Roselle

This article is part of my Ramadan 2018 compilation.

Special thanks to Lexis Suites Penang for extending this food review invitation.

Located at the Mezzanine Floor, Roselle Coffee House is one of the two restaurants in Lexis Suites Penang; the other is Umi Japanese Restaurant. This evening, the hotel offers a sneak peek of its upcoming Ramadan buffet dinner. The theme this year is "Sajian Laut, Selera Kampung Nelayan" (Seafood Dishes & Taste of the Fishing Village).

As per tradition, Lexis Suites spares no expense in celebrating the holy month. In this generous spirit, the hotel features Kambing Golek Beratur Panjang as the centerpiece of the buffet. The rotisserie goat, marinated thoroughly, is roasted on a spit to retain its natural juices. The mutton goes well with briyani rice. Should diners prefer white meat instead, Chicken Shawarma is also available.

The next dish is one that imparts fiery sensation on the tongue: Gulai Udang Karang Kawah Abang Hari. It is cooked and served in a gigantic wok called "kawah". Besides the spiny lobster which is so prominently displayed, the wok also contains crayfish and shrimps. The pungent aroma of the curry is tantalizing indeed.

Mee Kari Ketam has been popularized in Klang Valley by a food stall in Shah Alam. Blue crabs are used in this dish. The Penang-style curry is prepared from chicken stock, making its appearance and taste quite similar to Penang Curry Mee. Other ingredients used in this dish are yellow noodle (mee), rice vermicelli (bihun), tofu puffs, yardlong beans, bean sprouts, mint and chili paste.

Rendang is a Minangkabau delicacy that is prized for its immense savoriness. The dish is prepared by slow cooking beef with coconut milk and spices. The cooking process can take hours. The dish is done only when most liquid has boiled away. Lexis Suites' Beef Rendang Dendang Sayang is garnished with red chili peppers and cardamom.

Ikan Tenggiri Gulai Kampung is another cooking which illustrates the extensive use of spices in Malay cuisine. Amid pungent spiciness on the tongue, the fish curry also produces mild sourness of tamarind (asam). Besides mackerel, the dish also includes juicy pieces of okra (lady's fingers).

As for poultry, Negeri Sembilan Ayam Percik Serai Wangi is a sound choice this evening. The roasted chicken is dressed in a thick sauce that contains lemongrass. Meanwhile, fried shallots on top serve to enhance the chicken's aroma.

Sweet & Sour Fish comprises of fillets that are deep-fried to a golden crisp. The choice of fish is red snapper. While the fish is mild in flavor, it goes pretty well with sweet and sour sauce.

Ketam Masak Lemak is cooked in creamy yellow gravy. The yellow color comes from turmeric (kunyit). Blue crabs are used here. Most of the crabs' meat is hidden within their claws.

Sayur Lodeh is a vegetable soup that hails from Jawa. The soup is quite creamy, thanks to the abundance of coconut milk. Also included in it are lontong (compressed rice cakes), tofu, cauliflowers and carrots.

Ketupat Palas (rice dumplings), Pulut Kuning (yellow glutinous rice) and Nasi Impit (pressed rice) are all kept warm in steamers. These rice items are best enjoyed with serunding (meat floss) and satay (skewered meat).

Lekor is a popular finger food in Terengganu. Made from ground fish and sago flour, the snack is deep-fried to result in a chewy texture. Lekor can be enjoyed as it is, or dipped into sweet chili sauce. Other fried snacks in today's buffet include keropok udang (prawn crackers) and pisang goreng (banana fritters).

Ulaman is a collection of vegetables that are traditionally eaten raw. The raw vegetables are frequently paired with powerful condiments like sambal belacan (spicy shrimp paste). If raw vegetables do not appeal to your palate, try some kerabu (Malay salads) or jeruk (pickles) instead.

Traditional Malay kuih is a vital component of iftar meals. Kuih talam, kuih lapis, puteri ayu, pulut tai tai, ketayap and onde-onde are just some of the interesting choices this evening. Should diners prefer something crispier, there are several types of biskut raya (festive cookies) in airtight jars.

On the other hand, Western pastries include popular treats such as chocolate cake, carrot cake, almond orange cake, chocolate mousse log and petits fours. There is also a chocolate fondue with fresh fruits that can be used for dipping.

Finally, the desserts counter provides cut fruits like pineapples, papayas, honeydew and watermelon. Drinks include espresso coffee, English tea, ginger tea and lemonade. Should diners prefer something chilling on the tongue, check out the ice cream, ais krim batang (popsicles) and ais kacang.

Lexis Suites Penang's Ramadan buffet dinner is available from 17 May 2018 to 14 June 2018. The meal is priced at RM98.00, RM70.00 and RM50.00 for adults, senior citizens and children respectively. To incentivize early birds, the hotel is offering adult vouchers for as low as RM70.00 net.

Name: Roselle Coffee House
Address: 28, Jalan Teluk Kumbar, 11920 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-628-2888
Business hours: 6:30am-11:00pm
Website: https://www.lexissuitespenang.com/en/dining/overview/roselle-coffee-house
Coordinates: 5.28691 N, 100.23244 E
Directions: From Bayan Lepas, drive along Jalan Teluk Kumbar towards the intersection with Jalan Gertak Sanggul. Lexis Suites Penang is the tall building on the left just before the intersection. As the only building more than 3 floors in Teluk Kumbar, it is impossible to overlook this hotel. Roselle is located at the Mezzanine Floor, just above the lobby atrium.