Kambing Bakar Berempah, a star feature in the Ramadan bazaar.
FOOD from the various states in Peninsular Malaysia are special in their own way, inspired by historical trade routes that have shaped the nation’s unique gastronomy.
This culinary voyage through time is reflected in Nook, the all-day-dining restaurant at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, which has created a Ramadan buffet themed “Santapan Selat Melaka”.
The buffet, curated by executive chef Norhanis Nordin and his team, celebrates the rich and diverse food from the Straits of Malacca, showcasing a menu of traditional flavours, bold spices and cooking methods.
A colourful assortment of Malay kuih in the Ramadan bazaar at Nook, the all-day dining restaurant at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral.
It pays homage to the multicultural influences of the region, from time-honoured Peranakan favourites to aromatic Malay classics.
Unique interpretations of classic dishes include the popular Asam Pedas Melaka, where guests can choose either mackerel, red tilapia, stingray, chicken or beef.
As with a lot of Ramadan buffets, the showstopper is always the choice of roasted meat that is glistening on the spit, atop a bed of fragrantly cooked rice.
At Nook, that will be the Kambing Bakar Berempah with Nasi Briyani.
The meat is also good as an accompaniment to other dishes, such as any of the kerabu (salads) like the Kerabu Bendi.
The key to enjoying a buffet if you are a small eater is to savour a lot of dishes in small portions.
Also, avoid filling up too much on white rice because you will enjoy tasting the Sup Kambing Mamak with Roti Benggali, Pandan Chicken or aromatic Nyonya Laksa as is.
Kari Kalut Nyonya.
We always enjoy starting with the appetisers and fresh seafood on ice; the fresh prawns and mussels were a treat.
Our other go-to were the pai tee, nasi ulam and zesty kerabu offerings.
The Kari Kalut Nyonya was a chockful platter of tantalising seafood and vegetables, good to be eaten on its own.
Adding to the experience are Ramadan bazaar favourites such as Roti John, chicken murtabak, roti jala and freshly grilled satay.
Not only was there chicken and beef satay, Nook also included Satay Ayam Percik.
Satay Ayam Percik.
There is also Roasted Fish Fillet with Chilli Tomato Jam and Lamb Stew with Spring Vegetables and Shallots.
The selection of desserts include Serawa Durian, Puding Diraja, Pulut Tai Tai, other Malay kuih as well as an assortment of dates.
Guests can enjoy the best of the straits’ culinary heritage until March 28, for RM188nett per adult and RM98nett per child.
Alternatively, for large family or corporate event gatherings, guests may explore the buffet offerings at the hotel’s ballroom for RM148nett per person.
Another special temporary feature at the hotel is its “Roti Riang On Wheels at Re:fuel On Wheels”.
The hotel’s very own food truck is where guests can enjoy a selection of bazaar delights, including Roti John Leleh packed with savoury beef and egg, fresh salad and a rich cheese sauce.
Also on the food truck menu is the Roti Satay Wrap, featuring a flavourful chicken satay filling, crisp salad and cheese.
These indulgent bites are available for RM15nett each at the food truck.
Re:fuel On Wheels also offers a refreshing selection of beverages including Sirap Selasih and Teh Ais Cincau, priced at RM8nett per cup.
The food truck’s bazaar menu is available until March 28.
The truck, at the hotel’s courtyard is open weekdays, noon to 6pm.
For inquiries, email kulal.b&f@alofthotels.com
NOOK, Level 1, Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2723 1154. WhatsApp 012-338 3095). Business hours: 6am-10pm.
This is the writer’s observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
