Ramadan Special at Amansari Nusajaya

On my way to Gelang Patah, I often pass the Amansari Hotel Nusajaya.

I spot sticks of asparagus among the ulam-ulam at the
Appetizer section of the Ramadan Special buffet

That's because I choose to drive to Gelang Patah via the Iskandar Coastal Highway and will pass Legoland Malaysia Resort on my left before taking the 12 o’clock exit from the round-about in front of the East Ledang residential area.

This direct route from Johor Baru will lead me to the set of traffic lights to turn right towards Gelang Patah. And the hotel is conveniently situated to the left of this road.

Having often seen the outside of the hotel, I quickly accepted the invitation for a preview of the Ramadan buffet for my first experience of the hotel.

The wet weather that evening did nothing to deter me but I’m glad the rain had ceased when I arrive at the hotel.

Steamed sweet potatoes, potatoes and
tapioca to savour with sambal

There is a festive feel in the café and the adjacent terrace which is set up with live-cooking stalls and self-serve stations.

In addition to corporate guests, the hotel had invited some underprivileged children from SK Taman Nusa Perintis and SK Sri Pulai Perdana to enjoy the spread prepared for the coming Ramadan month.

In the spirit of giving, each child received a goody bag and gift of duit raya, generously donated by Smart Reader Kids Nusa Bayu and Great Zone Household Centre Sdn Bhd.

While live music entertainment was provided by a duo, the Resident Manager, Ms Tang Li Peng, welcomed the youngsters to help themselves to the buffet spread.

In the indoor section of the buffet, there is an Appetizer section that serves juicy dried dates, Kerabu mixed salads, keropok crisps, preserved fruits and choices of ulam-ulam or kampung greens to savour with a selection of traditional sambal sauces.

There are also slices of steamed sweet potatoes and chunks of potatoes and tapioca or cassava to savour with sambal.

Self-serve section to make your own rojak mix

Diners are also welcome to help themselves to mixing their choice of rojak or fruit salad from the cut fruits and dark sauce provided.

The buffet spread that lines the opposite side of this hall comprises festive must-haves like lemang and ketupat to savour with serunding, and a variety of local kuih, cakes, cookies and pastries.

In the central island, diners are helping themselves to the dishes in the hot buffet to savour with steamed white rice or Briyani rice.

They include mouthwatering dishes like Ayam Masak Merah (chicken), Beef Rendang, Udang Masak Lemak Chili Padi Nenas (prawns), Gulai Kawah Ikan Pari (fish), Sayur Pucuk Paku (vegetables) and Sotong stir-fried with Dried Chili (squid).

A stall serves whole roasted lamb

In the outdoor section, I discover live action stalls that are serving Whole Roasted Lamb, freshly grilled Satay, grilled fish and murtabak squares, Deep-fried snacks like Cucur Udang or prawn fritters and Durian Fritters, Mee Rebus, Chicken Rice and Air Batu Campur (ABC) or shaved ice dessert.

A separate stand serves refreshing drinks and yet another section has ceramic pots that serve local dessert broths like Bubur Kacang Hijau, Pengat Pisang and Pengat Durian.

There is even a steamer filled with steam pau dumplings.

Freshly grilled sticks of beef and chicken satay
to enjoy with condiments

There is another steamer with several drawers filled with something that looks yellow in colour.

But before I venture to take a peek inside, a serving staff comes along to open one of the drawers and scoops out the yellow items. It turns out to be beads of corn.

I watch as he stirs in a dollop of butter and condensed milk into the steaming portion of hot corn before serving this popular snack.

Meanwhile, I also observe a youngster who is skillfully coating sticks of marshmallows in chocolate at the chocolate fountain.

Coating sticks of marshmallows with chocolate!

The festive mood continues as the children place their orders for ABC and wait patiently as the serving staff helps them create their shaved ice dessert.

The Ramadan Special Buka Puasa Buffet will be served at the Amansari Hotel Nusajaya from May 11 to June 2, daily from 6.30pm.

Rates are only RM75 nett per person and RM35 nett for children.

The Amansari Hotel Nusajaya is located at Jalan Persiaran Nusa Puncak, Taman Nusa Puncak, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

For reservations, Tel: 607 – 869 1168 and +6012 – 799 0192 or email: sales.nj@amansarihotels.com

Visit https://www.facebook.com/amansarinusajaya/ and website: www.amansarihotels.com for full details of menus and special promotions at the hotel.