(Clockwise from right) Kerabu Ikan Bilis Tempe, Kerabu Mempelam Muda and Urap Ayam Bersama Kelapa.
BREAKING fast with loved ones is one of the most cherished traditions of the holy month.
With that in mind, Iconic Marjorie Hotel in Penang is offering its “Flavours of Togetherness” buffet dinner.
Served at its Tiffin Hall restaurant from March 7 to 29, the spread combines authentic Malay dishes with Middle Eastern, Peranakan and international favourites.
Junior sous chef Noorazman Mohd Noor has taken the helm and drawn on family recipes for the main highlights.
“This time of year, guests often yearn for the flavours of home as it evokes nostalgic memories.
“Cooking has to come from the heart because that is what puts smiles on people’s faces and brings them together,” said the Terengganu native.
Among his signature items is Nasi Kurma Kambing Pudina which pairs fluffy saffron rice with succulent mint-glazed lamb chops.
Nasi Kurma Kambing Pudina.
Inspired by the popular Nasi Minyak, he said, “I wanted to give it my own twist and after many iterations, finally found the perfect combination that I know would please many.”
Equally enticing are his Ayam Sambal Kantan, which is essentially Ayam Masak Merah elevated with the fragrance of torch ginger, and Rendang Tok from the Perak side of his family.
“I also recommend the Rendang Ayam Hijau Berempah, which uses spices all pounded by hand, as that releases extra flavours,” he said.
Also being served are Ikan Masak Kari Asam Pedas, Kambing Kuzi, Sambal Sotong Petai Hijau, Gulai Ikan Jenahak, Ketam Cili Manis, Udang Goreng Sereal Gandum and Pajeri Mangga Muda.
Ayam Sambal Kantan (front) and Kuzi Kambing among the chef’s family recipes.
Meanwhile, the carving station offers whole roast lamb prepared with a special herb-and-spice mix and served with mint yoghurt.
Noorazman also created Beef Rendang Wellington, which adds a spicy Malaysian kick to the classic English dish.
Then there’s the ikan bakar section featuring a different fish each night, while other must-haves include lemang and ketupat with serunding, bubur lambuk, Sup Ekor Berempah and premium imported dates.
At the live cooking stations, the tandoor pit offers three varieties of Tandoori Chicken – the red chilli-based original as well as green and yellow-tinged varieties marinated with mint and turmeric respectively.
Elsewhere, local favourites such as char koay teow, satay, asam laksa and cucur, as well as pasta and stir-fried seafood are served a la minute.
Also notable is the ulam-ulaman section, where guests can harvest their own greens from hydroponic planters for pairing with assorted sambal.
Whole roast lamb.
Completing the savoury offerings is a variety of kerabu (local salad) such as Salmon Pegaga Labu Berempah, Kerabu Mempelam Muda and Kerabu Kambing Pudina.
The dessert section also received the chef’s touch.
“There are assorted baklava and kunafa and we also gave classic cakes and pastries local interpretations,” said Noorazman.
Prime examples are the Onde Onde Opera Cake, Milo Tiramisu, Bandung Macarons and Tart Kelapa, as well as ice-cream flavours like Salted Gula Melaka, Pulut Hitam and Pandan Coconut.
Completing the offerings are traditional Malay kuih, ais batu campur, pengat, puding poti bakar and assorted agar-agar.
The buffet’s inventive approach mirrors the hotel’s design concept which blends rich Peranakan elements with sleek modern finishes.
Throughout Tiffin Hall, guests will find a rich tapestry of murals, motifs, patterns and colours inspired by this cultural heritage.
Some plates even come with custom artwork of Penang’s iconic shophouses and cityscape.
The Flavours of Togetherness Buffet Dinner is priced at RM168+ for adults, RM88+ for children (aged seven to 12) and RM117.60+ for senior citizens.
Tiffin Hall is also serving a Hari Raya Buffet Lunch and Buffet Dinner on March 31 and April 1 at the same prices.
TIFFIN HALL, Level 2, Iconic Marjorie Hotel, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas, Penang. (Tel: 04-688 9888). Business hours: 6.30am-10pm, daily.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
