CRIZ BON APPETITE

Ramadan, being the 9th month in the Islamic calendar, is the holiest of Islamic months, to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Nabi Muhammad. Muslims throughout Malaysia would attend mosque and start a month of fasting between sunrise and sunset. During the breaking of fast, there are many Ramadan Buffet Dinner Promotions available in Penang. Here are some of the recommended venues to break your fast with your family members and friends.

Name: SPICE BRASSERIE, THE LIGHT HOTEL
Address: Lebuh Tenggiri 2, Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Seberang Jaya, Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: +604-382 1111
Business Hours: 7.00pm-10.00pm
GPS: 5.394646, 100.397951
Promotion Period: 18 May 2018 – 14 June 2018
Price: RM110nett (Adults), RM90nett (Child & Senior Citizen)

With the experiences of serving the best with international and local flavors, The Light Hotel has always impressed me with their innovative recipes. They even sent their chefs to various Malaysian states to learn up the trick of the trades of the local culinary scenes. Some of their recommendations would be their signature Kambing Golek Warisan Tok Wan served with delicious Briyani rice, Ayam Bawang, Gulai Udang, Kambing Hitam Manis, Gulai Kepala lkan, Gulai Ketam, Dalca Telur, Sup Gear Box, Ayam Nangka Pucuk Ubi, lkan Patin Gulai Tempoyak, lkan Goreng Achak-Achak, Teluk ltik Lemak Cili Api Belimbing Buluh and more. Don’t miss out their signature Teh Tarik too.

Name: FLAVOUR@3, THE LIGHT HOTEL
Address: Lebuh Tenggiri 2, Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Seberang Jaya, Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: +604-382 1111
Business Hours: 7.00pm-10.00pm
GPS: 5.394646, 100.397951
Promotion Period: 21 May 2018 – 13 June 2018
Price: RM90nett (Adults), RM70nett (Child & Senior Citizen)

There’s also the alfresco dining where you would be pampered with a variety of action-packed meat and seafood grills at Flavour@3, Level 3, of the hotel. The options would include sirloin steak, lamb cutlet, fresh prawn, squid, fish wrapped in banana leaf, chicken drumstick, sausages and more.

Name: SPICE BRASSERIE, THE LIGHT HOTEL
Address: Lebuh Tenggiri 2, Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Seberang Jaya, Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: +604-382 1111
Business Hours: 7.00pm – 10.00pm
GPS: 5.394646, 100.397951
Promotion Period: 16 May 2018 – 13 June 2018
Price: RM250nett (Juadah Qash’ah Set for 4 pax)

To foster togetherness, goodness and patience with a touch of kampung tradition with a mild twist of Arabian influence during the holy month of Ramadan, The Light Hotel Penang is the only hotel in this region to serve Juadah Qash’ah, a big tray of great signature dish to be shared with a group of 4 persons.

Name: ROSELLE COFFEE HOUSE @ LEXIS SUITES PENANG
Address: 28, Jalan Teluk Kumbar, 11920 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: +604-628 2888
Business Hours: 6.30pm-10.00pm
GPS: 5.287210, 100.232760
Promotion Period: 17 May 2018 – 14 June 2018
Price: RM98nett (Adults), RM70nett (Senior Citizen), RM50nett (Child)

With the years of experiences from the newly appointed Executive Chef, Chef Johnno Fong, you are assured of some unique twists on their food choices. Some of their recommendations would include Kambing Golek served with Nasi Impit, Gulai Udang Galah, Ayam Percik, Siput Sedut Masak Lemak Cili Padi, Daging Kuzi Daun Pudina, Ikan Tenggiri Gulai Kampung, Paru-paru Masak Berlada, Sup Gearbox and many more.

Name: SARKIES @ EASTERN & ORIENTAL HOTEL
Address: 10 Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: +604-222 2000
Business Hours: 7.30pm-10.30pm
GPS: 5.423624, 100.334988
Promotion Period: 17 May 2018 – 14 June 2018
Price: RM166nett (Adults), RM83nett (Child)

Being the oldest boy in the hospitality industry, Sarkies @ E& O Hotel, has a reputation for serving one of the best roasts and grills in Penang. Other than their signature Roasted Duck, Roasted Beef and Lamb, variety of Sushi and Shashimi, some of their Ramadan spread recommendations would consist of BBQ Whole Roast Australian Lamb, Gulai Kawah of the Day, Ikan Bakar, Mongolian BBQ, Daging Rendang Tok, Gulai Ketam Kampung, Ayam Masak Madu, Opor Daging Kambing and more.

Name: SWEZ BRASSERIE @ EASTIN HOTEL PENANG
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
GPS: 5.33643, 100.306345
Promotion Period: 16 May 2018 – 13 June 2018
Price: RM120nett (Adults), RM69nett (Senior Citizen), RM60nett (Child)

Swez Brasserie @ Eastin Hotel Penang, has been one of the top hotels on the island to serve many unique dishes during Ramadan. With a former personal chef for royalty at helm, you would surely be pampered even more during this holy month of Ramadan. Some of the recommendations would include Kambing Panggang BBQ, Sup Tulang Rusuk Kambing Berempah, Sup Gearbox Utara, Gulai Kawah Kepala Ikan Salmon, Udang Masak Tempoyak, Daging Kuzi, Sotong Kembang Masak Cili Kering dengan Kekacang, Ketam Masak Cili Ala Temasik, Ekor Lembu Masak Ros, Pajeri Belimbing Buluh, Nasi Minyak Puspawangi and more.

Name: TOP VIEW RESTAURANT & LOUNGE @ THE TOP, PENANG
Address: Level 59 & 60, Komtar, Jalan Penang, 10000 Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: +604-262 5960
Business Hours: 6.30pm-10.00pm
GPS: 5.414741, 100.329771
Promotion Period: 15 May 2018 – 15 June 2018
Price: RM98nett (Adults), RM78nett (Child)

Who could resist dining at the tallest restaurant during this Ramadan while experiencing the best view in Penang? At Top View Restaurant & Lounge, you would be spoiled for choices. Some of the recommendations for this Ramadan would include Roast Whole Lamb ” Kambing Golek ” With Harissa Sauce & Lamb Juz, served with Roasted Vegetables & Potatoes, Tandoori Lamb Chop, Kambing Masak Kurma, Kepah Masak Lemak Chilli Api, Udang Masak Asam, Ikan Masak Masam Manis, Ketam Masak Kari, Ayam Masak Merah and more.

Name: UMI @ THE TOP, PENANG
Address: Level 5, Komtar, Jalan Penang, 10000 Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: +604-262 3800
Business Hours: 6.30pm-10.00pm
GPS: 5.414741, 100.329771
Promotion Period: 15 May 2018 – 15 June 2018
Price: RM48nett (Adults), RM35nett (Child)

Uni @ The Top, is one of the restaurants in Penang serving authentic Malay cuisine. During this Ramadan, there will also be a buffet promotion on top of their usual ala carte order. Some of the recommendations are Ayam Percik, Ayam Masak Kicap Madu, Gulai Kambing Kawah, Assam Pedas Melaka, Udang Petai, Badak Berendam and more.

Name: GROUND FLOOR BALLROOM @ VISTANA HOTEL PENANG
Address: 213 Jalan Bukit Gambir, 11950 Bukit Jambul, Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: +604-646 8000
Business Hours: 7.00pm-10.00pm
GPS: 5.336334, 100.291527
Promotion Period: 16 May 2018 – 13 June 2018
Price: RM70nett (Adults), RM30nett (Child)

Vistana Hotel Penang’s Ramadan promotion is one of the more visited venues for breaking fast due to its low pricing as well as its large spreads of dishes. Some of recommended dishes this year would be their Kambing Panggang, Nasi Kerabu, Ayam Goreng Telur Masin, Ayam Panggang Madu, Daging Gulai Pantai Timur, Udang Masak Lemak Batang Keladi, Kambing Masak Kari and more.

Name: 6TH FLOOR CAR PARK @ ICONIC HOTEL PENANG
Address: 71 Jalan Icon City, Bukit Tengah, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: +604-505 9988
Business Hours: 7.00pm-10.00pm
GPS: 5.342106, 100.432846
Promotion Period: 17 May 2018 – 14 June 2018
Price: RM65+ (Adults), RM32.50+ (Child)

With the whole Level 6 car park being converted into a fishing village theme, accompanied by a life size sampan displaying a variety of delicious hot dishes, you are sure to be mesmerized with the whole new experience. Some of their recommendations would be their Kambing Panggang, Ikan Bawal Goreng Berempah, Nasi Hujan Panas, Ayam Percik Kelantan, Ketam Masak Lemak Nenas and more.

Name: STRAITS CAFÉ & LOUNGE @ IXORA HOTEL PENANG
Address: Jalan Baru, Bandar Perai Jaya, 13600 Perai, Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: +604-382 8888
Business Hours: 7.00pm-10.00pm
GPS: 5.378357, 100.398322
Promotion Period: 21 May 2018 – 14 June 2018
Price: RM86nett (Adults), RM56nett (Child)

Ixora Hotel Penang has a reputation in providing some of the best food, especially in roasts and grills at a reasonable price. Some of their meat has been marinated for a long period of time to produce the best in taste and texture. Some of recommended dishes this Ramadan would be their signature Kambing Panggang Bergolek, Ayam Kuzi Berempah dengan Kismis, Udang Goreng Nestum Daun Kari, Shawarma Ayam and more.

Vistana Hotel Penang Bukit Jambul had always been one of the main banquet providers, with support from the corporate and public sectors for quite many years. This year again, diners would have the privilege the Chinese New Year spreads from the Hong Kong Master Chef Ng Wing Lam with more than 40 years of culinary experiences from Hong Kong and Asia. The Chinese New Year Yee Sang Banquet 2017 promotion would start from 8 January 2017 until 11 February 2017 (Lunch: 12.00pm-3.00pm & Dinner: 7.00pm-10.00pm). For more information, you can email vispg@ytlhotels.com.my or call +604-646 8000 for enquiries and reservations.

You have an option to choose from the menu as shown below with pricing starting as low as RM688++ per table for 10 persons. However, the hotel does also provide the flexibility to customize your dishes as what we had earlier.

I would be sharing with you some of dishes plucked from the 3 different menus available. The main highlight of the dinner was the Prosperity Salmon Yee Sang, a rather out of the norm dish with jellyfish, freshly julienned carrot and radish plus some deep fried julienned yam on top of the usual other ingredients.

The next on the list was the Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Ginseng and Chinese Herbs, packed with herbal flavors and chunks of boneless chicken thigh meat.

We were also served with Fried Boneless Chicken with Spicy Mayonnaise, a set of 3 batter fried boneless chicken served on a bed of spicy mayonnaise. It was a rather unique dish, except that the portion might be quite small for a table of 10 pax.

As usual, there would be a fish dish to symbolize years of abundant wealth and we had the Steamed Red Lion Fish with Superior Soya Sauce. Not bad but it could be better in size.

The Braised Broccoli with Black Mushrooms, Pacific Clams and Fatt Choy was another usual dish you would get in a banquet style of serving.

We also had the Chef’s Special Deep-Fried Prawns. The sizes of the prawns were indeed bigger than the normal servings.

The Gemini Fried Rice with Assorted Meat & Vegetables might not look appetizing as I would expect some additional julienned iceberg lettuce to be added in like last year to add in more colors and flavors to the dish. However, look can be deceiving as the dish was quite palatable.

We ended our meal with Double-Boiled Dried Longan and Red Dates with Glutinous Rice Balls. It was a rather balanced Chinese dessert with tasty sesame paste filled glutinous rice balls.

The bonus dessert of Sweet Rice Cake was something that caught our attention most as they could be rather addictive. There were hint of sweet potatoes, yam and lotus paste in each of the mini ball.

Overall, the dishes served for the night was quite fulfilling but it could have been better in terms of portion. The ballroom can only cater up to 500 pax at one time, so do email vispg@ytlhotels.com.my or 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. You can park your car at the basement which would require you to get a magnetic card 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: 12.00pm-3.00pm & 7.00pm-10.00pm (8 January until 11 February 2017)
GPS: 5.336334, 100.291527

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

Celebrating Chinese New Year with banquet spreads is not something new for Vistana Hotel Penang Bukit Jambul as they have been doing so with tremendous support from the corporate and public sectors for quite many years. However, this year diners would have a bonus as the Hong Kong Master Chef Ng Wing Lam with more than 40 years of culinary experiences from Hong Kong and Asia, has been specially flown in to impress us with his cooking skills. The Chinese New Year Yee Sang Banquet 2016 promotion would start from 18 January 2016 until 22 February 2016 (Lunch: 12.00pm-3.00pm & Dinner: 7.00pm-10.00pm). For more information, you can email vispg@ytlhotels.com.my or call +604-646 8000 for enquiries and reservations.

You have an option to choose from the menu as shown below with pricing starting as low as RM618++ per table for 10 persons.

However, the hotel does also provide the flexibility to customize your dishes as what we had earlier. Here are what we had for the 8-course banquet dinner which was priced around RM688++.

Of course the main highlight of the dinner was the Salmon Yee Sang which had additional add-ons such as jellyfish, freshly julienned carrot and radish plus some deep fried julienned yam on top of the usual other ingredients. I quite like the crunchiness of the overall dish minus the overpowering sweetness as you get from some of the eateries out there.

On the other hand, the Braised Pumpkin Soup with Assorted Seafood was something quite unique. The starchy soup with mild sweetness from the braised pumpkins combined with the sweetness from the added minced chicken, crab meat and prawns plus some tofu cubes, was something simple and yet appetizing.

We also had Steamed Red Lion Fish with Superior Soy Sauce. No doubt the fish was extremely fresh and the texture was just right. However, the chef might have been a bit light handed as I could not taste the significant sweetness and saltiness from the sauce. Moreover, I would think that a light sprinkle of garlic oil would have given the taste more justice.

Next on the list was their Home-Style Whole Chicken with Mushrooms. Well, the dish might look colorful and impressive from the first glance with lots of vegetables and mushrooms scattered everywhere. However, I personally felt that gravy lacked the flavors from the roasted whole chicken. It was just another starchy gravy dish in the menu. It would be great if the kitchen could pick up the unused roasted parts of the chicken, simmer to extract the smoky flavors and infuse the juice into the solely oyster sauce gravy to pep up the flavors more.

We also did try out their Deep Fried Crispy Prawns with Yellow Beans and Mayo. It was indeed an appetizing and palatable dish with a bit of crunchiness from here and there. However, the kitchen should monitor the frying time as some pieces could tend to be a bit chewy to my liking.

The Braised Garden Vegetables with Assorted Mushrooms might not be an ideal choice to add on into your selection of dishes as it tend to be too much starchy dish with the same flavors in one go. Alternatively, the kitchen should reconsider other type of gravy base instead of the of oyster sauce. It might be wise to use either scallop or abalone sauce instead.

The Wok Fried Rice with Anchovies and Chicken might look simple but it was a mouthful of flavors. The deep fried baby anchovies garnished on the rice indeed pepped up the dish further. However, it would be great if some chopped spring onion, deep fried shallots or even pounded deep fried sole fish were to be added in to boost up the flavors even more.

The dessert was just Ginger Tea with Red Dates and Black Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls. The tea was rather mild from gingery flavor and significant the sweetness from the red dates. Maybe it was my personal preference but I would love a stronger ginger taste. As for the black sesame glutinous rice balls, it would be great if some pounded roasted peanuts were to be added in for that extra bite.

Overall, the spread of dishes for the banquet could be quite fulfilling considering that the hotel does provide the flexibility to change your dishes to the ones which suit your taste buds better. However, the pricing might differ compared to the standard options in the menu. As for taste, the dishes could be a bit better than most hotels’ banquet courses but more localized in flavors. The ballroom can only cater up to 500 pax at one time, so do email vispg@ytlhotels.com.my or 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. You can park your car at the basement which would require you to get a magnetic card 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: 12.00pm-3.00pm (lunch) & 7.00pm-10.00pm (dinner) – (18 January until 22 February 2016)
GPS: 5.336334, 100.291527

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

During the month of Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims to break their fast or buka puasa, diners can enjoy scrumptious traditional Malay buffet spreads at all the Vistana brand name hotels nationwide. Under the theme “Tok Wan 101 Recipes”, the promotion which would start from 29 June 2014 until 27 July 2014, would be priced at RM48++ per adult and RM30++ per child (aged 4-12 years old). If you have a great appetite for great authentic Malay cuisine, this is one place you should not miss out for varieties and taste.

Let’s have a look at all the sections catered just for this occasion. Please take note that some of the dishes might be replaced with another dish based on the local availability of raw ingredients or products. Firstly, you would have the outdoor area for grills. There would be Chicken Satay, Beef Satay, accompanied by condiments such as the fragrant satay peanut sauce, cucumber, onions, nasi impit (lontong/Malay rice cake) and Muar-style Otak Otak. Moreover, there would also be a Whole Roasted Lamb, served with black pepper sauce and mint yoghurt sauce. For Char Koay Teow lovers, you sure won’t want to miss out a try on Penang’s famous delicacy.

As for the indoor area, let’s start with the basics. On the starter’s spread would be the Ulam-ulaman Tempatan (local raw salad herbs and vegetables) such as Ulam Raja (cosmos caudatus), Ulam Pegaga (asiatic pennywort), Daun Selom (water dropwort leaves), Cucumber, Yardlong beans, Kacang Botol (four-angled beans), Tomato, Cabbages and Daun Kaduk (wild betel leaves), together with condiments such as Sambal Belacan Asli, Sambal Belacan Mangga Kampung, Sambal Belacan Nenas Madu, Budu and Cincalok. There would also be a Western salad section with capsicum, onions, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, purple cabbage and carrots, accompanied by dressings such as thousand island, Italian, French and balsamic vinaigrette.

You should also check out the appetizer’s section for dishes such as Kerabu Ulam (spicy mixed salad herbs), Kerabu Mangga (spicy mango salad), Acar Jelatah (cucumber, pineapple and carrot pickles), Tempe Ikan Bilis (anchovies tempe salad), Kerabu Sotong (spicy squid salad), Kerabu Ikan Tuna (spicy tuna salad), Kerabu Taugeh (spicy bean sprouts salad), Kerabu Ubut-ubur (spicy jelly fish salad), Kerabu Kaki Ayam (spicy chicken feet salad), Cucumber & Mint Raita and Cucumber Salad.

On top of that, there would also be the Pasembur, Taukua Sumbat (stuffed bean curd), a variety of deep fried salted seawater and fresh water fish (Ikan Masin Goreng) such as Ikan Gelama (common jewfish), Ikan Sepat (gourami/trichopodus trichopterus) and Ikan Bulu Ayam (anchovy family/thryssa mystax/moustached thryssa).

You can also check out the assortment of fruit pickles (pelbagai jeruk) and crackers (Keropok Ikan, Keropok Udang & Papadum) too.

Before starting off with the main dishes, let’s have a look at the action counters for lighter palate of local fares. You would have the Murtabak Ayam, served with Chicken Curry and Dhaal Curry; the Bread & Rolls section with assorted soups such as Soto Ayam (Indonesian chicken soup), Sup Kambing Berempah (spiced mutton soup) & Sup Daging Utara (beef soup); and the Noodles section where you would have soup based such as prawn, chicken and curry.

The Main Dishes section would be a spoil for options as you would have dishes ranging from Malay cuisine with a light mix of Chinese cuisine. Dishes to watch out would include Nasi Putih, Nasi Beriyani, Nasi Tomato Ayam Goreng Madu Berbijan, Daging Rendang Tok, Masak Lemak Ketam Bunga, Ikan Goreng Berempah & Daun Kari, Ayam Percik, Sotong Goreng Kunyit Berkuah, Gulai Itik Serati Kelantan, Kambing Kurma Ala India, Pajeri Terung, Sayur Kobis Goreng Kunyit, Kailan Masak Ikan Masin, Sambal Kangkung, Ayam Masak Rempah Hijau, Daging Masak Lada Hitam, Kepah Masak Cili Kering, Ikan Tilapia Masak Manis Masam, Kacang Panjang Goreng Sambal Udang Kering and Sayur Campur Ala Cina. There would also be an action counter serving your fresh fish in their signature Kari Ikan Dengan Bendi Ala Mamak.

To end your meal, you can always start with the fruit sections. You would have the Rojak Buah (fruit rojak) with local tropical fruits options, served with thick and delicious rajak sauce, crushed peanuts and toasted sesame seeds. There would also be a fresh fruit cuts section where you could also savor some seasonal fruits such as the mangosteens. Coffee and Tea would also be available here with options such as Teh Tarik and Nescafe Tarik on top of the availability of Air Sirap Ros on each table.

As for those with sweeter tooth, there would be 2 sections of Desserts areas serving you a mixture of Western and local delicacies. The varieties would include Bubur Kacang, Bubur Gandum, Bubur Pulut Hitam, Bubur Jagung, Chinese Pancake, Sesame Balls, Assortments of Puddings and Jellies, Tartlets, Pandan Layer Cake, Cheese Cake, Bread Pudding, Sago Gula Melaka, Floating Island, English Trifle, Crème Brulee and Herbal Jelly.

Local delicacies would include the Malaysian Kuih-Muih such as Karipap, Popiah Goreng, Donut, Kuih Ketayap, Kuih Cara Manis, Kuih Keria, Kuih Puteri Ayu, Kuih Bingka Jagung, Kuih Lapis and more.

There would also be a counter for your favorite Penang Ais Kacang, Cendul and a selection of Ice Cream flavors.

Overall, the spread of dishes for the Ramadan promotion was indeed overwhelming, considering that its offered price is also very attractive. Moreover, there would also be prayer rooms to further cater to its Muslim guests celebrating this blessed month. The “Tok Wan 101 Recipes” Ramadan Buffet is priced at RM48++ per adult and RM30++ per child (aged 4-12 years old) from 29 June 2014 until 27 July 2014. 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-9.30pm (Ramadan Buffet from 29 June 2014 until 27 July 2014)
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: 8/10 (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)

If you think that all the surrounding 24 hours eateries are some of the venues convenient to kill your hunger at odd times of the day, then Barista @ Vistana Hotel Penang will be your next haunt. Either you are in a rush for a morning coffee boost, a quick breakfast or soothe your hunger in the middle of the night, you can also drop by at the Barista as it would be opened 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Whether you are a hotel guest or a walk-in customer, the little kiosk like Barista would have something to you convenience. The good news is all items are at nett price.

Let’s look at their All Day Menu to get an idea on what you could get at Barista. You can click to enlarge to photo for a better view.

For those healthy diners, you can go for their Healthy2Go Set (RM13.00 per set) which would include an energy bar, fruit of the day, a piece of Danish pastry, your choice of yoghurt and your choice of coffee, tea or juice.

On the other hand, they also have the Local2Go Set (RM13.00 per set) which would include your choice of local dish (Nasi Lemak or Mee Siam), a piece of Curry Puff and your choice of coffee, tea or juice. I quite like the flavors of the Chicken Curry as it had a touch of the Nyonya Curry Kapitan.

There are also options for Sandwiches (RM11.00 each), namely Egg Mayo (Wholemeal Bread with Egg Salad and Lettuce), Roman Chicken Caesar (Wholemeal Bread with Grilled Chicken, Cheese, Lettuce and Caesar Dressing), Creamy Tuna (Croissant with Tuna, Lettuce and Mayonnaise), Classic Corned Beef (Ciabatta Bread with Corned Beef, Rocket, Lettuce, Gherkins and Mayonnaise) and Crunchy Wrap (Vegetarian – Flour Tortilla with Mixed Lettuce, Beans, Aubergine and Carrots). For beef lovers, you should try out their Classic Corned Beef as the kitchen had prepared the filling rather nicely without the overpowering beefy taste.

For a lighter palate, you could always opt for their Salads selections such as their Mixed Green Salad (RM10.00), Thai Papaya Salad (RM10.00), Soba Noodles Salad (RM10.00) or their Rojak Buah (RM8.00). I quite like the Rojak Buah which consisted of tropical fruits such as Guava, Water Apple, Mango, Starfruits and Pineapple, all cut into a bit too small bite sizes. I won’t mind too if they could come out with another option with added vegetables such as jicama (sengkuang) and cucumber as the accompanied rojak sauce was quite compatible to those hawkers’ version to ease my rojak craving.

Alternatively, there are also the Quickies if you are in a hurry such as catching a flight or rushing to a meeting. The choices include Yoghurt (RM2.50), Muffin (RM3.50), Danish Pastry (RM3.50), Energy Bar (RM5.00), Instant Nissin Noodles (RM8.00), Mee Siam (RM10.00) and Nasi Lemak (RM10.00).

As for your coffee or tea booster, there are many options as shown in the menu above. Basically, they are serving BonTea and BonCafe, 100% Arabica Coffee beans hailing from Central & South America and Africa, medium roasted with a slight sourness. I tried the Espresso (RM6.00) which was infused with rich, bittersweet and slightly sour characteristics of an Italian espresso. On the other hand, their Caramel Cappuccino (RM10.00) had a rounded mouth-feel with a slight nuttiness and bittersweet aftertaste. For a not so sweet option, you should try out their Vanilla Cappuccino (RM10.00) which I quite like for its creamy yet mild sweetness taste.

You can also try out their Signature Crushes (RM11.00 each) such as Vibes (Watermelon, Lychee and Orange), Verve (Tropical Mix, Mango and Banana) and Value (Apple, Lychee, Lime, Carrot and Cucumber). Somehow, I quite like the Verve Crush as it had that creaminess of my choice.

We also tried out their Frappe (RM10.00 each), namely Vanilla and Chocolate. I kind of like the Vanilla version here.

They do serve Smoothies (RM10.00 each) as well. We tried the Mixed Berries, Mango and Mix & Match. Well, I’m a berries lover, so you know which one was my favorite~ 😛

On top of that, there are also other options of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks for you to choose.

Who knows you might end up having a sip of their Cabernet Sauvignon (RM18.00 per glass or RM80.00 per bottle) while having a short meeting over there?

Overall, the dishes served here belonged to the fast food category as almost everything would be heated up with a microwave. The only drawback would be the dryness of the food in certain dishes. I guessed the staff has yet to learn how to master the usage of the microwave. Ideally, half a mug of hot water should be placed inside the microwave while heating up the food as this process would help in maintaining the moisture within the food.

The Barista is located right after you enter the hotel lobby of Vistana Hotel Penang along Jalan Bukit Gambir. It has a long table in front with more sitting places at the bar counter. There are a few cubicles with nice sofa for your quick meeting and light internet usages. You can either park your car right at the side and go in to grab your food or park your car in the basement which would require you to get a token from the receptionist to scan your way out.

Name: BARISTA @ VISTANA HOTEL PENANG
Address: 213 Jalan Bukit Gambir, 11950 Bukit Jambul, Penang, Malaysia.
Contact: 604- 646 8000
Business Hours: 24 hours
GPS: 5.336334, 100.291527

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