Ramadan is a time for reflection, togetherness, and of course, indulging in heartwarming, nostalgic dishes that bring back the feeling of home. This year, I had the pleasure of experiencing Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s ‘Bergema Sepanjang Malam’ nightly buffet at Melting Pot Cafe, and let me tell you—it’s a feast like no other!
From 2 to 30 March 2025, Concorde transforms into a culinary haven, offering a spread that takes you straight back to the good old “balik kampung” days. Whether you’re craving traditional kampung-style cooking or a modern twist on classic flavours, this buffet delivers on all fronts.
A Nostalgic Culinary Journey
As soon as I stepped into the dining area, the warm aroma of slow-cooked rendang and rich, aromatic spices filled the air. The buffet features time-honoured Malay classics, each dish prepared with recipes passed down through generations by the talented Chef Arif Ibrahim and his team.
The buffet at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur offers a diverse selection of authentic Malay dishes, each crafted with time-honoured recipes. Among the highlights is Asam Pedas Daging Tetel, a flavourful dish known for its perfect balance of tangy and spicy flavours, complemented by tender beef. Another must-try is the Rendang Tok, a slow-cooked specialty infused with deep, earthy spices that enhance its rich taste.
Other traditional favourites include Gulai Tunjang, a hearty beef tendon curry, and Pajeri Nenas, a sweet and savoury pineapple dish. For seafood lovers, the buffet features Sambal Tumis Udang Petai, a spicy prawn and petai stir-fry, and Siput Sedut Masak Lemak, a creamy coconut-based dish made with sea snails.
A unique offering at the buffet is the Telur Itik Masak Lemak Cili Padi, a rich and creamy duck egg dish cooked in a spicy coconut gravy. The Gulai Ketam Nipah, a flavourful mud crab curry, showcases fresh, briny flavours that seafood enthusiasts will enjoy. Additionally, the signature Sup Gearbox, a slow-cooked bone marrow soup, is a standout dish, offering a deeply satisfying and aromatic broth.
Live Cooking & Modern Twists
Beyond traditional kampung favourites, Concorde Hotel elevates the buffet with live cooking stations that add a sense of excitement to the dining experience. Watching the chefs prepare Kambing Panggang on Briyani Rice right before my eyes was a spectacle! The meat was juicy, tender, and full of flavour.
I was also intrigued by the modern creations, particularly the Asam Pedas Ikan Salmon—a fusion of old and new that worked beautifully. The BBQ Teppan Theatre was another crowd favourite, serving up succulent steaks and the freshest seafood. And if you love sushi, the Japanese corner features everything from sushi maki rolls to fresh sashimi, including salmon, tuna, and octopus.
Seafood lovers will be thrilled with the Seafood on Ice station, where oysters, mussels, prawns, and bamboo clams are served fresh and chilled to perfection.
Flavours from Around the World
While the heart of the buffet is undoubtedly Malay cuisine, international flavours also make an appearance. The Mee and Kuey Teow Kawah station was a personal favourite, offering hot bowls of slurp-worthy noodles, alongside Laksa Johor, Murtabak Ayam, and Roti Canai Sarang Burung.
For Western cuisine lovers, the Creamy Cheese Wheel Pasta was pure indulgence. Rich, creamy, and cheesy—it was a pasta lover’s dream. Meanwhile, the Thai and Chinese section was packed with flavourful dishes like Minced Basil Beef Pad Kra Pao, Thai Red Curry Prawns, Kam Heong Lala Clams, and Steamed Seabass with Ginger Sauce.
Dessert Stations & Live Music
No meal is complete without dessert, and Concorde Hotel made sure to end the night on a high note. The Serawa Durian, made from premium D24 and Musang King durian, was pure heaven for durian lovers. The live dessert stations kept things exciting, serving up fresh Kuih Ketayap, ABC Ais Kacang, and Cendol.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Bergema 5 Batak Band serenaded guests throughout the night, creating a warm and lively ambiance. It truly felt like a Ramadan celebration filled with joy, laughter, and good food.
Pricing & Booking Details
For the ultimate Ramadan dining experience, the ‘Bergema Sepanjang Malam’ buffet is priced at RM198 nett per person. However, you can enjoy a special rate of RM178 nett per person on 2–4 March and 28–30 March. Kids aged 6–11 years get 50% off, making it a great option for families. With a two-menu rotation, there’s always something new to look forward to!
To book your spot, call 03-2717 2233 or 012-399 0734.
dixonthum 