Heady mix of spice and all things nice

The diversity of local flavours is front and centre once again this Ramadan, with signature dishes from neighbouring countries also in the spotlight.

Diners seeking Asian flavours will be spoilt for choice at Makan Kitchen’s Citarasa Serantau Buffet as it offers some 100 dishes.

The appealing aromas from the buffet spread not only whets the appetite as you step into the restaurant, but also evokes a sense of nostalgia.

There is so much on offer at multiple stations that diners will feel like they are at an indoor Ramadan bazaar.

Start with the Kabuli Rice Stuffed in Oven-roasted Lamb as it has a delightful mix of spices and herbs.

The stuffed rice has a herbal and meaty flavour from the coriander and the lamb, while the meat is flavourful and tender.

DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside executive chef Faizal Ghani said the stuffed lamb was a new dish on the menu.

“Usually, it is cooked at 180°C for 45 minutes but here, we slow roasted the lamb for an hour at 160°C to get that perfect texture,” he explained.

Other new items include a variety of Malay dishes such as Black Pepper Mussels, catfish asam pedas with okra as well as Itik Salai Masak Lemak Nangka, which quickly drew a small crowd.

Faizal said these dishes were modified versions of his mother’s recipes.

“My mother was a caterer and I’ve incorporated some of her recipes while giving them my own flair,” he added.

Makan Kitchen also serves Chinese, Indian and other international cuisines in the buffet.

At the Chinese section, there is a large wok with Duck Egg Wok Fried Kuay Teow.

Faizal said the duck egg enhanced the flavour and aroma of the dish.

Meanwhile, the Indian corner has a big platter of briyani rice surrounded by 15 dishes, including a creamy palak paneer and mouth-watering butter chicken.

The chef said his team took some time to identify the dishes that were popular with guests to feature in the buffet.

“We picked out the best of the best; the fried baby crabs, which was last year’s bestseller, returns this year.

“There are around 100 to 120 items available in the buffet line-up and they include dishes from neighbouring countries such as Indonesia (Petola and Soo Hoon Masak Lemak Putih) and Thailand (Krabo Smoked Beef).

“The Gearbox Soup (bone marrow soup) is also new,” he added.

I really enjoyed the Ikan Goreng Berempah Daun Kari. I kept going back to get more of the addictive spicy but sweet dish.

The buffet also has desserts such as durian cream puff, ais kacang, Nyonya kuih and banana fritters.

At the dessert station, special Ramadan treats such as Rempeyek Bunga Telang Kacang Tanah Ikan Bilis, Tumpi Kacang Hijau Tapai Ubi Goreng Vanilla Ice-Cream and Serawa Durian Pulut Lemak are featured.

The Citarasa Serantau Buffet, available from March 23 to April 21, is priced at RM188nett per adult) and RM94nett per child aged six to 12.

Diners have the option of dining al-fresco at Temenggor, which is adjacent to Makan Kitchen and features five live cooking stations.

The buffet at Temenggor is priced at RM148nett per adult and RM74nett per child aged six to 12.

MAKAN KITCHEN, DoubleTree by Lakeside Putrajaya, Jalan P5/5, Presint 5, Putrajaya. (Tel: [phone]) Business hours: 6.30am to 10.30pm, daily.

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