Swez Brasserie,
Eastin Hotel Petaling Jaya,
13 Jalan 16/11,
Pusat Dagang Section 16,
Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-7628 7397
Business hours: 6.30pm-10.00pm.
THE late P. Ramlee was a man of humble beginnings who started his entertainment career in Penang. Hence, it was no surprise that his favourite foods were mostly simple northern Malay dishes.
To celebrate his life and works, Eastin Hotel Petaling Jaya will be presenting a tribute to the legend during Ramadan month.
As part of the daily buffet at Swez Brasserie, P. Ramlee’s favourite foods will be made available in a specially-decorated area.
The man in charge — chef Mohd Azmi Sarginen — said the team got help from the National Archives of Malaysia in determining the dishes.
Among them are Kari Ikan Bawal Berbendi, Burung Puyuh Goreng, Mee/Mihun Goreng and Ayam Goreng.
“Admittedly, it is a difficult job as we only know the dishes that he liked but not the exact taste or recipe. To ensure its authenticity, I did separate research by reading books written about him and watched his movies to look for any mention of food.
“I also incorporated a handful of northern dishes in the general buffet spread to keep to the theme. Some of them include Lidah Sapi Panggang (grilled cow’s tongue), crab curry and air asam (tamarind juice),” said Azmi.
Members of the media had a taste of P. Ramlee’s favourite foods and the restaurant’s signature dishes during a recent food review.
As a Northerner myself, I could safely say that the flavours were close to home, especially the fish curry, nasi briyani, Daging Masak Hitam, Udang Goreng Kunyit and Dalcha Rusuk Kambing.
When asked, Azmi recommended the fried quail, which was marinated with spices to give it flavour.
“I try my best to use spices and recipes from the region,” he added.
Apart from nasi kandar-like dishes, P. Ramlee also loved bubur kacang, cokodok pisang and kopi o’ sejuk. These items will be also be available during the Ramadan promotion.
Spoilt for choice: Various ulams and its spicy condiments such as tempoyak, sambal belacan, budu,cencaluk and sambal mangga will be available on the buffet spread.
Fans and patrons will get to reminisce as his evergreen music and bone-tickling movies will be played when they dine.
There will also be a mini showcase of the legend’s life story, photography and artifacts loaned by National Archives.
The sumptous buffet is priced at RM98++ for adults and RM49++ for children.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
