Breaking of fast is very much a gastronomical trip down memory lane at the Fern Pine Cafe in Holiday Villa, Johor Baru.
Soon after entering the cafe, which boasts one of the best scenic and sunset view of the city, one is greeted by a wide assortment of candies and sweets of yesteryears.
Just when one is wondering if the goodies are still in production these days, a widespread of creatively decorated buka puasa culinary delights greets them.
To begin with, the bubur lambuk and mushroom soup, together with a wide range of kurma and other morsels, are an excellent starter.
For the main food items, the salted egg crabs, chilli lala (shellfish) and stirred fried chilli prawns of generous portions are sure to whet one's appetite after a day of fast.
At the balcony outside the cafe is where one can get all the grilled and fried food items.
The satay and roasted lamb corners are always packed with people in long queue.
Roasted to perfection, the lamb is juicy and tender, and is served with mushroom and black pepper sauce.
The grilled sambal fish is another popular Ramadan dish at the cafe. The perfect blend of spices and herbs make the dish surprisingly fragrant and tasty.
To reflect the kampung-style dining experience, a big tray of ulam, together with a few variety of sambal, salted fish, fish sauce and cencaluk (prawn sauce) served in creatively-decorated pestles will further enhance one's appetite for the evening.
Not to be missed is the fried kuay teow booth, as the kitchen staff dishes out among the best hawker-style fried kuay teow in town, if not better.
The durian fritter served in one of the booths, together with banana and cempedak fritter, is a must-try among all the buffet spread. This secret recipe, which is only available once a year during Ramadan, is crispy on the outside with creamy durian paste on the inside.
Reserve some space for this dessert at the end of your meal.
Other desserts include fresh fruit, as well as bamboo stick ice cream to cool down the hearty meal.
Remember to grab some candies home just before you exit the cafe.
The Ramadan buffet dinner is tagged at RM120 nett per adult and RM60 per child. It is available from 6.30pm to 10pm daily until June 24.