Wednesday, October 28, 2026

PERANAKAN PERFECTION HIGH TEA AT MAKAN KITCHEN

 

Vibrant, bold flavours ubiquitous of the Straits Chinese or Peranakan community take the limelight during high tea at Makan Kitchen every weekend until 30 November.
Billed as the Peranakan Perfection High Tea Buffet, DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur brings you on a nostalgic culinary journey with live, interactive cooking stations dishing up staple Nyonya specialities amidst a selection of modern interpretations.
For curtain-raisers, we savoured smoky, hot-off-the-grill Otak Otak and Ayam Pachok (spiced marinated grilled chicken) complemented by tantalising Pineapple Acar with Seafood and Wing Bean Salad with Sliced Smoked Duck.
Fond memories of growing up sipping on Itek Tim (duck and salted vegetable soup) resurfaced before we dived into the comforting Bakwan Kepiting (crab meatball soup).
Rice fiends should have a field day, loading up on the homely gravy train featuring Red Snapper Asam Pedas, Beef Pong Teh, Chicken Curry Kapitan and Udang Masak Lemak Nenas. These recognisable offerings underscore the Peranakans’ judicious use of spices in their cooking.
You can even rustle up a bowl of aromatic Curry Laksa on the spot before homing on delectable Roasted Percik Lamb Leg, Whole Snapper Baked in Banana Leaf and Inche Kabin Bao.
Our tastebuds were suitably tickled by wedges of Steamed Nyonya Chang (glutinous rice dumplings) alongside rich and vibrantly colourful Nyonya Kuih. To finish, we cooled down with ice-cold Cendol.
 
A Kids' Corner set up with traditional Malaysian childhood games and more high-tech machinations should keep young ones busy post-meal.
The Peranakan Perfection High Tea (RM118 nett per adult and RM59 nett per child) is served every Saturday and Sunday, from 12.30pm to 4pm until 30 November 2026. Families and friends can enjoy Makan Kitchen’s Buy 4, Free 1 offer too.
For reservations, call DoubleTree by Hilton KL, tel: 03-2172 7272, WhatsApp: +6012 290 4551 or email: KULDT_FB@Hilton.com

Friday, October 16, 2026

ASAI GAMUDA COVE MARKS ASAI’S DEBUT IN MALAYSIA

(left to right) Jess Teng, Gamuda Land Chief Operating Officer; Wong Siew Lee, Gamuda Land Chief Operating Officer; Her Excellency Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia; Aloysius Michael, Dusit International Vice President of Operational Excellence, Optimisation and Special Projects; Ling Fui Ken, Dusit International Vice President of Hotel Finance; and Bob Yusof, ASAI Gamuda Cove General Manager


The recent grand opening of ASAI Gamuda Cove scores several firsts: it’s Dusit International’s largest ASAI property to date, and Gamuda Land’s first hotel development.

Inspired by the Thai word meaning “to live”, the 280-room ASAI embraces its “Live Local” philosophy by encouraging guests to connect with the destination through authentic local experiences, meaningful social connections and a thoughtful approach to hospitality. ASAI Gamuda Cove also exemplifies Dusit’s expanded “ASAI Tropical” model, developed for nature-led destinations.
Officiated by Her Excellency Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, the hotel’s grand opening included a plaque-signing and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Celebrations then continued with a rousing lion dance performance.
Among those present at the Grand Opening of ASAI were Jess Teng and Wong Siew Lee, both Chief Operating Officers from Gamuda Land; Aloysius Michael, Vice President of Operational Excellence, Optimisation and Special Projects and Ling Fui Ken, Vice President of Hotel Finance, both from Dusit International; and Bob Yusof, General Manager of ASAI Gamuda Cove.
Located within the 1,866-acre township and approximately 20 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, ASAI Gamuda Cove brings the “Live Local” philosophy into a nature-centric setting, where nearby wetlands, outdoor experiences and the wider destination become part of the stay.

Bob Yusof, General Manager of ASAI Gamuda Cove said: “ASAI Gamuda Cove allows us to offer something distinctly different from our urban properties while retaining the approachable, social and experience-driven character at the heart of ASAI.”
According to Wong Siew Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Gamuda Land, “As Gamuda Cove continues to grow as a destination, ASAI gives visitors the opportunity to stay and experience the township from within. As Gamuda Land’s first hotel development, it complements our nature and leisure offerings while connecting naturally with the wider experience we have been building, from the wetlands and recreational attractions to dining, commercial offerings and our e-tram network. These reasons induce our guests to stay longer, explore more and experience different aspects of Gamuda Cove.” 


STAY EXPERIENCE


Upon our arrival, check-in was smooth and seamless at reception. Large batik-style artworks grace the reception area. More subtle batik and woven textile motifs are incorporated into the neutral tone decor.  

Our Biggy Bunk King room comfortably accommodates my family of 3 as the room features a king-size bed and two upper bunk beds. A multi-purpose table with a banquette seat next to the window is useful for in-room dining or work purpose.
Thumbs up to the bed with firm mattress which ensures a good night’s sleep. The smart LED TV makes it easy to connect to our fave cable streaming platforms.
I revelled in the spacious walk-in shower whilst the shower offers strong water flow coupled with nice amenities. My only wish is for a small shelf to place face towel or specs. More hooks for hanging clothes wouldn’t go remiss either. Other conveniences include a mini fridge, coffee/tea making facility, safety box, universal plug points and complimentary WiFi. 
ASAI guests can explore the 1,111-acre Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands, a nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary managed by Gamuda Land under a tripartite agreement with the federal and Selangor state governments.
Nearby attractions include a 90-acre Wetlands Arboretum, SplashMania Waterpark and Discovery Park; a composition of nature, recreation and family experiences.

The Wetlands Arboretum features a fresh herb garden and a gallery where visitors can learn about the wetlands eco-system. We had a cooking class, learning how to prepare an appetiser using locally grown herbs, a Temuan (orang asal) communal speciality, an herbal drink and a dessert. Overall, it was a most enlightening and enjoyable experience.
Within walking distance of the hotel is the upcoming Kelab Tani clubhouse where ASAI guests will enjoy additional leisure and recreational experiences. Gamuda Cove’s electric tram network provides a convenient link to selected nature, recreational and commercial destinations across the township for hotel guests.

We like the elongated infinity pool overlooking the wetlands. Fitness buffs will enjoy working out at the fitness centre, or mix business with pleasure at the various co-working areas, flexible meeting spaces and three dining venues.
Malaysian, Thai and Western flavours take pride of place at Nasi & Khao all-day dining restaurant’s buffet spreads. Variety is aplenty with delicious offerings such as roast chicken, baung masak tempoyak, tom yum soup, mee rebus, chicken roulade, spicy seafood salad and a fresh salad bar beckon. The Tea Shop and Pool Bar are welcoming spaces for guests to unwind, connect and gather.
Reflecting ASAI’s “Live Local” philosophy, the hotel is more than just a place to stay. It’s a vibrant base for guests to stay, eat, meet and explore while discovering the unique experiences and attractions of Gamuda Cove. 


ASAI Gamuda Cove’s New Opening Adventures offer starts from RM250+ per room per night with these inclusions: 
  • Daily breakfast for two adults at Nasi & Khao
  • Two welcome drinks and one snack upon arrival
  • Late check-out until 2pm (subject to availability)
  • RM100 dining credit per room, per stay
  • 15% discount on A-Shop merchandise
The offer is available for bookings until 31 December 2026. 

For more information and reservations, visit ASAI Gamuda Cove by Dusit Hotels & Resorts.
 

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