Kuala Lumpur - BUKA Puasa Buffets are an excellent opportunity for everyone to sample a wide range of delicious Malay and Ramadhan dishes. The Islander, Trader Hotel‘s coffee house, is an ideal place to go.
The cheerful ground floor outlet is a pleasure to eat in. It‘s modern and sparkling, the minimalist decor sleek and trendy (love the bunga kantan floating in tall transparent vases).
As you enter, the food counters are positioned on the right, under bright shining lights which beckon you invitingly to come and see what‘s on offer that evening.
“We have dishes from different states. So, our guests will be able to sample food from all over Malaysia,” said executive chef Francis Arokianathan.
With five sets of menu which change daily, you can be assured of plenty to choose from whenever you visit.
There‘s always a good selection of appertisers to kick off with, although with the recent cool rainy nights, you might like to warm up with a hot soup like local speciality Sup Ekor Lembu or Soto Ayam first. A piping hot bowl of noodles from the action station will do the job equally well. It was Fish Head Bee Hoon on the menu that night, but the Laksa Johor and Laksa Pak Cik Ramlee also sounded interesing.
Alternatively, start with one of the green, leafy salads with dressings or, depending on the day, a spicy, crunchy kerabu, ulam or gado gado.
Hygienically laid out on crushed ice are fresh sashimi and seafood. “These are must-haves that regulars have come to expect,” said assistant communications manager Eileen Chong.
Hot food is kept at the right temperature in large round stainless steel chafing platters. They are filled with a delightful array of colourful savouries: vegetables, curries, sambal and other dishes, all designed to tempt the hungry diner even more.
The Rendang Daging was tasty, and the aromatic Sayur Masak Lemak, assorted vegetables cooked in coconut milk soup with a handful of dried prawns thrown in, was also on par.
There‘s always something different on offer at the grill counter.
The Roti Jala Murtabak was served with a spicy, lip-smacking chicken curry although there might be Cucur Udang, Nasi Lemak or Grilled Fish (Ikan Bakar) when you go.
As usual though, do leave room for pudding, as there‘s always a large selection of desserts and kueh on offer, including Sago Gula Melaka, a hot bubur and different-flavoured ice creams with yummy sauces to dribble over.
The Islander‘s Ramadhan Buffet is on till Sept 30. By HELEN ONG
Source: http://thestar.com.my (September 12, 2008)