MELAKA: Durian lovers will be caught off guard with a "new" item on board the coming Ramadan buffet at the Casa del Rio Hotel in Melaka.
The mouth-watering and popular durian crepe is made from fresh local durians and that is just one of an eye-catching spread the buffet offers.
The theme for this year’s buffet is 'Kampung & Peranakan', focusing on the varied delicacies of Melaka and its culture, prepared by executive chef Ryan Poon and his team.
"Basically, the durian crepe is our signature dish and no other hotels are offering this type on their menu so far, with other places normally serving raw durians.
“However we came up with an idea to modify the way we portray our country's specialty," said Poon.
Apart from the durian crepe, highlight for the upcoming Ramadan buffet are roasted whole lamb marinated with special herbs and spices served with nasi lemak, local favourites such as Melaka Nyonya laksa, Penang prawn mee, Hainanese chicken rice and satay.
"The spices used to marinate the lamb are brought in from Pakistan and our ingredients are 100 per cent natural," said Poon at the launch of the 'Sajian Desa' buffet dinner yesterday.
Joining the dinner was 31-year old French expatriate Mark Aurelien, who has been living in Alor Gajah the past six years.
Aurelien said he was impressed by the spread.
"There’s so much to choose from and I will say the diversity of food is astonishing," he said.
Available everyday from May 27 till June 24 at the River Grill, the buffet dinner is priced at RM98 nett per adult, RM49 nett per child (6-11-years-old) and senior citizens (above 60). Patrons also stand a chance to win prizes worth up to RM15,000, including hotel stays at the Concorde Hotel Singapore, Hard Rock Cafe Bali, and Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya when they dine at Casa del Rio.