JW Marriott “Preserving Heritage” Ramadhan Buffet, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Photo Courtesy JW Marriott, Ramadhan Buffet 2014
Photo Courtesy JW Marriott

JW Marriott “Preserving Heritage” Ramadhan Buffet

Words and photos by Kristin Cosgrove

The holy month of Ramadhan is quickly approaching, a special time for Muslims to reflect, renew and reunite.  Sunrise to sunset marks a period of fasting, cleansing the mind and body, atoning for sins and bringing one closer to Allah.

Photo Courtesy JW Marriott, Ramadhan Buffet 2014
Photo Courtesy JW Marriott
Even for non-Muslims in Malaysia, Ramadhan is an exciting time.  Festivities and cultural activities are on offer at malls, and hotels and restaurants offer promotions and extravagant evening buffets.  These aren’t only for our Muslim brothers and sisters to “berbuka puasa” (break fast). They are also unmatched opportunities for foodies of every faith to feast on the Malaysian delicacies of the season.  
The posh JW Marriott recently hosted a sneak preview of its “preserving heritage” Ramadhan Buffet, running 28 June through 27 July, and I can assure you there is a reason is has the reputation of being one of the best Ramadhan spreads in town. This expansive buffet boasts the promise of 130 dishes to sample – the best dishes traditionally served during Ramadhan throughout the various states of Malaysia.
The Poolside area on the 6th floor and the Starhill Conference Centre on the 4th floor will be transformed into a setting reminiscent of a “kampong” (traditional village) with spectacular displays, beautiful batik table coverings and thatched- roofed food stations. The dinner is tremendous value at only RM75++ for the Conference Centre and RM85++ to sit in the Poolside area.
Food Station, JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014
Food stations reminiscent of Kampong style
Our tasting took place Poolside during a balmy afternoon and represented about half of the foods that will be on offer during the actual promotion, but that was certainly much more than enough! I had planned to only take a small helping of select foods, hoping to maximize the number of dishes I could try. This proved futile – I was stuffed before I was even half done! And I’ll admit, I took seconds of a few of my early favorites, which was my undoing. 
JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014
Buffet Spread
Among those favorites were the Ayam Masak Merah (chicken in red sauce) which was simply divine. Tender chicken in spicy sauce had my taste buds dancing. The Rendang Daging is always a seasonal favorite; its complex mix of spices and coconut milk slow cooked with the meat is one of the delights of living in South East Asia. The Daging Salai Masak Lemak Cili Padi (smoked sliced beef in spicy coconut sauce) was a dish new to my palate, one which I hope to revisit very soon.  
JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014
Ayam Masak Merah
JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014

JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014
Beef Rendang
JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014

JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014

The fresh salad station was a delight to behold, a festival of colors bursting off the table. Acar Jelatah (pineapple and cucumber salad), Gado Gado, (mixed veggies with peanut sauce) and a host of others all served as exciting explorations in textures and flavors. 
JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014
JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014
Gado Gado
The Sambal Sambal Melayu (Malaysian salsa) station will delight those with tastes that lean toward such dishes – there will be no fewer than six included in the buffet!
JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014

JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014

JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014

The grill outside was alive with the glorious smell of roasting meat and fish. Satay was an obvious tasty choice here, and the grilled tilapia was outstanding. The standout, though, was the Kambing Panggang (rosted lamb) with black pepper sauce. Yum!
JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014
Fish waiting for the BBQ
JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014
Grilled Talapia
JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014

Desserts range from some Western options like bread pudding, many lighter fruit options, as well as many, many Malaysian treats. Be sure to save room for the Pengat Pisang (sweet banana porridge) as well as the traditional Kuih Ketayap, one of my favourites.
JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014
JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014
Fresh Fruit Display
JW Marriott Ramadhan Buffet, 2014
Bread Pudding
Some of the stations that are not pictured here which will be on offer include a Chicken Rice, Fried Snacks, Indian Rice, Tandoori and Noodles stations, just to name a few. With the high quality and vast amount of food presented for the tasting, one can only imagine what a decadent and extravagant affair the actual promotion will be! I’m already planning my return during Ramadhan. You would be wise to add it to your holiday calendar as well.
Reason to visit: Great value for money, a chance to sample 130 Malaysian dishes, a posh kampong ambiance with JW cachet. 
The Ramadhan Buffet at JW Marriott will be held 28 June through 27 July and is priced at RM75++ per person at the conference centre and RM85++ per person at the poolside area. For reservations, call +6 03 2719 8666 or email: [email protected]
JW Marriott
183 Jalan Bukit Bintang 
Kuala Lumpur 55100
Malaysia
+6 03 2719 8666

[email protected]

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3 Comments

  1. damn, that ikan keli sure looks very enticing!

  2. Wow, the presentations are amazing!

  3. nyumm. nyumm.. sedap nyee!! meleleh ayq liuq 🙂

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