GO WESTIN KL FOR JUADAH IFTAR

Ayam Percik is one of my fave finds from The Living Room's Juadah Iftar spread this year.
Suffused with bright turmeric flavour, the moist, slightly smoky meat tastes even better with an accompanying spicy and creamy sauce.

Also included in the indulgent spread for the breaking of fast are delicious multi-racial dishes such as the Indian Muslim speciality of Nasi Kandar. Get the chef to mix the different types of curry gravy for you - I only sampled the Daging Kandar, a 'dry' beef curry redolent with heady ground spices but it was enough to make a lasting impression.

Humble but chockful of satisfying flavours is the kampung evergreen of Sayur Lodeh - our local version of ratatouille which has chopped cabbage, carrot, long beans, beancurd sticks (fu chuk) and glass noodles cooked in coconut milk, turmeric and other spices. 

Spice fiends can enjoy their fill of curries and masak lemak dishes too. Notable picks will include Sambal Petai Sotong, Ketam Masak Lemak and Asam Pedas Oxtail; bursting with deep-seated and robust spice nuances, they bear ample testaments to Malaysia's traditional food heritage.

I'm also partial to the dizzying array of Ulam and Kerabu selection - unbeatable choices to whet the appetite before one tackles heavier mains. Try some Kerabu Glass Noodle and Spicy Kerabu Wing Beans before succumbing to piping hot Bubur Lambuk and Nasi Briyani with Roast Lamb.

 

Some hawker's fare such as Assorted Fritters, Roti John, Murtabak, Ikan Bakar and Satay also make their comeback by popular demand. In addition, contemporary offerings: Roast Snapper with Chive Cream Sauce, Roast Beef Carvery and Hot Pot Selection lend the buffet an international feel.

 

For the sweet-toothed, The Westin KL chefs has pulled out the stops for their staggering dessert showcase. The wonderland of fruits, cakes, ice cream (fried ice cream served on request), puddings, sweet broths, cookies, chocolate pralines and other confections is a sight to behold and wickedly delightful.

You won't have enough tummy room to fit everything in so be selective and either surrender to your preferred morsels or aim for more inventive creations that catch the eye.

Sticklers for tradition will like the plethora of Kuihs and old-school Bubur while modern palates may prefer the wide variety of frosted cakes and creamy puddings.

Applause should go to Malay Chef Abdul Hallim Sultan and Chef De Cuisine Boobalan Arumugam who are responsible for spearheading the culinary team, tasked with cooking up the Juadah Iftar feast.

Priced at RM148 per adult and RM74 per child, the Juadah Iftar buffet will be available until 15 July 2015. For reservations, call The Living Room, tel:03-2773 8338.