Buka Puasa @ Sheraton Imperial KL: The Essence of Melaka

The holy month of Ramadan is once again be upon us and for many Malaysians, this is a great time to renew ties and gather together over a meal. Buka Puasa (breaking of past) during this time also provides the perfect opportunity to savour on some of the best Malay cuisines all around the country.

At the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel, one can take a culinary trip down memory lane with Melaka-born Chef Jamsari Bin Mohammad as he cooks up storm from his delicious childhood memories. Aptly named the Essence of Melaka, this buka puasa spread showcases the best of comfort food which the chef has come to love during his growing years.

Chef Jamsari started his culinary career in a 5-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur. After a few short years, he joined the culinary family of the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel in 1998 as its First Commis. In the last 12 years, he climbed the career ladder to become the hotel’s Malay Chef today. When questioned about his success, he mentions that it is not something hard to achieve - all you need is do is to believe, enjoy and be passionate about what you like doing best. Such good advice!

Ever since he started his first job at the age of 21, Chef Jamsari has been besotted with food. While he personifies happiness and is chatty amongst his friends, he makes no compromise when it comes to creating authentic and traditional Malay cuisines. Diners to Essence’s buka puasa buffet have much to look forward to. From traditional recipes passed from generations to generations to colourful "live" action stations.



Assam pedas is a dish close to Chef Jamsari’s heart as he believes this is THE dish Melaka is best known for. Be prepared to take on a spicy gastronomical journey when you stop by this stall. 2 types of assam pedas sauces, with distinctive tangy fragrant of tamarind to assault your senses - in a good way. In addition to the special assam pedas sauce, there will be the Assam Pedas Daging Tetel sauce – which is a true Melakan recipe.

Each night, Chef Jamsari will also prepare a variety of assam pedas dishes showcasing 5 or 6 types of fish, beef, prawns, crabs and a variety of vegetables - which diners can make their choices from a cold station and watch his team of chefs cook up a storm right in front of you. The Assam is simply packed with punches and will definitely see you scraping the bottom of the claypot. Gutsy, soulful and full of flavour. I envy his childhood now.



If tamarind is not your fancy, fret not. Essence boast more than 100 mouth-watering Ramadan specialities as well as International dishes. Sample on the restaurant’s signature favourite such as *takes a deep breath*... Roasted Whole Lamb with Nyonya Sambal Marination and Roasted Potatoes. Needless to say, the ‘must-trys’ are our sumptuous local fare like Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball, Sambal Udang Petai, Satay Celup, Daging Masak Semur... *pant, pant*... Sayur Labu Kundur Masak dengan Ikan Bilis, Grilled Fresh Oyster with Cincalok, Acar Berempah Kampong Air Panas, Roti Canai, Murtabak, Roti John, Ikan Bakar and more.

But just before you write this off as a glorified traditional street affair, Essence lashes out other specials on the buffet tables like Steamed New Zealand Mussel with Ginger, Chili, Saffron and Lime, a selection of Sushi, Sashimi and California Hand Rolls, Creamy Mushroom Soup, Steamed Dory with Lemon, Mango and Tomato Duxelle Salsa, and much, much more.

Dessert fans need not worry as a huge red cabinet of sweet endings (or beginings, whichever you prefer) awaits you in the quiet corner of the restaurant. I'm sure you will not be disappointed with the their selection of traditional favourites like Seri Muka, Kuih Lapis, Kuih Talam, Bengkang Bunga, Kasui, Bingka Ubi, Ang Ku, Kuih Gandus, Onde Onde Buah Melaka, as well as other tempting delights – Cheese Cake, Blueberry Creme Brulee, Chocolate Banana Cake, Carrot Cake, and variety of cool Ice Creams, amongst others.

The buffet is priced at RM108.00++ per person and is available for dinner only from August 3, 2011 till August 27, 2011. What’s more, this is one promotion where you’d want to take advantage as we will be giving away two complimentary seats for every 10 paying guests. There will also be nightly lucky draws and slices of date cakes for diners to take home.

Special thank to Evelyn and the team at Sheraton Imperial KL for the invite to savour on this lovely spread.

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Essence Restaurant
Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel
Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
For reservations, call +603-2717 9933 or Email restaurant.imperial@sheraton.com.
For real time reservations, visit www.eatdrinkandmore.com/sheratonimperialkualalumpur.


For those who would like to buka puasa in the comfort of their homes or in more exclusive venues, the hotel also extends similar menus for outside catering or in its various function rooms. For cozy company gatherings or private get-togethers, do contact the hotel’s Catering team at +603 2717 9900 to find out more about the various Ramadan catering packages.