Holiday Inn Melaka Christmas Buffet Dinner Review

0 0 Tekkaus Sunday, January 7, 2024 Edit this post

The other day my family and I decided to indulge in a delightful Christmas buffet dinner at the renowned Holiday Inn Melaka. The excitement in our hearts soared as we recalled the countless times we had tasted the delectable spread offered at this exquisite hotel. With each visit, our expectations were exceeded, and this time was no exception as we got to witness the whimsical Christmas Carol specially prepared by the hotel.

Holiday Inn Melaka Christmas Buffet Dinner Review

Surely, my wife, kids and I were absolutely delighted with the mouthwatering dishes, captivating ambiance, scintillating carolling performance and warm hospitality that made our evening truly memorable. This is to be expected from one of the best hotels in Melaka.

Christmas Buffet Dinner Menu

The moment we stepped into the dining area - Essence Kitchen, we were greeted with a tantalizing aroma that filled the air. It smelt like Christmas, as the usual dishes were prepared to celebrate this special festival. The Christmas buffet dinner at Holiday Inn Melaka featured an impressive array of culinary delights that I would say catered to every palate. From traditional festive fare to international cuisine, the options seemed to be endless. The only limit is the space of your stomach!

Pan-fried Fish Fillet and Roasted Chicken

To kickstart our feast, we began with an assortment of starters and appetizers. The Pan-fried fish fillet with basil was a delightful combination of flavors. The fish was cooked to perfection, with a crisp outer layer that gave way to tender, flaky flesh. The aromatic basil added a refreshing twist to the dish, enhancing its overall appeal.

Next, we sampled the roasted chicken, which was a true testament to the chef's skill. The chicken was juicy and succulent, with a beautifully caramelized skin that added a depth of flavor. Each bite was a burst of savory goodness that left us craving for more.

Grilled Mussel with Herbs Butter

The grilled mussels were a revelation, each shell cradling a plump and succulent treasure that was perfectly charred at the edges. The herb butter was a masterstroke; a delicate concoction that whispered notes of parsley, chives, and a hint of garlic, melting into the mussels and infusing them with a rich, buttery decadence that danced on the tongue. The smoky aroma from the grill entwined with the freshness of the sea, creating a harmonious balance that was nothing short of sublime.

Daging Dengdeng

Daging Dengdeng was a sumptuous affair, deeply rooted in its Indonesian heritage. This traditional beef dish was presented in thin, tender slices that had been marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and coconut milk, then carefully dried and fried to achieve a glorious caramelisation. Each bite offered a symphony of sweet and savoury notes, accentuated by the gentle heat of chilli and the earthy undertones of galangal and lemongrass. The meat's texture was akin to that of a fine jerky—chewy yet yielding—a testament to the expert preparation and patience required for its creation.

Variety of Cheese

For the connoisseurs, the cheese selection was a splendid array. The buffet showcased an exquisite variety from creamy brie, which oozed sophistication with its velvety core and edible rind, to a crumbly aged cheddar that held a sharp tanginess lingering with every morsel. I can't really tell all of the cheese but surely this alone will be more than suffice for leisurely indulgence in the finer nuances of cheeses.

Grilled Lamb Chop With Cajun Sauce

The main course section (for me) did not disappoint either. We found ourselves spoilt for choice with a wide selection of dishes. The star of the show was undoubtedly the grilled lamb chop with cajun sauce. As we took our first bite, the tenderness of the lamb melted in our mouths, while the cajun sauce added a burst of smoky, spicy flavor that tantalized our taste buds. We couldn't help but reach for seconds and thirds of this exceptional dish.

I picked the rosemary sauce!

Out of the 4 different sauces available, I picked the must-have rosemary sauce to accompany my grilled lamb chop. The aromatic herb infused the sauce with its distinct earthy fragrance, perfectly complementing the richness of the lamb. The combination of flavors was simply divine, elevating the dish to new heights. I would say the combination was really heavenly when the grilled lamb chop and the rosemary sauce were dancing together with my drooling taste buds.

Seafood Galore

Seafood lovers were in for a treat at the Holiday Inn Melaka Christmas buffet dinner. The seafood section boasted an impressive display of fresh catches from the sea. The oysters, displayed on a bed of glistening ice, are the epitome of maritime indulgence with silken flesh within, offering a taste as pure as the sea itself. Adjacent to these are the scallops which are morsels of sweetness, embodying the essence of the ocean’s depth.

The pièce de résistance, however, are the super fresh lobster—regal and resplendent. It reclines luxuriously amidst its icy throne, their shell a vibrant hue of volcanic red. This exquisite showed the kitchen’s dedication to freshness and quality, ensuring each seafood bite is an unforgettable yuletide treasure.

Another personal favourite of mine was the delectable BBQ squid that was perfectly grilled to perfection. The squid, meticulously prepared and infused with a subtle yet distinctive hint of turmeric. The first bite revealed the squid's perfect char, proof to the expert grilling technique employed by the chef.The turmeric was not overpowering; instead, it embraced the fresh, briny flavour of the squid. The outside of the squid sported a slight crispness, yielding to an impeccably tender interior that spoke of precise timing on the grill. The freshness and quality of the seafood left us yearning for more.

Mouth-watering Pizzas

Another standout were the pizzas, captivating the senses in a symphony of flavours. These mouthwatering creations were generously adorned with oozing, golden cheese that stretched with every slice, creating a visual spectacle as inviting as its taste. The topping of chicken pepperoni added a smoky depth, each bite resonating with the perfect blend of spice and succulence that only well-crafted pepperoni can provide. Coupled with a well-charred crust that provided a satisfying crunch, the pizzas were a harmonious medley of textures and tastes, leaving an indelible impression of culinary excellence on the palate.

Rest assured that this Christmas feast spread is nothing short of just the dishes I have aforementioned. The sheer volume of options is staggering, ensuring that you are utterly spoiled for choice. Each table groans under the weight of festive specialities, with every offering crafted to perfection, making it nearly impossible to sample everything. The experience is tantamount to a gastronomic marathon, one that tantalises and tempts at every turn, leaving you in a delightful quandary of where to begin and what to savour next.

Sweet Indulgences

However, we will never going to miss the desserts, right? Indulging in a multitude of delectable desserts during our Christmas Dinner Buffet was an absolute delight! From the moment we set our eyes on the dessert spread, our taste buds were in for a treat. The sheer variety of sweet creations was nothing short of extraordinary, making it a true haven for those with a penchant for all things sugary.

We couldn't resist the temptation as we sampled an array of pastries, each one more enticing than the last. Every bite was a burst of heavenly flavours. The cakes, adorned with intricate designs and irresistible frostings, were a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Holiday Inn Melaka Christmas Buffet Dinner Dessert Menu

But the real stars of the show were the puddings. Velvety smooth and rich, they melted in our mouths, leaving us craving for more. With flavours ranging from classic vanilla to indulgent chocolate, each spoonful was like a little slice of heaven. And let's not forget about the toppings – luscious fruits, and velvety sauces added the perfect finishing touch to these delightful desserts.

Needless to say, our sweet tooth was in seventh heaven throughout the evening. It was a feast for all our senses, with the aroma of freshly crafted desserts wafting through the air and the sight of beautifully crafted desserts tempting us from every corner. The joy and laughter that filled the room as we savoured each mouthful made it an unforgettable experience.

Want to have ice cream after your scrumptious meals? Sure! We got to indulge in an assortment of creamy, rich flavours that cater to traditional and adventurous palates alike. The addition of a diverse range of toppings allows for customisation, ensuring each guest can craft their perfect sundae. This definitely reminded me of our ice cream buffet earlier.

Meanwhile, the self-made ice-shaved cendol is a standout, offering a hands-on approach to this classic, fragrant dessert. The velvety coconut milk base, coupled with the chewy texture of the green jelly noodles and the sweetness of the palm sugar syrup, creates a refreshingly exotic treat that provides a lovely contrast to the more conventional ice cream offerings.

Ambiance and Hospitality

Apart from the scrumptious food, what truly stood out was the warm and inviting ambiance of Holiday Inn Melaka. The festive decorations added a touch of magic to the dining area, creating an enchanting atmosphere that enhanced our dining experience. The staff members were attentive and accommodating, ensuring that our every need was met. Their friendly smiles and helpful nature made us feel right at home.

Conclusion

Our Christmas buffet dinner at Holiday Inn Melaka was an absolute delight from start to finish. The wide variety of dishes, including the mouthwatering grilled lamb chop with cajun sauce, left us yearning for more. Every bite was a symphony of flavors that delighted our taste buds. The ambiance and hospitality added an extra layer of charm to the evening, making it truly memorable. If you are looking for a remarkable dining experience during the festive season, I highly recommend visiting Holiday Inn Melaka.