FOR Ramadan, Vistana Hotel in Penang is offering a full Ramadan buffet with a traditional Kampung Nelayan theme from July 21 to Aug 17.  

The buka puasa spread has over 120 hearty as well as light traditional kampung dishes. There are western salads and plenty of appetisers.

Ulam comes with plenty of choices — daun selon, timun, kacang panjang, petai, ulam pegaga and ulam raja — with a variety of condiments, notable ones being  sambal cincaluk and sambal belacan. Other appetisers include kerabu ulam and acar rampai.

MAIN COURSE
At the buah jeruk (preserved fruit) section, there are varieties of nutmeg, mango, papaya and ampala.

From the warung (stalls) are options like chicken and beef satay, roti jala and chicken murtabak with chicken curry.

Just as good is the whole roasted lamb. The tender lamb, flavoured with herbs, is served with lamb gravy and mint sauce.  

The main courses feature meat and seafood in aromatic curries. Try specialties such as beef paprik, beef rendang, daging masak hitam, ikan pari masak asam pedas, gulai daging kampung, gulai lemak ikan masin, ayam goreng madu, ketam masak lemak, ikan tenggiri goreng berempah, ayam percik and ikan kari bendi.  Also available are prawn and fish crackers. Apart from white rice, do look out for the nasi biryani.

Vegetable dishes include kacang panjang goreng berlada, sayur kobis kunyit, sayur lodeh bersama tempe, ubi kentang Maksala, pajeri nenas, telur dadar and sambal telur.

DESSERTS AND BEVERAGES
There are varieties of colourful dessert such as Malay and Nyonya kuih muih, bubur kacang hijau, local fruits, ice cream, ais kacang and creme caramel.

There is an array of hot and cold beverages too. The hot Nescafe tarik with a great flavour and smooth texture, is a crowd favourite.

RESTAURANT
Vistana Hotel
213 Jalan Bukit Gambir, Bukit Jambul, Penang
Tel: 04-646 8000

What’s cooking
Hearty traditional kampung dishes

Atmosphere
Kampung ambience.

Price
RM45 nett (adult) and RM30 nett (children 6-12)

Overall verdict
Give it a try