Ramadan has always been a special time for my family. When I was younger, my late father made it a point to take us all out for iftar at Ramadan buffets. It became a cherished tradition—a time for us to come together, break our fast, and enjoy a feast as a family. After his passing, things changed. Life got busier, and we rarely went to buffets as a family anymore. Most of my siblings had started their own families, and traditions shifted. For me, the most I’d do was go with my mom, but even that became rare. Over time, I stopped going to buffets altogether.
This year, however, my eldest sister decided to bring back the tradition. After the passing of her youngest daughter, she seemed to realize just how fleeting life can be and how important it is to make time for family. So, she took the initiative to gather us for iftar at Ramadan buffets. It wasn’t just about the food—it was about reconnecting and honoring the memories we’d built with our father.
Now, I’m not here to tell a sob story. Instead, I want to share my experience of rediscovering the joy of Ramadan buffets with my family. This year, I went to two buffets: one at Capri by Fraser in Bukit Bintang and another at The Guest in Port Dickson. Both places were amazing in their own ways, and I’ll tell you all about it.
Capri by Fraser, Bukit Bintang
Let’s start with Capri. This place was a gem. The buffet didn’t seem to follow a specific theme, but it had a little bit of everything—and I mean everything. From cheese wheel pasta to shawarma, steak, and more, the variety was impressive. I skipped the rice entirely and focused on the dishes, which were all delicious. The drinks selection was also plentiful, and the desserts? Oh, the desserts!
Speaking of desserts, my family loves to bring up the story of how I once mistook a jelly wax candle for dessert during Ramadan. Ever since then, whenever they see pretty desserts served in cups or glasses, they tease me about it. It’s become a running joke, and honestly, I love how it keeps the memory alive.
As for the overall experience at Capri, I’d give it an 8/10. The food was fantastic, and I appreciated how uncrowded the place was. It felt relaxed and intimate, which made the meal even more enjoyable.
The Guest, Port Dickson
Next up was The Guest in Port Dickson. Unfortunately, my sister couldn’t join us for this one as she had to return to Kota Bharu, so I went with my mom and brother instead. The buffet here had a more traditional Malay theme, which was a nice change of pace.
I tried almost everything, and the standout dish for me was the daging dendeng. It was perfectly spiced and tender—absolutely delicious. The desserts, however, were a bit of a mixed bag. They had this caramel pudding where the pudding itself was good, but the caramel was slightly burnt. They also served a variety of bakar-bakar (grilled items), but I only tried the chicken wings since I’m not a fan of mutton.
Overall, I’d give The Guest a 7/10. The burnt caramel was a minor letdown, but the rest of the food was great. The atmosphere was cozy, and it was a lovely experience sharing the meal with my mom and brother.
Reflections on Buffets and Family
At this stage in my life, I’ve realized that buffets aren’t just about the food—they’re about the experience and the people you share it with. I’m okay with going to buffets, but I’ve become more selective about who I go with. I prefer not to go with people who can’t eat much or don’t finish their food. It’s not about being wasteful; it’s about enjoying the experience to the fullest.
That said, my favorite buffets are still the ones at weddings and open houses. Why? Because they’re free! There’s something special about celebrating with a larger community, sharing food, and creating memories without worrying about the bill.
This Ramadan, going to buffets with my family reminded me of the importance of tradition and togetherness. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the stories, the laughter, and the love that we share. My sister’s effort to bring back this tradition was a beautiful way to honor our father’s memory and strengthen our bond as a family.
So, here’s to more Ramadan buffets, more family gatherings, and more memories that will last a lifetime.
What about you? Do you have any Ramadan traditions or favorite buffet experiences? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!
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