"Iftar": Ramadhan Buka Puasa @ TEMPTationS, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel

It's almost the fasting month, 

ever think of where to celebrate this King of feasts with friends and family?

From 19 July to 18 August 2012, the TEMPTationS, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel buffet offers a wide array of all the Buka Puasa specials. Personally, I'm quite amazed as they serve one of the most extensive buffets that I've ever tried. 

DAILY SPECIAL

#1 Roasted Whole Lamb Served With Percik Sauce 

As I fill my plate with many local favourites around the buffet table, I realise that half of the lamb is already gone in just a few minutes! It sells like a hot cake, and my dining companions unanimously agree that the tender, juicy meat is perfect when accompanied by sweet and spicy touch of percik sauce.

STARTERS

#2 Kerabu

As for me, the appetizer I shouldn't miss is the local salad, which comes in 7 different types daily. There I have Kerabu Jantung Pisang, Kerabu Kacang Botol, Kerabu Betik, and Kerabu Sotong; Just to name a few. 

All time buka puasa favourites that I didn't get to try include Gado-gado, Ulam, Rojak Buah, Pasembor, Acar Buah and Lemang with its accompanying chicken meat floss, Serunding.

#3 Assorted Jeruk

Craving for something tantalizing, I go for some fruit pickles. Out of the 7 daily selections, my number one vote goes to Jeruk Kedondong and Jeruk Mangga.

#4 Jeruk Buah Kelubi

#5 Tauhu Sumbat 

#6 Sambal Cili Kicap & Sambal Cencaluk

The starter itself is so authentically local that my stomach is already half-filled. Now let's move to the savoury varieties of traditional and modern favourites. Here we go, to rediscover the joys of good food and reconnect with your family and loved ones!

LOCAL MAIN COURSES

#7 Nasi Kunyit 

A must-have in our Malaysian buffet is of course the staple food, rice! Served steaming hot in a pot, you can choose from Nasi Dagang, Nasi Briyani, Nasi Tomato, Nasi Berempah and Nasi Minyak. I have to agree that the nasi kunyit is so tantalizingly fragrant and fluffy, crowned with crunchy cashew nuts. I enjoy every spoonful of rice with touches of aromatic deep-fried onion flakes and green spring onions!

#8 Bubur Lambuk Ayam

If you find rice is rather filling for you, this special kind of Malay porridge is best served during the break of fast! My mouth waters as the aroma of various spices wafts in the air, how can I resist this delicious broth of smooth porridge?

#9 Gulai Ikan Tenggiri

Stewed in thick curry broth, I simply fall in love with this mackerel fish curry which brings a mixed concoctions of spicy and sour taste, along with the bursting flavours from the assorted vegetables. Best to go with steamed white rice!

#10 Udang Lemak Cili Padi Nenas 

So rich and smooth in texture, the seafood sweetness coupled with generous amount of coconut milk is simply intriguing. A must-try for prawn lovers!

#11 Itik Rendang Kering 

Besides Malaysians' favourite Rendang Ayam Kampong, the duck dried rendang emerges as one of my favourites. The fragrant smell is contributed by the long hours of simmering coconut milk and spices, which in turn keeps the duck meat so moist and not as tough as I thought.

#12 Terung Sambal 

To further tease your palate, you'd enjoy the a la minute juicy Chicken & Beef Satays with its typical peanut sauce and Ikan Bakar accompanied by hot and spicy sauces at the live kitchen corner.

#13 Goan Curry Fish 

To explore the traditional local taste, TEMPTationS includes Indian and Chinese stations which feature Masala, Tikka, Seafood Dumplings and Stewed Mushroom, just to name a few.

#14 Laksa- Condiments and Broths 

The live noodles station also catches my attention as I'm spoilt with a huge selection of Fried Noodle, Penang Laksa, Laksa Kelantan, Nyonya Laksa and Mee Bandung.

#15 Assam Laksa 

It's a standard mixture of chunks of shallots, fish, and pineapple that absorb the savoury broth, which is flavoured with lashings of dried tamarind skins and prawn paste. Hot and spicy, every spoonful is so filling with flaked fish meat!

LOCAL DESSERTS

#16 Local Classic Desserts

When it comes to desserts, the steaming broths of Bubur Pulut Hitam and Bubur Keledek are so popular among the diners of the evening. Not to forget, the dainty Malay kuih is displayed in such an exquisite way that attracts me as well.

#17 Kek Lapis Nusantara 

Another highlight of the meal, the local layered cake, which is traditionally known for its unique taste and ways of preparation. Between each firm layer lies the moist spongy texture, it's simply delicious and not cloying at all! Did I mention that there are baskets of Buah Kurma (dates) for you on the buffet spread too?

#18 Selection of Malay and Nyonya Kuih

#19 Leng Chee Kang 

I'm surprised to discover my childhood favourite here, Leng Chee Kang, that is popular for its cooling properties derived from a variety of pre-cooked ingredients mixed in syrup. Choose from more than 20 condiments, and prepare one as creatively as you can.

HOT DESSERTS

#20 Bread and Butter Pudding 

#21 Chocolate Fountain with Marshmallows

INTERNATIONAL DESSERTS

#22 Chocolate Fudge Cake

The chocolate fudge cake is very rich and compact with choco goodness, but nothing can beat the Blackforest Cake here! I didn't manage to take any picture of that because I'm totally drawn into enjoying the slice of moist cake filled with chunks of berries within the gooey chocolate mousse.

#23 Marble Cheese Cake

Cheese lover, fret not; There goes your favourite compact cheesy cake. If the cheese and tart can be of more moisture and softer in texture, it could be a winning taste!

#24 Apple Pie

#25 Raspberry Jelly

Putting an endnote to the sumptuous dinner, I head to the live station where local chefs prepare Kuih Rempah Udang and Pulut Panggang, besides indulging into varieties of local and international mouth-watering desserts. It is indeed a highly enjoyable experience to rediscover the true Malaysian flavours during this holy month of Ramadhan.

"Iftar" Delights for Ramadhan Buka Puasa at TEMPTationS

Duration: 19 July to 18 August 2012
Time: 6.30pm to 10.30pm daily
Price: RM95++ (adult) & RM47.50++ (children from 6 to 11 years old)
Reservation: Call 03-2162 2233 or email rhi.kulrn.fb@renaissancehotels.com

Verdict:

1. From appetizers to desserts, I have over 100 choices for a sumptuous meal. Awesome!

2. Recommended: Gulai, Udang Lemak Cili Padi Nenas and Blackforest Cake.

3. Pricewise, my wallet is as satisfied as my stomach. Surely you'd pay for the value of good food and some quality time with the loved ones and family during the fasting month.

TEMPTationS
Lobby Level, East Wing
Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel
Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail & Jalan Ampang, 
50450 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: 603-2162 2233
Email: rhi.kulrn.fb@renaissancehotels.com
Website: www.klrenaissance.com
Facebook: fb.com/marriott
Operating Hours: 6.00am - 10.30pm daily