This article is part of my Chinese New Year 2020 compilation.
Special thanks to Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang for extending this food review invitation.
Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang is a 5-star hotel at Gurney Drive (Persiaran Gurney). The property is managed by Evergreen Group, a multinational logistics and aviation company based in Taiwan. This evening, Evergreen Laurel Hotel is hosting a preview of the upcoming Chinese New Year buffets.
There will be 5 buffet session during the festive season, all of which are held at Café Laurel. The most lavish one is the reunion dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve (24 January 2020). Throughout the evening, guests will be entertained by the God of Prosperity (财神) and a live band. Café Laurel is also serving buffet high tea and dinner for the first 2 days of Chinese New Year. Customers enjoy 15% discount when they dine on these 2 days.
Right off the bat, Deep-Fried Prawns capture my attention immediately. Although looks can be deceiving in some cases, I must say that the prawns are delightfully sweet and crunchy.
Next, Braised Lamb is cooked with cream sauce that helps to mask the lamb’s strong smell. The dish is garnished with vegetables and fritters.
As for poultry, the Braised Chicken is cooked to perfection. Not only is the meat succulent, the brown skin is delectable too.
Pan-Fried Fish is easily my favorite dish this evening. Appetizing aroma permeates the vicinity as soon as the lid is removed. The fish fillets are flavored with sweet-and-sour sauce that it does not overwhelm my palate.
Moving to the cold cuts section, there are smoked fish, smoked chicken, chicken slices and seasoned baby octopus. As for health-conscious diners, there is a salad bar with fresh vegetables and dressings.
The buffet’s Japanese section is well received too. Chilled slices of salmon and tuna sashimi (刺身) are served with condiments like wasabi (山葵) and soy sauce. Futomaki (太巻き), or thick sushi rolls, are prepared too.
The action counter prepares Char Koay Teow (炒粿条), Penang’s most popular stir-fried dish. Ingredients used are flat rice noodles, prawns, squids, fishcakes, eggs, bean sprouts, garlic chives and chili paste.
The pastry section has a variety of sweet confections like red velvet cake, chocolate pound cake, strawberry mousse cake, chocolate layer cake, pandan sponge cakes, cheesecake, cream puffs and fruit tartlets.
At the end of the meal, cleanse your palate with cut fruits like rose apples, oranges, pineapples and watermelon. Assorted fruit jellies and panna cotta are available too.
In addition, Evergreen Laurel Hotel is serving banquet-style set meals from 24 January 2020 to 8 February 2020. There are 2 menu options: RM1,088.00 net and RM1,388.00 net per table. Reservation is highly recommended as slots are being filled quickly.
Name: Café Laurel
Address: 53, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-222-9988
Business hours: 6:30am-10:00pm
Website: https://www.evergreenlaurelhotelpenang.com/dining
Coordinates: 5.43130 N, 100.31779 E
Directions: Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang is located at the eastern end of Gurney Drive (Persiaran Gurney). Café Laurel is located next to the lobby. Evergreen Laurel Hotel has multi-storey parking, which is accessible from Gurney Drive and Kelawai Road (Jalan Kelawai).