Wednesday, August 26, 2009

GREAT SPREAD @ The Equatorial Coffee House, Penang



Last night we went out as a family for a change, to try the Buka Puasa Ramadhan Buffet at the Equatorial Hotel. Although it's a bit far out for us, as we live on the other side of the island, I really feel it's worth the drive out to Bukit Jambul.



Firstly the view alone is worth it; you can choose to eat outside on the terrace which overlooks the lovely pool and grounds, or inside the air-conditioned dining area. But what is more important is the food. For RM68++ (RM38++ kids) the spread is truly magnificent.

Executive Chef Junious Dickerson took me for a grand tour round the stalls; despite the fact he's American, he knows the difference between his ulams and his kerabus, as he spent a few years in E Malaysia in one of the hotels there.

You know how it's often the case with buffets that you think there's a lot of food when you first go in but when you get down to it there's not really that much that you fancy after all. Well I'm telling you there will be PLENTY for you to enjoy here.



There's the cold starters inside with a load of rojak, salads, ulams and kerabus; then there are some Middle Eastern stuff together with Malay dishes from all over the country. Outside, there are even more stalls: Cucurs, Roti Jala, Lamb Briyani and a very passable Satay.


I thought the Malay-style Penang Laksa was awesome and as usual with buffets I have only one regret: no more tummy space, because as usual I have to leave enough room to try out the desserts, and with kuehs, baklavas, pastries and cakes, fruits and ice creams, it was 5-0 to my diet for the day.



They've even included Air Bandung, Ais Kacang, Teh and Kopi Tarik. I really take my hat off to them cos their buffets have always been quite outstanding, and it's no different this time round. Besides, there's a 4-pc band playing every night to make it an even more pleasant experience - the violinist is actually very good.



Over the next month they will be rotating the six menus every week, so if you are looking for somewhere to go and buka puasa with our Muslim friends, head for Eq.

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