Fancy a Teaser of ‘Balik Kampung’ with Selera Desa at Thistle Johor Bahru Hotel

Just a week away before the fasting season ends but it would not be a complete experience without breaking fast at Thistle Johor Bahru’s buffet!

This year’s “Selera Desa” is aptly named, I thought, as my late grandfather’s house used to be just above the road where the hotel is now. Although it is not a ‘desa’, it is close enough, to be considered a home where my parents used to return to. Having the chance to enjoy kampung’s delicacies of nostalgic food at Thistle has a lot more meaning to me personally.

Joshua, Thistle Hotel’s Marcomm Manager, had invited The Iskandarian, along with the other media personnel for a buka puasa review and I was especially elated because I remembered their signature fresh durian stall, straight from the orchard, right beside the patio of the Orchid Ballroom.

One of the many reasons why I love attending the buka puasa buffet at Thistle is for the authentic taste of Johorean food such as the Laksa Johor and Mee Bandung. The distinct taste of the carefully grinded fish paste used in the Laksa (which must be made of spaghetti!) with its condiments like cucumber and shallot slices, cubed salted radish, beansprouts and lime halves.

Lines of dishes akin to Malay traditional food, including one that I think is hailed from the east of peninsular, are hot from the wok; the Rendang, Masak Merah and Masak Lemak were the popular choices to go with white rice and some, brilliantly picked up the ones from the Chicken Rice stall to have a party of flavours in their plate of rice.

Before ending the buffet, remember to try the various Malay Kuihs and Western Cakes just at the nooks outside of the ballroom, I ensured myself not to miss the sweet treats especially after a long day of fasting.

While waiting for the durian stall to open for grabs at 8pm, I had the Thistle’s version of Roti John, with a lot of sesame seeds on its buns and generous beef fillings and sauce. Right beside it, was one of the best Roti Canai I’ve had in hotels, that goes really well with the spicy Kari Tulang Kambing.

With a cup of sweet, milky and frothy Teh Tarik, I had a little chat with my fellow media friends over some Karipaps and some round Goreng Pisang to conclude the feast of the day – enjoying the entertainment on stage that also offers games and prizes to the guests.

A few days to Hari Raya, you may want to host a feast with friends or families that have arrived in Johor Bahru and you might want to have it at Selera Desa Thistle Ramadan Buffet.

It is available for bookings until 8th April 2024, dining starts from 6.30pm – 10.00pm | Orchid Ballroom priced at RM 138 nett per adult and RM 88 nett per child (6-12 years old). 10 purchase of adult price will get you one free pax.

For reservations and inquiries call 07-267 8999 or send a text via WhatsApp at +6012-7892092.