12/07/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | JULY 12, 2025

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Honouring heritage through food

S HANGRI-LA Kuala Lumpur has been recognised as Malaysia’s first five-star hotel to be certified as a Malaysian Heritage Cuisine Hotel. The recognition was conferred by the National Heritage Department, along with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry during the hotel’s launch of its Malaysian Heritage Cuisine. Along with the honour, 2025 marks Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s 40th anniversary. In line with both occasions, the hotel has introduced the Malaysian Heritage Cuisine. By highlighting heritage cuisine, the hotel seeks to bring together the tapestry of cultures, histories and communities that define Malaysia, showing how local food has long been country’s first five-star Heritage Cuisine Hotel o Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur becomes

a universal language capable of weaving bonds across generations, backgrounds and beliefs. The decision to focus on Malaysian Heritage Cuisine is a natural extension of this identity. Food, after all, is inseparable from culture, memory and hospitality. For Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, serving food is not only about delighting the palate, but also about telling stories – stories of migration, adaptation and unity that parallel the history of Malaysia itself. For the initiative, a selection of Malaysian heritage dishes were served during the conferment ceremony, such as nasi dagang, Tok Rendang, roti jala, chicken rice, nasi goreng kampung and sup rebus tulang. These dishes were prepared by culinary chefs that trained under National Heritage Department Heritage Cuisine head Datuk Ismail Ahmad. Taste of legacy Available at the Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s Malaysian Heritage Menu pays tribute to the nation’s rich culinary legacy.

(From left) Ismail, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur general manager Daniel Kaeflein, Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, National Heritage Department director-general Mohamad Muda Bahadin and Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general Sharin Mokhtar during the launch of the hotel’s Malaysian Heritage Menu.

Various other new menu items at the hotel.

Packed nasi lemak.

durian pulut, adds a nostalgic touch to the menu. There will also be a comprehensive beverage list that features local favourites, such as kopi susu, kopi O, kopi C, teh susu, teh O, teh C, cham, milo ais, teh halia and Malaysian syrup for every palate. The Malaysian Heritage Menu will be available throughout the year and into 2026, to welcome the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

dining the celebration of heritage with signature dishes including bone soup, Hainanese chicken rice, Malaysian satay, char kuey teow, Laksa Utara, Nasi Dagang Terengganu, ketupat palas with Rendang Tok and nasi goreng kampung. An assortment of well-loved local snacks, such as roti jala with chicken and potato curry, colek buah-buahan, cucur udang, cucur nyiur and serawa menu continues

For the rest of the year, a Malaysian-style breakfast will be served daily from 7am to 11am, featuring a la carte selections that include Unesco-recognised dishes such as packed nasi lemak, roti canai, kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs and Nyonya curry laksa. Traditional beverages such as teh tarik will be available to complete the experience. From 11am to 9.30pm, the all-day

Hainanese chicken rice.

Suria KLCC elevates ‘park picnics’ into full-fledged festival SURIA KLCC recently wrapped up the return of its “Picnic in the Park”, which this year debuted in a vibrant festival set against the backdrop of KLCC Park and the Esplanade KLCC. basket and roadmap card to guide their festival journey – starting with whimsical face painting and

for Suria KLCC shoppers who spent RM3,000 and above in two receipts between June 13 and 29. Each qualifying shopper received a picnic admission for four, along with RM80 in F&B e-vouchers to enjoy at the festival. From 4pm to 9pm daily, 75 groups per day were treated to a one-of-a-kind experience in the park, framed by the Petronas Twin Towers and the Lake Symphony, from golden hour through twilight. The Esplanade KLCC was transformed into a whimsical festival ground, draped in sheer canopies and lush greenery. Upon registration, guests received a curated picnic

handcrafted beaded accessories at the Glam Bar Station, and continuing through the DIY drinks bar, coffee-tasting booth, photobooth with unlimited printouts and more. At KLCC Park, guests enjoyed earth-toned picnic setups beneath tipi tents, along with engaging workshops such as tote bag customisation and bubble play. Delectable bites and sips were served by Imperial Chakri Palace, TGI Fridays, Sakana, All About Chew, Eight Ounce Coffee Co and Gong Cha. Guests also received goodies from Toys “R” Us, Remax, Kiehl’s, MAC and Hoka. A highlight of the event was the 10-foot macrame centrepiece and performance stage on KLCC Park Hill, where guests were entertained by live performances from the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, buskers and drum circles. The evenings concluded with a view of the Lake Symphony Fountain Show, providing a fitting end to a magical evening. Picturesque photo ops, including a vintage combi van, rattan swing chair and the macrame installation, ensured guests had plenty of moments to capture and share.

Held from July 4 to 6, the three-day outdoor event brought together the joy of al-fresco dining and curated lifestyle experiences in a lively, experiential setting. Now in its third year, this signature campaign reached new heights with modern rustic decor, a Glam Bar for festival-ready looks, and a retro combi van turned snack hub and Instagram-worthy photo spot. Access to the festival was reserved

A visitor enjoying the earth-toned picnic setup at KLCC Park while enjoying a drink.

A group of friends picnicking at KLCC Park.

Eight Ounce Coffee Co truck at Suria KLCC.