Nostalgic Delights: A Seaside Ramadhan Buffet at The Tamarra
Come, come, whoever you are.
Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving.
It doesn't matter.
Ours is not a caravan of despair.
Come, even if you have broken your vow a thousand times.
Come, yet again, come, come.
In the spirit of these timeless words by the revered poet Rumi embraces all who seek warmth, hospitality and inclusivity. Likewise, The Tamarra extends its arms wide to welcome you. Here, within the embrace of its Ramadhan buffet – "Nostalgia Warisan by The Sea", every dish, every aroma, every shared moment around the table, holds within it a tale of love, heritage and cherished memories waiting to be uncovered. As you step into the award-winning restaurant, you are invited to embark on a nostalgic culinary journey amidst the comforting embrace of tradition.
At the heart of this gastronomic adventure lies a grand feast, featuring highlights such as the popular Kambing Golek (spit-roasted lamb), a testament to the art of slow cooking and Nasi Kerabu Udang Lagend, an aromatic dish evoking bustling markets of yesteryears. The Nasi Kerabu is beautifully presented with blue-coloured rice, topped with heaps of shredded vegetables and herbs, fringed with solok lada (stuffed green chillies) and salted egg halves. Freshwater prawns add to the visual appeal, creating a striking presentation.
Along the buffet line, guests will find appetising starters, salads, and sambal condiments, along with a variety of soups, noodles, fusion dishes and special rice preparations. The main courses offer a host of mouth-watering treats, each crafted to titillate the taste buds. There are also action and other stations catering for desserts and beverages.
Begin your dining experience by breaking fast with dates and an assortment of Ulam-ulaman Kampung (local greens), Kerabu (salads) and Serunding (spiced meat floss) with Ketupat. Alternatively, start with Sup Gearbox (bone marrow soup) or Pasembur (Malaysian salad), but remember to pace yourself as there is an array of 150 scrumptious delights. These include Nasi Briyani Kambing Manu Mastam (biryani rice with lamb), Ayam Goreng 7 Rempah Kampung (fried chicken with 7 spices), Gulai Ketam Nenas Tok Ma (pineapple flower crab curry), Itik Salai Masak Lemak Cili Api (smoked duck in coconut-based curry) and much, much more. To keep things exciting and fresh, a new set of main courses will be introduced every week!
And be sure to save room for desserts. The impressive dessert table, laden with a tempting spread of Instagrammable offerings, has it all – traditional Malay kuih-muih, Serawa Pengat Pisang, Bubur Kacang Durian, Cendol Durian, assorted cakes and pastries, colourful Onde Onde, jelly, ice cream, classic cookies, sweet treats and fresh cut fruits.
As you savour each dish, allow yourself be transported to a bygone era, where the echoes of generations past resonate in every bite. The vibrant tapestry of Malay culinary heritage is more than just good food; it is a treasure trove of deep-rooted stories. If your elders are with you, they will recognise flavours synonymous with their grandmothers' kitchens and may even regale you with a tale or two. My Mum, an accomplished cook, accompanied me and she was left in awe.
"At the sprightly age of 90, I am still uncovering delightful flavours! Life never ceases to surprise," Patricia Martin, my beloved Mum, shared with a gleam in her eye, urging us to revel in the simple pleasure of relishing delicious food, regardless of culture or tradition.
Located along Penang's Millionaire's Row on Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, The Tamarra beckons patrons to experience the flavours that pay homage to time-honoured recipes passed down through generations. Each dish is a testament to the culinary prowess of the Malay archipelago, meticulously prepared to tantalise the senses and evoke fond memories of yesteryears. Whether within the elegant air-conditioned dining halls or the enchanting marquee tent, aglow with twinkling fairy lights swaying gently in the sea breeze, guests can unwind and celebrate the evening with cherished family and friends.
As the call to prayer echoes through the night, signalling the end of another day of fasting, guests at The Tamarra come together to break fast, united in the bonds of kinship and the shared experience of a culinary extravaganza unlike any other. In this moment of reflection and gratitude, surrounded by the warmth of friendship and the flavours of tradition, the true essence of Ramadan is revealed – a time to nourish the body, uplift the spirit and celebrate the timeless beauty of this cultural legacy.
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Nostalgia Warisan by The Sea
Buka Puasa Ramadhan buffet at The Tamarra
16 March – 7 April 2024 from 7 pm –10 pm
Normal price is RM138 nett/pax for adults
Exclusive early bird
16-21 March 2024 or until early bird vouchers are all sold out:
RM 110.00 nett/pax for adults
RM 88 nett/pax for senior citizen
RM 55 nett/pax for children (aged 5-12)
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Written and photographed by Adrian Cheah
© All rights reserved
17 March 2024
PS: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Tamarra for warmly welcoming my Mum and me to its exquisite Ramadhan buffet experience.
The Tamarra by Irama Dining
36A, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10500 George Town, Penang
T: +6011-1248 7582, +6010-560 0982
Congratulations to The Tamarra for being awarded "Leading Themed Restaurant of the Year" at the inaugural Asian Tourism and Hospitality Awards 2002-23.