A journey of flavour

One of the live stalls fires up roast lamb.

Salmon is an exceptionally nutritious fish.

Its natural oils provide a magnificent depth of flavour – a richness that the chefs at Crystal Crown Hotel Petaling Jaya have amplified in their signature Salmon Fish Head Claypot Curry.

This flavourful curry, paired with tender ladies’ fingers and ladled generously over steamed white rice, is a hearty way to end a day of fasting during Ramadan.

The curry stands as a centrepiece among the many delightful offerings at the hotel’s seasonal buffet.

Themed “Jelajah Selera Ramadan”, the promotion embarks on a flavourful journey across Malaysia, showcasing beloved regional delicacies.

Apart from the curry, the hotel’s other specialities are Nasi Briyani Johor and Asam Pedas Claypot Fish.

Signature salmon fish head claypot curry.    

Executive chef Fathurrazi Mohamad, alongside banquet chefs Hafizal Ali Hassan, Mahmud Nasir and Ganapathy Thiagarajan, dedicated themselves to a rigorous process of trial and error to truly master these signature dishes.

Fathurrazi said the culinary team has also prepared a selection of local favourites such as roast lamb, lamb curry, Prawn in Soy Sauce, lemang and satay, plus an array of traditional kerabu.

The team takes particular pride in its bespoke date varieties, serving as the essential first bite for a buka puasa meal.

The ‘Jelajah Selera Ramadan’ buffet at Crystal Crown Hotel Petaling Jaya offers a variety of break of fast treats including an assortment of stuffed dates (above), and anchored by its signature Salmon Fish Head Claypot Curry (right).(Far right) Live stations and local favourites such as Prawn in Soy Sauce round up the dining experience. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star

According to Fathurrazi, the dates are painstakingly pitted and stuffed with almonds, then coated in roasted chopped almonds, desiccated coconut, cocoa powder, chocolate rice or icing sugar.

His team has to prepare a few hundred of the stuffed and coated dates every two days.

Traditional kuih, cakes, pastries and sweet porridge complete the selection of desserts.

All these are presented at the hotel’s coffeehouse and at eight live stalls in an outdoor setting.

The atmosphere is further enhanced by the melodic charms of the hotel’s in-house ensemble – Bandana Carabinier –belting out classic festive songs.

While the hotel’s Petaling Jaya branch looks towards a “flavourful journey”, its sister property in Port Klang offers a more nostalgic retreat.

The “Sajian Bonda Iftar Buffet” leans into the rustic charm of home cooking, trading salmon curry for the hearty depth of lamb shank and beef tendon.

The Ramadan promotion at Crystal Crown Hotel Petaling Jaya is priced at RM168nett (adult), RM108nett (senior citizen) and RM88nett (child).

A special price of RM138nett (adult) is available on selected dates.

The Ramadan buffet at the hotel’s Port Klang branch is priced at RM120nett (adult), RM85nett (senior citizen) and RM75nett (child).

A special price of RM85nett (adult) is available on selected dates.

Both hotels’ Ramadan promotions are available until March 18.

BRASS CAFE, Crystal Crown Hotel Petaling Jaya, 12, Lorong Utara A, Off Jalan Utara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. (Tel: [phone]). Business hours: 6.30am to 10.30pm (Mondays to Sundays).

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