Join the Silk Road this Ramadan at DTH JB

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