SAJIAN SANTAPAN RASA WARISAN AT LE MERIDIEN KL

Over 200 dishes celebrating timeless local flavours will be the focus at this year’s buka puasa dinner at Latest Recipe, Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur.

 
Spearheaded by Executive Sous Chef Budiman Bistari, the culinary team highlights local herbs and classic dishes of yesteryears hence the Sajian Santapan Rasa Warisan theme.

A notable speciality is Botok Botok, Johor’s version of otak-otak (fish paste) albeit inclusion of more local herbs such as daun kaduk, mengkudu, bebuas, etc. Chef Budiman used tenggiri (Spanish mackerel) flakes to blend with spices and grated coconut then steaming the banana leaf wrapped parcel. Distinctive grassy herbal accents is evident upon the first bite of Botok Botok. A dash of bold spicy sauce dials up its appeal further. 

Threaded on sugarcane skewers, the grilled beef of Daging Kepal Tempayan Berempah, comes stuffed into fluffy soft buns. Layered with fermented cabbage, garlic-chilli sauce, egg mayo, popiah cheese chips and black pepper sauce, the mildly smoky beef ‘sliders’ prove to be a huge flavour bomb.

The kerabu selection is a veritable showcase of locally sourced produce such as tripe, young mango and banana flower among others. My favourite has to be Urap Desa as one of the standouts. Also included is a wide variety of fresh ulam (local herbs) accompanied by sambal, salted egg halves, fried tempeh and salted fish.

Several curries such as Udang & Betik Muda Masak Lemak Putih (prawns and young papaya in creamy coconut milk gravy) and Kerutub Itik Santan Rempah Bawang Wangi (duck stewed with spices, coconut milk and aromatic shallots) also left an indelible impressions. Hearty and deeply flavourful, they’re perfect accompaniments for white rice.

Kambing Bakar Rempah Waqas – a whole roast lamb rubbed with ground cumin, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, star anise and cinnamon – also draws attention. Japanese food lovers can have their fill of sashimi and sushi rolls, piping hot tempura and teppan-cooked seafood. 

Sweets ever after are no less varied, covering a spectrum of local kuih, trad cookies, modern Euro-centric confectionery, fresh fruits and hot dessert broths. 

 
Limited Early Bird Vouchers at RM168 nett per adult and RM78 nett per child (23 Feb-1 Mar), and at RM178 nett per adult and RM78 nett per child (2-15 Mar) are available for purchase from now till 17 February 2026.

 
From 23 Feb to 1 March and 16-20 March, the buffet is priced at RM218 nett (adult) and RM99 nett (child) whilst from 2-15 March, it’s priced at RM228 nett (adult) and RM99 nett (child).

For reservations at Latest Recipe, contact Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur, WhatsApp: +6012 602 1367 or email: dining.reservation@lemeridien.com

CITARASA NUSANTARA KE TIMUR TENGAH AT PAYA SERAI

When it comes to breaking fast, Paya Serai at Hilton Petaling Jaya is legendary for its expansive buka puasa buffet. For the coming Ramadan month, the Paya Serai culinary team looks set to repeat their crowd-pulling feat again with its inviting “Citarasa Nusantara ke Timur Tengah” spread.

Available from 19 February to 20 March, guests can look forward to relishing beloved Malaysian classics alongside carefully selected Middle Eastern specialities. 

It’s the kind of buka puasa spread which you take your time to savour then return for seconds (or thirds) whilst enjoying the moment with family, friends and business associates.

Right from the get-go, the meat selections are clear crowd-pleasers. Think Daging Salai with BBQ Sauce, tender Beef Ribs in Dendeng Sauce, and juicy slices of Smoked Beef; all exuding rich, comforting flavours to draw you back.

 
Punching above their weight are heartily satisfying dishes of Kambing Madu Guling, Daging Batang Pinang wrapped in Mushroom Rendang, and deeply flavoured Sup Tulang Kambing.

 
Evergreen Ramadan favourites take centrestage too. Ayam Percik, creamy Rendang Kerang, and aromatic Rendang Daging make sublime pairing with ketupat and lemang, instantly evoking that much anticipated, cosy Hari Raya vibes.

Paya Serai’s collaboration with the Turkish Embassy will infuse a taste of the Middle East Start to its extravagant line-up. Tease the tastebuds with refreshing Tabbouleh, Hummus and Fattoush served with soft Middle Eastern bread.

 
Mains include smoky Iskender Kebab, Chicken Shawarma, Bengendili Chicken Kebab, and spice-scented Mixed Grill with Rice. Save room for a cup of robust Turkish coffee, accompanied by Baklava or stretchy Dondurma (Turkish ice cream).

Back on home ground, comforting local gems including Mee Rebus Udang Galah, Itik Salai Masak Lemak, Ikan Asam Pedas, Kawah Lemak Cili Padi Podeh, and Nasi 10 Ulam remind diners of hearth and home.

 
Sweetening the deal is an inviting line-up of traditional Malay Kuih, Badak Berendam, Tapai Pulut and Ubi, and Kuih Lopes. 

More cosmopolitan treats such as Tiramisu, Chocolate and Red Velvet Cakes, and Mini Pavlova play luscious supporting roles. Avid durian fans won’t want to miss out on the hotel’s Daily Fresh Durian on Wheels, rolling out from 8.30pm onwards.

Priced at RM178 nett per adult and RM89 nett per child (6-12 years old) from 19 to 22 February and 19 to 20 March 2026, and RM228 nett per adult and RM114 nett per child from 23 February to 18 March 2026, Citarasa Nusantara ke Timur Tengah at Paya Serai is the kind of Ramadan buffet that promises a satisfying buka puasa affair with your loved ones.

 
Guests with a minimum spend of RM600 nett in a single bill from Paya Serai between 19 February and 20 April 2026 will be eligible to participate in a special prize opportunity. The highlight consists of a 3D2N Premium Suite Riverview stay with breakfast and Executive Lounge access for two persons at Hilton Kuching.

 
For reservations or enquiries, please call Hilton Petaling Jaya, tel: 03-7955 9122, WhatsApp +6016 216 0414, email PETHI_FB@hilton.com or visit SevenRooms to make a reservation.