Paya Serai,
Hilton Petaling Jaya,
2, Jalan Barat, Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-7955 9122 ext 4567/4261
Business hours: noon-3.00pm (lunch) and 7.00pm-10.30pm.
LOOKING at my Muslim friends, I am humbled by their perserverance in observing Ramadan despite the soaring heat and temptations that come in many food forms (this is Malaysia!).
I for one, would be the first to succumb if I am ever required to fast from dawn to dusk.
With countless Ramadan bazaars and hotels running exciting food promotions, fasting for a whole day would be a Herculean effort for someone like me.
Hence, I felt a tinge of guilt when I was told to attend a media review of a Ramadan Bazaar promotion at the Paya Serai in Hilton Petaling Jaya.
Have a bite: The tender and juicy lamb shanks, roasted to perfection.
However, when I reached the restaurant and saw the array of dishes waiting to be savoured, excitement replaced guilt (so much for feeling abashed).
Serving a spread of over 100 local and international delights, the Paya Serai Ramadan promotion is touted to be one of the best in the city.
And judging by the number of dishes available, one could not possibly taste all the varieties in a single day.
The restaurant’s brigade of talented chefs, led by Chef Noor Hisham, has combined the best of authentic kampung dishes and quintessential Indian, Chinese and hawker cuisine to present a spread that would cater to everyone’s tastebud.
After a whole day of fasting, ease your way into the first dish with some soups and salads. My favourite was the Sup Soto Ayam and Acar Buah Sri Rampai.
The soup was flavourful with perfect blend of spices and as for the acar, the tartness of the fruit lent a piquant taste to the dish.
The list does not end there as you wade your way through Buah Jeruk, Kerabu Sotong Kering, Kerabu Nangka, Tauhu Sumbat and the ever popular bubur lambuk.
You could choose from a wide selection of dips that range from Italian to Sambal Belacan.
As your stomach is layered with the starters, perhaps this would be the perfect time to go for the main course.
Chef Noor said that based on popular feedback some of the old favourites had made a comeback in the main course list.
As we waited patiently, our tables filled with Lobster Slipper Masak Lemak Belimbing, Chicken and Beef Serunding, Ayam Pongteh, Sweet and Sour Flower Crab, Nasi Bokhari Ayam and Roast Lambshanks.
The Nasi Bokhari Ayam and Roast Lamb scored brownie points with many of the media members.
Coated with just the right amount of spices, the fluffy rice dish with chicken was cooked to perfection. The roasted lamb shanks were tender and juicy, not requiring any dip to enhance its flavour.
To enjoy these dishes, diners could opt from a selection of side dishes such as Lemang, Ketupat Palas, Kacang Botol, Vegetable Platter and Assorted Dim Sum.
Don’t leave out the succulent Fresh Oyster, Fresh Mussels, Boiled Tiger Prawns and Boiled Slipper Lobster that would entice you palate with its fresh taste.
If hawker fare is the preference, then diners would find the perennial favourites at the live stations with Kambing Panggang, Chicken and Lamb Shawarma with Pita Bread, Nasi Kandar, Roti Canai, Murtabak, Putu Piring, Roti Jala, nasi lemak, Assam Laksa, Assorted Tempura, satay and Grilled Fish.
Of course, no food journey is complete without dessert and Paya Serai did not disappoint in this department.
Durian fans would be glad to note that serawa durian is in the list.
Even though I eschew durian-flavoured dish of any sort, the gustatory exclamation from my neighbours was enough to convince me that the serawa durian ticked all the boxes.
If the king of fruit is not your cup of tea, the other selections to go for are Pengat Pisang Bersago, Mango Pudding, Tapai Ubi, Pisang Emas, Pulut Hitam and Apam Balik.
You could also take a pick from a variety of Malay kuih, French pastries, ice cream, jellies and the all-time favourite chocolate fountain and fruit skewers.
Quench your thirst with invigorating drinks that include soymilk, air sirap bandung, apple juice, barley water, ais kacang and teh tarik.
Available from 7pm to 10.30pm, the Ramadan Bazaar is priced at RM129++ per guest. Children below 12 enjoy a 50% discount on the Ramadan price.
This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.
