During the two years of lockdown and the limitation to travel interstate, one thing that I assume everyone would agree on is the fact that we miss home-cooked meals by our favourite matriarchal figure beside the familiar hometown itself.
With that sentiment in mind, TROVE Hotel Johor Bahru flew over a seasoned chef from Melaka, fondly known as Mak Timah, to present her signature, Malay heritage dishes at its famous Lada & Clove Restaurant to bring in the comforting food kampung folks familiar with, especially for the buka puasa buffet.
Right smack in the middle of the buffet is Nasi Kandar with Mamak Style Kari Ikan and Sayur, ready to go with Ayam Goreng Rempah, fried ladyfingers and papadams. I was feeling adventurous so I add some sweetness of Beef Tripe Masak Lemak with pineapple and they are surprisingly a good combo. My friend had been downing Nasi Kerabu with assorted condiments and a blanket of thick prawn curry. The tempting aroma of the spices in the dishes really made us eat heavy right off the bat!
The first round of food in my tummy digests really as I made quite a beeline to the other side of the buffet and get a lovely, steaming hot Laksa Johor, just like how my grandmother used to make it. Opposite the laksa counter is where live-action stalls for the roti john and murtabak are beside it are plenty of samosas and curry puffs, a perfect rendition of home for the mixed-heritage Malays.
Assorted cakes and pastries are a must for our table but my personal favourite is the traditional kuihs and pengat pisang that goes well with the restaurant’s Teh Tarik Halia.
Ready to pack and dine at Trove?
The buffet reservation is available until the 28th of April 2022, priced at RM98nett per adult and RM68nett for kids aged 4 to 11 years old and senior citizens.
Further enquiries and reservations could be made by getting in touch with Siti at +6016 771 7585, Linda at +6016 723 1917, Janet at +6016 723 9003 or Lada & Clove Restaurant directly at +607 272 8805.