Tales of 3 Buka Puasa

International Islamic Art Museum (IIAM)

Set in the café of the IIAM, the Ramadhan buffet spread is a mix of Middle Eastern dishes such as lamb kofta, Lebanese bread, humus, falafel, moussaka and local dishes. The food and setting of the place was wonderful, with just the right number of people seated, unlike some outlets which would maximize their floor space during Ramadhan buffet.

Their chef is also of Middle East origin, hence all the dishes are as authentic as they could be. From what I gather, they rotate the set menu. Noted dishes for that particular day was their sup tulang ( two thumbs up), roasted lamb, grilled salmon ( lurve it) plus the rice dish (couldn’t remember the name) and otak-otak was excellent.

The dessert spread ranges from local dishes such as sago gula melaka, bubur kacang, various local kuih to puddings, baklava, cakes and fruits.

Overall, the buffet spread is not that extensive but the quality of the serving top notch. Would recommend it over the normal off the mill buffet.

Bagan Seafood, Tg Harapan

Every year, we have this arrangement with another couple to break fast with seafood galore. This year is no exception, and when they mooted they idea, we quickly agree on the date. All the arrangement has been set even down to the special table, where they gave us a long bamboo chairs instead of normal ones so that we could sit back and relax after gorging down the food.

Menu is as per usual – 2 kg of crabs, 1 kg of prawns, lemon chicken, mixed vege, tofu, kerapu & kalian ikan masin. There are some kuih buffet thrown in for starters. ( all this is for 5 adults and 3 kids ).

The trick is to have the kids fed first, and after they’re full, they can go wondering about while the adults enjoy the food. They say that the proof to the pudding is in the eating, and I believe almost everything was cleaned off the table.

Crab shells

Pride of India, Desa Sri Hartamas

My sidekicks and I decided to have a small, last of the month breaking of fast. Having read good review about the place, we decided to give it a try. The day was set on Thursday, 2 days before the long festivities break.

The atmosphere was set to offer an authentic Indian restaurant, with see through windows to see what the Chefs are doing. To my surprise, the place wasn’t packed and it offered a serene atmosphere to have your food and enjoy the conversation. The buffet spread is not that extensive, but what they lack in number the made up in quality. Free flow of poppadums and nan bread kept being sent to the table, along with refreshment.

If I recall correctly, they have some sort of soup (similar to rasam), with raita and some salad with cottage cheese, choice of briyani or plain rice, vegetable bhajee and pakora, chicken jalfrezi, mutton rogan josh, aloo goobi, fish, fried brinjals and dhal, with assortments of kuih and fruits with ros gulla (an Indian sweet dessert – sort of ladoo immersed in syrup). Made me miss breaking fast in the UK.

I was told that they rotate the menu and in some of the days they would have tandoori chicken, palak paneer and gulab jamoon. Would definitely recommend the place for those seeking some sort of spicier buka puasa fare and also some place quiter than the overpacked and overprice offering at most hotels. And at RM22 nett, it is a steal.