SIDNEY KAN samples Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur´s Ramadan buffet.
I eyed the buka puasa spread at Eccucino, Prince Hotel Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur longingly as I arrived early.
The tulang rawan masak rusuk, or braised beef ribs kizi-style was pleasing to the eye. It was tenderly braised, attractive, laced with a tasty sauce and soft in texture that melted in my mouth. It wooed my heart immediately.
Chefs Khairuddin Aman Shah and Sharom Saar were putting the finishing touches to their signature beef rib and oxtail soup. Even seated from a distance, the fragrance of the soup was readily detectable, a sign of a well-prepared soup.
It was full of bodily flavour and aroma. It had some chilli paste and the burning sensation just ran down my throat. It was really good.
Ikan patin masak tempoyak, or cat fish simmered in fermented durian, was yet another dish that I enjoy. Here the cat fish was cooked in thick fragrant coconut cream, bird chillies and fresh turmeric. To enhance the flavour, fermented durian paste was added. It was tasty and I felt the sensation of heat in my tummy.
Another similar concept dish was at play but this time jackfruit was used - nangka muda masak ikan masin, or young jack fruit cooked with salted fish in coconut cream and turmeric. I was astonished as it tasted rather different compared with the previous dish. The young jack fruit was stewed under slow fire till the texture was firm and succulent. I also enjoyed the light salty gravy from the salted fish. It tasted even better with sambal.
I had my share of bubur lambuk, beef porridge with spices, coconut milk and dried shrimps. It was nicely prepared, thick with a consistency in texture. It tasted different from Chinese congee. However, it was much more fragrant with spices and coconut milk.
The ayam percik was perfectly grilled while the udang sambal petai was excitingly delicious and went well with white rice. Lemang, or glutinous rice cooked in bamboo, best eaten with beef rendang, was good.
The rendang served here always lives up to my expectations.
I had small portions of asam laksa, curry noodles and laksa Kedah. They were really good.
As for dessert, there were kuih-muih and Western sweets but the hand-shaved iced dessert cendol and ais kacang with palm sugar, rose syrup and condiments topping caught my attention. I had mine with loads of shaved ice and toppings. It was truly refreshing and rejuvenating.
During Ramadan, there will be more buffet items from the Western, Indian, Chinese and Japanese kitchens.
Ramadan buffet at Eccucino will be available daily from 6.30pm to 10.30pm from Aug 11 till the eve of Hari Raya. Priced at RM98.00++ per head. For reservations, call 03-2170 8888 ext 8119/8120.
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