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