CRIZ BON APPETITE

Sarkies @ E&O Hotel (Eastern & Oriental Hotel) has the reputation of pampering its diners with choices for their buffet spread and their “Buka Puasa Buffet” promotion effective 18 June 2015 until 16 July 2015 from 7.00pm until 10.30pm daily would be even more attractive. Priced at RM128.30nett (adult) and RM55.95nett (child from 6-12 years old/child below 6 years old dine for free), diners would get to savor the best of both international and local cuisines.

Of course, their signature dishes would always be there such as Roasted Duck, Sushi & Sashimi, Grilled Meat & Seafood Counter, Cold Seafood Counter, Pasta Counter, Hokkien Mee, Char Koay Teow as well their wide selection of Cheese with their Fresh Bakes.

Other than the standard dishes as stated above, you would get to start off with some Appetizers and Salads from both Western and Malay cuisines, inclusive some Pickled Fruits, Crackers and Malay Salad Dressings. As for Soup, you will have an option of two soups.

Of course there will be herbs and spices infused dish Daging Masak Mamak, Kurma Kambing, Ayam Percik Kuah Kacang, Udang Kering Bersantan and more served with a variety of rice options such as Nasi Putih, Nasi Tomato, Nasi Minyak and Nasi Briyani. You should also check out the stalls for more dishes such as Chicken Tikka, Lamb Rojan Josh, Aloo Gobi, Green Pea Pulao and more.

At the Al Fresco Area, you would expect to get local delicacies such as Rojak, Roti Canai, Satay and Teh Tarik with bonuses such as Roasted Whole Lamb (daily during Ramadan) and Gulai Kawah aka Big Wok Curry of the Day. We had aromatically and flavorfully prepared Fish Head Curry for that day.

At the Dessert Section, you would also expect to see a mix and match of Western desserts and Assorted Malay Kuih, Assorted Fruit Cuts, Ice Kacang, Ice Cream, Coffee, Tea and more.

Overall, Sarkies @ E&O Hotel has a more mix and match of international and local cuisine. This year’s options were aplenty to cater to every individual’s personal taste bud. I would say this was one of the best spreads they had for Ramadan all these years.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang (next to Penang Bowl) is located along Lebuh Farquhar. If you are coming from Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah towards Weld Quay, keep to your left immediately after passing by CitiBank. When you see the Penang Bowl building on your left (UMW Toyota opposite), please slow down. Turn left immediately after the Penang Bowl entrance. The E&O Hotel car park is situated just inside the Victory Annexe building. Parking charges would be a maximum of RM6 (weekdays: Monday-Thursday) and RM12 (weekends: Friday- Sunday)

Name: SARKIES @ EASTERN & ORIENTAL HOTEL
Address: 10 Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: 604-222 2000
GPS: 5.423624, 100.334988

RATING:
Ambience: 8.5/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 classy)
Food Choices: 8.5/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 8.5/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)
Pricing: 8/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 expensive)
Service: 8/10 (1-4 bad, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)

If you have been a regular at all the Vistana brand name hotels nationwide during the fasting month of Ramadan, you would have been pampered with their option for choices. Unlike last year’s “Tok Wan 101 Recipes” Ramadan Buffet Promotion, this year they have set up even more “warung” aka stalls to tempt your craving for more street food. The promotion which would start from 19 June until 16 July 2015, would be priced at RM65nett per adult and RM30nett per child (aged 4-12 years old). For more information, you can visit www.vistanahotels.com or call +604-646 8000 for enquiries and reservations. If you have a great appetite for the many different choices of Malay cuisine, you should not miss out this coming promotion. You’ll be having free flow of Air Sirap served on each table as well.

Let’s have a look at what would be in store for you during this year’s Ramadan Buffet. The menu might consist of random dishes as stated below:

Ulam-Ulaman Tempatan (Local Salad): Ulam Raja, Ulam Pegaga, Daun Selon, Timun, Kacang Panjang, Kacang Botol, Petai, Tomato, Bendi, Kobis, Jantung Pisang, Daun Kaduk with different dressing such as Sambal Belacan Asli, Sambal Kicap Limau Kasturi, Budu & Cincaluk.

Pembuka Selera (Appetizer): Kerabu Ulam, Kerabu Mangga, Acar Jelatah, Tempe Ikan Bilis, Kerabu Sotong, Kerabu Ayam, Kerabu Taugeh, Kerabu Sayur, Kerabu Ikan Masin, Tauhu Sumbat dan Kuah Kacang, Telur Masin & Ikan Masin Goreng.

Keropok (Crackers): Keropok Ikan, Keropok Udang & Papadum.

Rojak Buah: Mangga Muda, Betik Muda, Jambu Air, Jambu Batu, Sengkuang, Timun, Belimbing, Nenas with Kuah Rojak, Kacang Tumbuk & Biji Bijian.

Warung-warung (Stalls): Pasembur Campuran (Ubi Kentang, Telur, Timun, Sengkuang, Taugeh, Kek Ikan, Sosej, Tauhu & Cucur Udang), Kerang Kukus, Murtabak (Murtabak Ayam, Sambal Bawang, Dalcha & Bawang Jeruk), Char Koay Teow, Asam Laksa, Sup Daging Periuk Besar, Ais Kacang Pelangi (Krim Jagung, Kacang Merah, Buah Nau, Cincau, Sagu Mata Ikan, Susu Sejat, Agar-agar, Sirap Gula Melaka, Sirap Ros, Coconut Milk) & Teh Tarik.

Warung Bakar (BBQ Stall): 2 Jenis Ikan, Ayam, Daging, Kambing, served with Sos Lada Hitam, Sambal Merah & Air Asam.

Masakan Malay Kawah: Ayam Goreng Berempah, Paru Goreng, Daging Rendang, Rebung Gulai Sotong, Bawal Goreng, Ikan Masak Asam Pedas & Siput Lala Masak Berlada.

Sayur-sayuran, Telur & Nasi (Vegetables, Egg & Rice): Kari Telur, Terung Bakar, Nenas Masak Pajerin Bombay, Sayur Kailan Ikan Masin, Sayur Asin Asin, Pucuk Paku Belacan, Kangkung Belacan, Kobis Goreng Kunyit & Kacang Panjang Goreng Sambal Belacan, Peria Goreng Telur, Labu Masak Lemak Cili Api, Sayur Kalio, Nasi Putih & Nasi Tomato.

Pencuci Mulut (Desserts): Bubur (Bubur Kacang, Bubur Pulut Hitam, Pengat Pisang) Aneka Kek Tradisional, Aneka Agar-agar Tradisional, Aneka Pudding, Aneka Jelly, Aneka Kuih Tradisional, Sagu Gula Melaka, Leng Chee Kang, Aneka Ais Krim (Pilihan Ais Krim Vanilla, Coklat, Jagung, Keladi & Strawberry)

Pilihan Buah Buahan Segar (Fresh Fruit Cuts): Tembikai, Nenas, Tembikai Susu, Buah Naga, Pisang Emas & Betik

Unlike last year where the main attractions were whole roasted lamb and satay, this year you have more choices at a specially set up BBQ Section outdoor. We had BBQ Stingray, BBQ Catfish, BBQ Chicken, BBQ Beef Slices and BBQ Lamb Shoulder. I kind of like the different style of marinates.

Amongst all the set up hawker stalls for this Ramadan, I quite like the Mee Sup Daging, Laksa and Teh Tarik. The many hours of simmering the beef with various types of local herbs and spices sure did pep up a flavorful soup base. On the other hand, the soup base for the Laksa had just the right balance of flavors, more significantly in the usage of tamarind peel. Compared to last year where the Teh Tarik was pre-prepared, this year they had a staff making it fresh. It was good and up to my expectation with just the correct concoction of thick tea with condensed milk. It had just the right sweetness to my liking.

The rest of the servings were rather standard as previous year. However, the dessert spread can be quite abundant with lots of local delicacies.

Overall, the spread of dishes for the Ramadan promotion at that offered price is also very attractive and reasonable. However, I would still prefer the kitchen to consider other West and East Malaysia states’ traditionally prepared dishes to be included into their Ramadan menu. By the way, there would also be prayer rooms to further cater to its Muslim guests celebrating this blessed month. The ballroom can only cater up to 500 pax at one time, so do call in +604-646 8000 to make your advance reservations to avoid any disappointment.

The ballroom is located at the left side as you enter the hotel lobby of Vistana Hotel Penang along Jalan Bukit Gambir. Just follow your nose and it would surely lead you to the aromatic section of the hotel. You can park your car in the basement which would require you to get a token from the receptionist to scan your way out.

Name: GROUND FLOOR BALLROOM @ VISTANA HOTEL PENANG
Address: 213 Jalan Bukit Gambir, 11950 Bukit Jambul, Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: 604- 646 8000
Business Hours: 6.30pm-10.30pm (Ramadan Buffet from 19 June until 16 July 2015)
GPS: 5.336334, 100.291527

RATING:
Ambience: 7.5/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 classy)
Food Choices: 9/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 7/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)
Pricing: 6/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 expensive)
Service: 8/10 (1-4 bad, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)

Swez Brasserie @ Eastin Hotel, Penang, would be having its “Eastin Ku Kampung Ku” Ramadan Buffet Dinner from 18 June until 18 July 2015 (7.00pm-10.00pm). The price would be at RM104nett/pax (Adult/Senior Citizens 60 years old and above will get 50% off) and RM52nett/pax (Child). If you are thinking of purchasing for 20 pax and above, there are some great voucher offers at good bargain prices stated below. The Ramadan Buffet Dinner would consist of traditionally prepared authentic and favorite kampung style Malay cuisine, under the experienced hands of the hotel’s Malay Kitchen.

Here are some of the sections you might find interesting during the “Eastin Ku Kampung Ku” Ramadan Buffet Dinner.

GARDER OF GREEN SALAD (Tomato, Carrot, Cucumber, Corn Kernel, Onion Ring, Mix Lettuce) with DRESSING AND CONDIMENTS (Thousand Island, Cheesy Mayo, Italian, Mango & Vinaigrette)

INTERNATIONAL APPERTIZER (Semi-Dried Tomato & Mozzarella Salad with Basil Corn Relish, Cajun Squid Flower & Soba Noodles with French Dressing, Pan Seared Fish with Grill Zucchini Salad, Tomato, Aubergine & Citrus Dressing, Asparagus with Turkey Ham & Pineapple Salad, Ulam-Ulaman Serantau, Kerabu Perut, Kerabu Kacang Botol, Kerabu Ayam Dara, Kerabu Betik Muda & Kerabu Udang Suhun)

SAVORIES AND MALAYSIAN SAMBALS (Sambal Belacan, Sambal Cincaluk, Sambal Mempelam, Sambal Kelapa, Sambal Budu, Jelatah, Acar Buah, Keropok Ikan, Keropok Lekor, Keropok Udang, Papadam, Serunding Ayam, Serunding Daging, Acar Rampai, Sambal Ikan Bilis, Lemang, Ketupat Nasi, Ikan Masin, Telur Masin & minimum 5 types of Jeruk aka pickles)

SEAFOOD ON ICE WITH CONDIMENTS (Slipper Lobster, Tiger Prawn, Mussels, Crab)

SOUP & BREAD (Pumpkin Soup, Soup Ekor Cendawan, Bread Roll & Butter)

CITARASA MASAKAN KAMPUNG & MALAYSIAN FAVORITES (Ikan Asam Pesad, Gulai Daging Kacang Panjang, Gulai Asam Rom Sayuran, Ayam Pongteh, Rendang Ekor, Siput Sedut Lemak Cili Api, Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak Putih, Stir Fried Crab with Basil Leaves, Thai Yellow Chicken Curry, Poached Indonesian Sea Bass with Cilantro Sauce, Sauté Squid with Macaroni in Tomato Herb Sauce, Fried Mussel with Chili & Hot Bean Sauce, Wok Fried Tiger Prawn with Butter Sauce, Nasi Putih & Nasi Tomato)

NASI LEMAK KUKUS ACTION COUNTER (Sambal Bawang, Ayam Goreng Berempah, Telur Rebus, Timun, Kacang & Ikan Bilis)

HAWKER STALL (Roasted Whole Lamb for minimum 80 Pax & above, Shawarma Corner, Ice Kacang with Condiments, Gearbox Soup with Condiments & Bubur Lambuk)

ACTION COUNTER (Mee Rebus, Panggang Station with at least 6 types of seafood & meat & sauces such as Mushroom Sauce, Black Pepper Sauce, Kam Hiong Sauce, Thai Chili Sauce, Assam Jawa & Kicap Bawang)

HOMEMEMADE MALAYSIAN PIZZA (Seafood Pizza & Beef Rendang)

DESSERT (Buah Kurma Madu Yusut Taiyoob’s, Assorted Fruits Platter, minimum 8 types of Assorted French Pastry, minimum 6 types of Whole Cakes, Fruits Jelly In Glass, Coffee Mousse, Apple Crumble, Bubur Kacang, Linzer Torte, Pavlova With Fruit & minimum 7 types of Local Malay Kuih)

BEVERAGE STALL (Air Bandung/ Soya Milk with Cincau/ Mata Kucing/ Young Coconut, Teh Tarik, Kopi Tarik, Coffee & Tea)

What are the “MUST TRY DISHES” at Eastin Hotel Penang during this coming Ramadan?

1. There are many different types of sambal such as the sambal cincaluk, sambal mempelam and sambal kelapa to go with your dishes. Various kinds of sambal are must in most Malaysian cuisine and only during Ramadan do they produce certain varieties.

2. You should try out the Malaysian version of Oxtail Soup with added mushrooms known as Sup Ekor Cendawan. It’s an impactful yet flavorful soup with the uses of local herbs and spices plus beef bones stock.

3. Another dish to take note will be the Gulai Asam Rom (Asam Rong/Aserong/Asrong) Sayuran/Siput Sedut, an appetite booster. This famous Pahang dish is quite rare in modern days as the main ingredient of buah perah (kelampai/rampeh/Elateriospermum tapos) is rather hard to obtain due to our fast development, except maybe from the jungle of Pahang, Sabah, Sarawak, Indonesia or Thailand. As it tastes just like the rubber tree seeds, some might use the rubber tree seeds instead. The curry has unique flavors and can be quite addictive.

4. You might have heard about Oxtail Soup but hardly would you get Oxtail Rendang aka Rendang Ekor from your usual Malay restaurants. This is the secret recipe of the chef’s mother. It’s best not to miss out the chance to savor this unique dish.

5. Do check out the Nasi Lemak Kukus Action Counter for Malaysian’s favorite dish. It may look simple but once you have a mouthful of the fragrant coconut milk infused rice accompanied with the flavorful sambal tumis, hardboiled egg, ikan bilis, fried peanuts and ayam goreng berempah, you would want to seek for more. It’s truly an addictive dish for all.

6. You would hardly see a Whole Roasted Lamb unless it’s for grand occasions. The tender yet juicy meat had been marinated with special herbs and spices for 3 days prior to being roasted until perfection. This will be served with Middle East style of Bukhari Rice, using basmati rice cooked with tomato paste and various spices. One word~ Lazeez!

7. One of my favorite dishes to hunt at Pasar Ramadan will always be the Turkish style Chicken Shawarma and they have it here as one of the dishes for buffet. Perfect! Instead of my usual bread wrap, they are using pita bread pockets with their special dressing. Who’s to complain since I can have as many as I ever wanted? 😛

8. For more energy and stamina during the puasa month, you should try out their signature Sup Gearbox. It’s one great dish that I would always look forward to each year at Eastin Hotel Penang. The spices and herbs used in slowly simmering the bull’s thigh bones combined with some potatoes and carrots were indeed “powerful”. A bowl of this heavenly dish would surely keep the body energetic and rejuvenated for any activities during the fasting month.

9. One of the popular Ramadan specialties would be an energy packed porridge known as Bubur Lambuk. The porridge is normally prepared by volunteers in mosques throughout the country and served to the public for free. The ingredients used from state to state might be different, ranging from poultry, meat and seafood. The most popular one would be the spice and energy packed porridge with the use of rich beef bone stock for that extra power.

10. You should check out the Panggang Station for more flavorful grilled dishes. Depending on the stock available for the day, there will be at least 6 types of meat and seafood served daily during the fasting month.

Overall, the Ramadan Buffet Dinner spreads have always been one of my favorites, considering that the kampung-style and family-oriented dishes were flavorfully prepared by the experienced Malay Kitchen team. Well done chefs~ 🙂

Promotions for Eastin Ku Kampung Ku Ramadan Buffet:

Early Bird F&B Promotion: Ramadan Voucher at RM80nett/pax
– For every 20 vouchers purchased FREE 1 voucher
– For every 50 vouchers purchased FREE 3 vouchers
– For every 60 vouchers purchased FREE 1 room of 2D1N DH
– For every 100 vouchers purchased FREE 2 room of 2D1N DH plus FREE 2 vouchers.

CITIBANK
RM88nett/pax for the Ramadan Buffet Dinner from18th June to 18th July 2015.

AEON Member
15% discount for members during the Ramadan Buffet Dinner.

Note: Senior citizens will get 50% discount.

The Swez Brasserie is located at the ring wing of Eastin Hotel, Penang (next to Queensbay Mall). If you are coming from Georgetown towards Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone via Bayan Lepas Expressway, do watch out for the Pulau Jerejak signboard (leading to Pulau Jerejak jetty). Ignore the turning and drive on to the next left junction. Turn left into Jalan Aziz Ibrahim and drive on until you a roundabout. Turn 3 o’ clock and drive on until you see a big Eastin Hotel signboard at the first right junction. Turn right and drive on. Park your car at the basement car park. Take a lift to the first floor lobby and you would see the restaurant there.

Name: SWEZ BRASSERIE @ EASTIN HOTEL
Address: 1 Solok Bayan Indah, Queens Bay, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: 604-612 1128, 604-612 1138
Business Hours: 7.00pm-10.00pm (Ramadan Buffet Dinner only)
GPS: 5.33643, 100.306345

RATING:
Ambience: 8/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 classy)
Food Choices: 8/10 (1-4 limited, 5-7 average, 8-10 many choices)
Taste: 7.5/10 (1-4 tasteless, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)
Pricing: 8/10 (1-4 cheap, 5-7 average, 8-10 expensive)
Service: 8/10 (1-4 bad, 5-7 average, 8-10 excellent)