COFFEE RAVE – BREW, BEAT, BERSAMA PUTRAJAYA MARRIOTT HOTEL

Culture, creativity and community take centrestage at the launch of ‘Coffee Rave – Brew, Beat, Bersama’ event hosted by Putrajaya Marriott Hotel.

 
Held at the Lobby Lounge, the lively showcase of flavours, music, and artistry highlighted the collaboration between the Hotel and local artisan coffee brand Hétam. It’s also part of Marriott Bonvoy's ongoing efforts to deliver exclusive experiences for members and guests, creating opportunities for them to discover new flavours, local talents and unique cultural experiences.
 
Ms. Nikie Mok, General Manager of Putrajaya Marriott Hotel said: "Coffee Rave is more than an event; it's a celebration of togetherness, flavours, and artistry. We are proud to create experiences connecting people through meaningful moments; be it through food, culture, or community."

 
Hétam, an innovative homegrown coffee brand founded by passionate coffee artisan Wira, is dedicated to redefining Malaysia's coffee culture. At the Coffee Rave event, guests were treated to Wira’s specially crafted beverages embodying local heritage and inspirations.

Emas was the first coffee concoction we sampled. The name Emas pays tribute to the coffee’s golden hue courtesy of Harum Manis mango – the royal fruit of the north. We love how the fruity sweetness of fresh mango (purée and cubes) tangoed with the warm, robust richness of espresso. A delightfully bright, fizzy, creamy and fruity drink.

 
Inspired by the equatorial spirit of Malaysia, the bold and complex Khatulistiwa bore tropical citrus fruitiness amidst the invigorating acidity of coffee. Passionfruit pulp, a dried orange slice and a rosemary sprig lent the mocktail refreshing and aromatic finish.

 
Echoing our country’s lush rainforests, the earthy and robust Belantara exuded nuances of bright, green fruits layered with full-bodied roasted coffee; its creaminess touched with sea salt to round off the taste profile.

 
Rich and delightfully sweet like kuih seri muka, the Puteri coffee mocktail pays tribute to cherished tradition and treasured heritage. Its pandan green and coconut white hues coupled with the delicate pandan scent and creamy coconut taste juxtaposed against a canvas of espresso is akin to a drinkable form of the much-loved local dessert.

To complement these inventive beverages, Chef Zulkifli Asyul and his culinary team curated a special menu for the afternoon tea event. We feasted on delicious Mee Rebus Lamb Feet, dainty hand-rolled Nasi Lemak Temaki, and Macaroni Cheese in-between sips of those winsome coffee drinks.

Delectable morsels of Ayam Percik Vol Au Vent and Sardine Canapés added to the day’s merriment. Aside from classic Scones with Jam and Whipped Cream, we savoured Durian Cheese Tarts, Macaroons and Kuih Ubi Ketuk.

 
Soulful renditions by Agal Musik livened up the Coffee Rave session while Jessie Art Studio captivated us with a live art showcase. Henna artistry also imbued the proceedings with a cultural touch.

 
The live art piece by Jessie Art Studio was then presented to Ms. Nikie Mok, General Manager of Putrajaya Marriott Hotel as the wrap-up for the Coffee Rave event.
 

TIMELESS FLAVOURS, NEW SIGNATURES AT XIN CUISINE

Xin Cuisine at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur has rolled out an exciting line-up of classic signature dishes, each paying homage to the rich traditions of Chinese cooking while offering delightful contemporary touches.

Helmed by Master Chinese Chef Foong Ah Kwai and his culinary team, the feast begins on a playful note with Lychee Cheesy Shrimp Balls.

This tantalising version surprises with a molten mozzarella centre that oozes with every bite — a clever twist pairing the briny sweetness of prawn with gooey cheesiness. A most addictive appetiser.

Chinese culinary heritage lovers will find the Pork Tripe with Whole Farm Chicken (RM250 nett) a weighty masterpiece. No less than six hours of preparation have gone into the painstaking cleaning of the pork tripe, stuffing it with a whole chicken then simmering it until all the flavours meld beautifully.

 
The resulting broth is deeply comforting — peppery, collagen-rich, and layered with subtle notes of yuzu, shallots, and ginkgo. Each heartwarming sip is a distillation of old-school techniques, perfected through patience and skill.

 
Making waves as a first in the local hotel dining scene is Xin Cuisine’s Signature Roasted Goose (RM420 whole; RM230 half). A celebrated Guangdong delicacy, the goose is marinated in a time-honoured blend of soy sauce, chosen herbs and spices before being roasted to achieve crackling skin and succulent meat.

 
Juicy and aromatic, this indulgent showpiece dish is available on Fri-Sun in limited quantity whilst three days’ advance notice is required for weekday orders.

 
Next, the Honey Glazed Iberico Pork Ribs (RM172 nett) showcase East-meets-West refinement. Steamed to preserve their tenderness and baked for delicate caramelisation, the ribs are finished with a glossy honey glaze. The balance of smoky savouriness and subtle sweetness makes them simply irresistible.

 
Chef Foong’s house-made beancurd shines in the Golden Beancurd with Abalone and Sea Cucumber (RM52 nett per person). Silken tofu is steamed, pan-fried to golden crispness, then elevated with braised 10-head abalone and sea cucumber. The interplay of textures — soft, bouncy, and tender — captures the essence of Cantonese finesse, each mouthful brimming with layered umami.

 
Seafood lovers will revel in the Wok-fried Flat Rice Noodles with Fresh Water Prawns & Scallops (RM85 nett). This comforting staple is transformed into a smoky wok hei star with satiny smooth flat rice noodles then blanketed under velvety egg gravy. Huge fresh water prawns and plump scallops act as the crowning glory, their natural sweetness enriching the dish.

 
To end, the Aiyu Jelly with Longan in Calamansi Lime Syrup provides a light, refreshing finale — a cooling contrast after such indulgence.

 
With its new signatures, Xin Cuisine strikes a beautiful balance between comforting classics and refined creations, making it a must-visit destination for Chinese food connoisseurs.

For more information and reservation, please call Xin Cuisine, tel: 03-2149 2778.
 

JOM MAKAN-MAKAN HOT POT BUFFET AT CONCORDE HOTEL KL

When the craving for bubbling hot pot hits, an irresistible midweek indulgence awaits at Melting Pot Café, Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Available every Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 10pm, the Jom Makan Makan Hot Pot Buffet promises a flavour-packed experience at just RM98 nett per adult (kids 6–11 dine at 50% off).

Begin by picking two broths from a rotation of rich, comforting options: Signature Curry, Tom Yam, Tomato, Chicken and Kimchi. We went with Chicken and Kimchi — one mildly herbaceous, the other offering a subtle tang. 

As the meal progressed and flavours mingled in the bubbling pot, both broths deepened in taste, making every dunk more satisfying than the last. When the broths become more concentrated, do ask for additional refill (we prefer hot water to dilute it).

Expect an extensive line-up of premium meats and fresh seafood laid out buffet-style. We loaded up on Sliced Beef, Lamb, Chicken, and Seabass; Plump Tiger Prawns and Asari Clams in addition to hot pot essentials like Mini Yee Mee, Beancurd Skin Rolls, Shimeji Mushrooms, Baby Romaine, Spinach, Water Spinach, and Corn on the Cob.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the variety of fish and seafood balls: from Lobster Balls and Chikuwa to Chicken Gyoza, Oborotsuki (mushroom-flavoured balls), and more.

Vegetable lovers won’t be left out either. Think Long White Cabbage, Sweet Pea Sprouts, Enoki, Baby Corn, Beancurd Puffs, and even Crispy Wanton Noodles ready to soak up all that broth goodness.

Concoct your own saucy pairings from the sauce station. A playground for the palate, you'd find over a dozen options from Thai Prik Nam Pla to Nam Jim Talay, Goma (Black Sesame), Sang Har Cheong (Shrimp Paste), and more. Overwhelmed? Go with the chef’s pick: the Shoyu Sesame Dip — nutty, savoury and superbly versatile.

Melting Pot also ups the ante with a range of Tempura and Fried Specialties, and sizzling Teppanyaki, cooked à la minute. We devoured crispy Prawn & Vegetable Tempura, Chicken Karaage with Wasabi Mayo, and Teppan Lamb Shoulder served with wok-fried veg. Dip these into either the dangerously addictive Soy Butter Teppan Sauce or Teriyaki Butter Sauce.

Craving carbs? Fill up on Yong Chow Fried Rice and spicy Mee Mamak.

Wrap up with a warm bowl of Lor Hon Kor, then take your pick from a tempting dessert spread of Freshly Cut Fruits, Tiramisu, and Mini French Pastries, Baked Japanese Citrus Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse to Bubur Cha Cha, DIY Ice Kacang or Waffles with Ice Cream and Toppings.

Sip on refreshing Iced Lemon Tea or Sirap Limau to stay cool between bites. Because let’s face it — nothing brings people together quite like a good hot pot.

Limited seats available so reservation is recommended. Please call Melting Pot Café, Concorde Hotel KL, tel: 03 2717 2233 or 012 399 0734.