I've always visited Hilton Petaling Jaya for seminars, talks and even dinner but this was the first time I came for the Ramadan Buffet spread at their Paya Serai Restaurant. I have to thank Jard for inviting me to break our fast together in Hilton PJ because the buffet spread had over 100 local as well as international delights!
We both arrived a little earlier than expected and decided to do a little catching up at the lounge area just outside the restaurant. I have to admit that the sight of the live-cooking stations at the entrance area really distracted me during our conversation. There was the Chinese "lok lok" steamboat station, the Asam Laksa station, Nasi Kandar, Tempura station, Apam balik station and a Turkish Ice Cream station!
Now you understand why I wasn't 100% engrossed in our conversation? :D
Paya Serai Restaurant was decked in Malay style decorations.
Customers have already started to take their food at 7pm.
The live cooking stations at the entrance of the restaurant was too good to miss out on.
What I liked about the Ramadan buffet here was that most of their menu consists of local and traditional dishes from the appetizers to the dessert table. There were salads such as the Buah Jeruk, Acar Buah Sri Rampai, Kerabu Sotong Kering, Kerabu Nangka, Taufu Sumbat, Terubok Ikan Masin and Sup Burung Puyuh. You could even take your pick of salad ingredient and dip it with a wide selection of dressing from Sambal Belacan to French dressing.
Normally for my break of fast, I try to start with a heap of salad before I eat anything else. I took a little bit of Iceberg Lettuce, Cabbage, Tomatoes, Romain mixing it together with a little Kacang botol,Kacang Panjang and Vietnam chicken salad. Eating this usually fills me up quickly.
From the main course, there were 3 types of menus consisting of Indian, Malay and Chinese dishes. Imagine having to choose from Fish Kofta, Chicken Pakora, Lala Tumis Bersantan and Stir Fried Black Pepper Venison amongst others.
Can you spot the odd one out? *Hint : What's tall and chocolatey?
Mezze & Appertizer - Hummes, Baba Ganoush, Fattoush Salad, Tomato Couscous Salad and Imam Bayildi (Stuffed Eggplant).
There were also various side dishes and accompaniments namely Lemang, Ketupat Palas, Kacang Botol, Vegetable Platter, Assorted Dim Sum and much more for the night together with a few trays of succulent Fresh Oyster, Fresh Mussel and Boiled Tiger Prawns.
I almost missed out on the drinks section while looking around at the food and was glad to have found it together with the ABC station. The 'Drinks Corner' that includes Soymilk, Air Sirap Bandung, Apple Juice, Barley Water, Ice Kacang, Cendol and of course the must-have Teh Tarik.
I see-food (seafood).
The laksa station with all the ingredients for the hungry tummies.
Clockwise from top left: Fresh Mixed herbs Marinated Whole Lamb, Chicken & Beef Satay, an array of local dishes such as the Ayam Percik, Sotong Bakar, various side dishes and accompaniments such as Lemang and Ketupat Palas.
Clockwise from Top Left: Tapai Ubi, Putu Piring, Lepat Pisang and Ketupat Palas.
The perfect ending would definitely be the mouth-watering desserts that we managed to leave some room for such as Pengat Pisang Bersago, my ultimate favourie the Serawa Durian, Buah Kurma, Mango Pudding, Tapai Ubi, Pisang Emas, Pulut Hitam, and Apam Balik with variety of fillings. Also available were an assortment of local kuih-muih, French Pastries, ice creams, jellies and not to leave out the all-time favourite, Chocolate Fountain and Fruit Skewers.
An assortment of local Kuih Muih from the Kuih Melaka, Kuih Lapis and the cucur badak.
Yum Yum Turkish Ice Cream Station!
The ice cream is quite think to be stuck onto the metal scooper like that. He He.
Ice Cream Potong with many flavours in a shiny metal ice box.
The Ramadan Buffet is available at the Paya Serai, Hilton PJ Hotel from 7pm-10:30pm and priced at RM99++ per guest on the first week while RM129++ per guest on the following days. Child below 12 yeard olf enjoy 50% discount on the Ramadan price.
It is also better to make reservations for the buffet because the crowd could go up to more than 400 in one day. This can be done by calling 03-3955 9122 ext 4567/4261/4096.
For other info you could also visit Hilton PJ's F&B blog www.ZestPJ.com for the latest F&B promotions and entertainment scenes or go to www.petaling-jaya.hilton.com