Beyond the buffet: Two distinctive restaurants redefining iftar this Ramadan

WITH the holy month of Ramadan now less than two weeks away, the season once again invites moments of reflection, gratitude and meaningful togetherness. Across cultures, the daily act of breaking fast is more than a meal — it is a ritual filled with warmth, conversation and dishes lovingly prepared to mark the occasion.

In Malaysia, this spirit is reflected in the annual wave of specially curated Ramadan menus and promotions, many of which are traditionally led by hotel buffets.

Yet beyond the grand banquet halls lies a growing number of independent restaurants offering more distinctive and thoughtfully curated iftar experiences.

For diners looking to step away from the usual buffet circuit this year, Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur and Fennel & Co. present two compelling alternatives — each offering a unique interpretation of Ramadan dining that blends tradition with contemporary culinary flair.

At Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur, Ramadan arrives with "7.29PM", a refined semi-buffet concept named after the approximate time of berbuka puasa (fast -breaking) in the Klang Valley.

Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur

At Smith & Wollensky Kuala Lumpur, Ramadan arrives with "7.29PM", a refined semi-buffet concept named after the approximate time of berbuka puasa (fast -breaking) in the Klang Valley — a subtle yet meaningful nod to the moment families and friends gather to break fast together.

Anchoring the experience is the restaurant’s celebrated dry-aged Swinging Tomahawk, a signature steak known for its dramatic presentation, bold flavour and exceptional marbling. Positioned as the centrepiece of the table, the Tomahawk brings a steakhouse-led sophistication to the Ramadan dining scene, offering a refreshing departure from conventional buffet formats.

Balancing this indulgence is a curated selection of Malay dishes served in the traditional hidang style, encouraging communal dining that reflects the spirit of togetherness synonymous with Ramadan. Dishes such as Daging Masak Hitam, Tenggiri Asam Pedas Bunga Kantan, Udang Sambal Petai, Ayam Goreng Kerabu Mangga Thai and Sotong Bakar Perchik provide comforting local flavours, complemented by festive staples including satay, kerabu, rendang, lemang and ketupat within the wider semi-buffet spread.

To conclude the meal, a wide dessert selection awaits, featuring Smith & Wollensky signatures such as Apple Pie, Cheesecake and Chocolate Cake, alongside traditional Malay and Nyonya kuih, bubur manisan, kurma and fresh fruits.

Priced at RM269 per person, the experience stands out as an elegant yet convivial iftar setting where premium steakhouse craftsmanship meets the warmth of Malaysian Ramadan traditions.

Fennel & Co., a halal-certified dining destination, presents "Ramadhan Stories at Fennel & Co.", the restaurant’s first ever Ramadan buffet designed around the idea of nostalgia.

Fennel & Co.

For a more intimate and heritage-inspired setting, Fennel & Co., a halal-certified dining destination, presents "Ramadhan Stories at Fennel & Co.", the restaurant’s first ever Ramadan buffet designed around the idea of nostalgia, shared memories and the comforting familiarity of home-style cooking.

The buffet highlights a refined selection of Malay classics, including Asam Pedas Barramundi, Kerabu Daging Salai, Dalcha, Masak Lemak Cili Api with Telur Itik, and Sambal Paru, all served alongside fragrant Nasi Minyak Diraja, a speciality rice that enhances the richness of the dishes.

Fennel & Co., a halal-certified dining destination, presents "Ramadhan Stories at Fennel & Co.", the restaurant’s first ever Ramadan buffet designed around the idea of nostalgia.

Adding contemporary variety to the spread are a live carving station featuring roast lamb and roast chicken, subtle Arabic-inspired selections such as hummus, pita and Lebanese bread, as well as a live noodle station and a generous assortment of desserts — creating a balanced iftar experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly modern.

Available from Feb 23 to March 15, 2026, with early bird pricing at RM99 per adult (and RM118 for normal bookings), the offering presents an accessible yet thoughtfully curated option for families and friends seeking a relaxed neighbourhood setting to gather and reconnect during the holy month.

Together, these two restaurants illustrate how Ramadan dining continues to evolve beyond the traditional buffet model — offering experiences that are more personal, design-driven and thoughtfully curated, while still preserving the flavours and sense of togetherness that define the season.