IPOH, March 19 — Behind every Ramadan banquet or buffet out there is an “army” of people working hard in the kitchen or front of house serving customers and making sure everything is going smoothly.

Even though they too are fasting.

Banquet waiters getting dressed up to serve the dinner guests.
Banquet waiters getting dressed up to serve the dinner guests.

Recently, I attended a ”buka puasa” dinner at Galasa Caldwell on Jalan Raja Dihilir.

A kitchen worker putting the finishing touch to a dish.
A kitchen worker putting the finishing touch to a dish.

The first thing I noticed was the kitchen workers and banquet wait staff either delayed their “iftar” or just had a drink and tidbit to break their fast.

They were totally focused on their jobs.

The waiters making an impressive entrance with the first course.
The waiters making an impressive entrance with the first course.

The kitchen staff start work as early as 10am while the wait staff come in by 3pm to get ready for dinner that night.

The kitchen is busy preparing and plating dishes so customers can break their fast without any delay.

The banquet server focuses on serving the hungry guests during the Iftar dinner at Galasa Caldwell.
The banquet server focuses on serving the hungry guests during the Iftar dinner at Galasa Caldwell.

Meanwhile, the servers have to be on their toes as they need to refill the food items as they are finished.

So they next time you go to a Ramadan buffet or banquet, spare a thought for those working to make sure your meal is on time and delicious.

Guests enjoying a 'buka puasa' dinner at Galasa Caldwell on Jalan Raja Dihilir in Ipoh.
Guests enjoying a 'buka puasa' dinner at Galasa Caldwell on Jalan Raja Dihilir in Ipoh.