Impiana's tasty Semarak Rasa Ramadan

I’m ushered into The Tiffin where guests are taking their seats before the start of the preview of the Ramadan buffet, themed Semarak Rasa Ramadan.

Fresh local fruits are served at the buffet
themed Semarak Rasa Ramadan in Impiana Senai

I like the open-plan layout of this restaurant where at a glance, I can see the buffet laid out mainly on a central island, and that Executive Chef Arthur Lim and his culinary team are putting on the final touches to the spread.

Several stalls are set up at the restaurant entrance, serving whole roasted lamb, traditional Soup Gearbox and Ayer Batu Campur or ABC, a local shaved ice dessert.

Chef Arthur Lim tells me that this evening, the menu in the hot buffet is Nasi Arab with its complementing dishes like Lamb Shank Stew and Harrisa Potatoes.

Carving the whole roasted lamb

This menu will be served in rotation among five menus including Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Tomato, Nasi Ambeng and Nasi Tumpeng, each type of rice with its complementing dishes to showcase their pride of delectable Ramadan dishes to discerning diners.  

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.

Self-serve stall for Soup Gearbox or lamb knuckle soup

As more guests arrive, they are invited to help themselves from the buffet and I discreetly hover nearby to observe how they are appreciating the spread.

With many diners making a beeline for the baked seafood, I soon realise that this is one of the highlights in the menu.

To savour, diners pick their choices of marinated split whole prawns, whole squid and whole fish wrapped in foil, and drizzle Ayer Assam sauce over the baked seafood.

Seated at the table with me are a couple, Syakirin Ahmad and his wife, Noorfaieza Abdullah, and I cannot help but notice how they are systematically helping themselves to various items from the buffet.

A choice of baked seafood topped with Ayer Assam

I like how they relish the Lamb Shank Stew on Nasi Arab, sticks of satay with its condiments and other dishes, one after the other.

It didn’t take long for us to strike up a conversation, so besides getting to know each other, I can also hear their comments about the food.

Meanwhile, I too am back at the buffet again (and again!)

At the Dessert section, I’m introduced to Pastry Chef, Korniea Elis, a young lady who, I’m told, is skilled in baking a range of cakes and pastries.

Mmm... Delectable Blueberry Cheesecake!

To find out, I help myself to her signature Blueberry Cheesecake, Yam Layered Cake and Moist Chocolate Cake, while I remind myself to keep some space to slowly savour them.

Among the range of local kueh, cakes, cookies, pastries, puddings, my nose tells me that there are durian desserts here and I quickly spot the Durian Crepe and Durian Mochi.

I help myself to a variety of fresh local fruits and remember that Chef Arthur said that I must sample their tasty own-made Sugee cookies.

Well, maybe I still have space for just one cookie…

Executive Chef Arthur Lim with Sugee cookies

The sumptuous spread for Semarak Rasa Ramadan at The Tiffin will be served from May 6 to June 4, priced at RM118 nett per adult and RM58 nett per child aged from six to 12 years.

Early bird special deals for the buffet from now till May 6 are priced at RM98 nett per adult and RM48 nett per child aged from six to 12 years.

Enjoy Group deals when you buy nine vouchers (adult), one is for Free.

Or take advantage of Family Packages for six paying adults, two children dine for Free.

Sahur Buffet is also available from May 6 to June 4, served from 4am to 5.30am, priced at RM42 nett per adult and RM22 nett per child aged from six to 12 years.

The Tiffin is at the lobby level of Impiana Hotel Senai, located at Jalan Impian Senai Utama 2, Taman Impian Senai, 81400 Senai, Johor.

For enquiries and reservations, Tel: +607 – 595 2003 and +6010 825 4001 or email to: fnb1.ihs@impiana.com.

For more info, visit website: www.impiana.com.