KOTA KINABALU: Chef de cuisine Jupanis Kudi is taking a different approach to bring the traditional way of breaking fast by including an array of salted fish dish at the Ramadan buffet here.
"It brings back the memory for some to break a fast with a tiny piece of salted fish on the rice.
"In fact, although the dish has a strong smell, it is gaining popularity from the people where they even order it at any occasion.
"For today, we could only serve six types of salted fish as there is a shortage of supply for now, but we will add more choices next week," he said during the first day of Sabah International Convention Centre's (SICC)'s "A Taste of Asian" buffet.
The buffet is offering some 700 assortment of Ramadan delicacies.
On the best way to consume salted fish dishes, which are fried or roasted, Jupanis said patrons could try a squeeze of lime on it and mix it with other sambals available as an appetiser.
Apart from salted fish, he said SICC has also brought back pickles unique to Sabah such as tuhau (wild ginger) and bambangan (wild mango).
"Based on the feedback from our first buffet last year, people, including those from outside Sabah, request that (Sabah) food be included for this year's buffet.
"It shows that those kinds of food are being accepted by many and we are glad to serve them here."
Jupanis said the buffet also takes pride in showcasing more of Sabah food besides helping local entrepreneurs to have their locally made products to be included in the buffet.
Patrons could also try out the traditional kuih muih such as the pinjaram, terang bulan, apam balik, among others that are prepared at the designated stalls.
"A Taste of Asian" Ramadan dinner buffet is available from April 3 to May 2 from 5pm to 9.30pm at the Kinabatangan Hall, Level 2.
The buffet can cater for about 700 people and strictly comply with the Standard Operating Procedures.
SICC is now offering RM128 per adult, RM64 per child (aged 6 to 12) and RM96 for senior citizens.