The second Ramadhan Buffet we sampled was none other than Essence, Sheraton Imperial. This wasn’t my first time at Essence and in fact I was pretty happy with my previous visit several months ago. Apart from the usual offerings, Chef Faizal and his team has put together a special buka puasa menu with an exiciting “night bazaar” experience. Boasting more than 150 mouth watering local specialties, Essence aims to bring you a delightful Ramadhan experience.

I love the layout of Essence as the food stations dotted through every corner of the restaurant, and each have a different theme/cuisine. As soon as you walk past the entrance, you will be spoilt for choice for sure. The first station churns out Apom which you can customise the fillings.

Walking further into the restaurant, my eyes were immediately greeted with a variety of carb heavy dishes: fried rice, mee mamak and char kueh tiaw. Guaranteed to satisfy those with a hearty appetite.

Choose your favourite kerabu, or make your own ulam with all these fresh herbs on display.

Can’t miss the salad bar with these delectable smoked salmon.

And of course, Japanese station is always popular. Ramadhan or not.

For those who prefer something light to break fast, try the bubur lambuk.

Or hit the highlight straighaway: Essence’s famous Whole Baby Lamb with Mandi Rice. Another one that is worth trying is their Chicken Biryani Rice, very aromatic and tasty.

If not a fan of lamb, opt for the fish then, covered in spices with superb tender flesh.

Of course, various curries are available, and here Bhindi Masala made another appearance.

A mixture of Chinese dishes are available too. I loved the Prawns with Asparagus.

We were treated to this Gulai Kawah Besar Kambing Daun Salam (Lamb Shank), cooked to fork tenderness swimming in a spicy broth. Lovely!

Other stations include a choice of noodles and pasta (more carbs), and at the very corner a selection of Western delights including a very rich lasagna, and a delicious beef stew.

Of course, there are desserts, separated into Western varieties as well as local favourites.

The buffet is priced at RM118.00++ per person. It is available for dinner only from 1 July to 24 July 2014, daily, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

For those who prefer to break fast at home, there is an option to take home the Chicken and lamb Briyani Rice special from Toastina Café & Bar. Chicken Briyani Rice is priced at RM15nett each while Lamb Briyani Rice is priced at RM18nett each. The Briyani Rice will be available for sale from 29 June to 24 July 2014, Monday to Friday from 4pm until 6pm.

Meanwhile, SPG members can enjoy 20% discount off total food bill. If you plan to host a bigger gathering, Essence is offering a 35% discount for group bookings that are above 30 persons and with confirmed payment.

What’s more, UOB and Maybank card holders can enjoy special privileges while dining at Essence. Terms and conditions apply.

For reservations, call 03 2717 9900 or email to restaurants.imperial@sheraton.com or log on to www.sheratonimperialkualalumpur.com to find out more.