MOUTH-WATERING Middle Eastern-inspired Nasi Arab and Ramadan specialty bubur lambuk await diners who sample the buka puasa buffet at the Grand Lexis Port Dickson.
Fittingly dubbed ‘Feast of Ramadan’, a tempting spread of both traditional and popular fare would be featured at its Duyung restaurant until Aug 27.
Executive sous chef Nordin Ahmad who hails from Perlis will also be dishing up some of his hometown favourites such as Gulai Daging Kerisik (meat cooked with fried grated coconut), Nasi Ulam (herbed rice) and Laksa Utara (northern style curried noodles).
The chef and his team will be preparing more than 100 dishes daily including a range of appetisers, mains and desserts.
The star attraction, however, is the Nasi Arab which is served with lamb or chicken kofta (meatballs) and accompanied by tomato salsa, yoghurt and salad.
“This is one of the dishes Middle Eastern people eat during Ramadan and we are serving it the way they do.
“The accompaniments are served on the side but the rice is best enjoyed when you mix everything up so you get a mouthful of the wonderful flavours … sweet, savoury, sour and spicy,” said Nordin.
My advice to patrons is to enjoy the rice but to leave room for some of the other tasty main courses which is not easy to come by every day such as crispy fried quail.
The quail we sampled was finger-licking-good and was polished off in a matter of minutes.
Also on the menu are Ikan Sembilang Berlada (spicy catfish), Masak Lemak Nangka Muda Ikan Masin (young jackfruit and salted fish in coconut gravy) and Gulai Betik Muda (green papaya curry).
We also had our very first taste of bubur lambuk (porridge) which was subtly spiced but good to the last drop.
Nordin said the dishes would be rotated every three days so repeat customers would be able to try something new.
“This year, we have set up nine stalls doling out dishes a la the Ramadan bazaars such as char kuey teow, chicken rice, grilled meats and seafood, satay and ABC.
“Our popular beef or chicken rendang accompanied by saffron-infused glutinous rice will also be able for take-away during the promotion period at just RM20 per box,” he said.
Great appetisers: Whet your appetite with a selection of traditional salads like kerabu and ulam before you partake in the main courses this Ramadan at the Legend International Water Homes in Port Dickson.To finish off your meal, sample some of the delectable desserts on offer like Pengat Pisang (stewed bananas in coconut milk), Bubur Kacang Durian (durian porridge), and an assortment of Malay kuih and French pastries.
The restaurant and its adjoining Pool Cafe can seat some 250 pax at any one time.
The buka puasa promotion is priced at RM65++ per adult and RM32++ per child.
Guests can also take advantage of the promotional room rates offered during the period which starts from RM420++ (deluxe pool villa) to RM780++ (sky pool grand villa).
On normal days, these cost RM450++ and RM810++ respectively.
The rates include complimentary Ramadan buffet dinner and sahur or break fast for two persons.
For reservations, contact 06-653 2000 ext 3550.
