Heartwarming spread of nation’s heritage dishes
Festive staples, traditional favourites from around Malaysia create memorable dining experience
DISHES that withstand the test of time tend to share one commonality – they taste good.
Although some evolve or are given new twists by chefs, their core flavours remain true to what generations have grown to love.
This is what the culinary team at Cititel Penang wants to celebrate, with “Citarasa Warisan Ramadan Buffet ”servedatthe hotel’s coffeehouse Main Street Cafe.
The spread brings together festive staples and time-honoured favourites from across Malaysia.
“Rather than just a meal, we want to give guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and flavours of Malay cuisine,” said chef de partie Faizal Zainal Abidin.
“It makes the breaking of fast with family and friends a memorable experience,” he said.
Pointing to action stall offerings like Kambing Bakar, Nasi Briyani Basmati and Bubur Lambuk Ayam, he said these were dishes that guests looked forward to each year.
The succulent lamb, prepared with a classic marinade, goes great with the spiced rice that also has cashews and mint. Otherwise, a little black pepper or mushroom sauce work just as well.
There are also four varieties of Sup Berempah – chicken, beef, tripe and gearbox. For the uninitiated, the last is a soupedup version of Sup Tulang, made with larger, whole leg bones which marrow makes the broth much richer.
The hot dishes are rotated daily and include Gulai Nangka Muda dengan Udang Kering, Mussel Goreng Lada Hitam, Ketam Masak Cili Padi and Udang Masak Sambal Petai.
One might also find Rendang Daging Dendeng, a Perak dish made with thinly sliced dried meat, as well as another East Coast recipe, Asam Pedas Tumis Darat Ikan Tenggiri.
Other possibilities include Siput Sedut Masak Lemak Cili Api, Ikan Siakap Masak Tiga Rasa, Siput Lala Goreng Asam Manis, Kari Udang dengan Terung and Sotong Masak
Cili Kering.
Be sure to stop by the ulam
section, where over a dozen greens and 10 varieties of sambal are laid out each day for diners to mix and match.
There will be daun selom
(water celery), daun pegaga
(Indian pennywort), pucuk ubi
(tapioca leaves), pucuk gajus
(cashew sprouts) and jantung pisang (banana hearts), to name a few.
Faizal said they took pride in their sambal varieties, which were made in-house in small batches and thus retained their bright and spicy flavours.
Completing the local offerings are Asam Laksa, Mee Rebus Udang, satay, ikan bakar, popiah goreng, chicken lobak, rojak buah, Pasembur and assorted kerabu and acar.
There are also fusion dishes like Hainanese Chicken Chop, Pandan Chicken, Kambing Keema and Spaghetti Ayam Bolognese for diners to enjoy a bit of variety.
Desserts are a mix of local sweets and Western pastries. Try the Kurma Cake, Agar-agar Santan, Indonesian Layer Cake, Bubur Kacang Hijau and Sago Tembikai Susu.
Otherwise, dip marshmallows and fruits in the chocolate fountain or help yourselves to ice cream.
There is also free flow of beverages like Air Bandung, Air Mata Kucing and Jus Kurma.
Citarasa Warisan Ramadan Buffet is available from 6.30pm to 9.30pm daily until April 7.
It is priced at Rm118nett for adults, Rm88nett for senior citizens (aged 55 and above) and Rm59nett for children (aged six to 12).
MAIN STREET CAFÉ, Cititel Penang, 66 Penang Road, 10000 George Town, Penang. (Tel: 04-291 1128 or email info@cititelpenang.com). Business hours: 4.30am to 9.30pm daily during Ramadan.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by Starmetro.