Ramadan buffet at Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Desserts made from jackfruit take centre stage at the Icip-Icip Kampungku Buffet at Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s Swez Brasserie this Ramadan.

In previous Ramadan buffets, the buffet has featured desserts made from local fruits such as durian and coconut; this year it is all about jackfruit.

The Jackfruit Coconut Apam Balik was a hit with the crowd during the review. Pastry chef Loh Cheong Long works his magic to whip up this street food with just the right thickness and flavour that has guests going for seconds.

Other jackfruit-based desserts include Jackfruit Coconut Mousse Cake, Jackfruit Mango Sago, and Pengat Nangka Bersago.

A crowd favourite and my personal favourite is the Dacquoise Feullantin Caramel Cake.

The rich, decadent dessert is enhanced with a layer of crisp nut meringue add a layer of texture.

According to executive sous chef Dennie Yudie Darmawan Samsuardi, there are over 200 dishes in the buffet, including  local fare inspired by traditional kampung-style recipes

“Icip-icip means cubit-cubit, like some spices here and there.

“Like the Masakan Kawah dishes, the thicker wok enhances the flavours and makes the food richer,” he said.

The Masakan Kawah stall features Gulai Telur Ikan, Masak Lemak Siput Sedut, Ayam Masak Gulai, Rendang Daging Tetel, and Gulai Kawah Kambing.

He also recommends the Aneka Asam Pedas Buluh, featuring ikan pari, ikan kembong, and daging tetel cooked in asam pedas in a bamboo.

“The bamboo adds aroma to the asam pedas,” he said.

Signature dishes like the Sup Gearbox Utara and Traditional Roasted Lamb Stuffed with Biryani Rice make a comeback.

“Every year the Northern style soup remain as our signature.

“As for the roasted lamb, after slow-cooking it for three hours, the lamb’s juices flavour the rice,” he said.

The soup can be enjoyed with White Toast Bread, Roti Arab, French Loaf, Biskut Lutut, and Lebanese Bread.

Another highlight is the Laksa Sarang Semut. According to chef Dennie, the Kedahan dish is named so because the egg is fried crispy till it looks like an ant’s nest.

Other offerings at the buffet include Kambing Kari Kandar, Telur Masak Kicap, Daging Masak Pindang, Sambal Udang with Belimbing Buluh, and Kacang Panjang Goreng with Sotong Tumis Berempah.

There is also a selection of kerabu, lemang and serunding at the kerabu section.

* SWEZ BRASSERIE, Eastin Hotel Petaling Jaya, 13, Jalan 16/11, Pusat Dagang Seksyen 16, Petaling Jaya. (Tel: 03-7665 1111). Business hours: 6am to 11pm daily.