HOTEL VISTANA KUALA LUMPUR,
9 Jalan Lumut,
Off Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-4042 8000
Business hours: 7.00pm to 10.30pm
HOTEL Vistana Kuala Lumpur returns with another delectable buffet spread this Ramadan. Promising simple yet delicious fare, there will be 130 types of dishes prepared by chef de partie Hamdan Harun and his team.
“The theme for this year’s buffet is santai (to relax),” said Hamdan, who has over 23 years of experience in the culinary field.
The amicable 52-year-old said the concept was to provide a relaxing atmosphere for diners where they could enjoy their meals by the poolside.
“We will be combining elements from different cultures in the dishes. Guests will get to taste a little bit of Malaysian, Indonesian, Chinese, Indian and even Vietnamese and Thai styles,” said Hamdan.
He recommended a few must-tries, including the Ikan Sembilang Masak Tempoyak and Ayam Bunga Rampai.
“The chicken is prepared using ingredients such as curry leaf and pandan leaves and this is one of our specialties,” he said.
Other dishes not to be missed are the Naravatan Kurma, which is a vegetarian dish, the Talapia Goreng Berempah Mamak Style, Gulai Daging dengan Nangka and Potato Veruval.
Traditional Ramadan fare such as the nasi briyani, nasi kandar, Ayam Masak Merah and Pajeri Terung will be available for those wanting a taste of home-cooked food.
A chef preparing made-toorder satay over charcoal fire at one of the action stalls.
Guests who like to watch their food being prepared on the spot can head to the action stalls located at the hotel?s poolside, where chefs prepare roast lamb and satay over charcoal fire grills. Hamdan said the barbecue lamb was a crowd favourite.
“The last Ramadan, we prepared a total of 64 whole lambs,” he said.
The choice cut of meat was tender with a delightful texture which went well with the mint sauce.
The satay was also grilled to perfection, as chefs painstakingly laboured to fan the fires and seal in the juices.
Hamdan said he did not use coconut milk in most of the dishes, preferring to use milk instead.
“Coconut milk is higher in cholesterol and does not last long. Substituting it with milk is healthier,” he explained, adding that herbs and spices that were good for health were used whenever possible.
For desserts, take a pick from a selection of Malay kuih, assorted jellies and puddings.
One dish to look out for is the Date Pudding, which is a house specialty. Indeed, the warm pudding has a crispy outside with a soft fluffy texture on the inside, infused with the natural sweetness of dates.
The Ramadan buffet at Vistana Hotel is priced at RM55 nett for adults and RM38 nett for children between six and 12 years old. The hotel can accommodate up to 450 persons on the first and third floor dining areas.
This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement of StarMetro.