For a lot of people, the fasting season and Hari Raya itself are about the community. From the moment of preparation to fast to the celebration of puasa and the day of the festival itself, it involves circles of people that help prepare the food, the entertainment, and also the festive environment itself, where the more is the merrier.
The Nostalgia Ramadan Iftar Dinner at Fraser Place Puteri Harbour, Johor Bahru, happens to serve all that reminds you of a close-knit community, especially the food where the kampung favourites are prepared for you in kawah or a big wok that is used to serve a large number of people.
Aligning to its nautical-themed hospitality environment, the dinner buffet’s hit dish is the ‘Lokan’ clams, a local’s favourite that may be found exclusively in seafood restaurants and hidden gems in fishing villages. This great dish is accompanied with ‘Nasi Hujan Panas’ or ‘Hot Drizzles Rice’, a colourful traditional rice dish hailing from the east side of peninsular Malaysia right down here in the southern tip of peninsular.
A hit for everyone; ‘Siput Sedut Masak Lamak’, hot from the kawahI went with the ‘Ayam Ungkep’ and my friend was happy to scoop a bowl of ‘Siput Sedut Masak Lemak.’, The joy of sucking the snails drenched in creamy coconut milk with a tinge of turmeric and bits of chillies could be heard all over the Swatches Restaurant, just like how a family at kampung’s feast sounds!
My go-to definitely is their specialty; the Murtabak that is served fresh by a professional Murtabak maker that made it soft and crispy. Beside the Murtabak stall, is a hot bone broth or the ‘Sup Gearbox’ stall that receives endless queues of people that were in dilemma of choosing between the Yellow Mee, Bee Hoon, or Kuey Teow to include or enjoy it just as it is. Take a few steps ahead from the stall and you get to the popular, Roasted Chicken and Lamb on the grill.
For dessert, take your pick from local kuih-muih such as the Ondeh-Ondeh or Buah Melaka, the green glutinous balls that oozes palm sugar and are coated with grated coconut, to lots of pudding choices and French pastries – diners are definitely spoilt for choices. I was delighted to find the fresh Sweet Sugar Cane juice or Air Tebu and Iced Nescafe in the beverage section. These are definite favourite local thirst-quenchers during the fasting season and the coffee is the mosque’s favourite post-prayer session at night.
Are you missing kampung and the community environment and are looking to bask in that feeling this fasting season? The Nostalgia Ramadan Iftar Dinner Buffet is available until 30th March 2025.
Starts at 6.30pm and ends at 10pm; the price for adults (12 years old and above) is RM138+ per pax; children (6-12 years old) RM88+ per pax; and seniors (60 years and above) are RM88+ per pax.
You can make your reservations via WhatsApp to +60 13-778 6821 or send an email to sales.puteriharbourjohor@frasershospitality.com​.
Be in the running to win the buffet’s giveaway by taking a photo at their Nostalgia Ramadan photobooth while you’re dining there, then tag @fraserplaceputeriharbour ​at Facebook and Instagram. Giveaway ends on the 30th of March 2025. More information is available at their Facebook page.
