By Aiman Azri
Stepping into Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar's flagship restaurant for buka puasa, it's clear that the Ramadan spirit is in full swing. Joyous cartoon pop-ups of Malaysian children welcome you at the entrance. Inside, families and friends are digging into a buffet dinner of more than 150 dishes that beautifully represent local cuisine, under a decor of ketupat and crescent moons. A ghazal band entertains with traditional Malay songs, set to the beat of the kompang. It's so buoyantly festive, it feels like celebrating Aidilfitri early.
LINK All Day Dining's Sajian Selera Desa Dinner Buffet captures the essence of the modern Malaysian Ramadan in both its setting and its cooking, with a distinct spread that encompasses not only cherished Malay classics but Chinese and Indian favourites too. It's the hot and hearty flavour of muhibbah heaped on your plate, with everything from Ikan Masak Tempoyak to Pak Choi and Lamb Varuval ready for the feasting - you can savour tender bites of Kajang-inspired satay, swiftly followed by freshly made roti canai. For folks who love Malaysian fare, this is poised to excite the palate.
Step outside to the terrace to witness stalls serving a massive variety of foods, most prominently the Roasted Whole Lamb, marinated in Executive Chef Juzaili's special blend of spices that bring out the flavour of the meat to the fullest, tender and dripping with juices. While it's satisfying enough on its own, condiments like black pepper sauce, mushroom sauce and mint sauce are all provided.
Chef Juzaili boasts more than a dozen years of professional experience, including seven years in Dubai, with five years so far at Pullman Bangsar Kuala Lumpur, so he draws from a rich reservoir of recipes - his Nasi Ikan is a should-try, evoking a speciality he first saw at an exclusive VIP-invite-only restaurant in Saudi Arabia. This features a Middle Eastern spice blend that complements three kinds of fish - sea bass, catfish and tilapia - to represent his time as a chef in the region. It's certainly one to check out if you're seeking unique dishes this Ramadan.
Befitting the best of buffets, there's so much to choose from, you could happily spend hours here. Side-by-side on the terrace are the Mongolian Grill and the Seafood Grill - select your preferred protein and watch LINK's chefs cook it up on the spot for your hot, hearty pleasure. If you can't get enough of prawns and mussels, this is the spot to check out.
Walk right up to the woks, where the Malaysian-Indonesian Gulai Kawah series promises rich curries swimming with chicken, fish, lamb and beef, encapsulating the core of kampung cooking - a nice way to whet your appetite before returning to your hometown this Raya season.
At times like these, we certainly wish we had more stomach space to explore the entire Arabic food selection (showcasing the enormous Nasi Arab Kambing, as well as chicken and lamb kebabs), as well as the Noodle Station that tempts with Curry Laksa, Prawn Mee, or Chicken Broth with your preferred noodles and toppings.
For folks who tried the Ramadan buffet here in 2017, note that last year's favourite dish is back in 2018, the Oxtail Gear Box Soup. And if you want something foreign but still familiar to accompany your meal, you'll spot some Japanese sushi alongside Malaysian salad-based hits like kerabu, ulam and rojak.
Durian devotees will adore what's next: After 830pm every evening, the Durian Stand is set up, enabling customers to dive deep into a world of durians, with everything from Musang King to D101 represented. All the durian your heart desires, indeed.
Desserts are colourfully alluring, spanning both Malaysian staples as well as international crowd-pleasers, from kuih lapis, ais kacang and cendol to cupcakes and French pastries, as well as chocolate fondue, an ice cream bar and fresh fruits. Certainly a satisfyingly sweet conclusion.
The Sajian Selera Desa Dinner Buffet runs daily, from 6pm to 10pm, priced at RM 168 nett per adult and RM 84 nett per child under 12 years of age. It is available until 10 June 2018.
LINK All Day Dining
Pullman Kuala Lumpur Bangsar, No. 1, Jalan Pantai Jaya, Tower 3, Kuala Lumpur.
For reservations call 03-2298-1888 (extension 5000), or email H7962-FB5@accor.com
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