Special thanks to The Light Hotel for extending this food review invitation.
From 1 August 2019 to 30 September 2019, The Light Hotel is serving Khazanah Sajian Nusantara buffet dinner at Spice Brasserie. Inspired by racial harmony that paved the way to the nation’s independence, the buffet menu features iconic dishes from all communities in Malaysia. The popularity of many dishes transcend ethnic lines, reflecting fellow Malaysians’ common love for good food.
The Khazanah Sajian Nusantara buffet dinner has 3 menus on daily rotation, featuring more than 100 dishes in total. Upon entering Spice Brasserie, diners are greeted by Roast Lamb on a spit. Accompanying condiments are black pepper sauce, barbecue sauce and mushroom sauce.
Next, the poultry station serves Roast Duck, Roast Chicken, Char Siew Chicken and White Sliced Chicken. Malacca-style Chicken Rice Balls and Braised Tofu are prepared too.
As for Middle Eastern fare, Chicken Shawarma is The Light Hotel’s signature dish. Other à la minute dishes are Chicken Noodle Soup, Roti Canai and Char Kway Teow.
Nasi Kerabu Sehati is a rice dish from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The rice is cooked with bunga telang (butterfly-pea flowers) so that it turns blue. Mixed with chopped herbs, nasi kerabu is typically eaten with salted fish and salted eggs.
Nasi Kebuli Sejiwa is an Arabian-influenced rice dish that is more prevalent in southern states like Johor. Meanwhile, Nasi Dagang Murni hails from Kelantan where it is a popular breakfast dish. Nasi dagang uses wild rice which is purple in color.
Originating in Kedah, Nasi Daging Sejati is cooked with broth and a special spice mix. The rice dish comes with succulent slices of beef, and is often eaten with air asam (tamarind sauce).
Penang-style Nasi Biryani Wawasan is prepared in two versions: chicken and lamb. In both cases, the pungent aroma of spices cannot be overstated.
Kari Kepala Ikan (fish head curry) is one of the most popular dishes in The Light Hotel. The spicy dish contains crunchy lady’s fingers.
Ketam Masak Mentega is another signature dish of The Light Hotel. The flower crabs are stir-fried with garlic, butter and curry leaves.
Other popular nasi kandar dishes are Sambal Udang and Milagu Podi Sambar. The latter is a South Indian vegetable stew infused with tamarind.
As for Kurma Kambing, the braised mutton is not so spicy but is tasty nevertheless. Meanwhile, Ayam Hitam Manis is cooked in sweet soy sauce.
Daging Rendang Tok is the Perak version of the ubiquitous rendang dish. Compared to rendang recipes from other states, Daging Rendang Tok is much drier and therefore savorier.
Next, Ayam Masak Lemak Warisan is cooked with coconut milk. This makes the dish rather creamy.
Sambal Sotong Petai Makmur is a spicy dish of squids, stink beans, onions and tomatoes. Stink beans are known for their peculiar smell.
Gulai Nangka Muda & Ikan Bilis Abadi is common in northern states like Kedah. Jackfruit is cooked as a vegetable in this dish.
Asam Pedas Ikan Pari Harmoni has a combination of sour and spicy flavors. Sourness is primarily contributed by tamarind.
Kari Ikan Tongkol uses mackerel tuna, a common type of fish in this region. The taste of curry is somewhat heavy because it is meant to go with rice.
Nyonya Otak-Otak is a recipe from the Penang Peranakan community. The spicy fish cake is wrapped in banana leaves and then steamed. This delicacy is best enjoyed while it is piping hot.
Lemon Sauce Deep-Fried Chicken is quite appetizing. Unfortunately, the lemon sauce does not penetrate the chicken chunks thoroughly enough.
As for Western dishes, Baked Mussels are flavored with tomato and basil sauce. The half-shell mussels are also topped with bell peppers, black olives, cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. I like the presentation of this dish.
Moving down the buffet line, Seared Salmon is cut into bite-size pieces with the crispy skin intact. This dish is very well received. It is served with homemade mashed potatoes.
Murtabak Lasagna Muhibbah is a Malaysian take on the classic Italian lasagna. The stack has six alternating layers of dough, cheese and chicken murtabak. I find this dish to be quite delectable.
Similarly, thin crust pizzas come with Malaysian-style toppings. Shown here are Jackfruit Cheese Pizza, Nasi Kandar Pizza and Seafood Pizza. I believe thicker crust works better in these instances.
The salad section covers Waldorf Salad, Spicy Chicken Salad, Marinated Mango Salad and Macaroni Salad.
Also prepared are Kerabu Daging Salai (smoked beef salad), Kerabu Suhun Kacang Gajus (glass noodle salad with cashew nuts), Tauhu Sambal Kering Berkacang (tofu with spicy peanut paste) and Tempeh Goreng Sambal (fried fermented soybeans).
Should diners prefer, they can also mix their own salads. A variety of fresh vegetables and dressings are provided. Malay-style condiments like sambal belacan and budu are available too.
The pastry section features a colorful assortment of Malay kuih like kuih talam and kuih ketayap. On the other hand, Western-style cakes include Black Forest Gateau, Carrot Cake and Cheesecake.
Other popular desserts are Bread & Butter Pudding, Bubur Gandum (sweet wheat porridge) and Pengat Durian. Pengat Durian is loaded with durian goodness, making it gratifying indeed.
After a satisfying meal, cleanse your palate by having a bowl of Ais Kacang Setinggi Angkasa. Various toppings like red beans, dried nutmeg and attap chee (nipa palm fruit) are provided.
Khazanah Sajian Nusantara buffet dinner is served every evening except on Fridays and Saturdays. The buffet price is RM116.00 net for adults and RM60.00 net for children. Early bird vouchers are currently on sale for RM80.00 net, so hurry up to take advantage of this special offer!
Name: Spice Brasserie
Address: The Light Hotel, Lebuh Tenggiri 2, Pusat Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Seberang Jaya, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-382-1111
Business hours: 6:00am-11:00pm (Sunday-Thursday), 6:00am-1:00am (Friday-Saturday)
Website: http://thelighthotelpg.com/dining
Coordinates: 5.39434 N, 100.39868 E
Directions: From Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (North-South Expressway), take the Seberang Jaya exit and head west. Turn left just before the pedestrian bridge and drive all the way to the end. When the road splits, keep right. The Light Hotel is the first building on the left. Spice Brasserie is located next to the lobby. There are parking spaces within the hotel’s compound. The parking fee is RM4.00 per entry.