From fine dining to steakhouses and vegan specials, there’s something for everyone this Ramadan – whether you’re fasting in observance of the holy month, or simply want to enjoy the best of what the Klang Valley has to offer.
Here are seven scrumptious selections that are not from hotels, to keep you full and festive this holy month.
1. Modern Malaysiana: Rasa Lama
Rasa Lama, which opened in 2020 just before the pandemic struck, champions food heritage and delivers traditional dishes with a modern twist.
Its buffet dinner, Aneka Rasa Lama, celebrates a better year ahead. Diners can look forward to a full-fledged feast, with the highlight being a whole lamb in a BBQ pit, slow-roasted until tender and paired with delicious house-made rosemary sauce.
Other must-trys are the gulai daging kerisik from north Malaysia, ayam percik Pak Mail, and nasi kuning Minang, as well as ice creams and a range of yummy Raya cookies.
The Aneka Rasa Lama Ramadan buffet will be held until April 30, 6pm-10pm daily; RM78 nett per adult and RM40 nett per child (5-12 years).
For reservations, click here. Find out more on Rasa Lama’s Instagram profile.
Rasa Lama
9G, Jalan SS15/7,
SS15, Subang Jaya, Selangor
2. Kampung style: Sambal Hijau
Sambal Hijau began as a modest restaurant in 2004 and grew in popularity after being featured in a cookbook. It is now one of the most well-known Malay eateries, dishing up over 80 varieties of kampung Malay cuisine and Minang meals.
For Ramadan, its Set Nasi Padang (RM79) for four comprises some of their signature dishes – masak lemak tunjang, rendang Minang paru, masak lemak nangka, and sambal hijau.
The Set Ayam Kampung, also RM79 for four, features ayam kampung goreng rempah, sup tulang daging tetel, paru balado, urab pucuk paku and more.
Each set comes with rice, drinks, and local desserts.
Make your reservations by sending a WhatsApp message to 012-8805803. For more information, click here.
Sambal Hijau
2990 Jalan Sungai Penchala,
Kampung Sungai Penchala, Kuala Lumpur
3. Malay homestyle: Restoran Rebung Chef Ismail
Entering this restaurant is like entering Chef Ismail’s personal home, with decorative dishes, knickknacks and memorabilita adorning the walls.
This month, Restoran Rebung Chef Ismail’s iftar buffet includes specialities such as daging salai masak lemak cili api, telur itik masak lemak cili api, serawa durian, nasi kerabu, pari asam pedas, and more than 70 other dishes and 10 stalls to tantalise your taste buds.
The buffet runs until May 1, 6pm-10pm, and is priced at RM88 for adults and seniors, and RM58 for children aged five to 11.
To reserve, call 03-22763535/2525. For more details, click here.
Restoran Rebung Chef Ismail
5-2, Level 5, 1 Jalan Tanglin,
Taman Botani Perdana, Kuala Lumpur
4. Fine dining: Bijan Bar & Restaurant
Bijan Bar & Restaurant, named one of the world’s “50 Best Essences of Asia”, has been serving traditional food with its own spin since 2003. This establishment is an oasis for those seeking a more refined dining experience, where you can relax with a glass of wine while partaking in authentic Malay cuisine.
This Ramadan, its Simply Malay Buffet includes all their signature dishes, including satay, ikan kembung bakar, lemang pandan, and more.
The buffet is available until April 28, 6.30pm-9pm, priced at RM99 per person.
To book your spot, click here, or call 03-20313575 or 016-4316568. Check out Bijan’s Instagram profile for more information.
Bijan Bar & Restaurant
3, Jalan Ceylon,
Bukit Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur
5. Steak: Maria’s SteakCafe
For over two decades, Maria SteakCafe – recipient of the World Top Gourmet Award in 2018 – has been serving delicious steaks in a comfortable environment. This family-run business has now expanded to four outlets in the Klang Valley at Damansara Perdana, Bangsar, Sunway, and Suria KLCC, as well as one in Ipoh.
This month, Maria’s is offering its beef and non-beef sets, each of which comes with an appetiser, main course, dessert, and Raya-edition percik sauce. Enjoy Australian grain-fed ribeye, and lamb cutlets and white cod for the non-beef option.
The Ramadan sets will be available until May 5. The beef set for two is priced at RM255; the non-beef set for two at RM239. Available for dine-in, takeaway and delivery.
For reservation at any outlet, WhatsApp 017-9020339 or click here.
6. Vegan: Hijau
Hijau, located in the heart of KL, is known for its hearty fare that will please herbivores and omnivores alike. Its dishes are rich in robust flavours, with surprises such as the Umami Bomb, a vegan caviar served with tempeh wrapped in crispy seaweed; and its Ultimate Mac and Cheese, with a rich, plant-based sauce.
Experience Hijau’s 12-dish Ramadan spreads at its new home in REXKL. Available until May 1, from 7pm onwards.
To make a reservation, contact 0113-7507708. For more info, click here.
Hijau @REXKL
80, Jalan Sultan,
City Centre, Kuala Lumpur
7. Raya gifting: Tumboh
Tumboh, a social enterprise, aims to provide meaningful contributions to underprivileged Malaysian communities. This year, it has teamed up with The Good Fat Company and Concrete Dezign on two gift box sets that are perfect for Aidilfitri.
Its RM65 Ramadan gift box set includes peanut butter sachets, granola and almond butter; while its RM85 Raya set includes two Octogano trays, almond butter, and granola. Each comes wrapped in ribbon and a Salam Aidilfitri gift card.
Shop online by clicking here and find out more on Instagram.
Set the Tables is positioned to inspire and educate those in the industry as well as the aspiring reader who dreams of a future in the food business, and maybe even the merely curious tantalised by the vast and irresistible universe of food and drink. Follow them on Instagram.