This article is part of our Ramadan 2026 series.
The Selera Ibunda Ramadan Buffet at the AICB Centre of Excellence offers a nostalgic culinary journey from 21 February to 18 March 2026 with a spread that celebrates the comforting flavors of home-cooked heritage dishes.
Did you know?
The AICB Centre of Excellence also houses a Financial Services Library that is open to the public. Why not plan a visit before your buka puasa session?
Famous for its authentic Malay cuisine, Thyme Out is the signature restaurant located within the AICB Centre of Excellence.
Following our review this year, we found that Thyme Out offers an exceptional and authentic taste of Malay heritage led by the expertise of Executive Chef Mohamad Juzaili Shah.
A standout starter is the Pantai Timur-style Bubur Lambuk. We were impressed by the abundance of Tenggiri and Kembung fish meat paired with crunchy Ulam. The balance of taste and texture really surprised us.
One simply cannot miss the traditional staples, including Ketupat Palas and Lemang Daun Lerek paired with Serunding Ayam or Daging.
Presented alongside the classic Rendang Tok is the Rendang Itik. Duck can be a challenging protein to master, but the rendang here is slow-cooked until tender and coated in a rich, flavorful kerisik-based gravy that stays true to its traditional roots.
For seafood lovers, the claypot station is a must-visit! This station offers a choice of Kari or Asam Pedas featuring a variety of premium seafood.
Prized catches like Udang Galah (giant freshwater prawns), Telur Ikan Mayong (giant catfish roe), and Kepala Ikan (fish head) are prepared to order.
The claypot selection always goes well with sides of brinjal and tomato.
We recommend pairing the Kari with the Kepala Ikan and Telur Mayong, while letting the signature Asam Pedas highlight the sweetness of the Udang Galah.
The Asam Pedas is the absolute signature here. A must-try dish for its bold, spicy, and tangy profile!
The buffet also incorporates a selection of Middle Eastern favorites, headlined by the Kambing Ouzi. This tender lamb is deeply flavorful from the marinade with the fat rendered just right.
We especially liked how the meat was carved and kept in the pot to ensure every slice remained hot and juicy.
The Kambing Ouzi is served over fragrant Nasi Kabsa which is infused with a complex blend of black lime and warm spices.
The Chicken Shawarma features succulent meat grilled on a traditional spit and is made fresh to order in two styles.
You can enjoy it tucked into a soft pita or rolled as a convenient wrap.
The Middle Eastern spread continues with the Roasted Arabian Chicken.
This chicken dish is a Middle Eastern-style poultry dish characterized by its aromatic spice profile and tender texture.
To complete the meal, don’t miss the Potato Harra (Batata Harra). These cubed potatoes are sautéed with garlic and chili to offer a spicy, herb-forward “kick” that makes them an addictive side dish.
The Aneka Sup station is another absolute must-try, offering a selection of soups that are incredibly “powerful” and rich in flavor.
You can customize your bowl with a variety of hearty ingredients including Tulang Rawan, Lidah, Gear Box, Paru, Limpa, Perut, and Keting.
The broth is exceptionally thick with spices, delivering a deep, aromatic punch in every spoonful. Highly recommended!
To complete the experience, be sure to pair these robust soups with the assortment of fresh rolls and bread to soak up every drop of that spiced broth.
Step outside and you’ll find the smoky Ikan Bakar and Sate stations.
The Ikan Bakar station features an assortment of fresh fish, including the crowd-favorite Stingray.
Complementing the fish is the classic Sate which offer a rustic, traditional taste that serves as a highlight of the buffet experience.
If there is one dish you must try, it must be the Mee Goreng Mamak! Don’t skip this station as it’s easily one of the highlights of the entire spread.
Stir-fried fresh on the spot, this noodle dish packs a real “kick” by balancing a spicy heat with savory notes and a subtle hint of sweetness.
We were so impressed by the quality that we would even suggest coming here just to eat it as an ala carte dish.
Unlike other laksa varieties that use rice noodles, Laksa Johor is served with spaghetti. This unique tradition is said to have been inspired by Sultan Abu Bakar’s travels to Europe.
For those craving Italian flavors, the Pasta Station offers an ala minute experience where you can choose from three classic preparations: Aglio Olio, Bolognese, and Carbonara.
The buffet also incorporates Western dishes which don’t just add variety to the spread but are also definite crowd-favorites for the kids.
Another standout feature of the buffet is the Yong Tau Fu stall which captures an authentic taste that mirrors the original Chinese version while being fully Halal.
What makes this stall special is that the authenticity isn’t just in the wide variety of Yong Tau Fu pieces available, but also in the soup base itself. The broth is savory and comforting, tasting exactly as a traditional version should.
Moving into the heart of the buffet, the Main Course selection offers a tour of local flavors.
The journey begins with a vibrant array of Malay appetizers, featuring traditional Ulam-Ulaman and a variety of zesty Kerabu to prime the palate.
The main course selection is anchored by the Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak. The catfish is remarkably clean-tasting without leaving a greasy aftertaste, while the tempoyak broth is thick and flavorful without being overpowering.
The beef tendons in the Urat Keting Masak Kari Kandar give a wonderful gelatinous tenderness, soaking up an aromatic sauce that is packed with the signature punch of authentic Nasi Kandar.
The inclusion of Sambal Ikan Sardin Bersama Pucuk Ubi reflects an authentic kampung taste that is rare to find in such a polished setting.
Sambal Kentang Ikan Bilis Bersama Petai is a deceptively simple dish, yet every ingredient carries a powerful burst of flavor making it the perfect companion to a steaming plate of white rice.
Let’s grab some “quick bites” between the heavier courses and discover the “hidden gems” that define the local culinary landscape.
Celebrating a rare cultural intersection as the spirit of Ramadan meets the festive cheer of Chinese New Year, the buffet features a dedicated Lou Sang station for guests to toss for prosperity.
A standout feature that offers incredible value for this buffet is the unlimited fresh coconut station.
There is nothing quite like the natural sweetness of chilled coconut water to cleanse the palate after a spicy feast.
In a dining scene where fresh coconut is often a premium add-on, having an endless supply here makes this deal an absolute steal!
No festive feast is complete without a graceful landing into the world of sweets. The transition from spice to sugar is handled with a delightful variety that caters to both traditional cravings and modern palates.
Compared to standard still water, the effervescence of a chilled glass of sparkling water is refreshing.
Priced at RM148 nett for adults, RM128 nett for senior citizens, and RM74 nett for children, the dining experience is further enhanced by live band performances held nightly from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
To secure your spot for this nostalgic feast, you can make a reservation via WhatsApp or email for more information regarding group bookings or special arrangements. Located at Bangunan AICB @ No 10, Jalan Dato Onn, Thyme Out offers a perfect setting for a meaningful buka puasa gathering with family and friends.
Some hot dishes are served on a rotational basis, so feel free to contact the restaurant directly to check the menu of the day.
If you need more information about Food and Travel Lover = Foodveler, don’t hesitate to reach out to Foodveler on WhatsApp. You can also email us at jack@foodveler.com.
Directions to AICB Centre of Excellence
