In Malaysia, a Ramadhan buffet is more than a meal, it’s a tradition that blends flavour, community, and celebration.
This year, Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam raises the bar with its “Citarasa Bandar ke Desa” theme, running from 24 February to 19 March 2026. The concept? A bazaar-style dining experience that marries nostalgic kampung flavours with modern tastes.
We got to experience the spread firsthand to see if it lives up to the hype.
Sushi meets kerabu
The opening act sets the tone. While the buffet’s soul is proudly Malay, Courtyard sprinkles in international touches like sushi. But the real stars are the kerabu selections.
These include highlights such as the kerabu sotong bunga kantan, bursting with citrus and floral notes, kerabu mangga with perut lembu which balances sour tang with chewy tripe and kerabu daging with kerisik which layers smoky coconut against tender beef.
Image Credit: Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam
Pair these with ulam-ulaman and a fiery sambal tumbuk for a plate complete with Malaysian appetisers. Add a spoon of rojak uleg for sweet-sour crunch, and you’re primed for the main event.
Asam pedas, masak lemak & varieties of rendang
This section is where Courtyard shows its commitment to flavour and the theme.
The asam pedas is bold and balanced, the tamarind tang sharp without being harsh, the chilli heat present but never overwhelming, and the gravy rich enough to cling to every bite of rice. Among the choices of ikan pari, ikan mayung, and tetel, our favourite was hands down the ikan pari. Its tender flesh soaked up the sour-spicy broth beautifully, giving each bite a clean, satisfying finish that made us circle back for seconds.
Image Credit: Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam, Rojak Daily
Meanwhile, the masak lemak offers comfort in every spoonful, the coconut gravy is rich yet smooth, with just enough heat from cili api to keep things lively. The smokiness add an extra layer of depth, and the selection includes itik salai, daging salai, and siput sedut. Of the three, the siput sedut stole the show for us. Each shell held tender morsels that soaked up the creamy, spicy gravy perfectly, making it one of the most memorable bites of the night.
Rendang remains the festive anchor of any Ramadhan spread, and Courtyard’s version doesn’t disappoint. The rempah is deeply caramelised, clinging to the meat with a richness that speaks of slow cooking and patience. It pairs beautifully with lemang or ketupat for that authentic Raya feel.
Image Credit: Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam, Rojak Daily
The selection includes lidah, daging, kerang, and more, but for us, the lidah was the surprise favourite. Its tender, melt-in-mouth texture absorbed the rendang’s complex flavours perfectly, making it a dish worth going back for seconds.
Grill section & bazar signatures
The bakar-bakar station is where the buffet really channels the Ramadhan bazaar vibe. You’ll find ikan cencaru sumbat lacquered with spice paste, satar and otak-otak perfuming the air with banana leaf aroma, and pais ikan delivering that custardy, smoky richness.
Image Credit: Rojak Daily
But what truly elevates the buffet are the bazaar-style signatures: the beef brisket bakar and kambing bakar bumbu. The brisket is smoky and tender, with a char that adds depth without drying out the meat, while the kambing bakar bumbu brings a punch of spice and a juicy finish that makes it hard to stop at one serving.
Street food with flair
This corner brings the spirit of a Ramadhan bazaar indoors, minus the hustle. The roti martabak is flaky with a well-seasoned filling that doesn’t feel greasy, while the roti john delivers that saucy, indulgent bite everyone craves. Ayam gunting adds a crunchy, spiced kick, perfect for snacking while you wait for the grills.
Image Credit: Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam, Rojak Daily
Meanwhile, the shawarma kebab introduces a Middle Eastern twist, and the goreng-goreng section included street favourites such as keropok lekor and cekodok. It’s street food energy, but with the consistency and comfort of a hotel setting.
A sweet finish across cultures
The dessert spread feels like a sweet playground with something for every mood. The Western corner leads with neat roll cakes, joined by puddings and whole cakes that focus on flavour rather than sugar overload. While the kuih station features icons such as seri muka with its pandan custard and glutinous rice layers, onde-onde that pop with gula Melaka, kuih talam that nails that silky top and bouncy base and many more.
Image Credit: Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam, Rojak Daily
Then comes the ABC station, a nostalgic build-your-own treat where shaved ice meets syrups, beans, corn, and a drizzle of condensed milk. Fruits and tapai round off the experience, offering a refreshing reset after the spice-heavy mains.
Our verdict
At RM138 nett per adult (or RM118 early bird), plus 50% off for kids and seniors, Courtyard positions itself as a premium yet accessible choice. Add the staycation package, with sahur and iftar for two, and you’ve got a Ramadhan experience that blends dining, rest, and reflection.
Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam’s Ramadhan buffet is all about variety and flavour done right. From the bold asam pedas to the comforting masak lemak and the rich, slow-cooked rendang, every section has its own highlight.
Our recommendation? Come hungry, take your time, and leave room for the dishes that deserve a second helping, especially the ikan pari asam pedas and beef brisket bakar.
For reservations or further inquiries, please contact 5 Wells via WhatsApp at 012 560 9077 or call 03 5021 9899.
For more information about the buffet click here.
Citarasa Bandar ke Desa
Location: Grand Ballroom, Level 10, Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam, 6 Jalan Setia Dagang Ah U13/Ah, Seksyen U13, Setia Alam, 40170 Malaysia
Price: RM138 nett per adult (or RM118 early bird), plus 50% off for kids and seniors
Dates: 24 February to 19 March 2026
Featured Image Credit: Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam
