Citarasa Muhibbah at Fraser Place PH

The brand new Fraser Place Puteri Harbour is hosting its first ever buka puasa buffet and I’m among the guests at Swatches, their all-day dining restaurant, for a preview of the spread designed in the theme, Citarasa Muhibbah.

A section of the Citarasa Muhibbah buffet served from the
central island in Swatches, Fraser Place Puteri Harbour

When I step into Swatches, I’m struck by the cheerful ambience in a dining hall that boasts a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that offers a panoramic view of the harbour and beyond.

Bathed in the lowering rays of the setting sun, the whitewashed interior of Swatches seems to be shining with a golden glow.

Bringing my focus back to the buffet, I can see that the central island in the restaurant is carefully laid out with a range of appetizers, desserts, cookies, crisps and other breaking-of-fast must-haves.

The reception at Swatches, an all-day dining restaurant

I take a closer look and discover the ever-popular Roti John and squares of Murtabak, a selection of kerabu salads and ulam-ulam or kampung greens to savour with traditional sauces, and a range of favourite Malay kuih and Raya cookies.

I spy the chefs at the live action stalls and head over to watch as a chef is carving the restaurant’s signature dish, Ikan Bakar (baked) Sambal Strawberry, dubbed “Triple S” the short-form for Salmon Sambal Strawberry.

At my first taste, I must say that there is indeed something very agreeable about its flavour that combines the taste of tangy strawberries and spicy sambal drizzled over juicy flakes of salmon, wrapped in its crispy skin.

Don't miss Salmon Sambal Strawberry

Fish-lovers will also appreciate the taste of whole fish – locally called cincaru – stuffed and topped with sambal from the hot buffet.

There is yet another choice, chunks of fish – freshly fried in sambal and served from at an action station.

Among the items in the hot buffet are popular treats for the breaking-of-fast presented in a large serving of Nasi Arab to savour with slow-roasted lamb and Bubur Lambuk, a traditional rice porridge.

As I discover a range of dishes, handpicked from the cuisine of our multi-cultural community, I think the Citarasa Muhibbah spread certainly lives up to its theme.

Besides Ayam Penyet, there are Chilli Crab with rich gravy, Sweet & Sour sauce Fish Fillet, Salted Egg Prawns, Fish Curry with lots of vegetables, Asam Pedas Fish and Gulai Lemak Sotong with Pineapple.

In a separate live Barbecue station, there is a choice of juicy barbecued meats as well as beef and chicken satay served with its condiments.

Lip-smacking whole fish, stuffed cincaru

I take a closer look at the Noodle stall which serves Assam Laksa and Mee Rebus, and understand that the daily choice of noodles will vary because Char Kway Teow or fried flat rice noodles, is also on the menu.

Anticipating the festive season, it’s never too early to enjoy festive favourites like ketupat (rice cakes) and lemang (glutinous rice rolls) served with peanut sauce and serunding.

On a separate counter, I spy a row of drink dispensers filled with refreshing cool drinks and notice that only one dispenser is placed over a heating flame.

Believe me - You will want a second helping of
Gulai Lemak Sotong with Pineapple

This is warm Teh Tarik or pulled-milk tea in a dispenser, conveniently prepared for diners to help themselves to this refreshing treat.

In addition, there is a choice of quality tea provided in teabags to brew a mug or two of non-caffeinated tea to sip while we nibble on the cakes and cookies.

From warm drinks, I go on to discover the self-serve station to create my own shaved-ice concoction for Ayer Batu Campur (ABC) and add in a choice of toppings.

For a moment, I guess it’s only my imagination but after another sniff, my nose is able to distinguish the distinct aroma of Malaysia’s King of Fruits.

I follow my nose back to the buffet and zero-in on a platter of deep-fried crispy wonton or pouches of noodle dough, which (on closer examination!) is clearly the source of that strong aroma.

Deep-fried Durian Tempura that resemble crispy wonton

These are Swatches’ special deep-fried wonton, not filled with the usual pouch of minced meat but stuffed with the creamy flesh of real durian! Mmm…

For a first-timer, Swatches is doing well with a modest buffet spread of good food.

The Citarasa Muhibbah buffet will be served at Swatches restaurant from May 7 to June 3, daily from 6.30pm daily during the Ramadan month.

Price at RM108 nett for adult and RM63 nett for children aged between six to 11 years. Kids up to age five, dine for Free.

Early Bird vouchers may be purchased at RM90 nett per adult, available from now till May 5 only at Swatches Restaurant.

For group bookings of 150 guests, diners will enjoy the privilege of a private dining experience.

For reservations, Tel: +607 530 8837 / 530 8805 or email to: sales.puteriharbourjohor@frasershospitality.com

Swatches restaurant is on the lobby level of Fraser Place Puteri Harbour, located at Persiaran Tanjung, Pengkalan Puteri, 79000 Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

Website: www.frasershospitality.com