A Taste of Nyonya Buffet Dinner, Iconic Hotel Penang

A Taste of Nyonya buffet dinner, Iconic Hotel Penang (22 July 2017)

The Iconic Hotel Penang (GPS: 5.34196, 100.43274) has launched A Taste of Nyonya, a buffet dinner focused on showcasing Nyonya cuisine. It brings together dozens of Nyonnya dishes, of both Penang and Malacca Peranakan households. My wife and I were privileged to an invitation to sample the dishes. Although the buffet was launched on 15 July, we were only able to make it on the following week. And we were so glad that we did, for it is truly a Nyonya feast extravaganza.

A Taste of Nyonya buffet dinner, Iconic Hotel Penang
© A Taste of Nyonya buffet dinner, Iconic Hotel Penang

Reservations

The Taste of Nyonya buffet was held at Mezza9, the hotel's main restaurant. Held on Friday and Saturday evenings, it is priced at RM78+ for adults and RM39+ for children. To book, contact Iconic Hotel at +60 4 505 9988. At the time of my visit, there is a Buy 3 Free 1 offer. Also, you will get a 25% rebate if you come dressed in Baba or Nyonya costume.

A Taste of Nyonya dinner buffet

This is a full-fledged buffet with a huge variety of dishes. You can start with the various ulams. I took some of the jiu hu char, which I ate with lettuce. Among the main dishes, there is a lot to try, but items that particular appealed to me was the fish assam pedas. I love it because the fish was so fresh. There is a so a separate station where I ordered freshly grilled fish, to be eaten with accompanying dips.

Another thing that I really enjoyed on this buffet is the kiam chye ak, or duck in salted vegetable soup. I could have this on its own. Other dishes that I tried include the Nyonya pickled vegetable or "acat", the inchi kabin, baked fish, the assam prawns and more.

Of course, it's not all just Nyonya dishes. I also come across pasta, Tandoori fish, pizza, and other cross-cultural dishes. So, in addition to Nyonya food, there's a little of something for everyone.

And what better way to end a Nyonya feast than with pengat. At Iconic Hotel, we get to enjoy durian pengat. And it is with real durian - the seeds are left in the pot as evidence! Its wonderful aroma whiffed out as soon as I open the lid.

My wife and I ate to our hearts' content. We were joined at the table by Miss Chee Hui Ming, the PR & Marketing Communications Manager, and Mr BK Teoh, the F&B Manager. We had a very nice time getting to know one another. My wife and I convey our thanks to them for their warm hospitality, and to Iconic Hotel, for having us to this lovely buffet dinner.

And now, let me show you A Taste of Nyonya in pictures!