Special thanks to The Royale Bintang Penang for extending this food review invitation.
Besides the ongoing buffet at Sri Tanjung Cafe, The Royale Bintang Penang is offering month-long buffet dinner during Ramadan. Starting on 7 June 2016 through 4 July 2016, guests are treated to one of six rotating menu every evening.
Each evening, the Ramadan dinner covers Malay delicacies such as kerabu (salad), ulam (raw vegetables), sambal (condiments), soups, cooked meats, curries, hawker-style food and kuih (Malay pastries). Today’s event is just tip of the iceberg; the actual Ramadan dinner has significantly more dishes.
As per tradition, Muslims break fast after sunset by consuming several pieces of kurma. The pitted palm dates are sweet and help to keep the appetite engine running.
Daging Masak Hitam Manis is one the main highlights of the buffet. The beef is pleasantly flavored and works well with the sweet-savory gravy.
Kambing Masak Bahmia is second only to the beef in terms of savoriness. The chef does a magnificent job in suppressing intense flavor of mutton that many people dislike.
Meanwhile for Ayam Masak Merah Madu, pieces of chicken are cooked in a gravy with honey sweetness. Chicken would have been nicer if it were tenderer.
As for seafood, Kari Ikan Mamak Belimbing features pomfret in a curry of moderate spiciness. I think the fish is on the dry side. In addition, the chef may want to try a less oily version of curry as diners are getting more health-conscious.
The Butter Prawns are succulent indeed. I enjoy the juicy flesh under their shells. The buttery coating plays a minor role in the overall flavor, which may be a blessing in disguise as I personally prefer to enjoy the taste of shrimps just the way they are.
As for Ulam-Ulaman Kampung, Sri Tanjung Cafe prepares 6 types of raw vegetables every evening. Malays often enjoy these raw vegetables with flavorful condiments such as Tempoyak, Budu and Sambal Belacan.
There are also a number of kerabu (Malay salad) dishes such as Kerabu Pucuk Paku, Kerabu Tanghoon and Acar Rampai. Papadom and Keropok Ikan are also Malaysian favorites.
Sotong Kangkong is also a popular dish in many Malay food stalls. This dish consists of boiled squid and water spinach, served with sweet sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Malay kuih is another essential component of Ramadan dinners. Popular ones include Kuih Cara, Kuih Bom, Ondeh-Ondeh and Rempah Udang.
Bread & Butter Pudding is a simple yet appealing dessert. Raisins are used to provide sweetness.
The buffet includes several types of French pastries such tarts and brownies. Prepared in bite-size portions, guests can enjoy a large variety of different cakes in a buffet setting.
Other Western-style desserts include Mango Pudding, Butter Cake and Mini Carrot Cake. Guest may also help themselves to small glasses of Mousse, Fruit Jelly and Agar-Agar.
Sri Tanjung Cafe‘s Ramadan buffet is priced at RM88.00 per adult, and RM44.00 per child or senior citizen. These prices are net. There is 10% discount for early bird booking before 30 May 2016.
Name: Sri Tanjung Cafe
Address: 1 & 2, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-259-8888
Business hours: 6:30am-11:00pm
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 5.41695 N, 100.34411 E
Directions: From the ferry terminal at George Town, turn right and drive along Weld Quay (Pengkalan Weld). The Royale Bintang Penang is located shortly on the left, at the same block as Via Pre and Made in Penang Interactive 3D Museum. There is a small lane right after the hotel, which leads to the main entrance and multi-level car park. At the front desk, restaurant patrons can get their parking tickets validated for a flat rate of RM5.00 per entry.