Christmas buffet @ Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Early bird price by 15 December 2018

Christmas review: Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Enjoy a harmony of flavours with the creations at Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur City Centre this festive season.

Sous chef Ahmad Nizar Hapnas believes that it would be quite dull if it is just a singular flavour.

“I like to pair different ingredients to harmonise the palate,” he said.

Take for instance the Braised Lamb, the chef chose to pair it with dried fruits the sweetness of the fruits will permeate the meat gravy.

Another orchestra of flavours is the Roquefort and Pear With Smoked Salmon and Toasted Walnut. The colourful combination made it a feast for the eyes and palate.

Among the chef recommendations are Chicken Roulade Au Jus Stuffed with Apple and Walnut; and Crusted Salmon Cutlet with Pomegranate Cous Cous.

“We have prepared traditional dishes served at home during Christmas. We have everything to cater to everyone,” he said.

For those who like seafood: there’s the Cheesy Seafood Gratin and the Aromatic Poached Salmon, which  was aptly named as you could smell the refreshing aroma of lemon. Infused with aromatic broth and lemon, the salmon is making a comeback due to popular demand, the chef said.

Usually many would make a beeline for turkey and other Christmas main course items, but don’t give the salads and appetisers a miss.

My personal favourite at the festive salad section was the the Fig, Basil and Bufallo Mozzarella.

The combination of all the ingredients----the sweetness of the figs and dry roasted pecan crumb with sugar coating, the saltiness of the cheese, the tartness of the strawberries---created a burst of flavours with every bite.

The chef also recommends the assortment of terrines like the Prawn and Salmon Terrine with Spinach Sauce.

“Not many people make terrine as it is very time consuming,” he said.

I had my fill of salmon at the buffet but I just couldn’t resist trying the Spice Salmon and Pepper Quiche. It was a lovely comfort food.

The lovely assortment of cheese

At the dessert corner, the Croquembouche caught my eye. The French dessert is a tower of cream puffs bound with threads of caramel.

The French dessert Croquembouche is a tower of cream puffs bound with threads of caramel.

The mini Cherry Cream Cheese Crepes at the crepe station was just the right size as I was pretty full by the time I got to it.

Enjoy the Christmas Eve’s Buffet Dinner at Songket Lounge at RM138 nett per adult. And as you feast on the Christmas delights, be entertained by Christmas carolers from 8pm to 9pm.

From 9pm onwards, continue to chill out at Songket and order your favourite drinks and snacks while listening to live music entertainment by the in-house band.

On Christmas Day, enjoy a Hi-Tea buffet at RM90 nett per adult at Taman Sari Brasserie.

Highlights include Roast Stuffed Turkey with Caramelized Vegetables and its condiments, Roast Beef Medallion with Salsa Verde, Fillet of St. Peters Fish with Garlic Lime Butter Cream Sauce and Baked Crusted Salmon with Honey Mustard Sauce.

New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner at Taman Sari Brasserie is RM138 nett per adult.

After dinner on Dec 31, head on to Songket Lounge from 9pm onwards where the countdown will take place with an in-house band and live DJ; no cover charge.

On New Year’s Day, welcome 2019 at Taman Sari Brasserie with a Hi-Tea buffet at RM90 nett per adult.

Book and pre-pay by Dec 15 for early bird special prices.

Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 73, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2141 9988).

Take your pick from oysters, tiger prawns, mussels , slipper lobsters, baby clams,a dn blue swimmer crabs.