Special thanks to Mercure Penang Beach for extending this food review invitation.
This evening, Mercure Penang Beach gives a sneak peek into its upcoming Ramadan buffet dinner menu. Dinner is served at The Ombak, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant.
Starting with rice, Nasi Mandi is a traditional dish from Yemen but is widely served throughout the Arabian Peninsula. Cooked with meat and spices, the rice is quite savory and aromatic. Long-grain basmati rice is used because its light texture absorbs flavors easily. Roasted Lamb Leg is served over the rice platter.
There are several chafing dishes that deserve special mention. For instance, Ayam Kalio is a dish of chicken cooked with coconut milk and spices. This poultry dish is similar to rendang but contains substantially more liquid.
Puyuh Goreng Tiga Rasa is another delectable poultry dish. But in lieu of chicken, the recipe features quail instead. The seasoning has a lovely combination of sweet, sour and spicy flavors.
One of my favorite dishes this evening is Ikan Keli Goreng Berlado. Catfish is fried with a chili-based paste which elevates its flavor to new heights. I truly enjoy the delicate texture of catfish. However, the fish is riddled with small bones, so be cautious especially when feeding children.
Gulai Ikan Bawal is another interesting dish. Black pomfret is cooked in a curry that is rich in coconut milk. The pomfret complements the curry’s spiciness pretty well. The same can be said for okra (lady’s fingers) and tomatoes.
Sambal Sotong is a dish that successfully integrates squid with thick chili paste. In addition, I appreciate the springy texture of squid. This dish is heavily flavored, so it should be eaten with rice.
Condiments to go with ulam-ulaman (raw vegetables) include kicap cili (spicy soy sauce), air asam (tamarind sauce), cincalok (fermented shrimps) and budu (fermented anchovies). In addition, ikan masin (salted fish) and telur masin (salted eggs) are provided too.
Moving on, The Ombak presents an interesting variety of kerabu (Malay salads) such as Kerabu Sotong (squid salad), Kerabu Ayam (chicken salad), Kerabu Daging (beef salad), Kerabu Taugeh (bean sprout salad), Kerabu Mangga Muda (unripe mango salad), Kerabu Udang (prawn salad), Kerabu Siput Buluh (razor clam salad) and Kerabu Betik (papaya salad).
Tandoori Pizza should not be overlooked either. The thin-crust pizza contains succulent slices of tandoori chicken. Other pizza toppings include capsicum, coriander, onions and cheese. The fresh aroma of tomato sauce is truly mouth-watering. I cannot recommend the pizza highly enough.
As for pastries, Apple Crumble Tart is easily one of my favorites this evening. The filling consists of apples, cinnamon and sugar. Other pastries at the dessert counter are Opera Cake, Banana Cake, Peach Cheese Tart, Chocolate Brownies and Corn Pudding.
If you prefer something soft, Crème Caramel should be your cup of tea. The custard is elegantly decorated with fresh strawberries and caramelized sugar. As for Malay-style desserts, there are Sago Gula Melaka, Kuih Seri Muka, Kuih Bingka Ubi, Cucur Keria and Dodol.
The Fruit Jelly does a great job in cleansing the palate after a satisfying meal. Durian-flavored Aiskrim Potong (popsicle) serves this role too. As for something warm, diners can help themselves to Pengat Pisang (banana soup) and Pengat Labu (pumpkin soup).
The Ombak’s buffet dinner is available every evening from 10 May 2019 to 1 June 2019. The buffet price is RM75.00 net for adults and RM35.00 net for children. For a limited time, the hotel is selling early bird vouchers for RM60.00 net. If the weather permits, opt for al fresco dining in order to enjoy the idyllic sunset and cooling breeze from the sea.
Name: The Ombak
Address: Mercure Penang Beach, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Tokong, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-371-8888
Business hours: 6:30am-11:00pm
Website: Click here
Coordinates: 5.46384 N, 100.30187 E
Directions: Mercure Penang Beach is located along the main road between Tanjung Tokong and Tanjung Bungah. Driving from Tanjung Tokong, turn right at the traffic lights when you reach the hotel. The Ombak is located next to the lobby. There are parking spaces in front of the hotel.