There was a buzzing news in town that a new hotel has been erected near KSL City Shopping Mall, and it was pleasant to know that our long-time friend Joshua Wong is now its Marketing and Communication Manager. When Joshua had extended his invite to The Iskandarian to review their Ramadan buffet, I was ready to check out their offerings.
Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre (Novotel) introduced itself to the locals and ALL Accor’s members worldwide by inviting guests to relive the comforting flavours of home with its specially curated “Kenangan Bonda”, or Mother’s Memories, buffet dinner, happening until 19th March 2026, from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
The theme is a tribute to the nostalgic dishes many Malaysians grew up with during Ramadan. The culinary team at Novotel has crafted a rotating menu inspired by authentic heritage recipes, rich in spices and traditional cooking techniques.
Getting to the venue was easy, and the parking is currently free of charge. As you head indoors, there’s a lift to go right to the The Grand Chamber Ballroom, and I felt the kampung vibes here immediately as there are lots of nostalgic decorative items as you see in classic, kampung homes such as the rattan sofa and home items in a cosy kampung house tucked in the serene small garden or orchard. It immediately reminded me of my grandmother’s home; the same was felt by my mother, who accompanied me to this feast.
The ballroom is spacious and swanky and has state-of-the-art equipment, a wide LED screen, a stage, plenty of lights and a great audio system to boot. This makes for a really comfortable experience, with everything just within reach – the makeshift praying rooms, the washroom, the indoor buffet and the live stalls.
They served a daily rotational menu and their highlight would be the Daging Masak Rendang Tok, Ayam Masak Vindaloo, Ikan Pari Masak Assam Pedas, Ikan Bakar “Laos” Serai Pandan, Sotong Bakar Sos Bunga Kantan, Rendang Kupang Daun Kunyit, Jantung Pisang Masak Lemak and Ayam Kalio.
I enjoyed their live-action stalls & interactive food experience near their infinity swimming pool, overlooking the bustling city as the evening falls.
You’ll enjoy the Gerai Kambing Golek and Gerai Sate, opposite the Gerai Durian Segar. The durian bar is open by 8pm, freshly cut open, and gloves are provided.
It was raining when I visited, so the hot soup right from the pot I had, coupled with dinner rolls, was so perfect. My mother had the soup with noodles and plenty of meat cuts, cooked so nicely that it melts in our mouths.
Besides that, we enjoyed the fritters at Gerai Goreng-Goreng whilst picking up interesting beverages at Gerai Air Balang. Do try out their yam-flavoured drinks after the fizzy and milky syrup known as Bandung Soda.
Enjoy your meal serenaded by their daily live Ghazal performance until the end time of the buffet dining.
If you are looking forward to discovering Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre’s buffet, it is priced at RM198 nett for adults, RM158 nett for senior citizens and RM118 nett for children. Pay for 10 and get 1 person to eat for free.
Special for members of ALL Accor, the all-in-one booking platform and award-winning loyalty programme, may avail exclusive benefits and earn reward points during their stay at Novotel Johor Bahru City Centre. Points can be redeemed for future stays, dining, and unique experiences across Accor’s global network. Enrolment is free at all.com.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit https://all.accor.com/hotel/B585/index.en.shtml or email HB585@accor.com/HB585-SM@accor.com.
Alternatively, you may call +60 16-811 6800 / +60 12-391 0829 to make reservations.
