Highlights of ‘kampung life’

LAMB is often the favourite among diners at Ramadan buffets, and one chef is pulling out all the stops to ensure his version stands out.

Dennie presenting his Roasted Lamb Stuffed with Briyani at Petaling Jaya Marriott Hotel.

The highlight of Petaling Jaya Marriott Hotel’s “Selera Kampung” buffet is the Roasted Lamb Stuffed with Briyani, a recipe executive chef Dennie Yudie Darmawan Samsuardi perfected 15 years ago.

Inspired by his grandmother’s cooking in Perak, the dish uses more than 12 ingredients to achieve its depth of flavour.

“I stuff the rice inside the lamb so that the fat and juices infuse the grains during the roasting process, keeping both meat and rice incredibly moist,” he said.

While he originally used Moghul rice, he has since switched to basmati to cater to local preferences.

In a nod to sustainability, the lamb is also locally sourced.

True to its theme, the buffet features beloved local staples like Nasi Kerabu Dagang.

While the Kelantanese blue rice is traditionally served with fried chicken or fish and a mix of ulam (raw salad), Dennie has introduced a unique pairing: Duck Rendang.

Kari Kepala Ikan.

Duck can be polarising due to its gamey taste, he admitted, but as a rendang, the spices balance the flavours perfectly.

For those seeking hearty comfort food, Soup Gearbox crafted from Australian and New Zealand beef knuckles is back by popular demand.

Dennie shared a pro tip for novices: “Eat the meat around the bone first, then use a straw to get to the rich marrow inside.”

The spread also has gulai kawah featuring six types daily, including Kari Kepala Ikan, Rendang Daging Tetel, Masak Lemak Siput Sedut, Gulai Telur Ikan and Gulai Nangka Ikan Pusu.

Then there are local favourites including ayam percik, Kacang Panjang Cendawan, Kepak Ayam Goreng Berlado and Ikan Masin Lemak Cili Api, and regional specialities like Ega Penyet.

Dennie, a former martial arts exponent who represented Selangor in his youth, brings the same discipline to the stove as he did to the mat.

“My family thought I would pursue a career in silat, but I decided to ‘silat’ in the kitchen instead,” he joked.

Despite a stint working in the Middle East where he mastered Arabic cuisine, Dennie’s heart remains firmly rooted in Asian flavours, a passion that shines through in this year’s festive spread.

The buffet, served at The Atrium, is available until tomorrow, priced at RM198nett per adult and RM99nett per child.

THE ATRIUM, Petaling Jaya Marriott Hotel, 13, Jalan 16/11, Section 16, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. (Tel: [phone]) Business hours: 6.30pm-11pm daily

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