Oxtail assam pedas a hit at Ramadan buffet

What say you on the issue below?

THERE is assam pedas and there is sup ekor (oxtail soup). But, what about assam pedas sup ekor or oxtail assam pedas?

It is one of the signature offerings at Cititel’s Citi Cafe buka puasa promotion.

The curry-like dish combines assam pedas, a popular dish in Malacca and the oxtail soup.

Please try it: Mohd Noor Yaacob with the oxtail assam pedas (right) and rebus pedas ikan talapia.

The hotel’s sous chef, Mohd Noor Yaacob, said most people went for the soup as it was hearty, especially after a whole day of fasting.

“Soupy dish like the oxtail assam pedas is one of the favourites for those who prefer breaking their fast with something light.

“It is easier for the stomach to start working after a long break and the nutrition in the soup will replenish all that was lost during the day,” he said.

He added that the oxtail assam pedas, a cross between sup ekor (oxtail soup) and masak assam pedas, was among the favourites at the hotel.

He added that most people ask for the oxtail assam pedas with its chunks of oxtail meat. The soury taste is also palatable for the locals, especially during the fasting month.

Succulent meat: The roast lamb roasted to perfection.

“Our regular customers will usually ask for the oxtail assam pedas.

“It can be had just like that but usually the customers would have it with rice,” he said.

Chef Mohd Noor said the oxtail had to be boiled for a few hours until the meat was tender and the stock was later used in making the assam pedas.

He said like masak assam pedas, it called for ingredients like bunga kantan and daun kesum together with onions and dried prawns and chilli which were then blended into a paste.

As a result, the soup is thick with chunks of meat.

In addition to the oxtail assam pedas, customers can also choose rebus pedas ikan talapia.

Tempting desserts: For the sweet tooth, there are plenty of local kueh to choose from.

“Unlike the assam pedas, rebus (boiled) pedas does not require the paste to be sauteed, instead we just cook the ingredients in water until it boils before the fish is added in.

“For assam pedas we use tamarind juice, but for the rebus pedas we use assam keping (tamarind pieces),” he said.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s executive sous chef, Wong Yoke Kei, said they had prepared seven set menus to be rotated throughout the week so customers could enjoy different dishes every day.

The spread ranges from traditional kampung-style dishes to international favourites.

The buka puasa promotion at Cititel is priced at RM65nett per adult and RM32.50 for children.

Muslim guests at the hotel are entitled for complimentary sahur (meal taken before dawn during fasting month).