CELEBRATIONS AND CAFE BOLEH
As you may have read in my Ramadan Bazaar post I've been told that fasting is NOT easy. So it is only fitting that some eateries offer special culinary delights so that those who are fasting have something special to look forward to. One of these eateries is Cafe Boleh at Pacific Sutera Harbour Resort.
Boasting gorgeous views of the marina, Cafe Boleh is on the lobby level of the Pacific Sutera Harbour. If you're ever after an amazing view of calm waters and beautiful skies then this is one of the best spots in town.
I was lucky enough to be one of the food bloggers around town to be invited by the Sutera Harbour group to experience the Ramadan Buffet at Cafe Boleh. I've learnt so much about living in Kota Kinabalu during the last 10 months here and I count my lucky stars for being able to take part in another cultural experience (I've come to learn that a huge part of the Sabahan culture revolves around eating- a big plus if you LOVE food).
If you didn't already know it is currently the month of Ramadan which is when the Muslim community is fasting (from sunrise to sunset) leading up to their new year. Buka puasa (meaning "breaking fast") happens everyday at a certain time and it is when many Muslim families gather and enjoy their meal together after a day of fasting. And what better way to celebrate buka puasa at a place like Cafe Boleh where there are so many dishes to select from and you can eat till your heart is content!
When I walked in I was very impressed with the vibrant colours of the cafe. I've never been to the cafe before on a normal day but the buffet choices seem to be a bit more extensive than what you'd see in a normal buffet. There was also a few extra "stations" for ikan bakar (grilled fish), satay and Ais Kacang desserts which is a crushed iced dessert that is very popular around here.
The spread included Malay delights of Oxtail Masak Kicap, Sotong Berlado, Ikan Tengirri Masak Asam Pedas, Beef and Chicken Satay with Ketupat, curries and sambals.
During the month of Ramadan the cafe's dessert bar offers a huge variety of Malay sweets. One of the first things that caught my eye when I walked in the cafe was the dessert and fruits section: Colour colours everywhere...and A LOT to eat! :)
I didn't know what to expect from Ramadan buffets. I actually expected that all the dishes would be Malay cuisine but the cafe boasted western dishes as well to satisfy a variety of cravings. There was a pasta station if you were craving something Italiano!
Luckily I managed to find my footing and dug into some lamb curry (If memory serves me right I could see a few lamb dishes). "Pace yourself. We have a lot to cover here."I thought to myself. A bit of meehoon, a bit of prawns, some fish, oxtail soup, satay, flat bread, curry, ikan bakar....Yup, my belly was full. And very happy I might add :)
Our food blogger table was seated outside on the balcony overlooking the marine and I completely adored the view. I got there just after at 6pm which means I was just in time for the sunset and the beautiful lighting around the marina. Al fresco dining is perfect with a view like this!
As we approach the last week of Ramandan in KK I can feel the buzz around the town leading up to Hari Raya (the term for the Malay new year) as people are preparing for the big celebrations. I think it is very apt that the cuisine served up at Cafe Boleh during this holy month of Ramadan is full of aromas and colours as they help create the celebratory atmosphere among the community during this time.
The Ramadan Buffet at Cafe Boleh runs for another week and ends on 18 August 2012. It is priced from RM65.00 ++
(if you're not from around here the ++ means plus 6% govt tax and 10% service tax)
For bookings contact 088-303671 or email email@example.com
A big thank you to Sutera Harbour group for the thoroughly enjoyable food and experience :)
Until next post!