This article is part of my Ramadan 2019 compilation.
Special thanks to Eastin Hotel Penang for extending this food review invitation.
For the upcoming Ramadan season, Eastin Hotel Penang is serving “Sajian Aneka Rasa” buffet dinner every evening from 7 May 2019 to 4 June 2019. The menu is a diverse combination of local dishes and hawker food. Dinner is served at Swez Brasserie. Today’s preview covers approximately 80% of the actual buffet spread.
Bubur Lambuk is a must-have dish when breaking fast. This savory porridge goes well with spring onions and fried shallots. Bubur Lambuk is typically cooked in a large amount to be served in a communal setting. As for something spicy, go for Seafood Tom Yum instead.
Sup Gear Box Utara is one of the more popular dishes this evening. The rich broth is prepared from the mutton and a variety of spices. Interestingly, the soup is called “gearbox” because the goat’s femur resembles a gear stick. Straws are provided to diners who wish to extract savory marrow from the bones!
Moving to the carvery, Roast Lamb Leg is served this evening. Marinated for several hours, the mutton is roasted until it turns golden brown. The mutton is best enjoyed with rosemary sauce. During the Ramadan, a whole goat will be prepared every evening.
Satay is Malaysia’s favorite street food. Two types are prepared today: chicken and beef. The meats are marinated with spices like turmeric, and then grilled over burning charcoal. Satay is typically served with sweet-spicy peanut sauce, ketupat (rice dumplings), sliced cucumber and onions.
Penang Char Koay Teow is the state’s most iconic dish. I am satisfied with how well the dish turns out. The fiery aroma imparted to the noodle is simply amazing. Meanwhile, Mee Rebus is a signature dish of Chef Shukri, who is also responsible for crafting many Malay dishes this evening.
Rendang Daging is a Malaysian take on the Minangkabau delicacy. Beef is cooked with coconut milk and spices until most liquid has evaporated. The resulting beef is extremely savory. The Malaysian variant of rendang is not as dark as the original version.
Cili Ketam A’la Singapura, more commonly known as Singapore Chili Crab, is stir-fried with tomato and chili sauces. Despite its name, this dish is sweeter than it is spicy. The traditional recipe uses mud crabs, but in order to comply with halal requirements, flower crabs are used instead.
Kari Telur Ikan is a delicacy that is not commonly encountered. The curry contains fish roe, which has a unique, grainy texture. Unfortunately, the curry does not penetrate the roe deep enough. Perhaps heavier seasoning would have helped.
Ulam-Ulaman comprises of ulam raja (king’s salad), daun pegaga (Asiatic pennywort leaves), daun gajus (cashew leaves) and kacang botol (winged beans). These raw vegetables are customarily dipped into condiments like sambal belacan (spicy shrimp paste), budu (fermented anchovies) and cincalok (fermented shrimps).
Today’s choices of Malay kuih are kuih talam pandan (pandan cake), kuih talam keladi (sweet potato cake), kuih bingka ubi (tapioca cake) and kuih seri muka (two-layer cake). More Malay kuih will be available during Ramadan dinners. In addition, there are several jars of cookies to satisfy one’s sweet tooth.
I am impressed by the assortment of Western confections this evening. Notable items are Citrus Crème Brûlée, Blueberry Cheese Tartlets, Carrot Cake, Pandan Cake, Marble Cheesecake, Banana Cake and Chocolate Moist Cake. Compliments to the in-house pastry team!
Eastin Hotel Penang’s “Sajian Aneka Rasa” buffet dinner is priced at RM120.00 net for adults, RM60.00 net for children, and RM70.00 net for senior citizens. Early bird vouchers are available for purchase for RM100.00 net. In addition, the hotel is having a “secret” promotion of vouchers for only RM88.00 net. This special voucher can only be redeemed between 7 May 2019 and 12 May 2019. Check out the hotel’s Facebook post for details.
Name: Swez Brasserie
Address: 1, Solok Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-612-1111
Business hours: 6:00am-12:00am
Website: http://www.eastin.com/penang/dining
Coordinates: 5.33629 N, 100.30632 E
Directions: Eastin Hotel Penang is located along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu) and is conveniently next to Queensbay Mall. Swez Brasserie an eatery next to the hotel lobby. There are parking spaces at the basement levels of the hotel.
