Semarak Rasa buffet at Dine@Eight Restaurant

 

This Ramadan for the breaking-of-fast, the culinary team at the Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre presents a buffet spread dubbed, Semarak Rasa, or ‘A vibrant taste’ which describes the explosion of food flavours from various parts of Malaysia.

 

Creatively carved fresh fruits at Semarak Rasa
buffet at Dine@Eight Restaurant

At the entrance of Dine@Eight Restaurant, the eye-catching display of fresh fruits drew my attention to the rich colours and creatively carved fruits that promise a refreshing treat to parched throats.

 

Also at the entrance, a live station dubbed, Pondok di Tepi Bendang, was inspired by a rice field cottage where freshly-made Lempeng Kelapa, Lempeng Pisang, or pancakes topped with coconut or banana, and traditional Kuih Ketayap or pancake rolls filled with grated coconut flavoured with palm sugar, are served to diners.

 

Freshly made Lempeng and Kuih Ketayap from
this Pondok diTepi Bendang

In the tradition of breaking-of-fasts, a range of dried dates were served in traditional tudung saji, charming covered platters, along with trays of local kueh, cakes and pastries, all cut small for diners to enjoy a wider variety of treats.

 

An array of desserts ranged from sweet treats like Brownies, Lemon Tarts, Eclairs, to Middle Eastern delights like Rice Pudding, Kunafa and Baklava. There was also a Kids Corner with a variety of fun treats to dip into the Chocolate Fountain.

 

The preview of the Semarak Rasa buffet spread kicked off with a welcome address by Hotel General Manager, Emelyn Rosales, who said,

 

Chef Khairil [2nd from Left] 
introducing his team of chefs

“I am thrilled to present the Semarak Rasa Buffet, a culinary masterpiece curated to transcend cultural boundaries and offer a symphony of flavours that cater to both local and International palates.

 

Our diverse array of dishes, from the iconic Nasi Kandar Penang to the tantalizing Middle Eastern delights, reflect our commitment to delivering a gastronomic journey that resonates with every guest, and we aim to not only satisfy the appetite but also create lasting memories of togetherness and celebration.”

 

This was followed by the proud introduction of the hotel’s culinary team led by Executive Chef, Chef Khairil Anwar, with Sous Chef Zulkiflee, Chef Aidil and Chef Kudin, who will prepare over 200 dishes in this buffet spread for an unforgettable dining experience served this Ramadan from March 13 to April 8.

 

Live action at Warung Bakar Nyonya
for freshly grilled seafood

The aroma of freshly-grilled seafood from the Warung Bakar Nyonya, a Nyonya-themed grilled seafood station, was like a magnet that drew diners close to help themselves to grilled items like Ikan Pari, Ikan Cencaru Sumbat, Sotong, and more.

 

Nearby, Chef Adil’s Warung Mee Mat Salleh presents innovative twists on pasta dishes that range from Salted Egg Carbonara to Creamy Tom Yum Pasta, in an artful blend of diverse culinary traditions.

 

Thirst-quenchers are served street-style in a variety of flavours that range from the refreshing taste of Air Katira, a tangy kick of Air Asam Boi (preserved plum) to the creamy richness of Air Jagung Susu (corn with Milk), Mangga Susu (mango with Milk), Air Bandung (Rose syrup with Milk), Air Buah Campuran (mixed fruit) and Air Tebu (sugarcane juice).

 

Freshly grilled Kambing Golek [lamb], 
Ayam Percik [chicken] and other meats at
the Carving Station

Meanwhile, the Carving Station by Chef Khairil featured Kambing Golek, Ayam Percik. Daging Bakar Desa, complemented by a selection of condiments, Fattoush Salad, and Lamb Gravy Sauce.

 

Diners who long for the rich flavours of the Middle East can head over to the Taj Mahal corner that features Middle Eastern delights such as Chicken Shawarma, Tandoori Chicken and Lamb Kebab, that pair well with classic Garlic Naan.

 

Nasi Kandar Penang, a live station by Chef Kudin, brought the essence of Penang's culinary heritage to Johor.

 

Chef Kudin at the Nasi Kandar
Penang station in the buffet

This station serves steamed white rice to savour with a selection of dishes like Kari Kepala Ikan (fish-head curry) Daging Hitam Manis (beef in sweet dark sauce), Ayam Masak Bawang (chicken in onion sauce), Daging Rusuk (beef spare ribs), Burung Puyuh Goreng Berempah (deep fried quail) and more.

 

As I sank my teeth into the meaty ribs and tender chicken, I must commend Chef Kudin for the bold and vibrant flavours in these delightful dishes that pairs perfectly with white rice.

 

The chicken portions are just right but I would suggest to reduce the size of the ribs served so that diners (like me!) may save some space in the stomachs to enjoy the wide range of specialties served in this Semarak Rasa buffet.

 

This was also because I did not want to miss the taste of their signature Oxtail Asam Pedas, that also pairs well with white rice.

 

Sweet treats in local kueh, cakes and pastries

In anticipation of Hari Raya, this buffet also offers Special Syawal treats for diners to feast on traditional steamed glutinous rice items like Lemang, Ketupat Nasi, Ketupat Palas Burasak, Botok-Botok and paired with Kuah Kacang (peanut sauce), Serunding Daging (beef meat floss) and Serunding Ayam (chicken meat floss).

 

Other live stations prepared breaking-of-fast favourites like Roti John but my eyes zeroed in on the hot griddle where the chef was making Roti Jala (net bread) but with a difference. Here, the rolls of Roti Jala were served with creamy durian fillings.

 

Durian Tempura - a hot favourite from the buffet

When it was time to sit back with a warm cup of freshly brewed Camomile Tea, I indulged in the richness of more durian in Serawa Durian and Durian Tempura, along with small choux pastries and a cube of cheesecake.

 

The Semarak Rasa Buffet will be served at Dine@Eight Restaurant from 13 March to 8 April 2024.

 

Take advantage of the Early Bird Promotion at only RM152+ for adults with a buy 10 free 1 promotion. Available exclusively from now until 12 March 2024.

 

Normal prices at RM182+ for adult (buy 10 free 1), RM162+ for senior citizens (aged 60 years and above) and RM92+ for children (aged 6-12). 5 years old and below kids will eat for free.

 

Traditional sauces to drizzle on ulam salads

Get rewarded with 20% off IHG One Rewards Dining Privileges with a limit of eight persons for every receipt. In-house guests enjoy a special rate of RM152+.

 

Explore the Dinner Bed and Breakfast package at holidayinn.com/johorbahru for a complete experience of staycation, Sahur Buffet and Semarak Rasa Buffet.

 

For reservation or more information, please call 07 207 8888, email to info@hijbcc.com, or walk into Dine@Eight Restaurant.

 

Dine@Eight Restaurant 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.