BREAK FAST WITH CULINA BISTRO’S FESTIVE FEASTS

As a restaurant rooted in European classics, Culina Bistro weaves commendable local flavours into its culinary repertoire, befitting the season of Ramadan.

From 23 February to 19 March, the bistro offers two set menus alongside an à la carte selection for buka puasa. The four-course Festive Feast for two (RM198) is a sensible option structured with restraint and balance.

The meal opens with Oxtail Soup, made from Australian oxtail simmered in a lightly spiced broth. Carrot, celery and potato lend natural sweetness and body, while the collagen-rich oxtail is cooked to yielding tenderness.

Roti Jala follows; its lace-like crêpes made to order on the griddle then rolled neatly. Paired with a creamy, aromatic potato curry, the dish offers textural contrast: soft, airy folds against a warmly spiced sauce.

Available at a supplementary charge, appetisers such as Crab Cakes (+RM70), Pandan Chicken (+RM30), Seafood Tempura (+RM50) and Beef Bergedil (+RM50) cater to those seeking something richer or more indulgent to start with.

For mains, choose two main courses from a line-up that reflects Culina’s hybrid identity: Ayam Percik, Beef Pizza, Butter Chicken, Clam Aglio Olio or Prawn Spaghetti.

The Ayam Percik is particularly noteworthy. Using organic, antibiotic-free lacto chicken, the meat is marinated for 24 hours with galangal, lemongrass and a measured blend of spices before being grilled in a Mibrasa charcoal oven. The result is succulent flesh beneath lightly charred skin, with a nice smokiness infused into the spice paste. It's a complete and substantial meal when partnered with nasi jagung (corn rice) and some zesty, crunchy achar (carrot and cucumber pickles).

Handmade fresh to order, the delectable Beef Pizza attests to the kitchen’s grounding in European techniques. 

The crust emerges properly blistered and crisp at the edges, spread with a savoury, slightly piquant sauce. Pepper-crusted beef slices, mushrooms and capsicum are applied with a generous albeit disciplined hand, allowing each component to shine through.

Desserts lean toward familiar comfort with regional nuance. Options include a Pandan Crêpe (+RM10), Flourless Chocolate Cake (+RM28), Kueh Bakar with coconut ice cream, Soft Serve Sulawesi Vanilla (+RM10), or a Dessert of the Day (+RM10).

The Pandan Crêpe is a contemporary riff of kuih ketayap — tender-soft pancake filled with candied grated coconut and cream. Accompanied by coconut ice cream and a scattering of crumbs for texture, it wraps the meal up on a nostalgic yet modern note.

Situated within The Shoppes at Four Seasons Place, the concept at Culina merges gourmet market and bistro with tasteful coherence. Premium meats from Australia, New Zealand and Korea, seafood from France, artisanal cheeses, olive oils and baking provisions are displayed across specialty counters — from butchery to delicatessen. Diners may even select cuts or seafood from the retail section to be prepared à la minute by the Culina team, an approach that underscores transparency and ingredient confidence.

Open daily from 11.30am to 9.30pm (last order 9pm), Culina Bistro offers a thoughtful Ramadan experience; anchored in good produce and adept techniques, with just enough festivity to mark the fasting month season without losing its culinary compass.

For reservations at Culina Bistro, call tel: 03-2779 7313. Address: B1, Shoppes at Four Seasons Place, 145, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

RASA TRADISI DINNER BUFFET AT SUNWAY SANCTUARY

This year, a blend of cultural heritage and culinary excellence converges to mark the debut of Rasa Tradisi dinner buffet at The Dining Room on Level 15 of Sunway Sanctuary. Available now from 6.30pm – 9pm until 16 March, even non-residents can also patronise the specially curated buka puasa spread.  

Modelled after retirement living for seniors in Japan and Australia, Sunway Sanctuary is a premier senior living residence with accessible, dedicated professional healthcare services, personalised senior living facilities and curated lifestyle events. 

 
Taking pride of place at the buffet is Kambing Panggang (pan-fried lamb shoulder with onion sauce) alongside classic servings of Bubur Lambuk (savoury spiced porridge), Sup Tomato and various iterations of Malay Kerabu (local salads) and Western salads (think pasta, cold cuts, etc). 

Flavourful dishes of Udang Masak Lemak Cili Api (piquant prawns in turmeric and bird’s eye chilli curry), Fish Curry, Sayur Campur Dal Kuning (mixed vegetables with dhal curry), Ikan Patin Masak Lemak Tempoyak (Pahang-style riverfish cooked with fermented durian and coconut milk), Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak Labu (sweet potato shoots and pumpkin in coconut milk) and Ayam Percik (grilled chicken with spices and coconut milk marinade) beckon; ideal partners for the fluffy Nasi Masala Kuning.

Local hawker’s fare such as Fried Mi Siam, Chicken and Beef Satay, Murtabak, Roti Canai and Mee Rebus add variety to the dinner line-up.

Refreshing drinks of barley, lemongrass and (asam boi) preserved plum complemented by dessert treats of Nian Gao Pancakes, Kek Batik, Fresh Fruits, Malay Kuih, Mini Cakes, Agar-Agar and Thai-style Sangkaya complete the immersive experience.

 
Priced at RM188+ per adult, RM128+ per senior (55 years old and above) and RM98+ per child (8-12 years old), the Rasa Tradisi buffet features 6 rotating menus of traditional delicacies.

At the recent media preview, guests were treated to lively silat and bamboo dance performances, proffering an insight into the dynamic lifestyle at Sunway Sanctuary.

Vivien Lim, Director of Sales and Marketing at Sunway Sanctuary said “The Dining Room doesn’t just offer a dining experience, but an occasion for generations gather to celebrate togetherness and wellness through exceptional food and culture.

 
“As Malaysia’s premier senior living residence, Sunway Sanctuary is dedicated to revolutionising retirement living through holistic wellness, personalised care, and vibrant
community experiences.”

For reservations at The Dining Room, Sunway Sanctuary, WhatsApp: +60 19 313 0061. Address: Level 15, Tower D, No. 5, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor.