Plus, Amari KL debuts 1st ever ‘berbuka puasa’ buffet feast, while The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi wants to wow you with its nostalgic delights 

by HAZATUL SYIMA HARON 

IT’S that time of the year again for Muslims, Ramadhan is expected to start on March 23 in Malaysia (pending the moonsighting on March 22). 

While many will take the opportunity to shed a bit of weight via fasting for a month, many food establishments have undertaken the challenge of getting us to add a few kilos with mouthwatering spreads that can tempt practically just anybody. 

We’re featuring three such establishments in this article, namely Artisan’s Playground by COOKHOUSE and Amaya Food Gallery at Amari Kuala Lumpur (KL) in the Klang Valley, and Langkawi Kitchen at The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi in case you’re thinking of taking a break during Ramadhan on the Jewel of Kedah. 

Artisan’s Playground 

Artisan’s Playground by COOKHOUSE is offering over 100 mouth-watering international cuisines all under one roof this Ramadhan at its fine casual dining restaurant in Rivercity, KL. 

Take your tastebud on a Western journey from March 25 to April 19 with an all-you-can-eat spread like no other. Among the highlights are grilled beef ribeye, leg of lamb and chicken from the Josper Grill; piping hot pizzas with toppings aplenty straight from the Stefano Ferrara Oven; fresh greens from the Farm to Table Salad Bar; fresh seafood, live-cooked paella and British Fish and Chips. 

For Asian and local cuisines, you will also be spoiled for choice with Japanese delights, classic Malaysian dishes, ample wok hei, dimsum steamers, as well as a noodle station. To satisfy the sweet tooth in you, round up the evening with a delightful platter of scrumptious kueh, as well as cold and baked desserts by the Dessert Parlour. 

You can also host your own Ramadhan get-together by making use of Artisan’s Playground’s adjoining event hall that can host up to 200 people. Special group rates apply for groups above 50. 

Artisan’s Playground caters to everyone with its kid- and wheelchair-friendly space, ample covered parking, surau, plus over 33,000 sq ft of dining space that can accommodate up to 400 people. 

Book your slots online with an early bird price of only RM198 (NP: RM236) for adults and RM85 (NP:RM99) for children for bookings made till March 31. Visit www.artisansplayground.my for details. 

Savour a veritable feast of authentic dishes from every state themed Nostalgic Negaraku at The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi’s Langkawi Kitchen

Citarasa Amaya 

Amari KL, which opened its doors to guests in September last year, is offering its first ever berbuka puasa buffet feast, Citarasa Amaya, at the Amaya Food Gallery. 

GM Susan Anthony said now more than ever, guests and diners are comfortable to eat out and enjoy happy moments with family and friends. “With our Citarasa Amaya buffet offering, we hope all will get to feast and enjoy quality time in high spirits.” 

The debut Ramadhan spread is curated by executive chef Fadzil Arshad, who has over 35 years of experience working in various hotels. Discover the flavours of Malaysia and signature Amaya taste with signature creations Fish Head Curry, Ayam Panggang Percik, Roasted Lamb, Assorted Satay, Serawa Durian, Kek Lapis Sarawak and Kek Suji. Citarasa Amaya will also host eight live outdoor stalls from fritter to grill stall and carving to soup stations. 

A highlight would be the Sup Tulang Rawan, also known as Gristle Bone Soup. The dish is prized for the marrow contained in the bones, with slices of bread on the side, used to mop up the soup. 

Citarasa Amaya will run from March 23 till April 20 at Amari KL by ONYX Hospitality Group, located at KL Eco City. Normal prices starting March 23 are RM168 nett for adult and RM84 nett for children between seven and 11 years old. 

Email [email protected] or call +603 2330 5800 / +603 2330 5855 for enquiries. 

Savour a veritable feast of authentic dishes from every state themed Nostalgic Negaraku at The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi’s Langkawi Kitchen

Nostalgic Negaraku 

One of the most tranquil places to break your fast would have to be at The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi’s Langkawi Kitchen. 

Surrounded by the verdant 100-million-year-old rainforest, Langkawi Kitchen perches on 30ft stilts, with the tantalising aroma of local dishes wafting out from within. Inspired by the indigenous Longhouse architecture of Bornean tribes, the rustic two-level venue allows you to immerse yourself in the tropical ambience with panoramic views, plus four expansive outdoor decks provide an unforgettable canopy dining experience. 

This Ramadhan, Sous Chef Hazimin Ahmad and the team at Langkawi Kitchen have prepared a veritable feast of authentic dishes from every state-themed Nostalgic Negaraku, enabling you to partake in Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage that derives from the melting pot of cultures. 

Among the highlights, experience the flavourful taste of Sarawak, which is represented by Manok Pansoh, a dish considered a festive delicacy by the Iban and Bidayuh ethnic groups. The chicken is cooked in water in a bamboo stalk, along with seasoning and tapioca leaves, until it is tender. 

Savour the spicy Minang Salai cuisine, harkening from the state of Negri Sembilan, with dishes such as Daging Salai, where the beef is slow-cooked in coconut milk, chilli and spices. Experience delightful side dishes such as Hinava Ikan Kacang, a Sabahan delicacy consisting of Obtuse Barracuda (ikan kacang) preserved in lemon juice and salt, together with chilli and onions. 

Customised chinaware crafted by local artisans, exclusively for Langkawi Kitchen, add to the history and time-honoured recipes showcased by the culinary team. Nostalgic Negaraku is available for dinner between 6.30pm to 10pm from March 24 to April 21. 

Price is set at RM168 per adult and RM84 per child (six to 12 years old), while children under six dine for free. Email restaurants. [email protected] or call +604 952 4888 or Whatsapp +6017 573 7001 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/langkawi for more details. 

• This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition