JOHOR BAHRU: In just two days time before the start of the fasting month a number of hotels down south here are seizing the opportunity to get guests attracted to their Ramadan buffet.

Many are throwing in special packages and giving guests more than 100 dishes to choose upon.

Diners are spoilt for choices as the attraction awaits them and guests seem not wanting to lose the opportunity and indulge in the Ramadan buffet at these hotels.

Some hotels have reduced the price for the lower income groups and the walk-ins.

One hotel has even given a special room promotion rates during the fasting month.

Ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri Hotel is providing a one-night stay at its superior room with sahur/breakfast for two. It also comes with a buffet dinner for two. A complimentary parking and Wi-Fi are on the list.

Ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri Hotel general manager Charanita Gill said Ramadan is a celebration of God’s guidance to humanity where it brings with it strong communal ties and unity.

She said it is also a time of reflection and giving. “Ramadan is a welcomed reminder to remember those less fortunate and continue to give a helping hand to those in need throughout the year”

The hotel showcased its Ramadan buffet preview recently and invited community business partners, stakeholders and the media.

The theme “Ketuk-Ketuk Cita Rasa Malaysia” Buffet is inspired by the concept of the traditional mortar or “Lesung Batu” which is popular in Southeast Asia where it is customarily used by village people to saute or mash spices used in preparing various juadah or cooking ingredients.

The kitchen team headed by the Hotel’s Head Chef, Chef Azhar Abu Bakar, has created an extensive range of dishes; to name a few signature dishes including Bryani Kambing, Ayam Pongsu, Sup Tulang Kambing Mat Piah, Laksa Johor, Mee Goreng Mamak Sotong Merah.

Menu dishes are rotated daily and never missed out trying the selection of dessert such as traditional kuih-muih, assorted cake & pastries, Pudding & Jelly and even Bubur Pulut Hitam.

“The hotel industry needs to stay afloat, so we took up the challenge by offering the Ramadan buffet with a wide spread of traditional and local cuisines at a reasonable price,” said Charanita.

She said the hotel had continued its tradition by offering, among others, specialities such as “Sabah BBQ Chicken Wing, Portugese Baked Fish, Ayam Percik Tebu and Grilled Lamb.

Others on the list include Ikan Bakar (Kembung Cencaru, Pari).

“We have not cut down any of the dishes as most of them were also available in previous Ramadan buffets,” he said.

She said the dishes would be offered to the needy and we want to ensure that the needy are not left out.

The hotel does cater for the underprivileged and single mothers every year.

She also said the hotel anticipates a good crowd this year as the expected influx of Singaporeans is threatening to become a deluge as visitors make a beeline for the mouth-watering Ramadan buffet.

And Ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri Hotel is leaving no stone unturned to attract the throng.

According to Charanita, things are looking positive and she is quite excited to see the daily bookings coming in.

“Despite the trying times, we will continue to provide a quality culinary experience to our guests and diners,” she said.

She said diners can expect to savour authentic local cuisine, such as Kerabu Daun Selom and Kerabu Manga Muda.

“If you are into grilled food, you can pick any of your favourites from Roast Lamb, Sabah BBQ, Portugese Baked Fish and Ayam Percik Tebu.

To end the evening on a sweet note, enjoy delectable desserts such as Assorted Malay Kuih, Bubur Sum Sum, Sago Gula Melaka, Puding Jagung, Bubur Pulut Hitam, Bubur Kacang Hijau, Bubur Lambak Pengat Pisang, Ice kacang and condiments.

Ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri Johor Bahru with 152 vibrantly decorated guest rooms and distinctive story telling throughout the property.

The hotel showcases an inspirational Cocoa interior design which comes from the rich history of Cocoa growing & production in Johor, home to Asia’s largest Cocoa processor Guan Chong Bhd, and coincidentally the owners of the hotel, have teamed up with Accor to bring this uniquely designed gem into the Johor State’s capital.

The hotel is strategically located within Johor’s new administrative and commercial hub of Iskandar Puteri. It is a stone’s throw away from Legoland Malaysia with a 10-minute drive and the Second- Link to neighbouring Singapore, just a 20-minute drive away.

The hotel has direct access to major expressways and this connectivity offers convenient access to surrounding attractions such as Johor Premium Outlets in Senai, EduCity, Putri Harbour, Sunway Iskandar, Bukit Indah and Tanjung Pelepas Port.

For reservation and enquiries you may contact : 6012-484 3352 (Warren) or email HAOK9@accor.com or visit: http://all.accor.com?AOK9