A meaningful mix at Anyaman Rasa Timur

 

This Ramadan, the culinary team at Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre introduces a meaningful creation where authentic local cuisine is creatively combined with the hotel’s specialty – Middle Eastern cuisine – into a spread dubbed, Anyaman Rasa Timur which loosely translated into, “A Tapestry of Tastes from the East.”

 

Traditional tudung saji for dried fruits
that carefully covered but does not conceal!

As in-dining welcomes diners back into restaurants, the culinary team is keen to present over 200 dishes in a much-anticipated buffet spread to celebrate the holy month with an unforgettable dining experience.

 

In the tradition of breaking-of-fasts, a range of dried fruits including dried dates were served in charming covered platters. I thought it was a nice touch to use traditional tudung saji to keep the dried fruits covered but not concealed from sight.

 

Carving the whole roasted lamb 
 marinated in 33 herbs & spices
 

Among the signature dishes in this buffet spread were Roasted Whole Lamb marinated in 33 Herbs and Spices, Three Brothers’ Gulai Kawah, traditional Naan and Chicken Tandoori, Secret Recipe Lamb Kabsa, the Tanjong Soup Stall, along with freshly-made Kuih Ketayap and Roti Jala served from live-cooking stations.

 

Chefs were ready to serve the Middle Eastern favourites in a range of rice dishes like Al Kabsa Rice, Bukhari Rice or Mandi Rice to savour with dishes like Baharat Roasted Chicken, Vegetable Dolma, Baba Ganoush, Hummus, Khub Saj, Lebanese Fatoush and the very popular Chicken Shawarma.

 

While surveying the spread, I was delighted to discover that their popular dish of Oxtail Asam Pedas was served warmed within a wok. This was one item which (Ahem. I must confess!) that I returned for a hearty second helping.

 

Mmm... Oxtail Asam Pedas served from a wok

Don’t miss another signature dish, Duck’s Eggs in Spicy Coconut Gravy, prepared in a recipe taught by celebrity chef Dato’ Fazley Yaakob.

 

These rich gravies in the buffet are best savoured with steamed white rice but at Dine@Eight Restaurant, I was pleased to be served a warm portion of authentic Lemang Kampung, rolls of glutinous rice steamed in coconut milk, at the table.

 

Chefs serving diners
popular Middle-Eastern cuisine

From the range of Bazaar-Inspired thirst-quenchers, I spotted Air Katira – a Ramadan favourite, distinguished by its Pandan green colour and floating basil seeds – among other refreshing drink choices.

 

At the Fresh Fruits section, there were a range of locally-sourced fruits, freshly cut and served upon request.

 

Diners may help themselves to ready-made or make-your-own salads with the fresh ingredients from the Classic Ulam Station, or visit the Noodle dan Laksa Station, the Roti Canai Station and particularly, the BBQ Station for a special Grilled Stingray Fish prepared with a choice of three different marinades.

 

An added treat (in anticipation of Hari Raya!) must be a section dubbed, Taste of Syawal Eve, served every night throughout the holy month, for diners to feast on traditional celebration dishes like Burasak, Ketupat Palas and Ketupat Nasi paired with Kuah Kacang, Serunding Daging and Serunding Kelapa.

 

Portions of warm Lemang
Kampung, served to the table!

I liked that the range of desserts were served in small portions so that diners may indulge in a wide(r) range of attractive treats in cakes, tarts, puddings and pastries while the kids and young-at-heart may have fun with Popcorn, Cotton Candy and enjoying treats from the Chocolate Fountain.

 

Selamat Berbuka!

 

The Anyaman Rasa Timur, Ramadan Buffet will be served at Dine@Eight Restaurant from 24 March to 21 April 2023.

 

Priced at RM178 nett for adult, RM158 nett for senior citizen of 60 years old and above, and RM98 nett for children aged 6-12 years. Kids aged 5 years and below will eat for Free.

 

Roti Jala and Kuih Ketayap
made from this live cooking station

Early Bird vouchers are priced at only RM158 nett per person. Available exclusively from now till 22 March 2023, or the first 2500 vouchers only. Enjoy the Buy 10 Free 1 promotion for Early Bird bookings and normal price adult bookings.

 

Get rewarded with 20% off IHG One Rewards Dining Privileges, limited to eight persons for every receipt. For reservations or more information, call Tel: 607 - 207 8686 or email info@hijbcc.com.

 

Dine@Eight is on Level Eight, the lobby level of Holiday Inn Johor Baru City Centre, located in Johor Baru City Centre Mall, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 80000 Johor Baru, Johor.

 

For more information, visit the Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre official Facebook and Instagram pages for holidayinnjbcc or website: holidayinn.com/johorbahru