Do you like taking food excursions? Like food trips to different states but don’t have the time to drive there? Would you like to try some food from Melaka without having to go to far? Then for this Ramadhan, why don’t you go ahead and try out Essence at Sheraton Imperial Hotel! The food buffet theme of this Ramadhan month, they are bringing Melaka to you!

You will be dining to the wonderful delicious cuisine prepared by Chef Jamsari and his team of chefs!

Experience the distinctive culture of Baba Nyonya cuisines which consists of Chinese, Portugese, Dutch, Indian, British, and Malay influences. Also known as Peranakan cuisine, the main ingredient in many dishes would mainly consist of Belacan which is a Malay variety of shrimp paste. Samples of Peranakan dishes on the buka puasa buffet are Nyonya Chap Chia, Pongteh Chicken, Nyonya Duck Curry, Black Pepper Crab, Pajeri Nenas Peranakan, Nyonya Kari Kepala Ikan Merah, Ikan Jenahak Masak Tauchu and more.

Ever since he started his first job at the age of 21, Malay Chef Jamsari has been besotted with food. While he personifies happiness and is chatty amongst his friends, he makes no compromise when it comes to creating authentic and traditional Malay cuisines. ‘I love to cook Malay dishes because it is an incredible challenge! The spices have to be just right and it takes great skills and patience to cook most of the dishes to perfection. The balance is all about preparing it without under or over cooking it. Tricky, but I like it,’ says this fun-loving chef.

Set in a dinning hall with under an expansive skylight that lets in ample natural sunlight, your gastronomical journey at Essence begins  off on a high note. You’ll be impressed with the amazing buffet spread that spans the hall from one end to the next.

Beside the Roasted lamb you can then have your pick at the asian appetizers. You have your keropok or jeruk.

Would you like to make a date with some dates? hehhe. Look at that selection!

Here’s just one of the highlights of the Peranakan Cuisine. Do not miss the opportunity to sample the restaurant’s signature favourite – Roasted Whole Lamb with Nyonya Sambal Marination and Roasted Potatoes.

Take a look at all the cheeeeeeesssseee. Cheese and crackers yummers!

Look at the very colourful spread at the Malay Cuisine corner, where you can find emang, ulam, ketupat, paru goreng, ikan masin, rojak etc.

Choose your own contents for the asam pedas; red snapper, stingray, mackerel, sea bass, clams, cockles, crabs, snails, prawns, beef, lamb, ox-tail… and vegetables. In the picture is walauwei blogger Jason helping me pick my asam contents hehe.

2 types of assam pedas sauces, with distinctive tangy fragrant of tamarind will assault your senses. In addition to the usual assam pedas sauce, there will be the Assam Pedas Daging Tetel sauce – which is a true Melakan recipe. Each night, Chef Jamsari will prepare a variety of assam pedas dishes showcasing 5 or 6 types of fish, beef, prawns, crabs and a variety of vegetables.

Right next to the satay Celup are all your yummy dim sums. Nothing spells out asian, like dim sum dishes. My personal favourite out of the everything there, the red bean pau!!! i’m a huge fan of “Tau Sar Pau”.. droool!!

Fresh oysters!

Here’s one thing you can’t miss out from Melaka, their famous Melaka Chicken Rice Balls! Have your chicken either steamed or roasted!

Want a break from all the fried food, you can also have something from the sushi bar!

I was fascinated by the dessert room at Essence. I hadn’t realised it was a dessert room, till Mynn started roaming the red room with her camera. i really thought it was just for decoration. Walking into the cozy glass room, the red shelves are adorned with all sorts of sweet goodies. I was spoilt for choice! and oooo my shoes match the room haha.

No buka puasa fare is complete without tempting desserts. You will not be disappointed with the array of sweets the culinary team has created for this special occasion. Tantalise your taste buds with traditional favourites like Seri Muka, Kuih Lapis, Kuih Talam, Bengkang Bunga, Kasui, Bingka Ubi, Ang Ku, Kuih Gandus, Onde Onde Buah Melaka, as well as other alluring desserts – Cheese Cake, Blueberry Creme Brulee, Chocolate Banana Cake, Carrot Cake, and variety of cool Ice Creams, amongst others.

Lexie, Mynn and I with the Chefs, that made our tummies very very happy -  Chef Kabir, Chef Kamaruddin and of course Chef Jamsari who happens to be from Melaka. Thank you for the wonderful meal!

Details on the Ramadhan Buffet:-
Price: RM108 per person
Promo: For every 10 paying guests, you will get 2 complimentary free seats.
Date of Availability: 3rd – 27th August 2011 (dinner only)