A First-Class Iftar Buffet at Curate, Four Seasons, Kuala Lumpur
As the holy month of Ramadan envelops Kuala Lumpur, the Four Seasons Hotel's Curate restaurant offers culinary excellence, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the season's spirit with their Iftar Buffet. With views of the KLCC Park Water Fountains and glimpses of the Petronas Towers, this gastronomic journey is a feast for the palate and eyes while exploring tradition and culture.
The spread boasts an array of meticulously curated dishes to tantalise every taste bud, from traditional Malay delicacies to international favourites, ensuring something for everyone. The live cooking stations draw you in, where skilled chefs showcase their expertise in preparing specialities such as succulent grilled meats, bespoke noodle dishes, and flavorful curries.
The array of traditional dishes, some with a twist, is unparalleled for those seeking authentic Malay flavours. From tender rendang to creamy laksa and aromatic nasi lemak, each dish is a masterpiece, reflecting the depth of Malaysia's culinary heritage. Standout highlights include the tender Ayam Percik, the rich and creamy Daging Masak Lemak, and Char Kway Teow.
But this is just the beginning of the culinary journey, as the buffet has an impressive selection of international fare, ranging from fresh seafood to Moroccan tagines and artisanal bread. Guests can indulge in delicacies from around the world while savouring the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling dining hall.
To complement the meal, a variety of refreshing beverages are available, including traditional favourites such as refreshing air bandung and sweet teh tarik. My favourite was a grape and lychee juice. These drinks provide the perfect accompaniment to the feast, balancing the richness of the dishes with their subtle sweetness.
What truly sets the Iftar Ramadan Buffet at the Curate is the high levels of customer service and feeling of community. As guests come together to break their fast, they are united by the shared experience of sumptuous food in the company of loved ones with a live band playing in the background. The warm ambience, attentive service, and delectable cuisine combine to create an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the essence of Ramadan.
As I have allergies and am vegetarian, I spoke with the head chef, who introduced me to the chef in charge of the buffet and the Moroccan chef so that they could guide me on what was safe. To avoid cross-contamination, they made me fresh eggplant in Chermoula paste and vegetable stir-fried noodles. I started my meal with a delicious fresh salad with lemon olive oil dressing and a dollop of Tzatziki. I then sampled some pumpkin soup, which was tasty, but I am not into sweet vegetables, such as pumpkin, so it wasn't for me.
I moved to the Indian section for my next starter, the crispiest, non-oily onion bhajis and the nicest riata I have ever had. With my appetite whetted, I ate some excellent garlic naan bread dipped in a Dhal that could have been a little spicier for my taste. I returned to my Irish roots a little by getting some potatoes in the form of dauphinoise and adding some delicately buttered peas with pickled onions to my plate. They were both perfect.
A large plate of specially made vegetable fried noodles arrived at my table, and while delicious, if I could have eaten oyster sauce or sesame oil, they would have been truly spectacular. But all the aforementioned dishes paled in the background when I received my plate of Moroccan delights. The eggplant dish was sensational and perfect with the flatbread, cheese sambousek, and potato kibbeh cakes coated in breadcrumbs that they plated up for me.
Chad started with fresh seafood selections, loving the lobster tail, oysters, and snow crab legs, which were all fresh and high-quality. Next, he moved on to some traditional satay with rich and thick peanut sauce, which had a bit of a spice kick without being too sweet and sugary. He also enjoyed some beef brisket, which was perfectly seasoned and not overly fatty, with purple cabbage and roasted potatoes.
Next up for Chad was the tender, flavourful lamb vindaloo, and staying in the curry lane, he sampled an Indian vegetarian curry that he also enjoyed. A Malaysian chilli chicken dish, which also made him smile followed the Indian food, but he found the Malaysian vegetable noodle stir-fry a little too sweet for his taste. Chad also enjoyed the Malaysian fish, with the lemongrass flavours coming through. He felt he could taste the high quality of the food in every dish we sampled, and I agree.
We moved gleefully on to desserts, and while I was limited in my choices, I got to indulge in a stunning, moist, chocolatey fudge cake and many of my favourite fruits. I was too full to try the Malaysian-style pancakes with a choice of fillings, but they smelled and looked amazing! Chad sampled a wide range of the kuih and other sweets on offer, and the ecstatic look on his face, as he took each bite, said it all.
The high standards here also help set this apart as one of the best Iftar Ramadan Buffets in Kuala Lumpur. This dedication to quality was confirmed when I overheard the executive chef explaining to one of his team that it was important not to overstock the dishes on display as he would rather give "fresh food than fast food" and allow people to wait a few minutes for freshly cooked and tasty food instead of letting it dry out in dishes.
So, whether you're seeking traditional Malay flavours or international delicacies, this buffet offers a feast for the senses that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. With its impeccable service, exquisite cuisine, and vibrant ambience, it's an experience that will linger in your memory long after the last bite has been savoured.
This top-class Iftar feast runs at Curate from March 11 to April 9, 2024, every evening from 6:00 to 10:30 pm and is priced at a well-worth MYR 318+ per adult and MYR 159+ per child. Don't miss out on this delicious dish selection, and book using the hotel's Open Table app today.
