This article is part of my Ramadan 2019 compilation.
Special thanks to Royale Chulan Penang for extending this food review invitation.
This year, Royale Chulan Penang serves Ramadan buffet dinner from 7 May 2019 to 3 June 2019. Themed “Sajian Nostalgia”, the menu is crafted to revive traditional Malay dishes from the yesteryears. Held in Sri Tanjung Cafe, the dining area is decorated with Kampung Boy cartoon figures.
Bubur Lambuk is an essential appetizer for iftar meals. In the kampung (Malay village), the rice porridge is prepared in large quantities to be distributed to the community. In this noble spirit of giving, Royale Chulan is giving away 200 servings of Bubur Lambuk to passers-by on 6 May 2019.
Royale Chulan has prepared not one, but four rice dishes each evening: Nasi Hujan Panas, Nasi Briyani, Nasi Tomato and Nasi Dhall. Each variant uses a different mixture of spices, making it fragrant and tasty in a unique way.
As for chafing dishes, Kepah Masak Cili Padi is meant to tantalize one’s taste buds. Mussels are cooked with a creamy gravy that contains coconut milk and bird’s eye chili. Yellow color of gravy comes from kunyit (turmeric).
Should diners prefer poultry, Ayam Masak Merah Madu is a great choice. In this dish, chicken is wok-fried with sweet, tomato-based sauce. The sauce also contains honey and spices. A sprinkle of sesame seeds serves to enhance aesthetic appeal.
Telur Itik Masak Lemak Cili Padi is a regional specialty of Negeri Sembilan. Compared to chicken eggs, duck eggs have arguably savorier taste. The eggs are cooked with turmeric-infused gravy, which improves savoriness to a whole new level.
The open kitchen at Sri Tanjung Cafe is where à la minute dishes are prepared. According to the chef, the pasta counter is named “Pasta Mafia” because customers can “demand” their own pasta dishes. Pasta ingredients include spaghetti, penne, macaroni, linguine, fettuccine, prawns, mushrooms, capsicum, olives and more. Tomato and cream sauces are available.
Cucur Harimau Menangis is a snack which pairs deep-fried puff pastry with a spicy curry. There are beef slices and potatoes in the curry. The curry is said to be so spicy that it makes tigers cry. I cannot agree any more.
Be sure not to overlook the action stalls just outside the Boustead Building. The most aromatic dish here is Sotong Goreng Berempah. Springy calamari rings are coated with spicy batter, and then fried to golden perfection. What a delicacy indeed.
The charcoal grill produces a steady flow of delicious satay. Chicken and beef versions are prepared. Other barbecued items this year are Kambing Panggang Golek (roast lamb) and three types of Ikan Bakar (grilled fish).
Ulam-Ulaman Kampung are assorted raw vegetables in a rattan basket. Since the vegetables are tasteless on their own, they are meant to be eaten with condiments like sambal belacan (spicy shrimp paste), sambal pudina (mint sauce), tempoyak (fermented durian paste) and budu (fermented anchovies).
While the vast majority of Malay kuih are sweet, Kuih Cara Berlauk is a rare exception. This savory crêpe is topped with chicken, fried shallots and chili peppers. Its colorful appearance makes it a crowd favorite during festive events.
Other types of Malay kuih are Kuih Ketayap, Kuih Talam, Kuih Bakar, Cucur Badak and Cucur Keria just to name a few. Diners can also indulge in other sweet desserts like Mango Pudding, Pandan Panna Cotta, Strawberry Mousse, Fruit Jelly, Lemon Tarts and more.
Royale Chulan Penang’s buffet price is RM90.00 net per adult, and RM50.00 net per child or senior citizen. Early bird vouchers are available for purchase at discounted prices of RM72.00 net and RM40.00 net respectively. To encourage customers to come with their friends and family, the hotel is offering “Buy 6 Free 1” for adults. This promotion does not apply to early bird vouchers.
Name: Sri Tanjung Cafe
Address: 1 & 2, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-259-8888
Business hours: 7:00am-10:30pm
Website: http://www.royalechulan-penang.com/dining
Coordinates: 5.41700 N, 100.34401 E
Directions: From the ferry terminal at George Town, turn right and drive along Weld Quay (Pengkalan Weld). Royale Chulan Penang is located shortly on the left. There is a small lane right after the hotel, which leads to the main entrance and multi-level car park. Guests who dine in Sri Tanjung Cafe can get their parking tickets validated for a flat rate of RM5.00 per entry.
