There is something special about discovering the flavours of Thailand without having to travel far. This time, our food journey brought us to Amaya Food Gallery, located on Level 6 of Amari Hotel Johor Bahru, where we had the opportunity to experience the hotel’s Taste of ChomSindh Weekend Buffet Dinner.
The special buffet showcases Thai-inspired flavours and culinary creations prepared by Chef Jo, Executive Sous Chef from Amari Pattaya in Thailand, bringing a taste of Thailand all the way to Johor Bahru.
From live cooking stations and fresh seafood to Thai specialities and desserts, the evening offered plenty of opportunities to explore.
An Evening of Thai Flavours and
Entertainment
The Taste of ChomSindh buffet launch was more than just a dining experience. Guests were also treated to cultural performances by Aliff Tariif, live cooking sessions and entertainment by the One Avenue Band, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the evening.
As we explored the buffet, the chefs and F&B team were busy preparing and serving dishes at the different stations. Each section had its own speciality, giving diners plenty of choices throughout the evening.
The Story Behind ChomSindh
One of the interesting parts of the evening was learning about the story behind the name ChomSindh.
According to Mr. Carl Isaac,
General Manager of Amari Hotel Johor Bahru, the name carries the meaning of “to
view the flowing water.”
The story is closely connected to a family fishing boat that inspired the restaurant's concept.
The boat belonged to the
founder’s grandfather, who would take the family fishing, swimming and camping
during weekends and school holidays.
Those memories of spending time together by the water have now been incorporated into the ChomSindh concept.
Today, ChomSindh combines the
nostalgic charm of previous generations with a contemporary dining environment
while remaining rooted in the culinary traditions of Thailand.
And with Chef Jo bringing his culinary experience from Thailand, guests in Johor Bahru now have the opportunity to explore these flavours closer to home.
Meeting Chef Jo from Amari
Pattaya
Before continuing our food
exploration, we also had the opportunity to hear a few words from Chef Jo,
Executive Sous Chef of Amari Pattaya.
His presence added another special touch to the evening, as he personally prepared some of the Thai specialities featured during the buffet.
It was interesting to see the
chefs and F&B team working behind the scenes to prepare the different
dishes while keeping up with the steady flow of diners.
Fresh Seafood on Ice
One of the first sections that caught our attention was the seafood-on-ice counter. The selection included fresh seafood such as snow crab, tiger prawns and other seafood offerings, making it an appealing stop for seafood lovers.
The team was also busy grilling fresh oysters and topping them with their own versions of homemade Thai sauces.
The combination of freshly
grilled oysters and Thai-inspired sauces added an interesting twist to the
usual oyster experience.
Plenty of Choices to Explore
Beyond the seafood section, the buffet offered a wide range of dishes to explore. There was mushroom soup served with bread rolls, along with various main courses and other selections prepared for diners.
With so many different dishes
available, it was definitely the kind of buffet where you would want to take
your time and explore the different counters.
For those who enjoy live cooking
stations, there were also several options where the F&B team prepared
dishes fresh upon request.
Live Pasta and Thai Cooking
Stations
The pasta station was another live-action counter where diners could have their dishes prepared with assistance from the dedicated F&B team.
But for us, one of the highlights was definitely the Thai Specialties corner. Following Chef Jo’s recommendation, we explored several of the Thai dishes prepared especially for the buffet.
The station was busy throughout the evening, with diners lining up to try the different Thai flavours. We also discovered their selection of Thai-style sauces, while the team continued preparing dishes for the guests.
One of the highlights was watching Chef Jo prepare his speciality Pad Thai. Naturally, we had to try it!
Seeing the dish prepared fresh
while watching the chef at work made the experience even more enjoyable.
Freshly Prepared and Served
One thing we noticed throughout the evening was how busy the entire team was. The chefs and F&B staff were constantly preparing, cooking and serving dishes to diners.
Many of the live-action
selections were prepared on the spot, which added an element of excitement to
the buffet experience.
It was not simply about picking
up food from a counter — there was an opportunity to watch the preparation and
interact with the team along the way.
A Refreshing Lemongrass Welcome
Drink
We also tried the hotel’s version of a lemongrass drink, served as part of the welcome experience.
The refreshing drink was a
pleasant introduction before we continued exploring the many dishes available
around the buffet.
By this point, there was already
plenty to discover, from seafood and grilled items to Thai specialities, live
cooking stations and desserts.
How Much Is the Taste of
ChomSindh Buffet?
The Taste of ChomSindh Weekend
Buffet Dinner is priced at:
- RM188 nett per adult
- Senior citizens enjoy 20% off, while children enjoy 50% off.
The buffet is available every Friday
and Saturday, from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.
This makes it an option worth considering for a weekend dinner with family or friends, especially for those who enjoy exploring different cuisines and live cooking experiences.
Don't Miss the Thai Bua Loy
One of the desserts that caught our attention was their Thai version of Bua Loy, sometimes familiar to Malaysian diners as a type of bubur candil.
Bua Loy is a popular Thai dessert
featuring soft and chewy glutinous rice balls served with warm coconut cream.
The combination of the chewy rice
balls and creamy coconut base makes it a comforting way to finish a
Thai-inspired meal.
Tropical Fruits and Ice Cream for
the Kids
The dessert experience did not stop there.The buffet also featured a selection of tropical fruits, giving diners a refreshing option after enjoying the heavier dishes.
And, of course, the kids had
their own favourites.
The ice cream station was
definitely a popular stop, giving the younger diners something sweet to enjoy
towards the end of their buffet experience.
A Taste of Thailand in Johor
Bahru
Overall, the Taste of ChomSindh Weekend Buffet Dinner at Amari Hotel Johor Bahru offers plenty to explore.
From fresh seafood on ice and
grilled oysters to live pasta, Thai specialities, Chef Jo’s Pad Thai, Bua Loy,
tropical fruits and ice cream, there is a wide selection for diners to
discover.
What makes the experience even
more interesting is the story behind ChomSindh and the connection to family,
memories and the traditions of Thailand.
For those looking for a weekend buffet experience in Johor Bahru with a Thai culinary touch, this is certainly one dining experience worth exploring.
So, if you are planning your next
weekend food adventure in JB, perhaps it is time to discover Taste of ChomSindh
for yourself.
Taste of ChomSindh Weekend Buffet
📍 Amaya Food Gallery,
Level 6, Amari Hotel Johor Bahru
📅
Every Friday & Saturday
⏰
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
💰
RM188 nett per adult
👴
Senior citizens: 20% off
👧
Children: 50% off
