TASTE & RHYTHMS OF INDONESIAN FESTIVAL AT SOFITEL KL DAMANSARA

Experience the Taste & Rhythms of Indonesian Festival at Kwee Zeen, Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara from 17 to 26 July 2026. In collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, the exclusive culinary showcase celebrates Indonesia’s cornucopia of vibrant regional flavours and diverse cultural artistry.

Led by Chef Wisnu Untoro whose culinary passion is augmented by his DJ-ing talent, the Taste & Rhythms of Indonesia spotlights the archipelago’s gastronomic delights. Enjoy boldly spiced specialities of Sumatra, the comforting classics of Java and the captivating offerings of Bali and Lombok.

The affable chef deftly cooks up a storm, dishing up Nasi Padang Kapau of West Sumatra as he effortlessly spins and mixes his deck of chosen tunes much to diners’ delight.

Originating from the Minangkabau ethnic community, Rendang Daging – traditionally served for ceremonial occasions and in honour of guests – tops the list of crowd-pullers. Resistance is futile when you're confronted by meltingly tender beef tenderloin cubes lovingly braised in aromatic spices and rich coconut milk.

Another contender is Bebek Betutu, braised Balinese duck with fragrant spices whilst the fiery chilli-forward Lobster Berlado sets the palate alight.

A robust chilli marinated Ayam Bakar Taliwang from Lombok also competes for attention and stomach space in its bid to eclipse Kambing Guling, Balinese spice-rubbed roast lamb served with sweet soy sauce, chopped tomatoes, shallots and bird’s eye chilies.

 

More familiar yet no less appealing are the tenderly resistant Gulai Tunjang (beef tendon curry), Opor Ayam (braised chicken and hardboiled eggs in mildly spiced gravy), Sup Buntut (oxtail soup), Telor Berlado (hardboiled eggs smothered in roughly ground chilli paste) and Pindang Udang (shrimps with fresh herbs).

Complete your Indonesian culinary adventure with delectable Rendang Tulang Rusuk Minang, Gulai Daun Singkong and Gudeg Yogyakarta.

 

In addition, feast on premium seafood on ice, Japanese sushi and sashimi, Malaysian classics, Arabic and Indian specialities, a live carving station and extensive dessert treats that form Kwee Zeen’s signature international buffet. On our visit, we savoured the evening's special of Oyster Rockefeller prepped by table-side.

Taste & Rhythms of Indonesia will be available from now until 26 July 2026 as part of the restaurant’s dinner buffet and weekend brunch. The Weekend Brunch (Saturday and Sunday) is priced at RM138+ per person, while the Weekday Dinner (Monday to Thursday) is available at RM168+ per person. On Friday-Sunday, the Weekend Dinner is at RM228+ per person. 

For reservations and enquiries, call Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara Hotel, tel: 03-2720 6688 or WhatsApp +6017 511 7725 or email: HA123-FB@sofitel.com or hanafi.suid@sofitel.com

A MAD PICNIC BY MADHATTER DESSERTS

The MadHatter returns! Masterchef Asia S1’s first runner-up and dessert maestro Marcus Low will host MadHatter Desserts: A Mad Picnic at Psychotic Operator Wine Space on 11 and 12 July.

Collaborating with homegrown brands like Raksasa Spirits and Chocolate Concierge, Low’s masterpieces will feature nostalgic Chinese-inspired dessert using French techniques and Malaysian flavours.

Taking pride of place in his repertoire is Pineapple Beneath the Looking Glass featuring a snap-crackle pineapple-shaped chocolate shell filled with Raksasa gula Melaka rum baba with mascarpone mousse, spiced pineapple compote and gula Melaka rum 'snow'. Tastes super-boozy so it should hit the spot for avid drinkers.

Chocoholics will adore the Rather Peculiar Biscuit featuring decadent dark rye brownie and chocolate mousse topped with a layer of savoury chicken biscuit crumbs, a popular Malaysian snack of yesteryear. Upping the indulgent ante further is roasted peanut skin ice cream. Definitely a luscious creation to go nuts over.

A whimsical Teapot Cake drew admiring gasps of delight. The squat Chinese teapot is delicately made with exquisite oolong tea mousse and jelly, passionfruit curd and tea biscuit crumble.

We were astounded by the fine handiwork employed to create Porcelain Illusion. Low used white chocolate, coconut mousseline and peanut génoise; transformed into retro bowls adorned with the iconic rooster motif bearing peanut-filled tang yuan (glutinous rice balls).

The chef’s playfulness also emerged in Marry Me Cake – an artful melding of two traditional pastries known as ‘lou po beng’ (Wife Cake) and ‘lou kung beng’ (Husband Cake). His flaky, buttery puff pastry flaunted a distinct core of fermented red beancurd and roasted peanuts paste sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.

Low’s other notable offerings we sampled include Sambal Tempoyak Buns, The Curious Orchard (buttery pâte brisée tart with apple-kedondong compote and local lime) and feather-light, crisp Palmiers.

His classics: Matcha Pistachio Passionfruit, Chocolate & Calamansi Cake, The Queen’s Victoria (sponge with berry compote, fresh cream and port-macerated locally grown berries) and Raspberry Rose Lychee Cake need no introduction for long-time MadHatter fans.

 
The full MadHatter’s sweet collection is available for pre-order via @madhatterdesserts

A TASTE OF PHUKET AT MAKAN KITCHEN

Pad Thai Goong hot off the wok. Creamy Massaman Curry. Gaeng Kiew Warn Pak (Thai green chicken curry) to tease the tastebuds. Those are some of the tempting dishes whipped up by Guest Executive Chef Noppadon Chainat from DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort at Makan Kitchen, DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur from 8 June to 31 July 2026.

Through The Essence of Thai Cuisine, a special culinary collaboration at Makan Kitchen, guests will enjoy a limited-time dining experience showcasing Phuket’s and Thailand's rich culinary heritage, regional specialities and time-honoured cooking techniques by Chef Noppadon.

Bold flavours, fresh ingredients and culinary traditions of regional Thai fare shine through servings of Yam Som O (pomelo salad), Som Tum (young papaya salad), Tom Yum Goong and Tom Kha Gai.

Robust and piquant main dishes to sample include Steamed Seabass Fillet with Lemongrass, Kaffir Lime, Garlic and Chilli, Gai Yang (Marinated Grilled Chicken with Thai Herbs and Northern Thai Spicy Tamarind Sauce), Prawns in Yellow Curry and Mango Sticky Rice among others.

Chef Noppadon Chainat said "Food is an important part of Thai culture and hospitality. Each region of Thailand offers its own distinct flavours and traditions. I hope guests will enjoy discovering some of that diversity through this special menu."

Elements of Thai culture are also highlighted through interactive activities such as "Smell the Fragrance" challenge and traditional Thai Batu Seremban activity.

Those who spend RM450 or more and guests who make reservations via SevenRooms will stand a chance to win a 2 days/1 night’s stay inclusive of breakfast for two persons at DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort.

The Essence of Thai Cuisine at Makan Kitchen is priced as below: 

The Essence of Thai Cuisine Dinner Buffet
8 June - 31 July 2026
Fridays & Saturdays | 6.30pm - 10pm
RM168 nett per adult | RM84 nett per child

True Taste of Thailand High Tea Buffet
8 June - 31 July 2026
Saturdays & Sundays | 12.30pm - 4pm
RM118 nett per adult | RM59 nett per child

Hilton Honors members enjoy up to 25% off food and beverages, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

For reservations and enquiries, contact Makan Kitchen, DoubleTree by Hilton KL, tel: 03 2172 7272, email: KULDT_FB@hilton.com or make reservations via the Makan Kitchen booking page.