Citarasa 1Malaysia Ramadhan Buffet @ One World Hotel

Since our Prime Minister announced the “1Malaysia” concept back in 2008, it has become almost a part and parcel of our lives – we see this published in the media all the time and businesses have jumped on the bandwagon to leverage on its appeal. The idealogy behind “1Malaysia” emphasizes national unity, ethnic harmony and efficient governance.

The 1Malaysia concept is widely promoted everywhere and it is no wonder that One World Hotel has adopted it to give significance to its Ramadhan Buffet currently available at its award-winning Cinnamon Coffee House. The fact that its diverse menu offers more than 100 dishes covering traditional Ramadhan favourites as well as signature Chinese dishes, delectable Indian temptations and stalls featuring Malaysian delicacies intepretes perfectly the gastronomic harmony in the country.

I can’t believe how fast time flies! Our Muslim friends have already started on their 2nd day of fasting in the holy month of Ramadhan. Did you know that Ramadhan is actually the 9th month of the Islamic calendar? Comparing to the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadhan vary, moving backwards about 10 days each year. The significance of fasting from dawn till sunset is to teach Muslims patience, humility and spirituality, practise self-discipline, sacrifice and empathy.

Upon breaking fast at sundown – this meal is known as “Iftar”, it is customary to start with eating dates, just as Prophet Muhammad was believed to have done.

Over time, Iftar has evolved into banquets. The spread at the Cinnamon Coffee House can easily be called that! The array of dishes laid out all over the restaurant is pretty extensive… (and that’s putting it mildly!)…

Some of the Indian temptations…

I really could not decide where/what to start first… perhaps the Cold Seafood counter is a good idea?

Some sashimi to tickle your palate first?

Or maybe the healthier Salads are a better bet?

Would you believe that this “salad bowl” here was carved out from a block of Italian cheese?? Yes, the whole thing is cheese and when you mix & toss your greens in the bowl, you are supposed to scrape the bowl a bit so that the cheese shavings will be added on to your salad, giving it that extra special taste & aroma!

If “western-styled” salads are not your cup of tea, how about some local-styled ones – Kerabu? Head on to the Kerabu station then…

Take your pick – kerabus, gado-gado, fruit rojak…

There’s a special counter for their Roasted Whole Lamb, served with Briyani Rice and a variety of vegetables (I sooo loved the asparagus!) and sauces – absolutely scrumptious!

Choosing a sambal to go with the main courses was such a difficult task!

See what I mean?!

I was told they have 8 rotation menus prepared by their brigade of chefs… and here are just some samplings of the hot dishes on those menus…

Tempura, Lok-lok, Ikan Bakar… all done to your order by the friendly service crew…

The wok of lovely Nasi Ulam was so enticing…

I had a hard time choosing between the ketupat or lemang to go with the rendangs and serunding… so I took both!

Make sure you keep tummy space for Desserts…

… and more desserts…

Would you have any problem choosing between western desserts… and the local traditional ones?

Actually, there’s no problem, very easy – just try everything!! Even the traditional Hari Raya cookies are available…

If you think the above was mind-boggling, I was told that there would be MORE items added on… must-have’s like bubur lambuk, nasi kandar berlauk, mee bandung, laksa kedah, among others, will be making their appearances!

Price of Ramadhan Buffet Dinner:
RM98++/adult
RM49++/child aged 4-12 years

(Available from 11 August – 9 September 2010)

Cinnamon Coffee House
One World Hotel
First Avenue
Bandar Utama City Centre
47800 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7681 1111

*Thanks, Crystal Koh, for the kind invitation!