The buka puasa preview at Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre (Holiday Inn) is a colourful one in a black and white film celebration. Attendees clad in clothes akin to the P. Ramlee’s films, becoming their own Saloma and P. Ramlee; some even become the stingy character, Haji Bakhil, and the comedic duo, Labu and Labi, playing characters while enjoying the theme of the “Juadah Lagenda Seniman” buffet at its fullest.
Angelyn Chen, the Assistant Marcom Manager for Holiday Inn, told us that they were inspired by most families on Hari Raya, enjoying some good old classic P. Ramlee films, and brought out a flavourful journey, reimagined through artistry of Executive Chef Abdul Wafi and his talented culinary team – Chef Jehan Azimi, Chef Izuanudin and Chef Muhammad Aidil.
“This Ramadan, we wanted to create a dining experience that brings people together over great food and cherished memories,” said Emelyn Rosales, General Manager of Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre. “Juadah Lagenda Seniman pays tribute to Malaysia’s cinematic heritage, celebrating the flavours and dishes that are iconic to this golden era. While others honour these legendary films on screen, we do so through the joy of dining, offering guests a unique way to connect with the timeless influence of this remarkable period.”
To elevate the nostalgic experience of Juadah Lagenda Seniman, Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre is proud to collaborate with Galleri Seni Johor, located at KOMTAR JBCC, to create a captivating retro-themed ambiance.
Each station brings a chapter of Malaysia’s rich cinematic and culinary heritage to life with Chef Wafi’s Penang-born Nasi Kandar with Ayam Bawang Madu cleared up fast at the heart of the buffet. I see people enjoying it with the Kari Kepala Ikan Salmon, a playful twist of mamak-style fish curry, where the natural sweetness of succulent salmon balances the rich and flavourful curry.
My table enjoyed the many varieties of Tapai; traditional fermented rice or starches like tapiocas, wrapped neatly in tapioca leaves, giving us the sweetness and tanginess that is perfect to break our fast and act as an appetiser all at once. The Beef Satays were also cleared up pretty fast too, although quickly replenished for the guests and do grab a few sticks of Chicken Satay while you’re at it. I realised the satays are perfectly barbecued with slight charring, and each meat is layered with flavourful fat that glazes the meat, making it juicy while crunchy at every bite.
Our choices for desserts are endless from homemade Malay cakes to cotton candy and sweet porridges and the classis Ais Kacang to our delight. I had the pleasure of having hot cocoa while snacking on the kuih-muih to my heart’s content until it was time to leave with tummy and heart full of fond memories.
The buka puasa buffet at Holiday Inn runs until 29th March 2025. Priced at RM188+ for adults (buy 10 free 1), RM168+ for senior citizens (ages 60 and above) and RM98+ for children (ages 6-12). Kids 5 years old and below will eat for free.
Looking for a room to stay during the fasting month in Johor Bahru? Holiday Inn offers Dinner Bed and Breakfast package at holidayinn.com/johorbahru for a complete experience of staycation, Sahur Buffet, and Juadah Lagenda Seniman. Get rewarded with 20% off IHG One Rewards Dining Privileges with a limitation of 8 persons for every receipt.
For reservations or more information, please call 07 207 8888, email fnb@holidayinnjbcc.com or walk into Dine@Eight Restaurant.
