At
the entrance to Makan Kitchen, I spot a wooden rickshaw in the display along
with traditional kitchen items common among local race groups: tudung saji, a food cover woven from mengkuang leaves, stone mortars and
pestles, aluminum tiffin carrier and hot water flask, enamel double-boiling
pots and a Peranakan woven lacquer basket.
 |
| A welcome entrance to the Makan Kitchen to join the Silk Road journey this Ramadan at DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Baru |
This
collection of traditional items gives me reason to pause and guess: What is the
theme for the Ramadan spread in DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Baru this year?
Inside
the restaurant, a camel is crouched down among the attractive buffet spread on
display for the Jom Makan Ramadan
breaking-of-fast meals.
This,
I soon discover, is the center-piece of their featured range of Mediterranean
and Arabic cuisine. [No, the camel is not to be eaten – it’s just for display!]
As
I walk around to have a closer look at the creatively curated menu, I learn
that the buffet spread at Makan Kitchen this Ramadan is inspired by the ancient
Silk Road.
 |
| Check out a camel crouched among the buffet spread! |
The
Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and
West by road and sea between Asia with the Middle East and southern Europe.
Its
name was derived from the lucrative trade in silk that started in China during
the Han dynasty.
Besides
being the trade route of textiles and spices, the Silk Road was also the route
for the exchange and spread of religions including Islam.
The
Silk Road played a significant role in the development of civilizations and
opened long-distance political, social and economic relations between China,
Korea, Japan, India, Iran/Persia, Arabia, Europe and even the horn of Africa.
 |
| The Lamb Moussaka is the most eye-catching of the main course items among Mediterranean and Arabic specialties |
As
the Makan Kitchen is popular for its Chinese,
Malay and Indian kitchens, that the Silk Road theme is rather apt to describe
the freshly prepared items from Marche-style Asian live-cooking stations as
well as an array of International
items in the buffet spread here.
Dubbed
Marche @ Makan Kitchen, the menu of
Chinese, Malay, Indian and International items features Mediterranean and
Arabic specialties that include a range of appetizers, main course to dessert
items.
Among
the appetizers like Kibbeh, Tabbouleh, Hummus Bi Tahini, Baba Ganoush, Fattoush
Salad, Batata Hara, Zaatar Olive Salad and Foul Meddamas. I find the Falafel
rather pleasing – and even went back to the buffet for another helping.
 |
| Pick from a range of sweet temptations... |
The
Lamb Moussaka is evidently the most eye-catching of the main course items,
along with Shikh Tauok, Morrocan Vegetable Tagine, Grilled Kebab Parisian
style, Grilled Cilantro Shrimp and Morrocan Grilled Lamb Shoulder.
Typically
Middle-Eastern sweets like assorted Baklava, Um Ali, Barbossa, Balah El Sham
and Muhallabiyeh are also presented to satisfy sweet-toothed diners.
Marche @ Makan Kitchen is
served from May 17 to June 14, from
6.30pm to 10pm. Prices at RM168 nett/adult and RM84 nett/child.
Jom Makan Ramadan
breaking-of-fast meals are also presented in Feast @ 11, an Asian Buffet hosted at the Ballroom on Level 11
from May 21 to June 7, from 6.30pm to 10pm. Prices at RM138
nett/adult and RM69 nett/child.
 |
| Enjoy the comfort of double-boiled Chinese soups! |
The
buffet spread here is a veritable feast of Asian delights plus popular
International favourites like Seafood-on-Ice and a live-station that serves
Roasted Lamb.
While
the buffet menu may vary daily, there are still staples in the range of delicious
appetizers, salads, desserts and main course items.
Some
of the exciting live-cooking stations include Hainanese Beef Noodles, Chicken
Rice served with Pipa Duck and
Barbecued Emperor Chicken, Seabass steamed in superior sauce, Malay delicacies
like grilled Satay, Chicken Soto soup, Lontong, Rendang and Burasak (a Bugis
rice specialty) served with Assam Pedas Fish.
 |
| A delicious must-have at Ramadan! |
Speaking
about live-stations in Feast @ 11, the ever popular serving of fresh durians – split opened and served
to diners – will be back again to please fans of this thorny fruit!
Makan
Kitchen is also a popular venue for festive meals during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.
Choose
from Hari Raya Dinner on June 15
& 16 (RM168 nett/adult and RM84 nett/child) and Hari Raya High Tea on 15, 16, & 17 June (RM108 nett/adult and
RM54 nett/child).
DoubleTree
by Hilton JB is at 12 Jalan Ngee Heng, 80000 Johor Baru, Johor. The Makan
Kitchen is on the lobby level while the Ballroom is on Level 11.
To
purchase your Jom Makan vouchers, Tel:
+6012 – 7841842 or email: Nurulatiqah.Irwan@hilton.com.
For
enquiries and reservations, Tel: 607 – 268 6868. Website:
JohorBahru.DoubleTree.com
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