Food & Drink

Buka Puasa in Ramadan Buffet 2025 Iftar Kayangan at Geo Resort & Hotel, Genting Highlands

As Ramadan is approaching, it is time for reflection, gratitude, and most importantly, togetherness. And what better way to celebrate than with a lavish buka puasa spread in the cool, refreshing air of Genting Highlands? This year, Geo Resort & Hotel presents Iftar Kayangan, a spectacular Ramadan buffet that showcases a mix of traditional Malaysian delights and international favorites, all carefully crafted to make your iftar experience truly memorable.

I had the pleasure of experiencing the Ramadan Buffet preview, and from the moment I stepped into the elegantly decorated dining hall, I knew I was in for a feast. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of roasted meats, simmering curries, and sweet treats. The highlight of the night was, of course, the kambing golek arang. The lamb, roasted to perfection over an open flame, had an irresistibly crispy skin while remaining juicy and tender inside. Every bite carried a smoky richness, complemented by flavourful sauces.

For something warm and comforting, the lamb shank soup was an absolute delight. The slow-cooked lamb shank melted in my mouth, infused with aromatic spices that made every spoonful deeply satisfying. Another standout was the siput sedut masak lemak cili padi, where the rich, creamy coconut milk balanced out the heat from the bird’s eye chili, making it both indulgent and addictive.

The buffet also featured a variety of seafood, including assorted ikan bakar, grilled to perfection and served with spicy sambal and tangy kicap cili. If you prefer something lighter, the assorted oden station offered a selection of fish balls, tofu, and seafood simmering in a savory broth, perfect for warming up in Genting’s chilly weather.

Of course, no Ramadan feast is complete without deep-fried indulgences. From crispy keropok lekor to golden popiah, samosas, and satay, every bite was packed with crunch and flavor. The satay, especially, was a crowd favorite—grilled over an open flame, each skewer of chicken and beef was smoky, tender, and delicious when dipped into the rich, nutty peanut sauce.

To end the night on a sweet note, the dessert spread was a sight to behold. Rows of colorful kuih, including seri muka, kuih lapis, and ondeh-ondeh, sat alongside an array of Western treats like cakes, pastries, and tarts. But my favourite had to be the ice kacang and cendol station, where I could build my own refreshing bowl topped with gula Melaka, coconut milk, red beans, and chewy jellies.

@dixonthum

Memang syok joget lambak kat ramadan buffet @georesorthoteloff Acara tahunan yg wajib ada di Geo Resort. Berapa artis yg anda kenal dalam video ni? #georesorthotel #jogetlambak

♬ original sound – Dixon Thum – Dixon Thum

And just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better, the evening concluded with a lively joget lambak. The energy in the room was infectious as guests, young and old, joined in the traditional dance, celebrating the joyous spirit of Ramadan together. It was the perfect way to end the feast, adding a cultural touch to an already unforgettable evening.

Special Early Bird Promotion RM99 Only – Book Now!
To make this experience even sweeter, Geo Resort & Hotel is offering a special early bird price of RM99 per adult for bookings made before 28 February 2025. After that, the prices are:

  • RM148 nett per adult
  • RM74 nett per child (6-12 years)
  • RM74 nett per senior citizen
  • Children below 6 years old dine for free

Event Details & Reservations
Date: 2 – 29 March 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Venue: Geo Resort & Hotel, Genting Highlands

For reservations, contact:
Phone: +6019-212 2838 | +603-9213 0838
Website: www.georesort.my

With a lavish buffet, vibrant atmosphere, and cool mountain air, Iftar Kayangan at Geo Resort & Hotel is the perfect place to gather with loved ones and create unforgettable Ramadan memories. Make your booking early and don’t miss out on this grand feast in the sky!

Food & Drink

Celebrate Chinese New Year with The Chicken Rice Shop’s Limited-Time Ayam Oren!

While everyone is celebrating Chinese New Year, my wife and I were excited to try The Chicken Rice Shop’s (TCRS) exclusive seasonal dish – the ‘Ayam Oren.’ This limited-time offering, available until 23 February 2025, puts a festive spin on the beloved orange chicken, blending traditional Chinese New Year flavours with a unique Malaysian twist.

We opted for the ONG You & Me Set, perfect for two people, and it did not disappoint. From the first bite, we were impressed by the well-balanced flavours. The chicken is coated in a luscious orange sauce that delivers a delightful mix of sweetness and tanginess, enhanced by a gentle warmth from the ginger. The toasted sesame seeds on top add a pleasant crunch, making every bite more satisfying.

What truly stood out was the fragrant rice and the perfectly cooked Spicy Savoury Lady’s Finger. The rice had just the right texture – fluffy and aromatic, complementing the savoury sweetness of the chicken. The lady’s finger was tender yet had a slight crunch, soaking up the flavourful sauce beautifully. The combination made for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

TCRS has designed their Ayam Oren sets to cater to different dining needs:

  • Ong-ly Me Set – Perfect for solo diners who want to indulge in the festive flavors.
  • ONG You & Me Set – Ideal for couples or friends sharing a delicious Lunar New Year meal.
  • Ong Like Us Set – A generous portion suited for groups of up to four, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings.

To complete the festive experience, TCRS also offers the Ong-ren Bliss beverage, a sweet & refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savoury notes of the Ayam Oren.

If you’re looking for a flavourful way to celebrate Chinese New Year, don’t miss the Ayam Oren at The Chicken Rice Shop. Available nationwide until 23 February 2025, this exclusive dish is a must-try for all food lovers.

Visit your nearest TCRS outlet today to experience this festive treat. For more details and promotions, visit www.thechickenriceshop.com or follow them on Facebook at The Chicken Rice Shop.

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Singapore Mediacorp Artistes Zoe Tay, Shaun Chen, and Zhang Ze Tong in Malaysia for Astro’s “Be Joyful. Share the Prosperity” Exclusive Fan Meet to Promote Upcoming Drama “Emerald Hill”

On 25 January 2025, Zoe Tay, Shaun Chen, and Zhang Ze Tong arrived in Malaysia for the final stop of Astro’s “Be Joyful. Share the Prosperity” 《喜乐乐SHARE丰年》exclusive fan meet before Chinese New Year. The trio also promoted their upcoming drama, Emerald Hill 《小娘惹之翡翠山》, which is set to premiere this March on Astro AEC.

Set in Singapore during the 1950s and 60s, Emerald Hill, is a spin-off of the Mediacorp classic The Little Nyonya, a drama that received widespread acclaim when it originally aired. During a media group interview, Zoe Tay, Shaun Chen, and Zhang Ze Tong were asked if they felt pressure due to the success of the original series. All three denied feeling any pressure, with Zoe Tay expressing gratitude for the original drama’s popularity, as it sparked interest and discussions about the unique Peranakan culture.

This series marks Zoe Tay’s first time playing a character aged 70. She takes on the role of “Liu Xiu Niang,” the matriarch of a Nyonya family. Tay shared that she fully embraced the aging makeup, as she values the depth and substance of the role. She also adjusted her speech delivery to suit the character and emphasized her love for Chinese New Year, saying it’s a time when her family must reunite. “Even though I participate in recording Chinese New Year programs every year, I make it a point to have reunion dinner with my family earlier,” she said.

Shaun Chen, who plays Tay’s eldest son “Zhang Jinhai,” praised Taiwanese actor Hsiu Chieh-kai, who plays his younger brother “Zhang Jinhe,” for his dedication to his role. “It’s great to have him joining the cast. Coming from different countries, we had great exchanges, and the scenes between us three brothers are very engaging!”

Zhang Ze Tong, returning to Malaysia to promote the drama, plays Oon Shu An’s adopted son “Huang Zuye.” He admitted feeling nervous about working with Oon Shu An for the first time, but appreciated her guidance. “When I first collaborated with her, it was as a host. This time, acting alongside her felt intense. For one scene, I had to eat a Nyonya rice dumpling, but I kept messing up. Seeing this, she discussed it with the director, and they eventually found a way to shoot the scene so I didn’t have to eat so many dumplings,” he shared.

Apart from Zoe Tay, Shaun Chen, and Zhang Ze Tong, the fan meet also featured Astro artistes such as Jentzen Lim, Mavis Yap, Nicole Lai, Geraldine Gan, Vicky Tan, Kryston Woon, Ribbon Huang, and Xiao Wei Wei, who performed festive songs “Yi Qi Fa Da Fa Da La” 《一起发达发达啦》 and Astro’s CNY theme song,《SHARE丰年》. Cast members from Astro Originals’ Chinese New Year drama “All The Good Things” 《好事将至》, including Aenie Wong, Tedd Chan, Vivienne Onn, Wilson Lee, Sherlyn Seo, Alvin Wong, Hayden Ong, and Cai Yong Qi, also made appearances to celebrate the festivities with fans.

For more details on Astro’s 2025 Chinese New Year campaign, “Be Joyful. Share the Prosperity”, visit xilele2025.com. Sign up for the Astro One package for just RM49.99/month to enjoy endless on-demand entertainment. For an enhanced streaming experience, upgrade to RM139.99/month and get the Astro Fibre 500Mbps high-speed internet bundled with the Entertainment package. Visit the My Astro App, astro.com.my, or WhatsApp 03-9543 3838 to learn more.

Food & Drink

Discover “Pesta Sajian Rasa” at The Pearl Kuala Lumpur’s Ramadan Buffet 2025

I recently attended preview of “Pesta Sajian Rasa,” the much-anticipated Ramadan buffet at The Pearl Kuala Lumpur. Held at Melo Café & Deli and the Ballroom on Level 5, this year’s theme captured the vibrant energy of a Ramadan bazaar with its food truck-inspired concept.

From 3 to 28 March 2025, guests can indulge in over 100 local and international dishes, thoughtfully prepared to reflect the festive spirit of Ramadan.

Here are some of the dishes that stood out during the preview:

  • Gerai Mee Tarik Chinese Muslim, serving hand-pulled noodles with rich, flavorful broths.
  • Gerai Dumpling Chinese Muslim, offering both steamed and pan-fried dumplings.
  • Warung Satay Kajang, featuring juicy skewers of chicken and beef paired with aromatic peanut sauce.
  • Nasi Briyani Kambing and Ayam, fragrant rice dishes topped with tender lamb or chicken.
  • Gerai Shell Out, a seafood spread with prawns, squid, and clams in delectable sauces.
  • Warung Lemang, offering traditional glutinous rice cooked in bamboo with rendang.
  • Gerai BBQ, showcasing grilled chicken wings, lamb chops, and beef steaks.
  • Gerai Dim Sum, with an array of bite-sized delights.
  • Gerai Pasta Spaghetti, providing a touch of Italian flavors.
  • Desserts like Gerai ABC, Sago Gula Melaka, and aneka kuih-muih for a sweet finale.

The buffet also features Gerai Lok Ching, Warung Sup Tulang Rawan, and many more stalls that reflect the rich culinary diversity of Malaysia.

Early birds can enjoy special prices from 3 to 9 March 2025, with adult tickets at RM118 nett, children at RM68 nett, and senior citizens at RM98 nett. From 10 March 2025 onward, the buffet is priced at RM138 nett for adults, RM78 nett for children, and RM118 nett for senior citizens. Interesting is, for every 1 full paying adult gets 1 mystery gift FREE, executed in a blind box concept. Prizes range from luxury items like Louis Vuitton and Chanel to shopping vouchers from Watsons, Starbucks, and more.

The Pearl Kuala Lumpur also ensures a complete Ramadan experience with a Halal-certified kitchen by JAKIM and a surau on the 8th floor for Maghrib and Tarawih prayers. Guests can dine comfortably in the 200-seat Melo Café & Deli or host larger gatherings in the ballroom, which accommodates up to 1,000 people.

This buffet offers more than just food—it’s an opportunity to celebrate and create special memories with loved ones. Don’t miss this extraordinary dining experience at The Pearl Kuala Lumpur.

For Reservations:
Syuhada 016-331 9675 https://wa.link/hvlufe
Noraini 016-331 8794 https://wa.link/c7crhm
Mazwin 016-331 8729 https://wa.link/h75l50
Aliza 011-1162 4462 https://wa.link/2yu47i
Sani 016-331 8795 https://wa.link/myl2o5
Yusri 016-620 2070 https://wa.link/ag4oy0

Food & Drink

All-You-Can-Eat Seafood at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur: Book Now for 20% Off

If you’re a seafood lover, you’re in for a treat! PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur’s “Bucked Out Seafood” night promises an unforgettable dining experience where you can eat your heart out with the freshest seafood selections. Happening every Sunday from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, this family-sharing concept combines premium seafood, diverse cooking styles, and an ambiance perfect for indulging in culinary delights.

Start your adventure by selecting your seafood from an impressive variety that includes fresh shrimp, live oysters, clams, crabs, slipper lobsters, escalopes, and fish. Place your selections into a bucket, and watch as your chosen seafood is cooked to perfection in your preferred style—Malay, Chinese, or Indian. Once ready, the seafood is served piping hot on a tray, making it ideal for sharing and savouring with loved ones.

But the feast doesn’t stop there. The buffet also boasts an extensive range of local and international cuisines, a sashimi station for fans of Japanese delicacies, and a shabu-shabu corner for hotpot enthusiasts.

Boston Lobster for everyone!
To elevate the experience, every diner enjoys a serving of succulent Boston Lobster, prepared either in rich thermidor style or grilled with zesty lemon butter.

Here’s the pricing for this indulgent affair:
Adults: MYR238 per person
Kids (6-11 years old): MYR119 per person

Reservations open on January 19, so mark your calendar!

My Personal Feedback
My wife and I had the pleasure of trying out this buffet, and we were especially impressed by the Malay paprik-style seafood. The rich flavors and fragrant spices gave the dishes an irresistible appeal that we couldn’t get enough of. The free-flow of fresh oysters was another highlight, offering an indulgent, refreshing start to the meal. As for the Boston Lobster, I personally loved the thermidor style, where the creamy, cheesy sauce paired beautifully with the tender lobster meat.

Exclusive Deal for You, My Followers
Book through the eShop using the promo code DIXON20 to enjoy a 20% discount. The code is valid from 19 January to 23 February 2025. Take advantage of this special offer to make your Sunday night extra memorable.

Book Now: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur eShop

Don’t miss the chance to treat yourself and your family to a luxurious seafood buffet. For more information, visit PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur’s website.

Enjoy exclusive savings for UOB and selected bank cardholders, eShop vouchers, and Pan Pacific DISCOVERY members for this offer. For dining reservations or enquiries, please WhatsApp at +6010 229 7156 or email dining.prckul@panpacific.com.