It is as far as your eyes can see…
That was what I thought first when I stepped into Cafe BLD’s buka puasa buffet preview, ‘Gempita Ramadan’ at Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel. Your eyes could already drink in the view of Seafood on Ice, Ulam-Ulaman, Salads, assorted Sushi, Meat carvings right past the warm welcome.
My interest peaked when I saw that even at the outdoor patio had several live cooking stalls that were housed like local’s hawker’s stalls during the fasting month’s bazaar.
At the door out to the patio, there are woks of Malay’s dishes that are mostly family favourites such as the hot Sambal Udang Petai, various Masak Lemak rich in coconut milk, Javanese Ayam Ungkep, Beef Rendang and the likes. Perfect to go with jasmine fried rice or like me, I personally picked up the Lemang Daun Lerek (glutinous rice wrapped in lerek leaf) which is a must have in Cafe BLD to have with the lauk pauk. A luxury to me!
Pots of Beef and Chicken Biryani Gravies stole the show right smack in the middle of the outdoor side, with a huge wok of biryani rice covered with a bamboo container that keeps the food warm and flavourful the entire time.
One should not miss that this buffet serves a rare side of Acar Buah with cherries that are hard to find in normal eateries and safe to say only a few could actually make it right and this one I had with the biryani hits all the right spots on my taste bud. It sits between the delicious Pasta live cooking stall and a Noodle stall where you can get piping hot Mee Goreng Mamak and, next to it is the Yong Tau Foo station.
The highlight of the entire buffet had to be the star-studded dishes by actress cum TV personality Sheila Rusly who was serving Indonesian-inspired Nasi Daun Jeruk (kaffir lime leaf rice) freshly served on the stall with trending social media cooking figure, Chef Zam, who presents his own version of Sate Goreng (Fried Satay), a traditional Muar delicacy brought to you on certain dates during the fasting month.
It’s a huge chance and a pleasant opportunity not only to take photos and chit chat with the celebrities, but the grand chance to taste their culinary skills right here in Cafe BLD.
Sheila in her own words suggested having a taste of her Nasi Daun Jeruk by its own first then having it with Chef Zam’s Sate Goreng and Fish Crisps available at the special star stall at the cafe’s patio.
It was my first time having a taste of Nasi Daun Jeruk – its appetite-inducing savoury rice mixed with anchovies and fresh taste of kaffir lime leaves that are finely chopped, reminding me of mint dishes but a very Southeast Asian-tuned with the leaves. Meanwhile, the Sate Goreng of delectable rendang and barbecued satay, drenched in gravy that is rich in flavours may be very popular with the crowd.
The culinaire celebrities would make their appearances on Fridays and Saturdays. Sheila Rusly will be there on 7th-8th March and 21st to 22nd March while Chef Zam will be at the cafe on 14th-15th March and 28th-29th March.
All the great taste of food made me crave for some hot Teh Tarik to soothe my pipe and then, a refreshing ice shaved Ais Kacang with condiments of my liking from Nata de Coco, Cendol, Red Beans, Fruits and many more.
The ice shaved station was such a hit on the day of the preview where guests were showcasing their creativity, and friends at my table were having their own Ais Kacang showdown by the end of our meal which then extended to fun reminiscing of childhood days in our conversation. Speaking of nostalgia, remember to check out the corner of the patio for your childhood snacks!
Sounds like a feast that you would love to go to? Gempita Ramadan Renaissance Iftar Buffet starts from 2nd to 30th March 2025, beginning 6:30pm to 10:00pm and priced at RM198 nett per adult and RM99 nett per child (6 to 12 years old).
Early Bird Vouchers are available until tomorrow, 28th February 2025. Get1 complimentary voucher when you buy 10 vouchers.
Do note that the dinner date is until 30th March 2025.
Club Renaissance Johor Bahru Members will receive 15% discount, 10% discount for Marriott Bonvoy Members and 10% discount for Maybank & Standard Chartered Bank card holders.
Send a text at https://wa.me/60177713327 or book at https://bit.ly/TableAppCafeBLD. More information on other deals in Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel is available at www.cafebld.com/specials.
