Level 3, Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur,
Jalan Putra, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-4049 4351
Business hours: 6.30am to 1.00am.
AN ARRAY of mouth-watering Johor favourites, such as Laksa Johor, Otak-otak and Deng-Deng Goreng, can be savoured at Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur from now till June 3.
The culinary adventure is one of the highlights in the Johor Food and Cultural Festival 2013 jointly organised by the hotel and Johor Tourism Board in conjunction with “Colours of 1Malaysia 2013”.
Chef Abd Razak Abdullah, a Johorean, is the guest chef for the promotion.
He said the Johor delights are unique because of the influences of different sub-ethnic groups of Malay, including Jawa, Bugis, Banjar and Bawean.
Priced at RM68nett and RM78nett respectively, the buffet lunch and dinner feature a selection of appetisers, main courses, desserts and drinks that are unique to the southern state.
A special beverage, known as Beyh Royale, is also served. It is said to be the royal drink during the reign of Sultan Abu Bakar Temenggung Daeng Ibrahim from 1833 to 1895.
Brewed with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, star anise, kaffir lime and pandan leaves, the drink is aromatic and thirst-quenching.
Munch on them: Popular snacks such as (clockwise from top left) Otak-OtakBakar, Murtabak Johor and Pepes are part of the buffet spread.
The spice mix is also used to cook lamb for Nasi Kambing Beyh.
“The dish is similar to Nasi Briyani Kambing but tastes much better because of the spices,” said Abd Razak.
The chef also recommended Asam Pedas Ikan, Botok-Botok and Laksa Johor.
“Botok-Botok is herbal steamed fish. We use a few types of herbs for the dish, such as tenggek burung, mengkudu and daun senduduk.
“Laksa Johor, meanwhile, is the Johor-style fish bolognese spaghetti. The spaghetti is topped with fish gravy prepared with ikan tenggiri, kembung and parang,” he said. Other choices available include Nasi Ambeng, Ikan Pindang Jawa, Paceri Nenas, Daging Kurma Merah and Lontong Kering.
For dessert, Som Som Gula Melaka and Kuih Lopes Gula Melaka are among the spread.
While having their meal, diners are treated to joget and zapin dances as well as folk songs by performers.
The art and craft from Johor are also being showcased at the hotel lobby.
During the launch of the promotion, Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur general manager Mohamad Halim Merican said they would give local and international tourists the opportunity to learn and experience Johor’s heritage.
Tasty rice: Nasi Kambing Beyhfeatures lamb cooked with the spice mix used for Beyh, a kind of beverage.
“Johor is one of the gateways into Malaysia. With its rich multi-cultural history, it is only fitting that we celebrate the event with feast and festivities,” he said.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
