CITARASA NUSANTARA KE TIMUR TENGAH AT PAYA SERAI

When it comes to breaking fast, Paya Serai at Hilton Petaling Jaya is legendary for its expansive buka puasa buffet. For the coming Ramadan month, the Paya Serai culinary team looks set to repeat their crowd-pulling feat again with its inviting “Citarasa Nusantara ke Timur Tengah” spread.

Available from 19 February to 20 March, guests can look forward to relishing beloved Malaysian classics alongside carefully selected Middle Eastern specialities. 

It’s the kind of buka puasa spread which you take your time to savour then return for seconds (or thirds) whilst enjoying the moment with family, friends and business associates.

Right from the get-go, the meat selections are clear crowd-pleasers. Think Daging Salai with BBQ Sauce, tender Beef Ribs in Dendeng Sauce, and juicy slices of Smoked Beef; all exuding rich, comforting flavours to draw you back.

 
Punching above their weight are heartily satisfying dishes of Kambing Madu Guling, Daging Batang Pinang wrapped in Mushroom Rendang, and deeply flavoured Sup Tulang Kambing.

 
Evergreen Ramadan favourites take centrestage too. Ayam Percik, creamy Rendang Kerang, and aromatic Rendang Daging make sublime pairing with ketupat and lemang, instantly evoking that much anticipated, cosy Hari Raya vibes.

Paya Serai’s collaboration with the Turkish Embassy will infuse a taste of the Middle East Start to its extravagant line-up. Tease the tastebuds with refreshing Tabbouleh, Hummus and Fattoush served with soft Middle Eastern bread.

 
Mains include smoky Iskender Kebab, Chicken Shawarma, Bengendili Chicken Kebab, and spice-scented Mixed Grill with Rice. Save room for a cup of robust Turkish coffee, accompanied by Baklava or stretchy Dondurma (Turkish ice cream).

Back on home ground, comforting local gems including Mee Rebus Udang Galah, Itik Salai Masak Lemak, Ikan Asam Pedas, Kawah Lemak Cili Padi Podeh, and Nasi 10 Ulam remind diners of hearth and home.

 
Sweetening the deal is an inviting line-up of traditional Malay Kuih, Badak Berendam, Tapai Pulut and Ubi, and Kuih Lopes. 

More cosmopolitan treats such as Tiramisu, Chocolate and Red Velvet Cakes, and Mini Pavlova play luscious supporting roles. Avid durian fans won’t want to miss out on the hotel’s Daily Fresh Durian on Wheels, rolling out from 8.30pm onwards.

Priced at RM178 nett per adult and RM89 nett per child (6-12 years old) from 19 to 22 February and 19 to 20 March 2026, and RM228 nett per adult and RM114 nett per child from 23 February to 18 March 2026, Citarasa Nusantara ke Timur Tengah at Paya Serai is the kind of Ramadan buffet that promises a satisfying buka puasa affair with your loved ones.

 
Guests with a minimum spend of RM600 nett in a single bill from Paya Serai between 19 February and 20 April 2026 will be eligible to participate in a special prize opportunity. The highlight consists of a 3D2N Premium Suite Riverview stay with breakfast and Executive Lounge access for two persons at Hilton Kuching.

 
For reservations or enquiries, please call Hilton Petaling Jaya, tel: 03-7955 9122, WhatsApp +6016 216 0414, email PETHI_FB@hilton.com or visit SevenRooms to make a reservation.
 

ROASTED MAY SIZZLES AT SUBSTANCE

‘Buy 1 Free 1’. Isn’t this music to your ears? Especially when the irresistible deal is for the All-You-Can-Eat Roasted Buffet this May at Substance all-day dining restaurant, Courtyard by Marriott KL South.

Expect a well-balanced, expansive buffet spread highlighting splendid roasts, meat and vegetables alike, to feed you well and succeed at it too. Headliners of Roast Lamb and Chicken are amply supported by roasted pumpkin, sweet potatoes, eggplant and capsicums, alongside crispy fried potato wedges.

We enjoyed savouring the rosemary-scented roast lamb and juicy chicken, made memorable by the house Peri-Peri sauce – it’s unapologetically fiery and perfect for those who like sauces with bite.

Get the dining party started with King Neptune’s ransom of Seafood Appetisers: freshly shucked oysters and a trio of sashimi along with poached prawns, flower crabs and mussels.

Salad days never look better than fresh options like Smoked Duck Salad with Orange (smoky, subtly briny duck breast slices mellowed by wedges of orangey brightness atop mixed greens), tuna-flecked Salad Nicoise, Pasta Salad, and DIY Gado-gado (blanched long beans, beansprouts, cabbage and diced fried beancurd dressed with peanut sauce) among others.

Smoked Salmon, Assorted Nigiri and Maki Sushi, and little bowls of Soba Noodles with hot and cold broth jazz up the spread with vibrant colours and textural variety.

 

Also flexing some serious muscle are notable hot dishes such as the deeply flavourful Asam Pedas Oxtail (think lip-smacking chunks of oxtail falling apart at the bone), Balitong Masak Lemak (little horn shells in tantalising chilli and turmeric-based gravy), Sweet & Spicy Prawns and a not-too-shabby Beef Rendang.

Don’t pass up on the Curry Mee either. Lemak-rich santan broth nuanced with aromatic, rounded rempah (spices) make this noodle dish sing.

Fluffy Green Peas Rice serves as the ideal canvas to embrace all those delicate, comforting flavours of Braised Lamb with Radish and Carrots, restorative Steamed Herbal Chicken with Minced Ginger and homey Braised Chicken in Sesame Oil.

Other gems worth the calories: Baked Oysters with Spinach and Cheese and Chinese Fried Rice with tiny silverfish for that subtle crunch. Over at the Indian corner, creamy-rich and well-spiced Chicken Makhani coupled with Idli and Samosa ensure a strong showing.

 

Sweet endings range from assorted Nyonya Kuih, Sweet Wheat Porridge, Fresh Fruits, dainty slices of Carrot, Red Velvet and Cheese Cake, Chocolate Eclairs and two types of Fruit Jelly.

Verdict? The Roasted May promotion is varied enough, locally grounded, and boldly cranks up the flavour when it counts whether it's a power lunch or a laid-back dinner.

Available for Saturday & Sunday Lunch from 12.30pm - 3pm at RM138 nett per Adult, RM98 nett per Senior Citizen and RM69 nett per Child and Thursday to Sunday Dinner from 6.30pm - 11pm at RM158 nett per Adult, RM108 nett per Senior Citizen and RM79 nett per Child.

For more information and reservations at Susbtance (Level 3), Courtyard by Marriott Kuala Lumpur South, please WhatsApp: +603 8682 8898.

Cheers to 137 Bar

Hidden gem of a bar is a compelling pitstop post-dinner. Tucked away up a flight of stairs just beyond the cosy setting of Courtyard Lounge, 137 Bar should be your port of call, for drinks and chill-out session.

 

Fronted by a contemporary bar with backlit drinks display, 137 Bar is tastefully furnished with mellow lighting, cushy armchairs and a secluded nook for small parties who desire some privacy. The décor is sleek bordering on minimalist.

Cocktails abound, imaginative with local twists cleverly included. The friendly mixologist rustles up a curated selection for our sampling, starting with KL South Sling.

It’s house-infused lemongrass syrup with Absolut Vodka, pineapple juice, lime juice, fresh pineapple slice, lychee fruit, grenadine, and a dash of Angostura bitters – a pleasantly bright and vibrant notes on the palate.

My fave has to be Assam-boi Mojito – an invigorating blend of Bacardi Rum with salted prune infused syrup, lime, mint leaves, and soda. Superbly refreshing and cleansing.

Tea fans will love Teh Tarik Twist – a grown-up version of brewed local black tea laced with spice-infused rum, condensed milk, cardamom, and cinnamon stick. Irresistibly potent so go easy on this.

Blending classic cocktail with local coffee gives rise to Kopi O – White Russian; mixing Absolut Vodka and Kahlúa with condensed milk, strong local black coffee, and coffee beans.

It’s only befitting local fresh coconut takes centrestage, to create a beach-worthy Coco-Mojito. Here, fresh coconut is married with Nusa Caña Rum, lime syrup, mint leaves, and fresh coconut water. Panacea for our sweltering weather yo.

Ginger loving drinkers will enjoy Twice As Nice at 137: an ingenious concoction of ginger-infused rum, sliced ginger, lemongrass, calamansi lime and orange curaçao, with a dash of Angostura bitters.

Bar 137 should be your port of call when visiting Courtyard by Marriott KL South, be it for personal or corporate entertaining purpose. The cool laidback vibes is perfect for date nights, convivial gatherings and casual way to welcome the weekend.