Ramadhan Buffet 2009 @ JW Marriott Hotel KL – 108 Traditional Favorites, RM54++

I know many people are looking for a cheaper Ramadan Buffet. So I searched high and low for a prestigious hotel that offers Ramadhan Buffet at an affordable price, somewhere around RM50. That’s not an easy task especially if you are looking around Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle. Most hotels’ Ramadan Buffets are either too expensive (RM78-98++) or the hotel itself is located too far away from KL (eg. Putrajaya, Subang)
Then I saw JW Marriott’s Buka Puasa Buffet of 108 Traditional Favorites priced at RM54++ per person. I thought it fit most buffet goers’ budget and the hotel itself is prestigious enough since it’s located next to Starhill Gallery along Jalan Bukit Bintang.

The buffet is held poolside with stalls decorated in of Malay-style that give a some what ‘kampung’ ambiance. The highlight of the entire buffet gotta be the Whole Roast Lamb‘s carving station.

Chef Jamal carving the roast lamb for the diners. Bubur lambuk is also available here.

The roast lamb was not bad, better than many that I have tasted before because it was served hot and not too dry.

We loved the soft and slightly chewy Nasi Dagang with curry. Tandoori was fair.

Ayam Masak Merah and Rendang Kerang are highly recommended. The same couldn’t be said for the Daging Salai Masak Lemak Cili Padi though, I found it too tough for my liking.

Ayam Percik was enjoyable with tender chicken parts seasoned with a lot of lemongrass to give the aroma.

The Nasi Briyani with Mutton Curry was also great stuff.

But I loved the Sambal Udang with Petai a whole lot more for its super fresh prawns and spiciness. It’s quite addictive you know.

If you’re a Sup Kambing lover then you will be glad to know the Sup Kambing served for the Buka Puasa Buffet is top notch. Although a little oily, it was flavorful and the chunks of mutton were just unbelievably tender with very little smell.

It’s impossible not to have Satay in a Ramadhan Buffet, and the ones served here are meaty with a perfect balance of fat and delicious. I advise you to take those which are just off the barbecue grill because they tasted sooo much better than the cold ones.
I know because my 2nd round of satay was cold, and it just didn’t tasts as nice compared to the ones I took in the 1st round. The warmth and freshness do make a whole world of difference when it comes to food.

For Ikan Bakar there were a few types of fish available like Pari, Cencaru and Kembong. The sauces include Sambal Belacan, Sambal Kicap and Air Assam. Although fresh, it was pretty normal tasting and nothing spectacular.

The Roti Canai, Chicken Murtabak and Roti Jala were nice but not the gravy (Vegetable Curry and Vegetable Dalcha) because they are too sourish. I think you are better off dipping the roti into the Mutton or Chicken curry gravy instead.

Assorted keropok like Pappadom, Fish Keropok, Prawn Keropok, Keropok Belinja and Vegetable Keropok.

Gado Gado

Salted Fish

Desserts like Sago Gula Melaka with Santan, Gula Melaka with Cincau, Butter Cake, Chocolate Cake and Pudding.

Sago Gula Melaka and Cincau, though nothing great were interesting.

Then you have a variety of fruits as well. And now, for a quick and brief tour of the Buka Puasa Buffet.

Ais Kacang stall

Dessert stall offering traditional Malay kuih muih.

A variety of Sambal Sambal Melayu (Sambal Belacan, Sambal Tempoyak, Sambal Mangga, Sambal Nenas, Cincaluk Budu)

Malay Appetizers like Gado Gado with Peanut Sauce, Kerabu Pucuk Paku, Kerabu Daging, Kerabu Mangga with Ikan Bilis, Pickled Fruit, Acar Jelatah, Acar Rampai and Salted Fish.

Traditional mains like Gulai Beef, Ikan Tenggiri Goreng Berlada, Beef Rendang, Rendang Kerang, Ayam Percik, Ayam Masak Merah etc.

Keropok, next to the Malay Appetizers section.

A stall dedicated to teh tarik was setup and manned by a person dressed in traditional Malay clothes. Ring the bell when you want a cuppa lol. Not bad tasting and not too sweet.

Rojak section, you can mix your own rojak here if you want. Or simply ask for assistance if you are afraid it would get messy.

Quite surprised to see Pulasan being offered here. I prefer it more than rambutan because it’s sweeter and fleshier.

Fruits and dates

The buffet’s left section which houses the appetisers, traditional mains and nasi dagang, as viewed from the pool.

And the right section, where all the stalls of satay, desserts, nasi ayam, noodles are located at. Here are some of my personal thoughts regarding JW Marriott’s Buka Puasa Buffet:

1. Food is generally tasty and fresh except the normal items like roti canai, nasi ayam and keropok. Be a smart buffet goer and aim for the main dishes ok.
2. RM54++ per person is not cheap nor too expensive, it’s reasonable. After tax and service charge it’s RM62.10 per pax
3. Lack of seafood like prawns, crabs and clams
4. The 108 traditional favorites as mentioned in the buffet menu include fruits and desserts as well (not as impressive as it sounds anymore)
5. Overall quite recommended if you are looking for a good Ramadhan buffet in KL with a mid-range budget.

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