Tasting of Eastin Hotel Penang - Wonderful Indonesia Lunch Theme Buffet

After the tummy filling month of Ramdhan, its now moving to August and Eastin Hotel Penang is starting their theme of Wonderful Indonesia. As we are neighbouring countries, there is alot of similarities to our local Malay food and many of our local favorites are actually Indonesian of origin!

The Wonderful Indonesia Lunch Buffet is available on weekdays for the whole month of August and starts from 12 noon till 2.30pm. The buffet is priced at RM66 nett per adult and RM33 nett per child. As a bonus, senior citizens get a 50% discount!

Do check out my photos and thoughts on some of the dishes highlighted. Hope you enjoy the buffet

We start of with the Nasi Goreng Ikan which has nice texture to the fried rice. The addition of fish in the fried rice is a nice change but I would have gave it more stars if it was salted fish instead :) But then that might not be Indonesian. During the buffet white rice is also available.

 The Beef Rendang Jawa gives of an aromatic aroma before one bites into those chunky pieces of meat. The rendang is slow cooked and the meat was very tender. Definitely should go for 2nd helping for beef lovers. (I did not try this as I do not take beef but my buddy gave the 2 thumbs up when trying this)

Chiak Penang @ Eastin Hotel Penang

Hehe, I guess some of the readers here would know that after a hiatus of 9 months, Im now back in Penang. Taiwan was a enjoyable experience and I guess there is still alot of writing about that place for me to complete. Still have not share alot of yummilicious places but hope I will soon.

But in terms of flavor and variety, I have to say it still can't beat Malaysia. No doubt there is alot of great and high end food, but if you are looking for a rendang or nasi lemak, good luck there in Taiwan.

So this May and June 2015, Eastin is bringing you a Chiak Penang fiesta as their theme where they will have a bunch of yummy local dishes to savour your taste buds. From local appetizers such as various kerabu and gado-gado to fruit rojak, main courses from western, asian and local flavors to various desserts, this buffet lunch will appeal to many with its great value for money pricing.

Available every weekday from noon to 2.30pm, and priced at RM66 nett per adult and RM33 nett per child, this buffet is really worth it. There is also a senior citizen discount of 50% so if you are retired but like to enjoy a buffet, this is bang for the buck. There is also an ongoing promotion for Citibank credit card holders where there is a buy 1 free 1 campaign. Also if you own a Maybank or Citibank credit card you are also entitled to a 15% discount for their buffet dinner. So head on over to try this buffet. You can check out the photos for some of the highlights. 

With a colorful theme, its only fitting that the food is served on colorful platters :)

Ramadan Buffet and Peranakan Cuisine at Eastin Hotel Penang

For the month of Ramadan which is from 29 June - 27 July  2014, Eastin Hotel's Swez Brasserie is having their highly anticipated Ramadan Buffet Dinner and it is an event or should I say feast which many will not want to miss!

As usual, Chef Bakri and Chef Fauzi will be bringing lots of traditional flavors to the table and some with a modern twist. One of the items which will be making headlines will be their whole roasted lamb (whole lamb will be available once there is over 50 pax for the buffet else it will be a roasted leg of lamb). The succulent lamb which is roasted daily will be irresistible.

Now, the buffet is starts daily from 6.30pm till 10.00pm and priced at a very affordable RM88++ (adult) and RM44++ (child). Those using Bank Islam credit/debit card are entitled to a 15% discount while Citibank and Maybank card users can enjoy a Pay for 5 and the 6th dine for free!

As for lunch, they will be having a Peranakan Cuisine theme and thus one can savor different flavors for both lunch and dinner! How awesome is that right? The lunch buffet is priced at RM50++ (adult) and RM25++ (child).

So do check out some of the highlights below.

The chef proudly presenting their creations!

Sensational Sakura @ Swez Brasserie, Eastin Hotel Penang

What a month it will be this March 2014 at Swez Brasserie of Eastin Hotel as they are bringing in HAPA Masterchef (Asian) - Chef Ricky Hui Eng Keong all the way from Eastin Hotel Petaling Jaya to showcase some fine Japanese cuisine, for their Sensational Sakura theme this month.

Chef Ricky Hui is a multiple award winner and has a host of experience serving many important people and dignitaries from around the world. Based at Eyuzu Japanese Cuisine Restaurant located at Eastin PJ, its not everyday such a high calibre chef makes his way up North for a month to showcase his delicacies. Thus, for those Japanese cuisine fans, head over to Eastin Penang now! Do check out the mouth watering sampling that was prepared, and I have to say, some I find it really yummilicous!

As always, there are some perks to using a credit card and getting a discount is what counts.

The lucky users of Maybank, Standard Chartered, CIMB, Citibank and Mastercard Worldwide credit card members are entitled to a 15% discount as well! So check it out.

Lunch: Monday-Friday

(12noon-2.30pm)

RM50++ Adult, RM25++ Child

Hi Tea: Saturday-Sunday 

(12-4.00pm)

RM68++ Adult, RM34++ Child

Semi Buffet Dinner: Sunday-Tuesday, Thursday 

(6.30pm-10.00pm)

From RM50++ per person 

When I saw these dolls, it really reminded me of some authentic Japanese music

Pirate Seafood Night @ Eastin Hotel Penang 2014

I can't imagine a better way to start 2014 than to splurge on a buffet dinner! And what a way for Eastin Penang to kick it off by bringing their Pirate Seafood Night on every Saturday for the year (subject to changes). Now I have been to many buffets touting to have great seafood and all but either the food is lacking or it comes at a high price.

I'm glad to say that this promotion at Eastion Hotel Penang is probably one I would say is the best seafood buffet deal I have had thus far in Penang. No kidding! Now, barring that the serve something spectacularly special on this launch night, but if they keep it up, I'm sure they will win many fans over with their very good spread of seafood choices as well as a very decent price.

Now below is the pricing for this buffet :

Every Saturday 6.30pm-10.00pm

Price : RM80++ - Adults, RM48++ - Child

Does that deal look enticing? Well, if I were a diner, thinking to splurge RM80++ on a meal I would surely think twice, unless of course I know what to expect. I guess thats why I blog about these things, so patrons to these outlets can have a rough knowledge what sort of deal they will get.

So here goes!

This is the cold seafood spread on ice. This is probably the focus area where you should target first as some of the items here are limited

Are you able to spot some of the goodies?

Aussie Tucker at Eastin Hotel Penang ~ January 2014 Promotion

With 2014 just around the corner, Eastin Hotel Penang is already prepping up their menu and January 2014 will bring us their Aussie Tucker's menu which gets its inspiration from the country down under :)

With a slightly revamped menu, the coming month will be something to look forward as one will get to savour some Aussie delights which is not always the norm. Well frankly, don't think I have actually seen a fully Aussie themed restaurant menu in Penang so this might be a good thing.

As always, there are some perks to using a credit card and getting a discount is what counts.

The lucky users of Maybank, Standard Chartered, CIMB, Citibank and Mastercard Worldwide credit card members are entitled to a 15% discount as well! So check it out.

Lunch: Monday-Friday (except 31 Jan 2014)

(12noon-2.30pm)

RM50++ Adult, RM25++ Child

Hi Tea: Saturday-Sunday 

(12-4.00pm)

RM68++ Adult, RM34++ Child

Semi Buffet Dinner: Sunday-Tuesday, Thursday (except 31 Jan 2014)

(6.30pm-10.00pm)

From RM50++ per person 

For those that follow my blog, you will note that the prices has gone up slightly and I guess this is what we all call inflation. Sigh, not a good sign but I guess in order to maintain the quality of the food, there really isn't much choice. Do read on to see what I think about this Aussie Tucker promotion for January 2014!

The spread for the Aussie Tucker Promo. Don't worry, I don't think thats a read cow skull :p

The chefs presenting their culinary creations

Herbs & Spices Flavors @ Eastin Hotel Penang for November 2013

For the month of November, Eastin Hotel Penang is having its Herbs & Spices theme for their buffet spread and they strive to bring dishes that has been infused with lots of these herbs and spices. These are flavor additive that has been used for centuries and since its also Deepavali month, there are of course some influence of Indian flavors as well.

This time round, we have Chef Buvanes and Khalil leading the menu and they try to bring a new twist to some tried and tested recipes. So do read on to see what I think of the menu for November. 

Its also good to note that the pricing is still the same as stated below. Best part is Maybank, Standard Chartered, OCBC, CIMB and Citibank credit card members are entitled to a 15% discount as well for the dinner menu! So check it out.

Lunch: Monday-Friday (12-2.30pm)

RM48++ Adult, RM24++ Child

Hi Tea: Saturday-Sunday (12-3.00pm)

RM55++ Adult, RM28++ Child

Semi Buffet Dinner: Sunday-Thursday (6.30pm-10.00pm)

From RM48++

So to start of, we have some Appetizers and Soup

First we have the Achari Paneer which is a homemade cheese which I initially thought was tofu. It has a very soft texture and really almost like tofu but just that the flavor has a more milky taste to it. The use of the spices to cook it makes this an interesting item on the menu. One thing I learnt was that compared to tofu, this cheese does not break down when cooked in a wok and thus it still retains its chunky form.

Next there is the Deep Fried Pakoras which to be is one of the best items of the day! The Pakoras were so crunchy and flavorful that you just had to have more of it. Topping it with fried curry leaves helps to give it the added oomph to the taste but again, try to control the intake of fried items :)

German Galore Promotion at Eastin Hotel Penang

Time really flies and before we know it, October is here and for that, I'm also a year older. For the month of October, I guess somehow, everything seems to be about the German festivities and Eastin Hotel Penang through their Swez Brasserie is having a German Galore where they try to bring some German inspired food to the table for all to sample.

Now, I guess most would agree that for the authentic German food, you have to have pork and beer. But since this is a pork free hotel, thats not possible and the chef's here need to be abit more creative to have the taste and authenticity yet keep it pork free. I have to say that this is one challenge which is almost impossible to solve though and its really a good effort by some of the award winning chefs here are doing. 

So for the month of October, the buffet and semi buffet will have German inspired dishes to whet ones appetite and I find the buffet interesting as always as you will get to try many different varieties of food versus the semi buffet where the main courses is served full plate.

Its also good to note that the pricing is still the same as stated below. Best part is Maybank, Standard Chartered, OCBC, CIMB and Citibank credit card members are entitled to a 15% discount as well for the dinner menu! So check it out.

Lunch: Monday-Friday (12-2.30pm)

RM48++ Adult, RM24++ Child

Hi Tea: Saturday-Sunday (12-3.00pm)

RM55++ Adult, RM28++ Child

Semi Buffet Dinner: Sunday-Thursday (6.30pm-10.00pm)

From RM48++

The chefs presenting their creations

Mooncake & International Cuisine Promotion ~ Eastin Hotel Penang September 2013

Its coming into the 8th Month in the Chinese Calendar and as most will know, this is the time where the Mooncake or Mid Autumn Festival is celebrated! This year, it will be on 19th September 2013 and Eastin Hotel Penang in conjunction with their KL peers, have decided to bring in their signature mooncakes for Penangites to savour. To keep things simple, they have prepared only 6 flavors and frankly to me, this is more than enough. Main point is keep it simple and keep the quality high.

The flavors are Red Bean, Jasmine Cheesy Citrus, Low Sugar White Lotus, Precious Black Wolfberry Lotus Paste, Pure Lotus Double Yolk and Supreme Mixed Nuts which range in price from RM17 to RM20 each. The mooncakes are already available and one can call to make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment (+604-6121128 Swez Brasserie)

At the same time from September onwards, Swez Brasserie will be having an International Cuisine theme for their buffet and this features a more global tastes with dishes inspired from Germany, Japan, Mexico and even Thailand. There are a variety of great Appetizers, Main courses and Desserts to choose from and I'm sure diners will find something to their liking. Do check them out!

 6 Flavors of Mooncake!

The mooncakes have a thin crust layer and lots of  filling! The fact that its not very sweet makes it even more delectable! This is the Red Bean and Double Yolk version.

Flavors of Malaysia at Eastin Hotel Penang ~ August 2013 Promotion

Right after Hari Raya and their Ramadan themed buffet, Eastin Hotel Penang is surely not resting as they have now prepared the Flavors of Malaysia theme for their August promotion at the Swez Brasserie! This series of buffet strives to highlight some of the culinary delights that is somehow so deeply rooted in us that is almost like comfort food for the soul. The buffet encompasses some good variety of favors and it covers the food from appetizers, main courses and even Malaysian styled desserts.

Thus, one will find Penang Famous Pasembur, Kerabu Mee Hoon and even Sup Ekor for appetizers, followed by Ayam Percik, Kambing Masala, Rendang Tok Kelantan, Nasi Hujan Panas and Johor Laksa for mains, and finally there is the delectable Bubur Cha Cha and Ais Kacang for desserts!

Do catch this great chance to sample some of Malaysia's culinary delights all at one place for the month of August. Its also priced reasonably from RM48++ for adults and half price for children. 

Hmm, some spoon samples?

Checking out the desserts first

Eastin Hotel Penang, Buka Puasa Dinner ~ Sharing is Caring

Its now the month of Ramadan and I guess for everyone, its a time to reflect and also of course for those foodies, its like a month long of food paradise with all those Ramadan Bazaars hawking some of those delectable once in a year food items.

On the 12 of July 2013, I was thankful and very happy to be invited to join Eastin Hotel Penang for their Buka Puasa Dinner Celebrations. Now, there is your typical dinners but what sets this dinner apart is that the staff of Eastin Hotel Penang took their time, and put in alot of effort to share it with the less fortunate! I enjoy food reviews, but I just love it when it has added meaning to it. This year, Eastin Hotel Penang is celebrating it with the orphanage childrens from Rumah Jagaan Nasyiatul Aisyah all the way from Balik Pulau. Its one thing to invite someone, but when the team at Eastin planned, arranged and even sacrificed their time for this, my hats of to them! I really had a good time, and I sure these less fortunate felt all the love on this very night!

Frankly, I so happy to be writing about this that in some ways, I felt that the food was secondary for the night. When someone is happy and feeling joyous, the sharing environment you are in, everything just taste nicer doesn't it. I'm sure it was like sugar coating for those children, and I can feel their excitement in the air! Ah bliss! I do hope to see Eastin Hotel Penang continuing this very honourable tradition and just before I forget, the staff actually also made a very handsome donation in kind as well as presented goodie bags to the kids! Well done I say again (not sure how many times I repeated this!). This is exactly why I have my blog named as such, TheLifeIsGood when you have the right company.

So, back to the Ramadan Buffet spread. At RM85++ and running the entire month of Ramadan, this buffet to me is a steal. Its probably one of the most authentic of Ramadan Buffets available and I was really surprised to see the number of items being served. From the many unique curry dishes (there was ostrich and rabbit meat) and some very traditional rice with herbs which was just wonderfully flavored. 

Then there is the whole roasted lamb, grilled fish with sambal and their signature, Gearbox Soup! Besides these specials, they did not skimp on other items and had fresh oysters, pasembur and even their signature smoked duck breast! I mean, with so much to choose from, the list goes on. Thus scroll through this post and get your saliva drooling. Cheers!

Candy for the young and old. Well its for the chocolate fondue

Love is in the Air at Eastin Hotel Penang

As the theme goes, Love is in the Air at Eastin Hotel Penang. Well, can't believe that its less than 1 month away from Valentines Day and Eastin Hotel Penang is surely making an effort to ensure that those who plan to celebrate this lovey dovey day will have an enjoyable meal as well as great packages to go as well.

At the Swez Brasserie, Executive Sous Chef Daniel Tan and his team has come up with a pretty interesting menu for those that plan on dining here with many twists and improvements to well used recipes. This is to ensure diners will have an amazing dining experience which they will not forget!

Thus, do read on to see what they have to offer!

Valentines Day Dinner for 2 Person @ RM238++

Early birds who make a full payment via credit card by 1 Feb 2013 enjoys 5% discount!

Also, guests can opt to stay a night at Eastin Hotel at a complimentary rate of RM120++ only for 1 room on Valentines Day itself!

Do call Swez Brasserie, Eastin Hotel Penang @ 04-6121111

Aussie Tucker Semi Buffet January 2013 Promotion ~ Swez Brasserie

Well its the end of the year of 2012 and the New Year is upon us already. With January just a few days away, Swez Brasserie located at Eastin Hotel Penang is bringing a twist to their monthly special. The theme for January 2013 will be Aussie Tucker where one will get to savor some Australian favorites. Actually at first I was expecting a meat fest but was thoroughly surprise by the amount of seafood that was featured and then it reminded me that Australia also has lots of seafood offering and I'm happy to see that there is lots available to try for their Aussie Tucker theme.

So without ado, do have a look at some of the specials for this January theme and as always, these are in addition to their standard buffet lines ya!

The chefs presenting their creations for Aussie Tucker!

Deepavali Celebrations with children from Ramakrishna Ashrama Penang hosted by Eastin Hotel Penang

Deepavali this year really lighted up for the children from the Ramakrishna Ashrama Penang home when they were treated to an early Deepavali semi buffet by the very courteous staff of Eastin Hotel! I was invited to join Eastin Hotel in one of the CSR activities and I'm really glad I managed to join them this time as I really felt the sincerity as well as the warmth from the staff of Eastin Hotel in the activity.

To start, the staff allocated a nice section of the Swez Brasserie which is the hotels in house restaurant and the semi buffet for the night, there was chicken chop as well as a vegetarian pasta as mains, and of course the wide selection from their buffet line. The children was really enjoying themselves and even the staffs were all happy mingling with the kids. Its great seeing how they all had an enjoyable meal as its not everyday one get to have a nice buffet meal, especially for these kids. You can really feel their excitement and joy at being here, its like striking a lottery for them!

Thus, I would like to commend Eastin Hotel Penang, for putting not just profits on the agenda, but also taking the time and effort to help the needy, and making them feel special on occasions that counts. Do keep up the good work and I'm sure everyone appreciates it! Of course, do keep reading on and see some of the activities, and of course, since there are elements of food here, many foodie pictures as well ya!

Swez Brasserie Buffet Lunch at Eastin Hotel Penang

It happened that there was a training session which was held at Eastin Hotel Penang today and lunch was held at the Swez Brasserie. I understood from fellow bloggers that they were having a Vietnamese themed menu and I guess I was pretty lucky to get to try it first hand. Now, this is the first time that I have actually ate at Eastin Hotel and prior to this, has always been with the feedback that the spread was not up to par. But I guess that is why I was truly surprised that the food that I got to eat today was very satisfying. For RM48++ for lunch, I feel that its good value for money and I also understand Maybank cardholders get 15% discount too. With this said, do have a look at some of the photos and feel free to leave a comment. Hope you all give this place a try ya!

The desserts spread! There is a good choice of cakes as well as local nyonya kuih and fruits

The row of fried and cooked dishes all lined up