'PENTAS CITARASA' TAKES CENTRESTAGE FOR BUKA PUASA AT PUTRAJAYA MARRIOTT

Over a hundred Malay and Southeast Asian delicacies will form a stellar culinary cast for Putrajaya Marriott’s buka puasa buffet this Ramadan month.

Aptly named “Pentas Citarasa”, the cornucopia of dishes for breaking of fast featuring over 15 sections will leave diners spoiled for choice. Whether you’re craving for street food staples or exotic delicacies from Thailand or Japan, the Marriott chefs have left no woks unturned at Zest.

Mutton gristle with Mee Rebus deserves special mention – a rare delectable find amidst the more familiar Mamak Mee and Mee Siam from the Warung Mee stall. It takes a bit of effort and patience to work through the gristly bits but that’s the fun in giving your jaw a good workout.

Huge woks of assorted curries beckon invitingly from the 7 Kawah Waklan: from fiery red to creamy rich, robustly spiced versions, the delicious curries are best doused onto plain rice complemented by Ulam-ulaman and Sambal Belacan. Tempoyak Ikan Tenggiri, Chicken Rendang, Udang Sambal Petai, Daging Kuzi, Gulai Kambing, and Daging Singgang are a fraction of what's available at the buffet.

Soup is up with a wide range beckoning: Sup Tulang Rawan to Tom Yum. From the Land of Smiles come aromatic offerings of Hor Mok (Thai spiced fish mousse), Som Tham (papaya salad), Gai Hor Bai Toey (fried chicken wrapped in pandan), and Thai-style Fish Cakes.

Venture further to the Japanese section for delightful servings of Takoyaki, Vegetable Tempura and Maki Rolls. Nearby Stir-fried Cockles and Clams, Fried Rice, Assorted Dim Sum and Stir-fried Radish Cake beckon from the Shanghai-Nanjing Road counter.

Fish lovers should find plenty of grilled fish and seafood to sample at Medan Bakar-bakar. Chefs will be on hand to cook up Lidah Bakar (grilled beef tongue), Seafood Kava (a medley of prawns, mussels, crabs, squid and bamboo clams cooked on a griddle), and Assorted Ikan Bakar (selection of grilled fish in various spice marinades).

Tastes of the Indian continent come in the guises of Naan, Tandoori Chicken, Idli and Vadai, Apom and Roti Canai with the ubiquitous condiments.

Over at the Raja Segala Rojak counter, a choice of Rojak Buah, Rojak Singapura, Gado-Gado and Pasembur is rustled up for you on request.

Leave with Sweet Memories by sampling Assorted Biscuits of yesteryears or succumb to the allure of colourful Cakes, Bread & Butter Pudding, Malay Kuih, Dodol, Dates, and thick dessert broths of Serawa Durian, and Pengat Pisang. Out by the patio is a counter specially dispensing durians for fans of the King of Fruits.

Pentas Citarasa buka puasa buffet (6.30pm – 10pm) at Zest Lifestyle Restaurant is available at RM198 nett per adult and RM99 nett per child. Early Bird Offer price available from now until 23 March at RM148 nett per adult and RM74 per child.

For reservations, please call Putrajaya Marriott Ramadan Hotline, tel: 03-8949 8888 x 1014/1028/ 1029/1053 or WhatsApp +6011 5685 5608 or visit marriottputrajaya.com

SELERA SERANTAU ADDS SPICE TO NEW CINNAMON

Embark on a irresistible culinary tour of the Asian region with Selera Serantau for buka puasa at One World Hotel’s spanking new Cinnamon Coffee House.

The jaw-dropping, cavernous 600-seat restaurant welcomes diners with a floor-to-ceiling curved LED screen upon entry. Strolling down the long walkway will reveal different dining areas and live interactive kitchens; every facet stirs up a sense of wonder and excitement even before one is seated down.

External pockets of lush greenery are visible from certain parts of the dining area whilst an infusion of modern and subtle Oriental interior touches: dark marble counters, floral displays, warm spot and recessed lighting and a feature wall adorned with traditional roof tile designs add beguiling charm to the elegant and streamlined space. Food is artfully displayed and served from island counters, live action kitchens and glass showcases.

For the month of Ramadan, the Cinnamon team has gone to town with an extravagant spread of 100 local and regional delicacies based on 4 rotational menus. Whether it’s Malay, Indian, Chinese, Japanese or Continental, no picky palate is left unfulfilled.

When you break fast at Cinnamon this year, we suggest starting at the premium Seafood section: king crab legs, freshly shucked oysters, crayfish, mussels and tiger prawns. The fresh, sweet crab legs are especially noteworthy and a prized catch for buka puasa.

Heartwarming familiar favourites: Sup Tulang Rawa (beef shin bone broth with local herbs and spices), Roast Lamb and Beef, Satay, Daging Gulai Utara (Northern Malaysia beef curry), Chicken Rendang Minang, Assorted Kerabu, and festive bites of Lemang, Ketupat and Serunding beckon. 

Crowd-pleasing Chicken Rice, Lamb and Prawn Masala, and Chicken 65, Tandoori from the Chinese and Indian sections complete the Malaysian offerings.

Those with a penchant for Japanese fare will be overjoyed to find a wide selection of colourful and appetising Sashimi, Nigiri Sushi, Maki Sushi, Tempura, and Fried Tebasaki (chicken wings) to savour.

International specialities to sample include Seafood Chowder, different types of Pizza, cook-to-order Pasta, Cold Cuts and Terrines, Seafood Chowder, Cheese Board, Baked Fish with Herb Bearnaise Sauce and Lamb Cutlets with Rosemary amongst others.

It is virtually impossible to eschew the vast plethora of desserts: Malay Kuih, Baklava, Aiskrim Potong, Peanut Butter Velvet Cake, Earl Grey Mousse Cake, Pralines, French Entremets, shot glasses of Jelly with Longans, and freshly made cups of frothy Teh Tarik.

Cinnamon’s Selera Serantau is priced at RM208 nett per person once Ramadan starts. For early birds pre-booking, the buka puasa buffet is available at RM168 nett per person and RM84 per child (6-12 years old) only for reservations made before 23 March.

For reservations, please call Cinnamon Coffee House, One World Hotel PJ, tel: 03-76811157 or WhatsApp https://wa.me/60162109521