I have been a huge fan of Utara Coffee House, Armada Hotel PJ for a couple of years now. Their food is not only impressive but their staff are always friendly and attentive as well. A couple of days ago, my boys and I managed to go for their ‘Warisan Tradisi Kampung’ Ramadan buffet preview and we all but sang praises for what they showcased that night.

There is wide array of Warisan Tradisi Kampung dishes to tempt your appetite for iftar this coming Ramadan. They have a lot of delicious traditional dishes in their buffet spread but here’s highlighting their specialties and dishes that’s definitely worth trying.

First off, be sure to break your fast with these sweet succulent dates from the Middle East. If you are a Muslim and have been fasting for the day, you will appreciate something sweet and comforting to your tummy before digging in to much more heavy and spicy dishes.

Spotted Nasi Ulam . I gave it a try and I have to say that it’s one of the most flavourful one I’ve ever tried. Made from the freshest traditional herbs, this Nasi Ulam Desa is not only appetizing but refreshing on the palate as well.

Sup Tulang Rawan Utara was packed with flavours and a tad spicy. Cooked with the best traditional Malay herbs and spices, the meat was well done and fall off the bone tender. My son polished this off within a few minutes while my husband kept wishing for seconds, in which I stopped him as there’s plenty more dishes for us to try and enjoy and it would be a waste if he was too full just from the soup.

Gulai Ayam Portuguese taste like something you’ll get from those traditional Malay weddings. Flavourful and yet not overwhelming. Great with rice or as bread dippings.

Gulai Daging Pekasam Daun Kesum was abit mouthful to pronounce, but this rare traditional beef curry was nothing short of sensational. I was informed by the chef that the beef was marinated with secret spices before thinly sliced and cooked in specially selected curry paste. This dish was the epitome of perfection and definitely highly recommended for you to try. Pair this up with plain white rice and you’ll be in the danger of wanting more of it.

Rendang Itik Serati. I gave this a miss but according to my husband and son, this dish is not too shabby either. The duck meat was well done and there was no gamey taste whatsoever.

Ayam Buah Keluak. Buah keluak is a kind of poisonous fruit that can only be made edible after going through a complicated fermentation process. Feeling adventurous, I took a scoop of this and paired it with my plate of Briyani rice and was immediately hooked. The curry was smooth but at the same time, richly addictive. Non spicy and must try if you are a fan of Peranakan delicacy.

Gulai Tulang Rawan was a tad spicy, but it’s not something I can’t handle. Absolutely delicious.

Acar Ikan Bawal. Now, I must stress again that I’m not a fan of fish dishes but whenever I’m in Utara Coffee House, Armada PJ, I will not skip their fish dish. They are probably the only restaurant that could prepare a fish dish that will not make me squirm. The fish was adeptly fried and topped with mildly pickled sliced carrots and cucumbers. A very appetizing dish.

Otak Otak Muar. I wish I could comment on this dish as it looks very tempting but unfortunately for me, my picky eater son polished it off before I could have a go at it.

Kek Suji Kurma& Carrot Cake makes quite a sweet ending for our meal that night. As usual, the pastries are not cloyingly sweet and pretty much pleasant and comforting to eat after indulging in all the heavily flavoured curries.

The “Warisan Tradisi Kampung Buffet Dinner” is priced at RM88++ per adult and RM44++ per child from 22nd June 2015 to 16th July 2015. For those who prefer a cheaper option but still wish to savour the taste of Ramadan in Utara Coffee House, do take note that they will commence with an early Ramadan Buffet Dinner Special on the first week of Ramadan from 16 June 2015 to 21 June 2015 priced at RM72++ per adult and RM36++ per child. 

For reservations do contact them at 03-79546888 ext 4557, Utara Coffee House. 

Let me be very honest with you. I’m a mother, and I have a son who is in primary school. But I come to realized that as time goes by and as my son continues to grow up, I started to detest being around young children, especially from age toddlers to early primary. I find it difficult to tolerate their behavior and their tantrums, especially when they do it in public. Not sure if it is just me, but children these days are pretty much obnoxious. They don’t play or communicate well with others, rude, impatient, noisy and not to mention can always be seen sticking their nose to their gadgets playing games and whatnot even at the dining table. My son is autistic and boy, he was a hell of a case to raise when he was younger but these days, but strange enough, these days I find being around with my somewhat challenged son is very pleasant as he has become very obedient.

I’m not sure what contributes to my lack of tolerance towards children. I used to like them very much, but I suspect it is the way they are being raised these days, where parents are too busy with their careers and stuck in the rat race to actually ‘raise’ them, resulting them to be somewhat obnoxious, rude, loud and prone to throwing tantrums.

Call me old fashion but I don’t believe in allowing strangers (maid, babysitters etc) to fully raise our children while we are busy being in the rat race. True enough, gadgets plays a crucial part in the modern world and they helps the children to be connected with you when you are away, they are not the best of babysitters around. Yes. Children tend to be occupied with gadgets, but there ought to be balance in real life communication and cyber reality.

Young children should be given hands on experience in real life so that they could benefit from it and I believe in allowing them to be children as long as possible. The modern world is extremely competitive and parents usually want their children to excel academically and be better than their peers, but it is a mistake to force young children to grow up too fast. Stop taking their childhood away from them by chaining them to the desk or locking them up in tuition classes. Young children benefits most from play; IQ wise and EQ wise.

There is plenty of places you can bring your children to play, and at the same time, interact with children their age in a fun environment.

One of the place is Jungle Gym in Bangsar Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Located on 4th floor of the shopping complex, the place is quite an ideal location for both parents and children to play and unwind, and of course, shopping.

For younger children there is the Jungle Gym, a play area suitable for children from age 4years old to 12 years old. Surveying that play area the other day with my son, we think that the place is interactive enough to keep even hyperactive children occupied. However, I would suggest parents not to leave their children unattended while at this area. Overly excited children with adrenaline rush in this play area can be quite a hazard. So do monitor your children while at this area.

For elder children, teens and adults, there is the joyride and for those who fancy a much more challenging activity, there is the in-line skating rink.

In-line skates can be rented for a fee. And socks is available for sale at RM5 per pair. However, I noticed that safety helmet and knee paddings is not available for your usage upon entrance. You may purchase it at the counter at RM16 per set. I would advice you to avoid any possibilities of injuries and bring your own knee pads and helmet to use while at the skating rink. Either you make the purchase or bring your own.

There is Jungle Cafe located nearby selling refreshments and apart from that, the place also have themed birthday party packages if you are interested to host a birthday party here.

Although I’m more into bringing my son outdoors; traveling with me to those less traveled places in Malaysia and learned about people and culture first hand, I think this place is not too shabby if you are looking for a quick, convenient fun with your children.

Admission fees to both Jungle Gym and the Skating Rink applies. For more information on their operating hours and ongoing current promotion, check out here:

Website: www.junglegym.my.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/junglegymplayland

If there is one thing that I like to do after a whole day fasting during Ramadan is hunt down for delicious food in those mushrooming Bazaar Ramadan. Problem? Yes. The lack of energy after a whole day fasting. Walking in a very crowded bazaar can be quite challenging. Apart from that, finding really delicious food for Iftar (breaking fast) can be pretty trying as those who sells food over there in the bazaar are not always in F&B line and merely opportunist who are just trying to earn extra cash during Ramadan.

For those who enjoys having variety of delicious food on their table during iftar now have the option not to walk around in the crowded bazaar and go for Essence in Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur instead. Much better than bazaar, I reckon.

Striving to be different, Essence@Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur is offering ‘The Tales of Nusantara’ this Ramadan where you can find your favourite Ramadan delights at a collection of stalls and live cooking stations with each traditionally decorated to its food origins. Boasting a 120 metre buffet spread, there is more than 210 mouthwatering specialties from Malay, Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesia, Singapore for you to enjoy.

Now, I’ll be honest with you. When I was at the preview, I was completely overwhelmed with their ‘Tale of Nusantara’ offerings, but here’s what’s worth highlighting in my opinion:

Uncle Loo Chilli Crab

Chilli Crab is a Singaporean seafood dish popular in Singapore and Malaysia. Mud crabs are commonly used and are stir-fried in a semi-thick, sweet and savoury tomato and chilli based sauce. Despite its name and the flaming colour,chilli crab is not a very spicy dish. Even my son could handle the spiciness. Here in Essence the crab used is the flower crab and I find this dish not only satisfying but well executed as well. A must try in this buffet.

Nasi Ambeng. Nasi Ambeng or Nasi Ambang is a fragrant rice dish cooked during important celebrations and served in a tray to be shared by four to five people. You don’t get to experience eating on the same tray with a few people here in Essence of course, but it is still satisfying nevertheless for those who enjoys Javanese delicacies.

Nasi Ambeng side dishes. The usual suspect to construct your very own personalized Nasi Ambeng is there; chicken cooked in soy sauce, fried vegetables, fried fish, bergedil and fried noodles.

Gorengan Jalanan

The usual street food like goreng pisang, cucur keledek and whatnot is available at the Gorengan Jalanan stall. I’m not really into greasy stuff, but these are just so irresistible.

Sup Meletup stall where they are offering all sorts of traditional spicy soup for you to indulge in.

I gave their Sup Ekor (Oxtail soup) a try and I have a few words of warning for you. This dish is not for the fainthearted. It is a no nonsense dish with robust and spicy flavour. For those who can’t take spicy food, I would suggest you to tone this down a lil bit by partnering a bowl of white rice with it.

Assorted traditional curries to go with your plain rice. Those who can’t go without having rice during their breaking fast session would definitely appreciate these offerings.

Assorted traditional curries. I did not manage to try them all but I managed to have a go of their Gulai Tempoyak Udang (a curry dish cooked in fermented durian paste). A dish that will require an acquired taste. Not everyone will find this dish pleasant, especially those who doesn’t like durian. The Gulai Tempoyak Udang was not only spicy but have the proper pungent durian taste. Not exactly your standalone dish and something that you must pair with some plain rice. I absolutely love this dish, and the slight sweetness that comes from the prawn is of course welcoming.

There is of course something mild for those who doesn’t like spicy food too here, so don’t worry. There is something for everyone.

Freshly plucked ulam to go with your rice. Spotted some rare leaves like Daun Tenggek Burung and buah jering over here. Ulam lovers will approve this for sure.

Generous selection of kerabu. Great on it’s own and also to be paired with plain white rice.

A fan of Middle East food? Be sure to request for some freshly assembled kebab/shawerma from this action stall.

While you are at Essence@Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, do keep a lookout for this star sensation; Whole Baby Lamb with Mandy Rice.

The Mandy Rice and the whole baby lamb is Essence’s Ramadan special and it does not disappoint. The whole baby lamb and the rice was a divine combination that’s so arresting that it warrants a second or third go at it. I love how tender and flavourful the lamb and rice was. Highly recommended to all Middle Eastern food lovers.

The baby lamb and Mandy rice dish is also available for take away for those who would like to break fast at home. You can get it fromToastina Cafe &Bar from 18th June to 16th July 2015. It is priced at RM15 nett per person and will only be available on sale from 4pm to 6pm.

Indian food is also available for your gastronomic pleasure.

Tandoori chicken is not to be missed if you love Indian food. The chicken cutlets was juicy, tender and was full of flavour.

Roasted duck is also another not to be missed item in this buffet. It was nothing short of delectable.

Fresh tropical fruits to cleanse your palate with.

Traditional kuih and desserts for those who have sweet tooth.

Among all of these traditional sweet dessert, one that I found worth all the calories is the Puteri Mandi dessert (top left picture). It is actually steamed glutinous rice balls drench with coconut milk. A tinge of savory and sweet of coconut filling adds special favor to the cake. Do give it a try. It will surely send you to heaven and back. 😉

Another section of traditional desserts and modern cakes.

Modern cakes and pastries for those who can’t live without such desserts

Assorted drinks and fruit juice for you to wash down all your guilty pleasure with.

And of course, if the beverage is not enough, you can go for the Ais Kacang and condiments.

Overall, Essence@Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur will positively satisfy even the fussiest eater this coming Ramadan 2015 with their ‘Tales of Nusantara‘ offering. Healthy selection of food, great value for your money and of course, their staff is also attentive and eager to please. A rewarding place you’d want to break your fast at, for sure. I have no words for both their food and their hospitality except for singing praises.

The Buffet is priced at RM 138 nett  per person with an early bird promotion priced at RM 90 nett until the 17th of June. It is available for dinner only from 18th of June until the 16th of July 2015.

Confirm your reservations before 17th June and enjoy the early bird promotion priced at RM90 nett per person. SPG Members can enjoy 20% discount of total food bill. UOB and Maybank card holder enjoy special privileges while dining at Essence as well.

*Prices quoted are inclusive of 10% service charge and 6% GST tax.

Address:
Essence@ Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
( Reachable by Medan Tuanku Monorail and Dang Wangi LRT)

Phone: +603 2717 9900

Website: https://sheratonimperialkualalumpur.com