Modern meets classic at break-of-fast buffet in PJ
Spread at hotel in Section 52 includes rare recipes, popular fare

Location and convenience are usually factors to consider when it comes to choosing a place to break fast during Ramadan.

For some, variety and dependability are also important, so familiar spots become go-to places as a result.

One such place that fulfils these criteria for diners is Paya Serai in Hilton Petaling Jaya.

This year, the restaurant’s Ramadan buffet is themed “Merentasi Tradisi: Sajian Dulu Dan Kini”, which translates to Transcending Traditions: Dishes of Then and Now.

The culinary team here aspires to capture the diverse cooking traditions in the country.

Some featured dishes are recipes by a former prime minister, said the hotel’s executive chef Ridzuan Malek, who did not wish to name the leader.

Sup Gear Box (top right) and Shelled Out Masak Lomak Cili Api (above the yellow rice platter) are among the dishes available.

“Nasi Kacang Parpu, Kari Telur Bersalut Daging and Dalca Tulang Rawan are recipes shared by an ex-prime minister.

“He had said these were dishes from yesteryear, which he enjoyed eating as a child.

“Another rare dish is the Asam Pedas Telur Ikan Mayung. It is hard to find this river fish eggs as it is seasonal.

“It is a Malaccan dish and comes with a flavourful spicy-and-sour sauce,” said Ridzuan.

First-timers should go easy on this fish dish, as the strong flavour of the eggs is an acquired taste.

Another highlight, according to the chef, is Western favourite Braised Barbecue Beef Short Rib.

It is specially marinated and braised for more than eight hours until the meat is tender and juicy.

The timeless Sup Gear Box Kaki Kambing here is a must-try.

Braised Barbecue Beef Short Rib.

This dish is full of flavour and can be paired with slider buns or any of the several types of rice available at the buffet such as briyani rice and nasi dalcha besides plain white rice.

There will be four kawah (large wok) dishes served daily, called “Empat Sekawan”.

Kawah dishes are usually prepared over coal fire, giving the dishes an added smoky flavour.

Among the kawah dishes are Penang Style Tumis Darat Gulai Ikan Talang Masin, Gulai Kawah Daging Tetel Dengan Umbut Pisang and Shelled Out Masak Lomak Cili Api and Kalio Ayam.

Also in the line-up of Malay dishes are Kari Telur Bersalut Daging, Dalca Tulang Rawan, Ayam Rose and Sambal Nyiur.

As the bubur lambuk is usually a hit during fasting month, two varieties of this popular Malay porridge are served – Bubur Lambuk Pantai Timur and Bubur Lambuk Udang.

The Ramadan buffet from 7pm to 10pm, available until April 9, is priced at RM208nett for adults and RM118nett for children (between six and 12 years old).

PAYA SERAI, Level 1 (East Wing), Hilton Petaling Jaya, Jalan Barat, Petaling Jaya. (Tel: 03-7955 9122). Business hours: 6am-10.30pm, daily. Pork-free.

This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
Ramadan food review
Location and convenience are usually factors to consider when it comes to choosing a place to break fast during Ramadan.