Celebrate with a Truly Malaysian buffet

“Unity in diversity” this thought comes to mind when I arrive at the Makan Kitchen and notice how their serving team are dressed in various ethnic outfits that represent the multi-cultural community here.

A Truly Malaysian buffet being served at Makan Kitchen

From the glitter of the flowing salwar suit to the shiny satin of the elegant cheong-sam, I cannot help taking a second glance at the attractive outfits and cheerful smiles as the team members clear away used crockery from tables.

One of our truly Malaysian traits must be the pleasure of eating a wide range of food contributed by the multi-cuisine in our community and this is presented in the Truly Malaysian dinner buffet to celebrate Malaysia Day this September.

Popular dishes from among the best of Malaysian specialties from Malay, Chinese, Indian cuisine plus a small range of European dishes, are served in the hot buffet as well as from live-cooking stations.

Entrance to Makan Kitchen at DoubleTree by Hilton JB

I like how the Makan Kitchen is well spaced out with separate sections for the Indian, Malay and Chinese sections with various counters dedicated to appetizers, soups, hot beverages, European dishes and of course, the all-important desserts.

I also like how Makan Kitchen serves its buffet in smaller portions so that when any dish runs low, the chefs are ready to cook ala-minute to top up the portions so that diners can always help themselves to freshly prepared dishes. 

As I walk around to look at the spread, I observe how an Indian diner is helping herself to Chicken Rice, reaching out for the various condiments and sauces to top her choice of tender chicken pieces from the buffet.

Freshly fried bathura from a live-cooking station

I pause again to discreetly watch while a few Chinese ladies help themselves from the live-cooking station to a choice of vada (savoury fritters) and bathura (leavened bread) and pair these freshly made items with the various chutney and gravies.

Such are the classic examples of how Malaysian we are, living together in harmony and not only familiar with the cuisine from other communities but enjoying it too!

Another thought that crosses my mind is how this will be a good place for diners to start getting acquainted with the range of food which is popular among Malaysians.

I’m not only thinking about visitors but also locals because this spread presents a menu of popular Malaysian cuisine handpicked from items enjoyed by the folks from the North to South as well as from the East to West of this nation.

Two types of vada paired with a choice of chutney

The menu varies daily and over this month, diners will have the opportunity to savour specialties like Nasi Kakwok (rice), Sup Tulang Sum Sum Kambing (mutton soup), Penang Assam Laksa, Nasi Dagang Terengganu, Nasi Kerabu Bunga Telang (blue/butterfly pea flower) and stir-fried Carrot Cake among many others.

Besides Ayam Percik (chicken) served next to the range of rice and gravies, I watch how pieces of chicken are freshly fried to serve as Ayam Berempah.

This well-marinated chicken is among my all-time favourites – next to satay (skewers of grilled chicken or beef) – and I have no regrets for helping myself to not one or two but three pieces!

Freshly deep-fried pieces of Ayam Berempah (chicken)

These are just small pieces of chicken (I try to justify!) and back at my table, I relinquished cutlery to hold the chicken with my fingers and thoroughly enjoyed every tasty bite to the last crispy bits.

Meanwhile, the Chinese section of Makan Kitchen has earned an enviable reputation for its double-boiled soups, so diners are assured of being satisfied by the piping hot soup here.

It’s interesting to see that even the non-Chinese have learnt to appreciate there is something so comforting about sipping a double-boiled Superior Chicken Soup, brewed in a traditional recipe, rich with the mild flavor of cordyceps, dried squid and dried scallops.

The Chinese section also features some Hainanese and Cantonese specialties so don’t miss out on items like freshly Steamed Garoupa topped with Yellow Capsicum and baked Flower Crabs with Golden Garlic and Bean Paste.

Piping hot Double-boiled Superior Chicken Soup

The buffet is complemented by a range of delightful desserts and drinks prepared in local flavours like Assamboi (sour plum), Corn and Bandung-Cincau.

There is a Do-It-Yourself station to create your icy dessert of Ayer-Batu-Campur better known as ABC, with a choice of ingredients or just enjoy a selection of local cut-fruits.

Another traditional icy treat must be the tubes of Ice-Cream Malaysia served in a range of flavours.

Be sure to ask the serving staff for your favourite flavor and let them help snip off the knot at the end of the icy tube before you enjoy a sweet and nostalgic icy experience.

A selection of traditional icy treats in Ice-Cream Malaysia

Live-cooking stations also serve freshly-fried slices of bananas and sweet potatoes, while Apam Balik (pancakes) are made fresh to savour with a variety of condiments.

Cakes, pudding and jellies are prepared in favourite local flavours like Pandan Layer Cake, Durian Cake and Coconut Crème Brulee and there’s also Sago Gula Melaka and warm broths like Bubur Cha-Cha.

The Truly Malaysian buffet dinner at Makan Kitchen is served from 6.30pm to 10.30pm from Sunday to Thursday, on from now till Sept 30 only.

Don't miss Malaysian favourite, freshly grilled satay!

Price at RM88 nett per person with 50% off for kids aged between six and 12 years old and seniors (RM44 nett).

To enjoy a further 10% off your bill, diners are invited to savour the Truly Malaysian buffet dressed in local traditional costumes. 

Happy Malaysia Day!

DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Baru is within Menara Landmark at No. 12 Jalan Ngee Heng, 80000 Johor Baru, Johor.

For reservations, Tel: +607 268 6868 or email: JohorBahru.FB@hilton.com