CITARASA MUHIBBAH IFTAR AT KINGS GREEN MELAKA

Local Malay fare will take centrestage when it’s time to buka puasa at Hibiscus Café, Kings Green Hotel City Centre Melaka.

Scrumptious Beef Rendang whets our appetite at the sampling session of the chef’s buka puasa specialities. Remember folks, good rendang doesn't need to be crispy ok...

I like the meaty skewers of Beef and Chicken Satay; the meat well-suffused with an aromatic marinade that goes splendidly with diced nasi impit, raw onion and cucumber chunks. The peanut sauce has a nice 'bite' to it too.

The Sambal Timun (local cucumber salad in pounded chilli and prawn paste) comes up to scratch as does the Rojak Buah. My only quibble is the gloopy sauce lacks punch and would have been better with some crushed peanuts and crunchy prawn fritters to add textural appeal to the fruity salad.

Lightly spiced Bubur Lambuk studded with fried peanuts hits the spot for us from the first spoonful. We lap up everything up – a good testament to its deliciousness.

An array of Nyonya dishes evokes a sense of Muhibbah into the buffet — their bright, herb-infused flavours successfully tantalising tastebuds partial to strong, robust accents. The Asam Pedas Fish exemplifies this perfectly: the fish cooked to sweet tender goodness, immersed with okra in a fragrant, piquant and tangy gravy.

 

We give two thumbs up to the sunny yellow Curry Prawns with Pineapple too. Light on the palate, we find it hard to restrain ourselves from overdosing on the subtly rich gravy.

Heavier on the briny scale but no less delectable is Belacan Chicken, a dark and slightly pungent braised chicken dish redolent with the unmistakably savouriness of local prawn paste. This calls for loads of white rice as the ideal foil to appreciate such deep, bold nuances. Nasi Beringin will also be offered in addition numerous other dishes on the buffet.

Dessert will comprise assorted Malay and Nyonya kuih, cakes and jellies. The Citarasa Muhibbah Iftar buffet will be available from 17 May to 13 June, 6pm-10pm at RM68 nett per adult and RM58 nett per senior citizen or per child (4-12 years old). 

SEMBANG-SEMBANG PETANG

Meanwhile, afternoon tea takes on a local spin at Hibiscus Café daily, from 3pm to 6pm. Priced from RM8 nett onwards, you can sit back and nibble on a choice of local snacks and a drink with friends and business associates.

 

The selection of Cucur Udang, Keropok Lekor or Pisang Goreng is yummy and bound to satisfy peckish palates. A glass of comforting hot drink: be it Teh Tarik, Kopi Tarik, Nescafe Tarik or Milo Tarik will form part of the delish package to wash down your choice of snacks.

Breaded or Grilled Chicken Chop is also served at RM18 nett per serving. Ideal as a quick lunch or dinner, the hearty offering comes with a complimentary glass of chilled juice.

 

Salted Egg Sauce is the current raveworthy favourite to top the juicy, boneless chicken but if you prefer Mushroom or Black Pepper Sauce, the options are available too.

For reservations at Hibiscus Café, call tel: 06-2881 091 ext 3. Address: Kings Green Hotel City Centre Melaka, no. 28, Jalan Tun Perak, Melaka.