October 1st, 2014 – I was invited to the Opening Night of Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta’s occasional event called Colours of India, at its very own Signatures Restaurant. It is held in anticipation of Diwali, India’s biggest and brightest festival, inviting the public to a feast of flavourful Indian Buffet from 2 to 17 October 2014, prepared exclusively by Chef Ashwani Kumar Singh, the chef de cuisine at its sister property, Kempinski Ambiance Hotel, Delhi, India.
Before you proceed to click “Read More” link, please note that this post is super heavily loaded with photos, and it may take longer time to load than usual. I got like hundreds photos taken during the night but I already compiled the best ones for you to enjoy!
For the whole period, Signatures Restaurant will be decorated in a colourful Indian ambience, featuring traditional dance performances on 4, 5, 11, and 12 October. During those dates, the chef will also hold a live cooking demo that is packaged with brunch at IDR 450.000++.
 |
| Chef Ashwani Kumar Singh Chef de Cuisine at Kempinski Ambience Hotel, Delhi, India |
Chef Singh is an award-winning experienced Chef with more than 16 years of Indian cuisine experience under his belt. Chef Singh draws his inspiration from the richness of Indian regions from Northern Tandoori to Eastern seeds and spices, and Southern Biryani dishes. He makes true Indian cuisine with powerful spices and freshest ingredients.
Diwali Festival is all about victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. In the spirit of giving hope to others in need, the hotel encourages its guests to join their charity program, Donate Your Luck, to support SD Pembangunan Masyarakat, an underprivileged primary and middle school in Gunung Sahari area. Guests can purchase a raffle ticket at IDR 100.000 each. These envelopes are filled with various vouchers to win, with the grand prize of one-night stay in the Presidential Suit, valued at almost IDR 200 million.
 |
| Mrs. Rebecca Leppard – Director of Public Relations of Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta |
 |
| The Ambassador, Mr. Gurjit Singh and wife, lit the candles to start the night. |
The buffet includes Indian cuisine, Asian cuisine such as Japanese, Indonesian and Chinese dishes, and also Western buffet from various bread, assorted cheese, cold appetizers, and don’t forget the delectable Dessert station which looks so attractive and beautiful!
INDIAN STATION
 |
| Chili Pickle One of the highlight spices, shockingly spice and definitely NOT for faint-hearted! |
 |
| Galawat Ke Kebab This lamb kebab is best enjoyed with mint chutney, fresh salad, and paratha. |
 |
| Dhoodia Paneer Pan-seared stuffed cottage cheese, this is considered vegetarian dish and it’s good! |
 |
| Mint Chutney |
 |
| Aloo Imliwale Baby potatoes in tamarind chutney – another vegetarian dish and very enjoyable. |
 |
| Raita Made from yogurt, can be used as sauce, dip or salad. |
 |
| Dal Masala (spiced lentils) |
 |
| Hing Jeera Aloo Potatoes spiced with cumin |
 |
| Malai Kofta Vegetarian balls in cashewnut gravy |
 |
| Murgh Biryani The rice was a bit too wet in my opinion, but nice and tasty. |
 |
| Tawa Batter Ovail fried in dry fruit and coconut masala |
 |
| Martabak |
 |
| Almond Soup Runny yet “rough”, with very little hint of almond taste, not my favorite. |
Beside Indian buffet stations (which already are A LOT!), Signatures Restaurant also offers their regular buffet stations including the International buffet, which I also didn’t miss!
 |
| Oysters |
 |
| Mussels |
 |
| Roasted Chicken – so delicious with the lemon butter sauce! |
And of course, a feast is not a feast without DESSERTS!! And I truly love Kempinski’s desserts, like, SOOO MUCH!!
 |
| Mango Pudding |
 |
| This choco-pop actually had creamy fillings inside, the one with beehive motive has honey, interesting! |
 |
| Luxurious chocolate balls, yum! |
 |
| Earl Grey Creme Brulee |
 |
| Almond Chocolate Paste |
 |
| Raspberry Vanilla Panna Cotta |
 |
| Baked Chocolate Mousse |
 |
| Mango Passion Pavlova |
 |
| Tiramisu |
 |
| Fresh Fruits |
Oh yes, there is also a henna-drawing station in front of restaurant lobby just across the reception desk, neat!! I didn’t try because I am allergic to the ink. =______=
All the dishes above (and many more!) can be enjoyed everyday from 2 to 17 October 2014 only:
Lunch Buffet IDR 248.000++
Dinner Buffet IDR 268.000++
(includes all food and teh tarik)
Brunch Buffet IDR 338.000++
(includes all food and beverages)
For weekenders, you can add IDR 100.000++ for a yoga class session.
Or opt for brunch buffet with live cooking demo IDR 450.000++.
*The Food Escape team are not paid whatsoever for writing this post.
*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*
SIGNATURES RESTAURANT
Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta
Jl. MH Thamrin Kav. 1
Jakarta Pusat
Ph. +62 21 2358 3898
Buffet Hours:
2 – 17 October 2014
Mon – Sun 12.00 – 15.00 (lunch)
Mon – Sun 18.00 – 22.00 (dinner)
Mon – Sun 12.00 – 15.00 (lunch)
Mon – Sun 18.00 – 22.00 (dinner)
No Comment