Food & Drink

A Taste of Japan at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur: Japanese Buffet & Wine Dinner with Chef Koji Fukuda

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I had the chance to attend a special chef’s Masterclass yesterday at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur, and it was truly an eye-opener into the refined world of Japanese cuisine. Chef Koji Fukuda, a culinary veteran with over 30 years of experience, walked us through his techniques, stories behind each dish, and his deep respect for ingredients. Watching him work up-close — calm, precise, and deeply passionate — was an experience that made me appreciate Japanese food even more. Now, the good news is, you don’t need to be in that masterclass to enjoy his creations. From 20 to 25 May 2025, the hotel is hosting A Taste of Japan, a week-long showcase of Chef Koji’s culinary mastery, open to all food lovers.

Japanese-Themed Buffet Dinners at Thyme
Held at Thyme, their elegant all-day dining spot, and Pacific Lounge at Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur, the event is done in collaboration with Meat & Livestock Australia and Aussie Beef & Lamb — so expect quality meats and flavours that blend Japanese techniques with premium Aussie produce.

From 20 to 22 May 2025, don’t miss the Weekday Buffet Dinners priced at MYR185 nett, where Chef Koji brings Japan to life through a beautifully curated spread. Then on 23 and 24 May 2025, the Fabulous Meat and Seafood Buffet (MYR238 nett) takes centre stage, featuring top-grade Australian beef and lamb alongside fresh seafood delights.

Live stations to look out for:

  • Sushi & Onigiri Station – torched beef sushi, mackerel rolls, and Australian lamb onigiri with savoury lamb miso.
  • Sashimi Station – fresh cuts of tuna, salmon, and white fish.
  • Teppanyaki Station – Osaka-style seafood okonomiyaki.
  • Tempura Station – golden-fried beef strips, prawns, and seasonal veggies.
  • Noodle Station – Kyoto-style kitsune udon.

Signature dishes include:

  • Hokkaido-style zangi karaage with shibazuke tartar sauce
  • Sumo-style chanko nabe steam pods
  • Australian lamb dumplings with shiso dressing
  • Genghis Khan-style yakisoba
  • Plus favourites like teriyaki salmon, beef gyudon, and fluffy dashi maki tamago.

One-Night-Only: 5-Course Wine Dinner with a View
On 25 May 2025, wrap up the week with an exclusive 5-course wine dinner at the Pacific Lounge (MYR368 nett). Held high above the city skyline, this elegant evening pairs Chef Koji’s beautifully plated courses with handpicked wines.

The menu includes:

  • Dashi Maki Sandwich (with yuzu aioli and caviar) – paired with Veuve du Vernay Brut and Chardonnay
  • Australian Beef Tataki – paired with Merlot
  • Miso-Glazed White Fish in Chanko Broth – paired with Chenin Blanc
  • Teriyaki Australian Lamb with agedashi tofu and shishito pepper – paired with Spanish Reserva
  • Mitarashi Parfait – paired with Italian Moscato

Early Bird Deals & Booking Info
Planning to go? Book in advance via their eShop and enjoy 10% off the wine dinner and 20% off the buffet dinners. All prices include government taxes.

To reserve your seats, WhatsApp +6010 229 7156 or email dining.prckul@panpacific.com

If you love Japanese food or simply enjoy trying something new and exquisite, don’t miss this one-week-only culinary affair.

About Chef Koji Fukuda
Chef Koji brings his passion and enthusiasm for curating, introducing, and inspiring unique lamb recipes with Japanese ingredients to Japan, a country whose cuisine generally consists mainly of beef and seafood. He found this inspiration after joining the Lambassador culinary journey in Victoria, Australia,
where he embraced all the knowledge and experience about Aussie lamb. Chef Koji became more adventurous after beginning his career as a chef in Osaka. He then pursued opportunities in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, where he created unique dishes that honoured Japanese cuisine.

In 2011, he stepped into an executive chef role, opened a restaurant, and went on to lead several dining establishments to success. In 2019, Chef Koji took on another executive chef position at a prominent hotel in Tokyo.

Lifestyle

Unlock a Free Galaxy Watch7 Worth RM1,199 When You Pre-Order Samsung’s 2025 AI TV – Here’s How

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Samsung’s latest AI TV lineup is coming soon, and you can be among the first to bring the future of home entertainment into your living room. From 28 April to 12 May 2025, Samsung is offering a sweet deal: pre-register your interest and unlock a free Galaxy Watch7 worth RM1,199 when you pre-order the 2025 Samsung AI TV!

Here’s how it works. Simply fill out the online form during the registration period, and Samsung will send you a unique voucher code via email. This voucher lets you claim a Galaxy Watch7 (Bluetooth, 40mm) when you pre-order your Samsung AI TV between 13 May and 1 June 2025. Redemption is valid until 15 July 2025, giving you plenty of time to secure your reward.

Why is this a game-changer?
The Galaxy Watch7 isn’t just a fitness tracker — it actually enhances your Samsung AI TV experience with its cool Universal Gesture feature. That means you can control your TV without lifting a remote! Whether you’re chilling on the sofa or busy in the kitchen, simple hand gestures keep you in full control.

Some of the gestures you can try:

  • Shake your wrist to activate pointing mode
  • Pinch to select items
  • Make a fist to go back
  • Double fist to return to the home screen
  • Wave your hand to pause/play
  • Rotate the bezel to scroll
  • Cover the screen to exit pointing mode

It’s futuristic, fun, and super handy.
👉 Ready to register? Visit: https://samsung.com/my/tvs/handraiser

Want to Lock in Your TV Early? Here’s How.
You can also secure your 2025 Samsung AI TV with the Samsung Reservation+ (SR+) program. Between 28 April and 12 May 2025, buy an SR+ e-voucher for just RM100 and receive a voucher worth up to RM800. This voucher can be used during the pre-order period (13 May to 1 June 2025) for selected products.

Worried you might change your mind? No stress. If you don’t use your SR+ voucher during the pre-order, your RM100 can still be used between 2 and 30 June 2025 toward any Samsung TV or soundbar at the Samsung Online Store.

Grab your SR+ voucher here: https://samsung.com/my/gift-card/e-vouchers/pre-registration-tv-evoucher

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

Food & Drink, Travel

4 Must-Try Restaurants Under One Roof at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur

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Looking for the best places to eat in Kuala Lumpur city centre? Whether you’re a hotel guest, a local foodie, or just exploring dining options near Jalan Sultan Ismail, here’s your answer: Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur. This iconic hotel is home to 4 unique dining spots under one roof, offering everything from buffet feasts and authentic Japanese meals to handmade dim sum and live music lounges. I recently explored all four, and trust me — each one has its own charm and flavour worth experiencing.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the top 4 restaurants inside Concorde Hotel KL.

1. Melting Pot Café – Buffet Dining in Kuala Lumpur
If you’re craving a buffet restaurant in KL, Melting Pot Café is the place to be. Famous for its generous spread of international and local cuisine, this all-day dining spot is perfect for families, couples, and group gatherings.

Guests can enjoy the relaxing ambiance with live band performances by Bergema 5 every evening.

📌 Buffet Prices at Melting Pot Café:

  • Weekend High Tea (Sat & Sun): RM108 nett per pax
  • Buffet Dinner (Fri & Sat): RM168 nett per pax
  • Kids (6–11 years old): 50% off
  • Room Guests: 20% off for up to 2 pax per room

📍 Located at the lobby level of Concorde Hotel KL

2. Kazuma Japanese Restaurant – Authentic Japanese Food in KL
Searching for authentic Japanese food in Kuala Lumpur? Head to Kazuma Japanese Restaurant, located on Level 1 of Wisma Concorde, right above Hard Rock Café. This cozy eatery offers a peaceful setting for couples and small groups, serving fresh and flavourful dishes at affordable prices.

Highlights include their weekend special Salmon Fish Head Set, starting from just RM45.

📌 Kazuma Menu Price Range: RM25 – RM80 nett
🕒 Opening Hours:
Daily (including public holidays)
Lunch: 11:30am – 3:00pm
Dinner: 6:00pm – 10:00pm

📍 Located on Level 1 Wisma Concorde (above Hard Rock Café)

3. Xin Cuisine – Popular Non-Halal Chinese Restaurant in KL
Xin Cuisine is one of the rare hotel restaurants in KL that still serves non-halal Chinese food. Renowned for its handmade dim sum and premium steamboat, it’s a must-visit for fans of traditional Chinese flavours. They also provide banquet venue for traditional Chinese weddings.

Expect a full house on weekends – no reservations are allowed, so it’s best to come early. Everything here, from siew mai and har gow to roasted duck and char siew, is handmade by skilled chefs.

🥢 Must-try items:

  • Dim sum: dumplings, bao, siew mai
  • Steamboat: handmade ingredients, fresh seafood
  • Roasted meats: siew yuk, char siew, roasted duck
  • Hot dishes: rice, noodles, and more

📍 Located within Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur

4. Xroads Xpress – Popular Live Music Lounge in KL
For those looking for live music bars in Kuala Lumpur, Xroads Xpress (pronounced as ‘Crossroads Express’) at Concorde Hotel KL is a hidden gem. With regular performances by RS Duo, Beat Culture, and True Colours, it’s the ideal place to unwind with drinks and food in the heart of KL. Regulars come here to dance and hang out with each other!

Perfect for your Friday night hangout or a casual weekend chill session.

🕒 Live Music Showtimes:

  • Mon – Sat: 5:30pm – 1:00am
  • Sun: 8:45pm – 11:30pm

🍸 Enjoy both local and international drinks, with snacks and bar bites available.

BONUS: 5. Spices Restaurant
Spices Restaurant is a hidden gem within Concorde Hotel KL, exclusively open for Premier Room (and above) guests. Serving a breakfast buffet from 6:30am to 10am, it offers both American and local favourites, like pancakes and pastries to nasi lemak and porridge, in a cosy, private setting. Service here is top-notch, and if you visit, don’t miss their special mixed fruit juices — refreshing blends like apple-celery or orange-carrot are a great way to start your day!

Here’s why you should choose Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur for dining
✔️ Centrally located on Jalan Sultan Ismail
✔️ Walking distance to KL Tower, KLCC and Bukit Nanas Monorail
✔️ Ideal for hotel guests and walk-in diners
✔️ 4 distinct dining experiences in one location

Whether you’re planning a foodie staycation (like I did over two nights), a business lunch, or a night out in KL, the restaurants at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur offer something to satisfy every craving.

Lifestyle

MY FM DJ Jack Lim Sets Record As Longest-Serving Chinese Radio Host in Malaysia

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Congratulations to Jack Lim, Malaysia’s No. 1 Chinese-language radio station MY FM’s morning show DJ, who has been with the station for a continuous 23 years. He has set a national record and was officially recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records as the “Longest-Serving Chinese Radio Host in Malaysia.”

A special ceremony was held at 10 AM today in MY FM’s live studio to celebrate Jack Lim’s achievement. Director of Astro Audio Priya Dharshini Prabakaran and MY FM Station Manager Chew Wei Boon accompanied Malaysia Book of Records CEO Christopher HW Wong and official representative Siti Hajar Binti Johor to present the certificate, honoring his outstanding contribution to the local Chinese broadcasting and entertainment scene.

MY FM Station Manager Chew Wei Boon said,

Jack Lim has always been a source of pride for Astro Audio and MY FM. Over the past 23 years, from our school days to our professional careers, his energetic voice has been there to kick-start our mornings. He’s like a big brother in the MY FM family – his relentless drive and passion for radio have not only built MY FM’s success but have always been an inspiration to us all.

Beyond hosting, Jack Lim has also taken part in producing numerous major MY FM events, such as the annual station celebration MY FM Big Show, showcasing his all-rounded talent in both broadcasting and entertainment.

Upon receiving the certificate, Jack shared that he joined MY FM in 2002, debuting as the host of the morning show “Sunshine Morning” 阳光灿烂.

I never imagined I’d still be here 23 years later. To be recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records marks a meaningful milestone in my journey with MY FM.

Chew Wei Boon added,

Together with Jack Lim, we’ve made unprecedented history in local radio. MY FM has held the top spot among Chinese-language stations for 26 consecutive years, and our morning show continues to be the most popular Chinese morning program. We promise to keep the spirit of ‘More Fun Together’ alive, bringing more surprises and engaging experiences to fans through radio and social media.

For more details about MY FM, visit my.com.my or follow them on
FB: www.facebook.com/xiaoMY
IG: www.instagram.com/MYFM

Food & Drink

Meet Mee x Nisabakri Gourmet Launch Chili Wantan Mee, A Spicy New Chapter in Instant Noodles

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On 16 April 2025, I had the pleasure of attending the soft launch of a unique collaboration between two notable local brands: Meet Mee and Nisabakri Gourmet. Held at the classy KL Wellness City Gallery, the event was an elegant gathering of media friends, food industry insiders, and loyal supporters of both brands.

At the heart of the launch was their latest creation: Chili Wantan Mee – a fiery twist on a beloved Malaysian classic. This isn’t just any instant noodle pack – it’s a full-on gourmet experience made accessible to everyone. The product brings together the culinary brilliance of Chef Puan Sri Nisa Bakri, a household name known for her refined palate and passion for local cuisine, and the fast-growing innovation-driven team at Meet Mee.

After a full year of dedicated R&D, the duo unveiled what they confidently describe as one of the few halal-certified Wantan Mee products on the market. The goal is to make this iconic dish accessible to all Malaysians, especially Muslim consumers who’ve long wanted a halal version of their favorite noodle dish.

Each pack is a complete meal experience: springy noodles, dipping soy sauce, chili oil, crispy crackers, and even shrimp shakers for that extra umami kick. Prep time? Just four minutes. Whether you’re a traveler, camper, hiker, student, or just someone who appreciates a good meal without the hassle, this product checks all the boxes.

Chef Nisa shared her excitement during the event, expressing how this collaboration is more than just a product launch – it’s about celebrating Malaysian culinary identity and pushing it to new heights through digital platforms and modern innovation. Her hope is that this dish will not only satisfy local taste buds but also introduce Malaysian flavours to global palates.

Want to try it yourself? You can now grab Chili Wantan Mee via TikTok on these official accounts:
👉 @meetmee.official
👉 @nisabakrigourmet

As Meet Mee and Nisabakri Gourmet look to bring this spicy creation to homes around the world, they’re also inviting exporters, retailers, and F&B partners to join them on this flavourful journey. This is truly a proud moment for Malaysian food innovation – and we’re just getting started.