STRIDES OF ABUNDANCE AT HILTON KUALA LUMPUR

Thoughtfully curated set menus at Chynna, Hilton Kuala Lumpur are galloping out of the gate for the upcoming Year of the Horse, setting a frisky pace for the auspicious celebrations ahead.

Ensuring the Chinese New Year gets off to a spirited gallop, Hilton Kuala Lumpur’s Executive Chinese Chef Lam Hock Hin trots out a line-up of festive specialities skilfully blending time-honoured Chinese flavours with subtle Western flourishes.

 
Front and centre is a show-stealing, noble horse-shaped Prosperity Yee Sang, created to rein in abundance and good fortune. Intricately assembled with freshly shredded vegetables, pickles, seeds and nuts, it is crowned with standout options such as Grilled Salmon Sauce (RM168 half portion, RM318 whole). The inventive inclusion of grilled salmon, salmon oil, and white and purple cabbage gives this auspicious toss finesse and flair; proof Chef Lam is no one-trick pony.

 
Bringing more horsepower to the experience is a stable of winsome choices, ranging from Salted Egg Fish Skin with Soft Shell Crab (RM178 half, RM328 whole), Abalone (RM308) or Tasmanian Ocean Trout (RM158 half, RM308 whole) to the more unique Spicy Sea Bird’s Nest with Crispy Rice and Aged Vinegar Dressing (RM158 half, RM308 whole).

 
We sampled the Fortune Set (RM1,888 nett per table of five) which opened at a confident canter with Traditional Tasmanian Ocean Trout Yee Sang. A vibrant, refreshing curtain-raiser to stir up promising prospects ahead.

 
Breaking from the usual Chinese banquet soup repertoire, Chef Lam enticed us with Western-inspired Cauliflower Soup with Seafood, Crushed Peppers and Vegetarian Fins. Its creamy, delicate nuances heralded a welcome change of pace.

 
The Shunde-Style Steamed Tiger Grouper was an undisputed show-stopper. Smooth, naturally sweet and cooked to on-point doneness, the fish was matched sublimely with tau foo yue (Redbelly Yellowtail Fusilier) puffs. Those spongy-soft morsels were excellent at soaking up every last drop of the fish jus.

Adding crunch and contrast, the Fragrantly Spiced Crispy Chicken with Golden Crunchy Rice Crumbs boasted extra furlong with its clever use of puffed rice, giving the spice-rubbed chicken extra textural interest.

The Mixed Salad with Coconut Dressing, Salted Egg Fish Skin and Crispy Soft Shell Prawns also held its ground. Hats off to the chef for emphasising more fresh greens as vegetables often play second fiddle in Chinese New Year menus.

Keeping health and balance firmly in the saddle is Braised Wild Abalone Cubes, Fish Maw, Monkey Head Mushroom and Garden Greens. A subtly refined and notably lighter on the palate dish.

 
By this point, the meal had gathered enough momentum that the Yam Rice with Salted Egg, Dried Shrimp and Mushrooms found itself competing for tummy space, Still, it’s a testament to the generous and satisfying progression of dishes.

No festive feast is complete without a sweet finish. Bowls of Sea Coconut, Malva Nut and Longan Sweet Soup, paired with Traditional Nian Gao stuffed with Yam Custard and coated in Ground Nuts and Sesame Seeds, brought the celebration home, leaving diners highly satisfied at the finish line.

 
Other set menus at Chynna include the Prosperity Set (RM1,588 nett per table of five), Wealth Set (RM2,588 nett per table of five), and the Grand Fortune Set (RM799 nett per person, minimum three persons per table).

 
Adding to the festive atmosphere are a series of cultural highlights worth trotting out for: God of Prosperity appearances (3–18 February), a live Guzheng performance (16 February), Chinese calligraphy sessions (18 February), Tea Master welcome pouring demonstrations (16–18 February), as well as acrobatics and traditional lion dance performances.

Auspicious rewards await guests between 15 January and 3 March 2026. For every RM200 spent in a single receipt, get a chance to draw a red envelope. Each is filled with exclusive prizes, from RM100 dining vouchers and complimentary Yee Sang to staycation packages at Hilton Kuala Lumpur and a 3D2N getaway at KROMO Bangkok, Curio Collection by Hilton.

 
For reservations or inquiries, contact Hilton Kuala Lumpur, tel:03-2264 2264, email: HiltonKualaLumpur_FB@hilton.com, or book via SevenRooms.

DELHI DELIGHTS AT DILLI 6

Delicious Northern Indian specialities prepared with aplomb by Delhi-born chef Ankita Aggarwal take centrestage at Dilli 6 restaurant. Also known as the Tandoori Temptress, Ankita started as a caterer in 2009, cementing her reputation in rustling up hearty, family-style offerings. Her maiden poolside Waves Café in Mont Kiara opened in 2020.

Last October she levelled up with Dilli 6, referencing an old Delhi postcode where bustling shops and street food scene abound in the district. Hence the resto menu integrates street food fare alongside keto-friendly, vegan and meat-based Northern Indian fare with some fusion touches.

Stepping into the whitewashed interior, we took instantly to the austere space, decked with framed colourful pictures.

 

An eye-catching wall mural of a lady in a tuk tuk adorns the spacious, air-conditioned private dining area. Sturdy wooden armchairs, a three seater divan and a low coffee table are complemented by a long dining table. Potted plants and a book shelf exude homely vibes to the overall space.

Our palate-pleasing openers of Dahi Puri (RM25) and Gobi 65 (RM22) proved on-point from the get-go. Yogurt-filled with sev (chickpea noodle crisps) and spiced potatoes, the crispy balls unleashed tons of bright, invigorating flavours and varied textures.

We also gushed over the spiced batter-coated fried cauliflower florets. They were superbly yummy with the coriander chutney.

Fish tikka, kebab and tandoor-cooked chicken made up the shareable Mini Tandoori Platter (RM50). Portions were ample enough to satisfy whilst leaving us eagerly anticipating the mains to come.

Heeding the chef’s advice, we paired Jeera Rice (cumin-flecked basmathi rice RM12), triangles of Garlic Naan (RM9) and poufy Poori (RM8, 2 pcs) to savour and mop up the spice-rich Achari Chicken (RM28) and Fish Curry (RM28).

The achari chicken was deliciously creamy and fragrant with multitude of exotic spices whilst the chunky fish curry in turmeric yellow gravy proved equally appetising. Dark verdant green Palak Paneer (RM32), testifying to the substantial amount of spinach used, was a nice contrast to the plethora of meaty dishes.

Our sweet treat for the day was Kulfi (RM16), a chilly luscious treat with almond flakes. I lapped up every spoonful with gusto, washed down with a rather mild Masala Tea (RM8). My friends shared a sunshiny yellow Mango Lassi (RM16) which got the thumbs up.

For reservations, please call Dilli 6, Tel: 017-260 8693. Address: 42A, Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-10pm

HIGH NOON LUNCH CHOICES AT NOBU KL

Nobody would expect a simple dish of Cauliflower Steak with Corn Salsa (RM58++) to steal the limelight at lunch. Especially at Nobu Kuala Lumpur atop Petronas Tower 3. It’s one of the unexpected gems we glean from Nobu’s Set Lunch – the subtly smoky ‘steak’ captures Nobu’s trademark philosophy of infusing Japanese and Peruvian influences into the freshest ingredients perfectly.

Depending on what catches your fancy, the Set Lunch list Grilled Chicken with Nobu Sauces (RM60++), Sushi & Sashimi (RM95++), Beef Tenderloin (RM130++), Dry Age Prime Rib Eye (RM130++) and Lobster Wasabi Pepper (RM145++) as the main course.

 

Each choice of main is accompanied by miso soup, salad, tempura, housemade Nobu biscuits and complimentary green tea – a complete meal to leave you happily replete.

Ladies and gentlemen who lunch have more than the abovementioned set lunches to look forward to with Executive Chef Philip Leong’s latest drive to elevate the ‘Noon at Nobu’ experience. The expanded midday dining selection now includes pre-fixe menus, bento boxes, cold & hot dishes in addition to soups, noodles and dessert.

Priced at RM168++, the Pre-Fixe parade inclusive of miso soup and green tea features a choice of appetiser, a main course and dessert. Among the five appetisers, the plain-looking Butter Lettuce Salad Dry Miso stands out for its palate-pleasing umami appeal.

 

Coming in a close second in the popularity stake is Seafood Ceviche, a healthy yet delicious mixture of quinoa, prawns, fish and squid with baby greens, tomato and cucumber. The Umami Chicken Kara-age is underwhelming by comparison. Both the Salmon New Style Sashimi and Yellowtail Jalapeno are distillation of Nobu’s signature dishes so no surprises there. 

Shrimp with Spicy Garlic (its zingy heat makes it a hot favourite), Snapper with Black Bean Sauce (notable), Beef Tenderloin with Wasabi Pepper, Mushroom Toban Yaki and Grilled Chicken with Truffle Teriyaki beckon in the main course options.

All the dessert choices are exceptional. I’m partial to the sublime Japanese Whisky Cappuccino which packs a nice flavour punch that left me hankering for more. Pure white and foamy, the former proves to be a revelation as the heavenly creation constitutes coffee creme brulee with cocoa crumble, vanilla ice cream and Japanese whisky foam.

The Yogurt Sub Zero pairs scoops of tangy yogurt ice cream with fresh berries, raspberry sauce and sesame crisp. A perfect pick-me-upper to cleanse the palate post-lunch.

Playful textures and delicate flavours meld wonderfully in the Chocolate Sata Andagi – dark chocolate filled Japanese doughnut with caramelised pistachios is complemented by pandan ice cream on coconut sablé.

Completing the tempting line-up are Green Tea Fiji Shave Ice – Fiji water and organic soy milk shaved ice soused with green tea syrup, red bean paste, green tea mochi and green tea tuile, and Banana Harumaki – crispy banana spring roll with dulce de leche, white sesame ice cream and passionfruit sauce.

For those who want a little of everything, the substantial Bento Box (RM175++) will tickle the tastebuds with Sashimi Salad with Matsuhisa Dressing, Assorted Sushi, Rock Shrimp Tempura with Butter Ponzu, Nobu’s signature Black Cod Miso and Vegetable Spicy Garlic with Rice. A serving of miso soup is included.

Also available is Donburi, served with miso soup and salad. Of the four options listed, the Wagyu Short Rib Teriyaki Donburi (RM120++) is a heartily satisfying choice worth considering. Poached egg and assorted mushroom add to the dish’s comforting appeal.

 

Nobu Kuala Lumpur is open for lunch Monday to Friday, 12.00pm to 2.00pm.

 

For enquiries or reservations, please call NOBU KL, tel: 03-2164 5084 or WhatsApp: 019-389 5085.