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.

 

TANTALISING TEMPTATIONS OF TAAN THAI

The seasonal dish of Yellow Cockle Curry (RM32.90) alone is reason enough to make the trip to Taan Thai at Sunway Velocity. Freshly shucked, the cockles’ availability bears testament to the philosophy of Taan Thai — literally to “Eat Thai” i.e. cook thoughtfully, serve with intention, and waste nothing.

 
We are stoked to find the cockles barely cooked, just firm enough to hold their sweet mineral nuance, bathed in a gently spiced curry perfumed with cha om (acacia leaves).

Each component of the Signature Appetiser Platter (RM49.90) offers a measured glimpse into the culinary team's budding abilities. A well-composed introduction, it teases our palate with the charred smokiness of pandan-wrapped chicken, a custard-soft mackerel otak, deliciously crisp prawn fritters, scrumptious skewers of grilled pork, and a punchy savoury mackerel dip with cucumber.

 
The Mieng Kam (RM18.90) arrives neatly composed instead of leaving diners to assemble their own. Each betel leaf parcel unleashes a well-balanced profusion of sweet, savoury, and herbal notes. Calibrated with a dab of house-made caramelised shrimp paste, we relish the appetiser’s delicately flavourful depth.

Also on-point are the moreish Crispy Prawn Donuts (RM24.90). Bite into one and you'd find the exterior shatters lightly, giving way to a springy, well-seasoned prawn filling that induces repeat servings.

Soups are treated with much deserved patience. The bright and clean Clear Tom Yum Seafood Soup (RM49.90) delights with its finely tuned acidity, while the Coconut Chicken Soup with Galangal (RM27.90) exudes a softer, more rounded profile.

Touting a culinary team focused on the importance of balance stemming from the use of house-made pastes - ground fresh from herbs and spices - they form the backbone of winsome dishes like the rich and creamy Khao Soi with chicken (RM22.90) or beef (RM28.90) and the pleasant, lingering sharpness of Tangy Pork Belly & Morning Glory Curry (RM29.90). 

Familiar and rare specialities beckon too. Comforting mainstays include house-made Pure Mackerel Thai Fish Cakes (RM18.90) and Pomelo Salad with Signature Taan Thai Dressing (RM23.90) whilst fiery trail-blazers of Spicy Isaan Thai Beef Salad and Southern Thai Minced Chicken Dry Curry (RM20.90) should please chilli heat-seeking fiends.

Equally compelling is the seabass selection. Edging ahead is the Deep Fried Seabass in Spicy & Sour Curry (RM64.90), thanks to the addition of fluffy cha om omelette that soaks up the sauce nicely. Its counterpart, dressed in a vibrant Thai herb and fruit dressing, is lighter but no less engaging.

For those who appreciate greens with character, the Kai Cha-Om (RM19.90) leaves an indelible impression thanks to its unmistakable acacia aroma in omelette form, while the Stir-fried Melinjo with Egg (RM22.90) offers an agreeable bitter counterpoint.

 
Pork dishes are adroitly handled. The Spicy Isaan-style Grilled Pork Neck Salad (RM32.90) carries a gentle smokiness, the Pad Kra Pow Moo Sap (RM23.90) is punchy without being harsh, and the Braised Pork Knuckle (RM32.90) leans into comforting, familiar flavours.

 
Street food staple like Pad See Ew (RM21.90) is given due respect. The flat rice noodles flaunts whiffs of wok hei - that elusive breath of the wok lending heady flavoursome depth to the soy-slicked fried noodles.

Desserts are straightforward but well-judged. Tub Tim Krob (RM14.90) refreshes with its cool sweetness and textural contrast, while Mango Sticky Rice (RM16.90) closes the meal on a comforting note. In Kuala Lumpur’s heat, the invigorating Tom Yum Cooler (RM15.90) and Pandan Cooler with Basil Seeds (RM8.90) provide welcome relief.

Taan Thai is not about theatrics but about clarity of flavour, respect for ingredients, and cooking that's grounded in heart and experience rather than excess. And in today’s dining landscape, that makes Taan Thai worth returning to.

 
For more info and reservations at Taan Thai, call tel: 011-6547 1811. Address: Lot B-25, B1 Floor, Sunway Velocity Mall, Lingkaran SV, Kuala Lumpur.

SELERA KAMPUNG AT MARRIOTT PETALING JAYA

With two decades of industry experience under his toque, Executive Chef Dennie Yudie Darmawan spearheads the Marriott Petaling Jaya team in the extravaganza of dishes for this year’s buka puasa.

Available from 23 February to 18 March at The Atrium, the Selera Kampung line-up spotlights Signature Traditional Roast Lamb as one of the mainstays. Redolent with aromatic spices, the juicy lamb meat is best accompanied by fluffy biryani rice.

Inspired by nostalgic kampung favourites, the array of breaking of fast specialities includes appetite-whetting Ekor Asam Pedas (tangy, subtly spicy oxtail stew), sublime Kambing Masak Hitam (mutton cooked in dark soy sauce and ground spices), Gulai Telur Ikan (fried fish eggs in curry), Signature Sup Tulang Berempah (spiced beef bone broth), Wok Fried Dried Flower Crabs and Ayam Percik (spice-marinated grilled chicken).

Perennial crowd-pullers such as Gulai Ayam Minang, Rendang Itik Rendang, Daging Tetel, Masak Lemak Siput Sedut, Gulai Nangka Ikan Pusu, Pucuk Ubi Lemak Kuning Tempoyak, Roti Jala Kari Ayam, Terung Sambal Tempeh, Sambal Hati Buyah and Ikan Masin Cili Api beckon invitingly.

Regional specialities are aptly represented by Kepak Ayam Goreng Berlado, Burung Puyuh Berempah, Ega Penyet, Ayam Gebrek Sambal Hijau and Sambal Belut Sukarasa.

 
The cornucopia is further augmented by an assortment of Poached Seafood on Ice, Sushi and Sashimi, Karai Aburi Takoyaki, Wagyu Karai, Beef Cubes with Black Pepper and Grilled Cajun Spice Chicken.

Dessert to conclude ranges from Malay Kuih, Fruit Cake, Chocolate Fountain with Fruit and Confection Skewers, Fresh Fruits, Tapai, Bahulu and Apam Balik.

The Selera Kampung buffet is priced at RM198 nett per adult and RM139 nett for senior citizens. Advance reservations advisable.

For reservations at The Atrium, Marriott Petaling Jaya, WhatsApp: +6016 262 2070 or email: kulpj.fnb.rsvp@marriotthotels.com