Traditional Malay dishes strike the right notes
From evening bazaars to the buffets at restaurants and hotels, there are plenty of places to look for traditional Malay dishes that are usually hard to find during other times of the year.

Among those places is Dorsett Grand Subang Hotel in Subang Jaya, Selangor. Here, guests can find not only those traditional dishes but also a variety of other cuisines in its Ramadan buffet ongoing until April 9 at the Melati Room located on M floor.

The aromatic Nasi Briyani Gam Kambing caught my attention first and it did not disappoint.

The Seafood on Ice counter offers fresh selection of seafood.

The rice was fluffy, with the right balance of spices and it went well with the tender lamb.

It also paired well with Daging Salai Masak Lemak Cili Api, which offered a delightful combination of smoky flavours and creamy gravy.

Those who enjoy spicy food may appreciate the Ikan Tenggiri Masak Asam Pedas.

The sour and spicy gravy tantalises tastebuds and is a perfect match with the flaky tenggiri (mackerel fish).

Wide variety of fried dishes and kerabu salads to choose from.

Meanwhile, the Stir-fried Butter Prawn With Oat will appeal to seafood lovers.

The contrast in textures – crispy and coated in a creamy sauce – makes this dish irresistible.

Another must-try is the Patin Masak Tempoyak, a traditional Malay comfort food that features patin fish cooked in fermented durian paste.

The sweet and sour gravy was not too thick and struck the right note for me.

An assortment of Malay kuih awaits diners.

The hotel also serves a variety of kerabu salads to balance out the somewhat heavier main courses.

The refreshing Kerabu Mangga Cili Api consists of freshly sliced mangoes and a generous amount of chillies to give diners a zesty kick, while Kerabu Ayam features shredded chicken tossed in plenty of herbs and lime juice thus creating a tangy and herbaceous dish.

The Kerabu Jantung Pisang is another bright and wholesome side dish that’s worth a try.

There is also Gearbox Soup, for those who prefer something light to start their meal.

A wide selection of desserts is available to complete the dining experience.

Ikan Tenggiri Masak Asam Pedas goes well with white rice.

Stealing the show is the Crème Caramel with its silky-smooth texture and rich taste.

Another treat is the Pulut Mangga sticky rice with slices of mangoes topped with a drizzle of light coconut cream.

Moist and indulgent, the Chocolate Cake is another must-try with its creamy frosting made of deep cocoa.

There is also an assortment of traditional Malay kuih.

This dining experience is priced at RM188nett for adults, RM150nett for senior citizens aged 60 and above, and RM90 for children aged six to 12.

For details and reservations, email fnb.subang@dorsetthotels.com

MELATI FLOOR, Dorsett Grand Subang, Jalan SS12/1, SS12, Subang Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-5031 6060. Business hours: noon to 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 10pm (Monday to Saturday), 11.30am to 2pm and 6.30pm to 10pm (Sunday).

This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
Dorsett Grand Subang Hotel,
From evening bazaars to the buffets at restaurants and hotels, there are plenty of places to look for traditional Malay dishes that are usually hard to find during other times of the year.