‘BILA RASA BERBICARA' BUFFET AT CONCORDE HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR

Flame-kissed specialities straight off a new Josper Charcoal Grill steal the spotlight at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s buka puasa buffet this year.

Melting Pot Café’s Bila Rasa Berbicara, a nightly feast heralding the balik kampung spirit during Ramadan, will be available from 19 February to 20 March.

Anticipated to attract diners like moths to flame, you can sample aromatic, smoky and scrumptious Johor-style Pepes Ikan, juicy Australian Mini Ribeye Steaks, Ayam Percik, Chicken Wings with Korean Sauce, and New Zealand Lamb Shoulder hot from the charcoal-fuelled Josper Grill.

Malay Chef Mohamad Yusoff and Malay Sous Chef Arif Iberahim step up to prove their prowess with beloved Malay, trans-generation classics such as Gulai Tunjang Masak Lemak Cili Api, Pucuk Paku Ikan Bilis, Sambal Tumis  Udang Petai, Asam Pedas Tetel and Siput Sedut Masak Lemak.

 
There’s even a Nasi Kandar stall dishing up perennial crowd-pleasers: Kari Kepala Ikan, Ayam Goreng Mamak, Kambing Varuval, Ketam Goreng Berempah and Daging Masak Merah.

Soupy succour can be found in hearty and flavourful Sup Gearbox, Sup Tulang Rawan and Sup Kambing. Follow that up with rare, nostalgic kampung-style delicacies such as Telur Itik Masak Lemak Cili Padi, Gulai Ketam Nipah and Rendang Daging.

Fresh catches of calamari and barramundi fish are teppan-cooked to perfection whilst a Whole Roast Lamb with fragrant biryani rice and Braised Short Ribs compete for attention.

 
Adding a touch of bazaar flair to the merry buka puasa experience are huge woks of Mee & Kuey Teow Kawah, Murtabak Ayam & Daging, Roti John, Satay and Serunding with Lemang and Ketupat Palas.

Tantalising Thai and Chinese delights ranging from Thai Basil Beef, Gaeng Som Pla (spicy steamed fish) and Padprik Seafood to Kam Heong Lala and Kung Pao Lamb are some trail-blazers worth savouring.

Evergreen and viral sweet treats: Tau Foo Fah with brown and white sugar syrup, Ais Kacang, Pulut Serawa Durian, Durian Mousse Cake, Agar-agar Santan Cendol, Kuih Bakar, Classic Coffee Tiramisu, Dodol, Kek Batik and Matcha Tiramisu are some of the luscious dessert choices to wrap up the evening.

‘Bila Rasa Berbicara’ buffet at Melting Pot Café is priced at RM198 nett per person, with a special rate of RM178 nett per person on selected dates (19 – 22 February & 18 – 20 March). Children aged 6 to 11 are charged at 50% off the adult price. Two rotational menus ensure new and exciting fare is served every two days.

For reservations at Melting Pot Café, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, call tel: 03-2717 2233 or 012-399 0734.
 

HOLIDAY FESTIVE FLAVOURS AT SOFITEL KUALA LUMPUR DAMANSARA

An astonishing 40-kilogram Baked Beef Leg Wellington commands attention the minute we entered Kwee Zeen, to partake in Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara’s Art de Vivre festive buffet.

Like a grand opera overture, the monumental creation of burnished pastry enfolds the huge leg of tender beef; setting a seductive tone for even the most well-travelled palate.

Earlier, roving Christmas carollers warmed our hearts with lively Yuletide renditions along with chilled mocktails.

We then waded into a shimmering oceanic bounty: towering displays of Boston and rock lobsters, crayfish, Alaskan king crab legs, springy prawns, snow-white scallops, and plump Irish, American, and the celebrated French ‘Fin De Claire’ oysters – each exuding its own saline dialect of the sea.

Japanese sashimi and sushi also made waves with us while a whole baked salmon shared the limelight with an on-point repertoire of French pâtés and artisan antipasti: smoked beef, beetroot-cured salmon, chicken liver terrine with smoked cranberries, and air-dried beef.

Enjoy the novelty of sampling turkey Wellington (the deliciousness is worth the calories) before proceeding to sample heartwarming platters of roasted honey & rosemary-glazed turkey, roasted prime rib or roasted rosemary chicken.

Offering a whistlestop culinary tour around the world are duck confit, saffron-scented seafood paella, braised short ribs with pomegranate, and creamy Mornay-baked broccoli and cauliflower.

Local specialities such as salted egg prawns, Singapore chilli crabs, steamed seabass, masak lemak tiger prawns, Goan fish curry, sambal sotong petai, short ribs rendang and ayam masak merah also make their presence felt. A timely reminder of Malaysia’s instinctive generosity at the table.

Traditional Christmas cookies, Yule logs, chocolate pralines, fruity stollen, frosted financiers, red bean dessert broth, assorted kuih and delicate French pastries are the sweet meal-enders to look forward to.  

On Festive Sundays (12.30pm–3pm), brunch extends into a leisurely celebration: seafood on ice, made-to-order pastas and eggs, wood-roasted vegetables, bright Malaysian sides, a handsome cheese and charcuterie array, and a dessert counter heaving with Yule logs, cookies, and petite pâtisserie.

Children will find joy in their own play corner whilst adults may opt for two hours of free-flow wine, beer, sparkling, or champagne to toast to the season.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bring the full pageantry of the holidays: jubilant carollers and a carvery perfumed with warm spices and crisp, golden roasts. The finale of delightful Yule logs, mince pies, gingerbread will invariably conjure up good memories and seasonal magic.

Prices begin at RM108+ for Festive Lunch, RM138+ for Festive Sunday Brunch, RM168+ for Festive Dinner, and RM228+ for the signature Festive Seafood Dinner.

Christmas Eve Dinner (24 Dec) and Christmas Day Mega Brunch (25 Dec) are RM228+, while Christmas Day Dinner is RM188+.

Ring in the New Year with Sofitel’s characteristic joie de vivre: a New Year’s Eve Dinner (31 Dec, RM228+) followed by music and midnight confetti, and a restorative New Year’s Day Brunch (1 Jan 2026, RM138+).

For home celebrations, the hotel offers an impressive roster of festive takeaways. Choices range from honey & rosemary glazed turkey, baked beef or salmon Wellington, peppercorn-crusted tomahawk, roasted lamb leg, and luscious Yule logs.

Orders may be placed via WhatsApp: +6017 511 7725 or email HA123-FB@sofitel.com (24-hour advance order and pre-payment required; pickup or delivery available).

Guests who reserve by 5 December enjoy 25% early-bird savings (blackout dates apply).