Curated by celebrity chef Dato’ Fazley Yaakob, this year’s local Malaysian flavours are a nod to tradition, rekindling memories of the meals lovingly cooked by mom for everyone in the family after a long and challenging day of fasting.
Diners are taken on a flavourful journey through Malaysia with dishes showcasing ingredients and cooking techniques from around the country, from Sabah and Sarawak, to Johor, Pahang, Kedah and Perlis.
Speaking to FMT, the winner of MasterChef Celebrity Malaysia revealed that many of the dishes he prepared for this year’s Buka Puasa spread were inspired by those his grandmother used to cook for the family.
The gastronomic experience begins with the Seafood Umai-Umai. Fazley explained that this dish, popular among the Melanau of Sarawak, is made from sliced raw fish with onions, chillies, vinegar, salt and lime juice.
Putting his own spin on it, Fazley has added baby squid, prawns, lobster, native pickles and fish skin, creating a grander yet still light and refreshing version of the traditional Umai-Umai.
For those who love a hot bowl of comforting soup, Sup Campur made with smoked bone marrow, spices and kampung herbs is a dish not to be missed.
There is also the Ramadan favourite, Sup Gearbox, that Fazley has given his unique touch to, by creating a more refined version with a dollop of rich bone marrow served on a silver spoon dunked into the soup.
Diners can also savour other locally-crafted dishes like Nasi Kebuli Kambing, a whole lamb roasted with spices and served with raisin rice pilaf.
There is also Itik Golek Pekan, a carved coconut-marinated smoked duck with pickled jalapenos.
Other dishes inspired by different regions in Malaysia include the Telur Pindang Rainbow, a Johor-style cooked century egg and Lepat Loi, glutinous rice wrapped in banana leaf, a staple in the Bugis community.
End your dinner on a sweet note with Pengat Durian Goreng or Ubi Telampong, a traditional dish from Kedah that requires eight hours of cooking in sugarcane water.
Want to dine like a royal? How about enjoying a spoonful (or two) of Puding Di Raja, a dessert specially created for the Pahang royal family.
There is also Panna Cotta Iftar, an Italian favourite given the local treatment with sago, lychee, basil and rose syrup – yum! It will have you licking your plate clean.
If you drop by from April 3-9, you enjoy a special buffet price of only RM198 per adult and RM99 per child.
If you’re there between April 10-25, it’s RM238 per adult and RM119 per child and from April 26 to May 2, RM198 per adult and RM99 per child.
The ‘Sajian Tradisi Kita’ spread is available from April 3 to May 2, and includes takeaway as well.
There is also a ‘festive set menu’ featuring Rendang Tok Daging, Nasi Kebuli Kambing and Lontong Dengan Sayur.
To enjoy these delicious dishes, make a reservation via the Four Seasons App or check them out on Facebook.