If you love authentic Malay cuisine, enjoy an Iftar meal with the Muslim brethren at the Tamarra Penang Ramadan Buffet 2023.
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims worldwide, and it’s no different in Penang.
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and then break their fast with an Iftar meal.
Enjoying a Ramadan buffet is one of the most popular ways to break the fast.
At The Tamarra, by Irama Dining, the food is halal and clean.
Smartdory Media was invited to The Tamarra by Irama Dining, an award-winning themed restaurant.
They offer over 170 items on their Senandung Rasa By The Sea Buffet 2023, promising a feast for the senses.
The Tamarra Location and Service
The Tamarra is a majestic white mansion with an extensive beachfront lawn and transparent marquee tent to cater to an al fresco dining experience under the stars.
The stately location on Penang’s Millionaire’s Row is the perfect setting for weddings, events, and private dining.
The Tamarra has the best and luxury Ramadan buffets in Penang.
One of the buffet’s highlights is the large river prawns cooked perfectly in rich and flavorful curry.
Seafood lovers will also enjoy the Sea Crabs, Big River Prawns, and Cuttlefish – none of that seafood on ice display.
At The Tamarra, every item is freshly prepared and lovingly cooked by the chefs.
Not to be missed is the curries or gulai from the ‘kawah’ to relish!
Contents
Top Ramadan Buffets in Penang
The Tamarra is one of the best restaurants in the northern states of Malaysia to enjoy authentic Malay cuisine that is halal and clean.
In addition to its sea view, The Tamarra by Irama Dining also offers two distinct dining areas.
The first is a covered outdoor al fresco dining for those who prefer a casual dining experience.
The outdoor space is adorned with lush greenery and comfortable seating, providing a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for guests to enjoy their meals.
For those who prefer a more formal dining experience, the elegant air-conditioned dining area has a sophisticated and inviting ambiance.
Modern furnishings and warm lighting make the restaurant’s attention to detail evident in the servers’ vest suits, adding elegance to the dining experience.
From recommending dishes to explaining the ingredients, the staff is knowledgeable and passionate about the food they serve.
They also take great care to ensure that each dish is presented beautifully, adding to the overall dining experience.
The elegant building where the buffet was held added to the overall experience with its spacious dining area and beautiful decor.
The restaurant had put much effort into creating a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for the occasion.
On top of its beachfront location, evening sea breeze, sunset, and dining under the stars, the restaurant hosts cultural performances on weekends with an extravagant spread of dishes featuring traditional Malay cooking.
Aside from Tamarra Penang Ramadan Buffet, I have tried their other themed, ‘Buffet by The Sea,’ which is always sold out!
Tamarra Penang Ramadan Buffet 2023 ‘Senandung Rasa By The Sea’
The Tamarra Ramadan buffet is impressive.
The buffet offers a diverse selection of delectable starters, fresh ulams, salads, spicy sambal condiments, comforting soups, flavorful noodles, innovative fusion dishes, and specially prepared rice dishes.
Guests can also enjoy irresistible main courses that complete the feast.
Bold and complex flavors, ranging from fragrant curries to savory grilled meats, were present, and each dish was meticulously prepared.
I have a few favorite dishes in mind, and I appreciate the slow cooking and spice blend used to create the rich, savory taste of the curries.
But the culinary adventure continues beyond there.
You’ll also find action stations and other stations dedicated to tempting desserts and refreshing beverages.
With an extensive rotating menu featuring more than 170 items, guests are in awe of the long buffet line that begins inside the mansion, winds through the garden, and ends at the beach.
I recommend heading there early and doing a site recce of what you want to eat!
What sets The Tamarra apart is their unwavering commitment to quality ingredients.
Their team has carefully curated the menu to highlight cherished Malay recipes with their unique twist, expertly presented to create a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Prepare to be wowed by the exceptional flavors and stunning presentation of The Tamarra’s buffet spread, a true celebration of Malaysian cuisine.
Pro Tip: How to navigate the buffet – The Kambing Golek, Bakar Bakar, and grilled meats are closer to the beachside. The Salads, Mains, and Desserts are in the building, and Live-action stalls are in between.
Unforgettable Dining: The Tamarra by Irama Dining offers the top Ramadan buffet in Penang with authentic Malay cuisine and an inviting ambiance.
Remembering CK Lam, a remarkable food and travel writer and editor of What2seeonline.com, at one of our final events celebrating the Best of Penang Food. Joined by Adrian Cheah, Ms. Bella, and Mr. Arshad Kamarulzaman, we honor your passion for our culinary heritage. Rest in peace, CK.
Ulams, Kerabu & Serunding
The most refreshing items to me at Ramadan Buffets are the Kampong fares.
I had to check out the assortment of ‘local greens’ ulam-ulaman Kampung’s best to go with the house sambals.
Everyone’s favorite, the Kerabu Mangga (mango salad), may take center stage.
Must-tries are the Kerabu Suhun (glass noodles salad) and Kerabu Kerang (cockles salad).
What goes well with the Serunding (spiced Chicken and Beef floss)?
Have you tried it with the creamy Ketupat? Super delicious!
House Sambals
Sambal Belacan is the most versatile condiment in Malay cuisine.
It adds a distinctive flavor, depth, heat, and complexity to enhance depth and a nice kick to any dish.
I love the Sambal Hitam, with a smokey complex, spicy, savory flavor.
Belimbing buluh (Averrhoa bilimbi) is a sour fruit that gives the Sambal Hitam its rich black color.
So much sambal and ulam, so little stomach space.
- Sambal Hijau Petai
- Sambal Tempoyak
- Sambal Hitam
- Sambal Belacan
- Sambal Goreng Kulat Sisir
- Acar Buah
If you love sambals and, like me, can’t pound one with the pastel and mortar… you’ll want to cry too.
The Tamarra’s buffet offers an impressive selection of dishes.
Starters, salads, sambal condiments, soups, noodles, fusion dishes, special rice preparations, and main courses are all available.
There are also dessert and beverage stations, as well as action stalls.
The Tamarra team uses only high-quality ingredients and expertly prepares traditional Malaysian recipes with a unique twist.
Dishes are presented in an eye-catching manner to delight both the taste buds and the eyes.
The Mains
With the mains, you’ll be inclined to blow a chef’s kiss and pile on some (or ALL) of the delicious dishes.
It is a case of eyes bigger than the stomach, and I’m guilty as charged.
Just rereading the list of curries and dishes makes me droll again.
- Ayam Bakar Hitam Berempah Pokok Asam (Grilled Tamarind Chicken)
- Gulai Ketam Nenas Tok Ma (Flower Crab Curry with Pineapple)
- Sotong Goreng Kunyit (Turmeric Squid Stir Fry)
- Sayur Campur (Vegetable Stir Fry)
- Terung Berlada Merah (Fried Eggplant with Chili)
Special Rice Station
If you’ve heard of the line “Rice is Life,” – this is where you get to experience two unique rice dishes on the Ramadan Menu.
- Nasi Biryani Kambing (Lamb Shank Biryani)
- Nasi Kerabu Udang Lagenda with Lada Solok
You can pair White Rice and Nasi Kuning Kacang Dhall with the dishes (lauk pauk) and curries.
Nasi Biryani Kambing
The Lamb Shank Biryani is rich in spices, is full of falling-off-the-bone flavor, and layered with fluffy, rich saffron rice.
That was the first dish finished by the time I reached the line! I tasted the tender lamb shanks later when the kitchen refilled the dish.
Nasi Kerabu Udang Lagenda with Lada Solok
Since my trip to the East Coast, I’d been dreaming of Nasi Kerabu Kelantan.
The classic Malay dish features visually striking blue rice made using blue pea flowers is a winner.
The Tamarra’s version has large river prawns and Solok Lada – two ingredients that I love.
Nasi Kerabu Kelantan is typically accompanied by several side dishes to complete the meal.
These include shredded cabbage and herbs, salted egg halves, fish crackers, beef, and chicken floss.
To add flavor, Budu, a savory and slightly salty fish sauce, is a must.
Overall, Nasi Kerabu Kelantan is a must-try dish for anyone looking to experience the unique flavors of Malay cuisine.
Solok Lada ((stuffed green chilies)
Also called Sarok/Sarak Lada or Lada Sumbat is made from a special long light green chili found in the east coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu.
The chili is split lengthwise, deseeded, and stuffed with a flavourful paste from fish meat, grated young coconut, shallot, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, sugar, salt, black pepper, and egg.
Lastly, the stuffed peppers are simmered in coconut milk until the liquid evaporates.
The end product of Solok Lada is creamy, tender, a bit spicy, and full of beautiful fragrances.
For my meal, I had two Solok Lada, one giant freshwater prawn, salads, salted egg, Keropok Ikan, heaped with Kerisik, and Serunding with lashings of Budu.
Of course, I had to sneak in my Sambal Hitam.
When the restaurant owner asks about the dish, I can only say, Oh Yeahhhhhhh!
L: Nasi Biryani Kambing R: Nasi Kerabu Udang Lagenda with Lada Solok both superb rice dishes!
Soups & Noodles
If you love warming noodles and comforting soups, a selection is available on rotation.
I tried and loved the Sup Ayam Berempah with Roti Bakar, full of herby flavor.
Highlights of Ramadan Buffet
The Ramadan buffet includes several noteworthy items, including grilled Bakar dishes (skewered prawns, grilled fish, and satay).
In addition, there are international cuisines to choose from, including soft pita bread, Shawarma, mini fish and chips, and pasta.
Gulai Kawah (Cauldron Goulash)
Look out for the Kawah Fish Head Curry!
So many heads of a red snapper stewed in a curry with assorted vegetables like okra, eggplants, tomatoes, and onion.
Fish head curry is a hybrid of Indian and Chinese ethnic cuisines.
Cooked in Malay Style, the gulai is bursting with flavor and sure to satisfy – lovely served with either rice or bread or as a shared dish.
Most curries and rendang are prepared using the kawah or a giant cauldron over a big fire to achieve the best flavor.
Itik Salai Masak Lemak Cili Api (Smoked Duck with Spicy Coconut Curry)
The Smoked Duck Curry at the Tamarra has no spicy, creamy turmeric-infused curry that will delight your taste buds.
The curry is a creamy and fragrant blend of turmeric and coconut, which best complements the smoky flavor of the duck perfectly.
You need lots of white rice to enjoy this dish!
I loved this creamy dish, and had seconds and thirds. I have only one word to describe the Smoked Duck with Spicy Coconut Curry – INSANELY delicious.
Ayam Goreng 7 Rempah (Malay Spiced Fried Chicken)
True blue Malaysian-style crispy spiced fried chicken is delectable with a lightly crispy crust, crunchy, juicy, and bursting with the aromatic flavors of fresh herbs and spices.
Perfect with Nasi Kerabu too!
Udang Bawang Masala (Masala Prawns)
Including sizable river prawns on the menu elevates the dish to a new level.
Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the prawns’ tender, springy, and firm texture, while their inherent sweetness is enhanced by a rich, flavorsome curry, resulting in a deliciously balanced taste.
Additionally, the prawn’s large head contains a creamy, cheesy filling that imparts a delightful hint of sweetness to the already flavorful flesh.
One of the first ‘sold out’ dishes on the buffet line!
Live Action Stalls
Char Koay Teow Tamarra
The CKT has a nice smokey wok hei with a sweet tinge from the halal soy sauce that is surprisingly nice!
It’s highly recommended that you try the action stalls while you’re there.
I also enjoyed the chicken satay, grilled to perfection and served with a delicious peanut sauce.
Drinks & Desserts Station
To wash it all down, The Tamarra offers a range of old-school refreshing drinks like Assam Boi, Jagung, Pandan, and Watermelon.
The Dessert Station offers a range of delectable treats, including traditional Malay kuih-muih, Bubur Kacang, assorted cream cakes, ice cream, sweet treats, and cut fruits.
The outstanding item in the dessert section is the Durian Cendol!
You have to try if you love durian and cendol.
This refreshing and tasty dessert combines the creamy goodness of durian with the sweet, refreshing taste of shaved ice, cendol, Gula Melaka, and Santan (coconut milk).
Other must-try desserts include Apam Manis (Ban Chan Kueh), local Malay sweet and savory kuih, Popiah Goreng, sweet Bubur Sago, cream cakes, and ice cream – a perfect way to end a satisfying meal.
Plenty of choices allow dessert enthusiasts to indulge to their heart’s content.
Take advantage of the after-dessert drink, Tea Tarik, Coffee, or a selection of tea with your final plate of keropok!
Lovely cakes, and local kuih with the star dish – Durian Cendol
Fresh fruit galore!
How To Eat A Ramadan Buffet in Penang?
To fully enjoy the variety of food available, it’s best to take it slow and easy.
Sample what you like first and go back for seconds and thirds.
While this is a sensible approach to eating, sometimes we get the eye bigger than the stomach problem.
I know I do. Guilty as charged!
We can (that includes me!) minimize food wastage by taking more than we can consume.
Tamarra’s version of Nasi Kerabu has large river prawns, Solok Lada, shredded cabbage and herbs, salted egg halves, fish crackers, beef, and chicken floss Budu that unmistakeable savory and slightly salty fish sauce that pulls everything together!
The Tamarra Ramadan buffet Experience
But the Ramadan buffet wasn’t just about the food. The elegant building was beautifully decorated for the occasion, with colorful lights and ornate decorations that created a festive atmosphere.
There was also entertainment, with live music and traditional dance performances that added to the overall experience.
A prayer room is Available at The Tamarra.
And for those who wish to pray before Iftar, a private prayer room is available.
This thoughtful addition allowed guests to observe their religious practices while enjoying the festivities.
In addition to the delicious food and elegant setting, The Tamarra by Irama Dining also provided entertainment during the buffet.
There were live music performances, and traditional dance shows that added to the festive atmosphere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Tamarra by Irama Dining is a restaurant that offers a truly exceptional dining experience with Malay cuisine that appeals to locals and tourists alike.
From its stunning sea view to its elegant dining areas, the restaurant is designed to impress.
The professional service and attention to detail make dining at The Tamarra by Irama Dining an unforgettable experience you won’t miss.
The Senandung Rasa By The Sea BUFFET 2023 was an incredible experience – to me, it was the best halal buffet in Penang, and I highly recommend it.
The authentic Malay cooking, elegant buildings, entertainment, and private prayer room created a memorable and meaningful evening.
Finally, The Tamarra also offers a private prayer room for prayers before Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan, making it a popular destination for Muslims during this time of year.
If you’re visiting Penang during Ramadan, check it out!
Senandung Rasa By The Sea BUFFET Promotion
Ramadan Al Mubarak is just around the corner, and we all know what that means – the return of @the_tamarra’s Senandung Rasa By The Sea BUFFET!
This year, the restaurant is stepping up its game and bringing us an even more exciting variety of food.
With over 170 types of dishes to choose from, we’ll be spoiled for choice. From traditional Malay dishes to fusion cuisine, they’ve got it all.
And here’s the best part – you can get an early bird voucher for just RM118! That’s a steal, considering the normal price is RM138. So don’t wait – contact @the_tamarra now to book your spot and secure your voucher.
Exclusive early bird offer payment before 31 March 2023 or until early bird vouchers are all sold out:
RM 118.00 nett/pax for adults, RM 75 nett/pax for children (aged 6-12)
Menu: 1st week: 27 March – 3 April 2023
Menu: 2nd week: 4 April – 11 April 2023
Menu: 3rd week: 12 April – 20 April 2023
Senandung Rasa By The Sea BUFFET 2023
27 March – 20 April 2023 from 7-10 pm
The normal price is RM138 nett/pax for adults
The Tamarra is committed to providing diners with a memorable dining experience that’s both delicious and affordable.
Whether celebrating with family or friends, the buffet is the perfect way to break your fast during this holy month.
For Penang Ramadan Buffet Reservations Bookings and Enquiries: wa.me/601112487582/
Ramadan Al Mubarak!
The Tamarra by Irama Dining
36A, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10500 George Town, Penang
T: +6011-1248 7582, +604-262 0982
Award Winning Restaurant
The Tamarra by Irama Dining is a stunning restaurant with exceptional cuisine and service and has recently achieved a notable milestone.
The restaurant was named LEADING THEMED RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2022, recognizing its commitment to providing guests with a unique and memorable dining experience.
This award is a testament to The Tamarra by Irama Dining’s dedication to creating a restaurant that goes beyond simply serving food.
The restaurant’s focus on atmosphere, service, and attention to detail has paid off, as it has received recognition from industry experts for its efforts.
Winning this award is a significant achievement for The Tamarra by Irama Dining and a testament to its team’s hard work and dedication since its grand opening on 1 April 2022.
It’s also a great reason to visit the restaurant and experience why it has earned this prestigious honor.
To sum up, for an unparalleled dining experience that blends authentic Malay cuisine’s rich flavors and aromas with an inviting ambiance, head to The Tamarra by Irama Dining – the choice for the top Ramadan and one of the best halal buffets in Penang.
Blog Disclosure: This is a sponsored blog post, but all opinions are mine. Thank you, The Tamarra by Irama Dining, for the dinner invitation.
