Buka Puasa At the JW Marriott

Firstly, my apologies to my host, that British fellow, (with the Olympics, British must be flavour of the month), Mr Ellerton of YTL Group, for losing all my photographs from the preview of the Marriot Buka Puasa Event which was held about a month ago. The perils of digital storage. Secondly, thank you also for the photographs, courtesy of ...the organisers.

Before you gaze upon the official press release photographs, let me use my narrative skills to impress upon you the actual atmosphere itself. Held at the poolside, the food stalls are dotted everywhere, so do take care not to fall into the pool, when grabbing your succulent roast lamb on the spit. The aroma of perfectly charred lamb that Mary had, and the beautiful charcoal smell of the satay pit assail your nostrils, and no doubt, would be quite tough on the faster who is waiting to break fast.

The array of food, especially Malay food, is staggering, and interesting as well. Where else would you get a platterful of Tongkeng Ayam, (known as the Bishop's Nose, but I am not sure it's politically correct to refer to a bishop in the same breath as Ramadan), aka Chicken Buttocks. A lot of chickens had to be sacrificed for this dish, I can tell you. At least for Chicken Feet, each chicken yields two, but for the buttocks, only one.


Tongkeng Ayam Goreng Bercili.




Has anyone noticed how EXPENSIVE petai is these days? Especially in the City. I mean, don't compare with the Orang Asli selling it on the way up to Cameron Highlands lah. So, in any buffet, I tend to go for these things that are expensive. I'd load up on Petai. Sambal udang petai. Oh, even better, got udang also.

Another platter that I simply loved was the ulam platter, together with their vast variety of condiment sauces, from sambal belacan to tempoyak. Ulam raja, pegaga, kacang botol, petai, ....the usual fare, but with a good amount of accompaniment.


Rendang Daging. Always a favourite.





Masak Lemak Chilli Padi.

And, for the official press release:
KUALA LUMPUR – Ushering in the holy month of Ramadhan, the city’s happening hotel
has prepared a wide variety of traditional Malaysian delicacies for guests to experience.
Geared towards “preserving heritage”, the Ramadhan Buffet will feature 108 of the best
traditional dishes from various states of the country customarily served during Ramadhan.

The Poolside area on the 6th Floor and the Starhill Conference Centre on the 4th floor of
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur will be transformed into a Ramadhan bazaar, to replicate a
“kampong” ambience.

Aside from the spectacular set up and displays to recall the nostalgia of breaking fast in a
“kampong”, another unique feature is the scrumpt ious menu. With a spread of over 130
different dishes from all the states of Malaysia, the feast will almost certainly delight every
member of the family. For those who yearn for the tradit ional “kampong” experience, the
Gerai Makanan Tradisi dan Selera Kampung highlights typical Malay dishes that are less
commonly served nowadays. Some of these dishes are Tongkeng Ayam (Bishop) Goreng
Bercili, Daging Salai Masak Lemak dengan Bachang and Kupang Masak Rampai.

The extensive spread of authent ic Malay cuisine includes the ever popular Malay ulam or
salad select ion such as petai, kacang botol, ulam raja, and Jantung Pisang, complemented
by local versions of dressings such as sambal belacan, cincaluk, budu and tempoyak. Local
appet izers to whet the appet ite are acar buah, acar jelateh, and keropok ikan. Some of the
local favourites featured at the happening hotel’s Ramadhan bazaar stalls are nasi dagang,
satay, ikan bakar, ayam tandoori, rot i canai, chicken rice, ais kacang, a fresh fruit stat ion and
more.

Priced at RM60.00++ per person at the Conference Centre and RM70.00++ per person at the poolside area, from 7.00pm to 10.30pm, guests are invited to experience yet another
beaut iful Malaysian custom which is the “berbuka puasa” tradit ion with family and friends.

From great food to excellent décor, the culinary team intends to bring to mind the
Malaysian heritage by encouraging the “silatul rahim”, the building of sincere human t ies
amongst family and friends at “berbuka puasa.”

This Ramadhan, be prepared for a gastronomic experience while we serve your heritage in
the most traditional manner!

For reservations, call 03-2719 8666 or e-mail to bukapuasa@ytlhotels.com.my.