This Ramadan, a gathering of flavours and traditions at Straits Kitchen’s iftar buffet

Grand Hyatt Singapore’s StraitsKitchen prepares for a month of communal gatherings over food that brings people together this Ramadan. From March 2 to March 31, 2025, the restaurant — Singapore’s first halal-certified buffet in a five-star hotel — will present an iftar spread that draws on local and Middle Eastern traditions.

The menu, designed by a team led by chef Mohamad Mohamed Abdelmoety Ahmed, chef Khairul Akmal Bin Zakaria, and chef de cuisine Nelson Wong, brings together dishes that reflect the diversity of Singapore’s food culture while incorporating elements of Middle Eastern cuisine. 

Meals begin with mezze, such as baba ghanoush and hummus, served with warm pita. These set the tone for an evening of layered flavours and slow conversations. Live stations add to the experience, with options ranging from a Malay-style barbeque serving chicken, beef, and mutton satay to a shawarma counter where freshly carved chicken is wrapped in pita with crisp lettuce, onions, and tahini sauce.

For those looking for more decadent flavours, the buffet includes Ayam Buah Keluak, a Peranakan dish known for its deep, earthy intensity, and Beef Rendang, slow-braised in coconut and fragrant spices.

Seafood dishes such as Ikan Bakar, where barramundi is grilled in banana leaves with sambal, and Udang Belado, a tiger prawn stir-fry coated in a spicy homemade sauce, reflect the region’s coastal influences.

Desserts draw on Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern traditions. Baklava, with its flaky layers of crushed nuts and syrup, is served alongside basbousa, a dense semolina cake soaked in honey.

Familiar favourites such as Pulut Hitam, Bubur Cha Cha, and Goreng Pisang round out the selection, while cooling treats like Chendol and Nonya kueh contrast the heavier dishes.

The dinner buffet expands on these offerings, bringing in dishes such as Lamb Mandi, a saffron-infused rice dish with slow-cooked lamb and pine nuts, and Sayaduyah Rice, which combines jasmine rice with shrimp, barramundi, and Arabic spices.

Kambing Qorma, a cashew-infused lamb stew, and Mahshi Felfel, capsicum stuffed with spiced rice and minced beef, add various textures and flavours. 

Soups such as Sup Tulang Merah, a rich mutton bone stew, and Sup Ayam Palembang, a delicate chicken broth with bean curd and basil, bring warmth and familiarity. A Date Bazaar featuring premium dates from across the Middle East and North Africa completes the evening with a nod to tradition.

In keeping with the spirit of Ramadan, a dedicated prayer room is available for guests who wish to perform their prayers before or after their meal. The space is designed for comfort, with private sections, ablution facilities, and prayer garments available.

For many, iftar is more than just a meal — it’s a moment of gathering, reflection, and connection. StraitsKitchen’s approach embraces this, offering a setting where traditions are honoured through food and sharing a meal becomes part of the experience.

The buffet runs throughout the month of Ramadan, with options available for both lunch and dinner.

The buffet runs from March 2 to March 31, 2025. Lunch is $68++ per adult and $36++ per child, while dinner is $98++ per adult and $49++ per child. For reservations, visit Grand Hyatt Singapore’s website.