NYONYA Kitchen by Sonia will launch its first Makan Malam Buffet in conjunction with the month of Ramadan, which begins in less than two weeks and is guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds and fill you up.
More than 20 delectable meals are promised at this iftar buffet, which will be available from March 11 to April 7 from 6pm to 10pm.
Interestingly, the main dishes and kuih (cakes) will be rotated every week so that potential customers can savour all of their Nyonya and local cuisines.
Chicken Satay, Chicken Curry, Lamb Curry, Nasi Lemak with Sambal, Mee Siam Udang, Sambal Prawn, Fried Chicken Wing, Grilled Kembong, Grilled Lala, Hae Bee Sambal Mixed Vegetable, as well as Flower Crab Masak Lemak, are some of the dishes that you can enjoy during iftar.
You will also be served Rojak Buah, Ulam with Sambal Belacan, Keropok with homemade Acar, a variety of salads, as well as desserts including assorted ice cream, Cendol, Tapioca Cake, Roti Jala, Ondeh Ondeh, and Pulut Panggang Kosong with homemade Seri Kaya.
Not to be overlooked are drinks like Sirap Bandung and Pandan Lemongrass, which should be able to quench your thirst after being hungry and thirsty for half a day.
Behold, future patrons! In addition to the assortment of delectable and fresh dishes, you will be astounded by the interior and exterior designs of this restaurant, which features a range of Peranakan Nyonya-inspired decorations, including a stunning wall painting created by Artsy Daphy. Psst, you will regret not snapping photos of this mural to share on your social media accounts!
From now until March 8, the public can make early bookings to take advantage of early bird discounts for RM50 for adults.
After that, prices will be at the regular rate of RM59 for adults and RM25 for kids (6 to 12 years old). The best thing is that dining in is free for senior citizens (70 years of age and above).
Story behind Nyonya Kitchen by Sonia
The business owner, Shannen Lee, said the dishes served there were inspired by her grandmother’s family recipes.
“The building housing this restaurant is actually not that far from our office, which is why my father really wanted to open a food and beverage business here.
“My grandma, Sonia Yong, is married into the Peranakan Nyonya Ong family; therefore, after much deliberation, we decided to start a restaurant serving Nyonya cuisine.
“Apart from the lack of restaurants in Kuching that sell or serve Nyonya’s cuisine, we decided to open this restaurant to bring forward my grandma’s recipes so that the people of Kuching can also enjoy delicious authentic Chinese-Malay dishes,” she said.
Elaborating, Lee said that her 83-year-old grandmother contributed 80 per cent of their recipes, while their chefs’ research and development efforts accounted for the remaining 20 per cent.
She added that it took her grandmother three to four months to train their chefs to prepare meals using her recipes, including all of her kuih.
“We have skilled Chinese chefs here. But they have to pick up the fundamentals because Nyonya cuisine is totally different from Chinese.
“We are different from other restaurants, in my perspective, in that we sell our own homemade kuih in addition to other Nyonya dishes.
“Apart from our several kuih options, Assam Fish and Buah Keluak Chicken are must-tries if you are here.
“For the customers, we, at Nyonya Kitchen by Sonia, promise new menu items from time to time by giving a touch of fusion to Nyonya cuisine in addition to our local dishes,” she said.
Lee also mentioned that despite the restaurant’s pork- and alcohol-free menu, they are now putting a lot of effort into obtaining halal certifications.
Come on, Kuchingites, reserve your seats now so you can savour Nyonya’s mouthwatering meals throughout the month of Ramadan.
For more information, contact them at 018-9895656 or visit their Facebook page, Nyonya Kitchen By Sonia.
This restaurant also accepts walk-ins. It is situated close to the old Banquet Restaurant at Sublot 15, 16, and 17 of the 3rd Exchange Commercial Centre, Jalan Datuk Tawi Sli.
