Senandung Rasa by the Sea at The Tamarra – a Ramadan feast for all

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

"Senandung Rasa by the Sea" at The Tamarra returns this Ramadan for an indulgent celebration filled with a lavish spread of modern Malay gastronomic delights. For an experience unlike any other, get ready to explore hearty yet nostalgic flavours of the Malay archipelago. Highlights from the extensive buffet spread include Kambing Golek (spit-roasted lamb), Nasi Kerabu Udang Lagenda (mixed herbal rice) and Gulai Ketam Nenas Tok Ma (flower crab curry) as well as live action stalls and a spread of over 100 items, not to mention a colourful ensemble of tempting desserts.

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra is running a special early bird promotion, where diners who make reservations before 31 March 2023 pay only RM118 nett per adult (normal price RM138 nett per adult) or till early bird vouchers are all sold out. Hurry as there are less than a hundred vouchers left. Seize the opportunity and make your bookings today for the finest spots to buka puasa (break fast) in Penang! The beautiful moment of gathering with your loved ones during Iftar over an appetising meal at Tamarra is truly unforgettable.

Furthermore, to keep things exciting and anew, a fresh set of main courses will be introduced every week!

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

Along the buffet line there is a grand offering of starters, salad and sambal condiments, soups, noodles, fusion dishes, special rice preparations and main courses, each offering a host of mouth-watering treats. There are also action and other stations catering for desserts and beverages. With the focus on using quality ingredients, The Tamarra team has crafted a line-up of Malaysian treasured recipes, of course with its own take, beautifully presented to make them a visual feast as well.

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

Start by breaking fast with dates and an assortment of Ulam-ulaman Kampung (local greens), Kerabu (salads) and Serunding (spiced meat floss) with Ketupat. Appetising kerabu spiced with local herbs and spices include Kerabu Mangga (mango salad), Kerabu Suhun (glass noodles salad) and Kerabu Kerang (cockles salad).

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

To enjoy the local greens, visit the Sambal Station for a variety of chilli sauces – Sambal Hijau Petai, Sambal Tempoyak, Sambal Hitam, Sambal Belacan, Sambal Goreng Kulat Sisir and Acar Buah.

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

Later, discover lip-smacking mains like Ayam Bakar Hitam Berempah Pokok Asam (tamarind grilled chicken), Gulai Ketam Nenas Tok Ma (flower crab curry), Sotong Goreng Kunyit (turmeric squid), Sayur Campur (stir-fried mixed vegetables), Terung Berlada Merah (stir-fried brinjal) and more.

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

Of course, your experience would not be complete without visiting Special Rice Station to compliment the savoury curries above. Two special rice dishes are on offer – Nasi Kerabu Udang Lagenda with Lada Solok and Nasi Biryani Kambing (mutton biryani). 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. Giant freshwater prawns decorate the dish further into an impressive eye candy. The mutton biryani is topped with tender lamb shanks. Steamed white rice and Nasi Kuning Kacang Dhall are also available.

If you are craving soups and noodles, you will find a variety of heart-warming offerings on rotation including Sup Ayam Berempah served with Roti Bakar, Mee Rebus and more. In the case of Penang laksa, you could also order a freshly prepared bowl with all your favourite ingredients.

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

Other highlights from this Ramadan’s buffet spread include Gulai Kawah, Itik Salai Masak Lemak Cili Api (smoked duck in a spicy coconut curry), Ayam Goreng 7 Rempah (spiced fried chicken), Udang Bawang Masala (masala prawns), Char Koay Teow Tamarra and assorted grill dishes (grilled prawns on skewers, grilled fish and satay). However, other international cuisines are also available including mini fish and chips as well as pastas. Do not miss out on the action stalls while you are there.

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

At the Dessert Station, you can indulge in delectable treats such as traditional Malay kuih-muih, Serawa Pengat Pisang, Bubur Kacang Durian, fruit jellies, assorted cakes, ice cream, sweet treats and cut fruits. With choices aplenty, dessert lovers can indulge till their hearts' content.

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

There is so much to sample and enjoy, thus I would recommend that you go slow, sampling what you like first and going back for seconds. This would help reduce the wastage of food that has been taken but not consumed.

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The marquee tent at the beachfront is decorated with strings of twinkling fairy lights, providing a festive dining atmosphere. On stage, a live band serenades you with ongoing classic Malay songs. This is an ideal Ramadan dining set-up to mark an exquisite indulgence of the vibrant flavours and aromas of Malaysian cuisine.

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

The Tamarra is located along the Millionaire's Row in Penang at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah (formerly Northam Road), beside the Menara KWPS building. The majestic bungalow has an extensive beachfront lawn that houses a marquee tent to cater for an al fresco dining experience under the stars. Enjoy the cool sea breeze, a glorious sun set, some classic tunes as well as cultural performances on weekends as you savour scrumptious Ramadan delights.

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Senandung Rasa by the Sea
Buka Puasa Ramadhan buffet at The Tamarra
27 March – 20 April 2023 from 7-10 pm
Normal price is RM138 nett/pax for adults

Exclusive early bird offer payment before 31 March 2023 or until early bird vouchers are all sold out:
RM 118 nett/pax for adults
RM 75 nett/pax for children (aged 6-12)

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

Menu: 1st week: 27 March – 3 April 2023

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

Menu: 2nd week: 4 April – 11 April 2023

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

Menu: 3rd week: 12 April – 20 April 2023

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Written and photographed by Adrian Cheah
© All rights reserved
27 March 2023

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The Tamarra by Irama Dining
36A, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10500 George Town, Penang
T: +6011-1248 7582, +604-262 0982

The Tamarra © Adrian Cheah

Congratulations to The Tamarra for being awarded "Leading Themed Restaurant of the Year" at the inaugural Asian Tourism and Hospitality Awards 2002-23. The award was presented in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 17 March 2023 in a ceremony co-organised by TIN MEDIA (Malaysia's First Independent Travel Trade Media) and Asia Hospitality Human Resource Association.