up generous portions of Kambing Panggang, prepared with homemade herbs and served with black pepper sauce and mint yoghurt.
Equally delightful is the Daging Bakar Rendang, a local twist on roast beef, served with spicy gravy.
There are also Ayam Percik and Ikan Bakar, paired with classic air asam and sambal.
From the Tandoor oven comes more cuts of flavourful poultry.
Nearby, chicken and beef satay await alongside Burung Puyuh Bakar, Sotong Bakar Tiga Rasa and Ikan Ling Teriyaki.
Among the hot dishes are Ayam Masak Ros, Ikan Pari Masak Asam Pedas, Kuzi Kambing and Daging Masak Hitam, which go great with Nasi Tomato.
For seafood, possibilities range from Kari Kepala Ikan Salmon, Ketam Cili Manis, Udang Goreng Sereal Gandum to Sotong Goreng Kam Heong.
Also available are fried items like popiah, Ayam Pandan Thai, Tauhu Bergedil Ayam, Roti John, Otak-Otak Daun Nipah and murtabak.
The dessert selection is a sight to behold, with clever and colourful Malaysian twists on classic French pastries like Kek Ondeh-Ondeh Opera and Kek Milo Tiramisu.
For something more orthodox, go for Brownie Coklat, Kek Keju, Choux Puff Rangup, Tartlet Beri, Chocolate Bon Bon or the 15-odd varieties of Kuih Nyonya.
Be sure to grab something from the special Aneka Manisan Durian chiller, which offers treats like Durian Creme Brulee, Durian Puff, Durian Crumble Tart and Durian Velvet Roll.
Completing the line-up are various puddings, jellies, pengat, bubur, ais batu campur, homemade ice cream and fresh coconuts.
There’s even Kopi Tarik and Teh Tarik from a pushcart.
The “Jom Iftar!” buffet is served from 6.30pm to 10pm daily until March 20.
It is priced at RM168+ for adults, RM118+ for senior citizens aged above 60 and RM88+ for children below 12.
TIFFIN HALL, Level 2, Iconic Marjorie Hotel, 239A Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas, Penang. Tel: 04-688 9888. Business hours: 6am to 10.30pm.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
