A Special Balinese Treat at Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel

After experiencing the star-studded, buka puasa array of cuisines at Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel (Renaissance JB), I had this thought; “How are they going to top this with their non-festive offers?”  

When Hezrin Ali, the Hotel’s Director of Marketing Communications invited The Iskandarian over, I had to see the off-season promotion myself. 

It is not too much to say that, their new Nusantara Indulgence Dinner Buffet has kicked itself up a notch by treating guests a Malay Archipelago cultural exchange, where they have flown over a widely coveted Executive Chef, Wisnu Adityama from Renaissance Uluwatu Bali Resort and Spa, for authentic Balinese and some of the popular Indonesian treats right in the heart of Johor Bahru at Cafe BLD. 

My plate of the special Balinese roast are fantastic pieces of ginger and coriander spiced Roasted Lamb Leg Called Kambing Panggang Marangi, followed by beautifully Grilled Snapper with Palm Sugar and Chill Glaze Known as Ikan Bakar Jimbaran.  

Not to forget the slow Roasted Chicken with Balinese Spices wrapped in banana leaves or Ayam Betutu.  

And the best part is to dip all these grill and roast wonders with the special Balinese sambal. The Sambal Matah, prepared raw made up of birds’ eye chillies, shallots, Keffir lime leaf, lime juice, garlic, lemongrass and shrimp paste, making your roast proteins tastes fresh despite the bits of chars and caramelised edges; my personal favourite bit on any grilled meats. 

The crowd are revving about the Balinese Beef Rendang or Rendang Sapi, braised in Sumatran spices and the creamy yet clean taste of coconut milk. The good thing about having this in a buffet, you can pick your carbs either bread from the Indians section or rice.  

My appetiser was the freshly made ‘Jamu’ or traditional Indonesian concoction of herbs before I began indulging in their mouthwatering dishes. I began with Beras Kencur (rice and sand ginger) then Asam Kunyit (tamarind and turmeric) and ended with Temulawak. They serve honey and wedges of kaffir limes to add to mask the taste which are refreshing. I immediately felt rejuvenated after taking them.  

To complete the Nusantara experience, besides the Bali treats are Johor’s Asam Pedas where you can pick any of your favourite fishes to be cooked in the spicy and sour goodness. The neighbouring stall is the Negeri Sembilan’s Masak Lemak Cili Api, the fiery coconut and turmeric gravy with smoked beef pieces.  

Love some clear broth instead? The soup stall is there to serve the popular ‘Gearbox’ soup or knee bond broth, where you can have them with bread, rice or noodles of your choice.  

It’s a pleasant surprise for me to see their own line of Nasi Kandar, complete with the heritage 65 Fried Chicken from the legendary ‘kandar’ seller in the beginning of time, fried right in Renaissance JB kitchen! Fans of ‘Ayam Madu’ and ‘Ayam Bawang’ would be thrilled with the scrumptious chicken pieces generously drenched in the gravy to make a banjir ‘kuah campur’ on your rice. Be thrilled with the huge Baked Prawns to add on along with the fresh and crisp green chilli and okra, soft and tasty salted egg.   

Don’t forget to get adventurous by adding some more gravy with Indian dishes, along with the vegetarian option to have with your Nasi Kandar. 

It is also suggested by the chefs themselves to opt for Nasi Kabuli to go with the Nasi Kandar besides the normal jasmine white rice.  

Pasembur from the buka puasa buffet made its footing in the salad corner and it’s good to have while you chat or as an appetiser.  

Complete the experience with hot Teh Tarik or the Indonesian desserts like the sweet yet savoury Kolak Pisang. I get to appease my cravings by having Gulab Jamun with scoops of ice cream while my friend enjoyed the French pastries and some kuihs such as Kek Lapis and Bingka Ubi.  

Chef Syafiffi Tahir, Renaissance JB Executive Chef, shared with us that all guest chefs have been visiting Renaissance hotels around Asia and he himself was part of it. He hinted at upcoming guest chefs in the hotel – stay tuned. The Iskandarian also experienced their early collaborative efforts with Marriott Bonvoy’s chefs like the 4 Hands Dining Experience at Wan Li Chinese Restaurant. 

Club Renaissance Johor Bahru members get a 35% discount on this buffet.  

Bookings can be made via WhatsApp here or the booking site. More information and updates at cafebld.com