I’m
reading the theme of the Ramadan buffet at Olla Restaurant again, Citarasa Malam Samudera and wonder what it means in English. For a moment, Malam Samudera sounds rather romantic…
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| Preparing to toss ingredients into a salad at the Salad Station |
“Where
have I come across that word, Samudera?”
I ask myself while mulling over this familiar word.
Meanwhile my eyes take in
the array of dishes displayed indoors in the sections for the hot buffet, noodles,
desserts and salads.
It’s
difficult to think hard as I’m getting distracted by the colourful spread
of fresh fruits and vegetables, to toss into the diners’ own mix of appetizing
salads.
As I look
at the ingredients that should go into making typical salads like Malaysian rojak, Indonesian bumbu and Thai som tam,
it strikes me that these salads have their origin in three different South East
Asian nations.
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| A selection of kerabu and sambal sauces for ulam-ulaman |
I soon
figure out that this Ramadan buffet is in fact, inspired by the cuisines from these
three countries which are collectively known as Samudera!
Executive
Chef Zaim Abdullah and his team of talented chefs have designed six menus that
will be served in rotation, to take diners on a culinary journey through the
region and beyond.
Besides
Malaysian, Indonesian and Thai, the dishes in the buffet spread include popular
food items from Indian, Arabian and European menus.
In
the tradition of buka puasa, there is
a selection of appetizing kerabu, fresh
garden greens as well as ulam-ulaman
that are complemented by a choice of local sambals and Western dressings, to whet
the appetite for more food.
 |
| A choice of ingredients to add to your hot noodles |
Besides
a choice of soupy noodles and dim sum (kept warm in a multi-level steamer!),
there is a range of hot food to enjoy with steamed white rice.
At
the Noodles Station, the daily choice of noodles with gravy will rotate among selections
like Laksa Johor, Laksa Penang, Laksa Nyonya Melaka and Indonesian Bakso.
The
Citarasa Malam Samudera theme continues with Baked Whole Fish and Roasted Leg
of Lamb that are marinated in Indonesian recipe flavours.
I
recognise mouthwatering favourites like Asam Pedas Ayam Asam Keping, Hati Ayam
Kari Berlada, Ikan Masak Kical Daun Serai and Lamb Keema among other local
dishes.
 |
| A section of guests at the hot buffet |
I’m
quite impressed to see yet another Ramadan buffet that serves duck, this time
in the Peking Duck recipe to enjoy with Nasi Lemak!
In
the dessert section, there is a variety of warm, traditional sweet broths served
in charming earthen pots, and a range of local kueh, cakes, pastries, puddings and jellies.
Through
a glass wall, I spy a row of stalls in the outdoor section where chefs are busy
at the live-cooking stations.
As
I watch the steam rising from freshly cooked food, I appreciate how this wall is keeping the air fresh and cool within the restaurant.
 |
| Check out those traditional earthen pots! |
When
I step outside to have a closer look at what the stalls are serving, I’m literally
walking into a cloud of warm and appetizing aromas…
There
are hot and comforting soups on the stove as well as Bubur Lambuk, a traditional
broth for Ramadan, to warm the stomach after a day of fasting.
Here
the hot grills are barbecuing whole fish topped with fragrant sambal and on
another grill, I see a whole roasted lamb – ready to be served.
Nearby
a chef is kneading dough to make paratha and murtabak.
 |
| Shawarma [Right] will go into the freshly made bread! |
Another
exciting item at the buffet is Chicken Shawarma – meat grilled Middle-Eastern
style – but here, it’s a different experience when the Shawarma is stuffed in
bread or when Shawarma is a topping on pan pizza!
Everyone
enjoys the fried stuff so there is a stall for freshly fried fritters made with
bananas and sweet potatoes, and popular snacks like keropok lekor and cucur udang, among other fried favourites.
A
variety of fresh fruits are offered from a separate stall and while I can spot various local fruits, I cannot see durian but I can smell it. I follow my
nose and discover why:
 |
| Durian serawa is served kawah style! |
Nearby, a chef is preparing durian serawa, kawah-style!
Durian
lovers will enjoy this traditional durian broth as it is or drizzled over
steamed glutinous rice or with chunks of bread. Whichever way, I’m sure it will
go down well!
Early bird special deals for the
buffet from now till May 16 are priced at RM79 nett per adult and RM49 nett per
child aged from four to 11 years.
The
sumptuous spread for Citarasa Malam Samudera Buffet at Olla Restaurant will be
served from May 21 to June 12,
priced at RM99 nett per adult and RM59 nett per child aged from four to 11 years.
Olla
Restaurant is at the lobby level of Hotel Granada Johor Baru, located at 55,
Jalan Indah 15/2, Bukit Indah, 81200 Johor Baru, Johor.
For
enquiries and reservations, Tel: +607 – 231 8805 or +6016 – 772 7352.
For more
info, visit website: www.careluxuryhotels.com/hotel-granada.
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