Showcase of kampung flavours
RAMADAN buffets are an ideal platform to showcase special dishes associated with the different states in Malaysia.

Sheraton Petaling Jaya executive chef Aizat Feisal said together with his culinary team, they have looked at ways to enhance the taste of local dishes.

He said the hotel’s Citarasa Nostalgia Ramadan buffet features 100 dishes with over 30 main course items.

“Western chefs emphasise on the importance of using local ingredients to elevate the taste of dishes.

Ayam Nestum Cornflakes is crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

“The key here is to elevate the taste of local food by using locally sourced products while having international standards in mind,” he said.

Aiming to evoke nostalgia, the buffet presents popular local dishes from several states.

Among the highlights are asam pedas from Melaka and patin tempoyak from Pahang.

Some dishes have been given a creative twist such as Prawn Sambal with Udang Galah Strawberry.

The unexpected addition of strawberries lend a berry sweet-sour taste to the sambal.

“Usually, cooks use small belimbing in the sambal but we opted for strawberries,” said Aizat.

Lala Kuah Kacang Bersantan is another dish available at the buffet.

A Ramadan buffet is not complete without kampung favourites and the spread here includes classics such as Pucuk Ubi Bersantan Nior, Daging Rendang Tok, Briyani Kambing Simpang 3 Pelangi and Sup Daging Utara Royale.

My favourite dish was the Ayam Nestum Cornflakes where chicken pieces are coated with cereal before deep-frying.

Golden on the outside and crispy, the fried chicken is succulent.

Sirap bandung and teh tarik are some nice thirst-quenchers to look forward to.

For something a little different, diners can try the north African flavours of the Harissa Roasted Whole Lamb.

Kepah Lada Hitam Sarawak Cencodeng is among the dishes for break of fast here.

Juicy and tender, it comes with a range of sauce options, including thyme cream sauce.

Other international dishes include Middle Eastern favourites such as Mixed Beef and Lamb Shawarma as well as sushi, sashimi and fresh seafood.

The Citarasa Nostalgia buffet, until April 6, is priced at RM168++ (adults) and RM84++ (children).

From April 7 to 9, it is priced at RM118++ (adults) and RM59++ (children).

The buffet which is taking place at the Grand Ballroom until April 5 is RM128++ (adults) and RM64++ (children).

FEAST, Sheraton Petaling Jaya, Lorong Utara C, PJS 52, Petaling Jaya. (Tel: 03-7622 8888) Business hours: 6am to 11pm.

This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
Ramadan buffet
Malay dishes from various states elevated with local produce, evoke nostalgia.