DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur has officially kicked off the holiday season with its “A Season of Hope & Purpose” Christmas showcase, a warm, flavour-packed celebration held at the hotel’s signature Makan Kitchen.
The evening began at Axis Lounge, where guests were greeted with welcome cocktails, a refreshing start that instantly set the tone for a cosy, Christmassy night. Daniel Alcaraz, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur, opened the festivities by lighting up the charming Gingerbread City, a tradition inspired by the hotel’s iconic warm chocolate chip cookie gifted to guests upon check-in.
Image Credit: Rojak Daily
From there, guests made their way to Level 11, where Makan Kitchen awaited with door gifts and a warm welcome. The space was thoughtfully arranged into three main culinary zones, Chinese, Indian, and Western, each featuring a generous spread crafted specially for the festive season.
And trust us, this buffet does not play around.
A feast for every palate
DoubleTree’s Christmas menu highlights a diverse selection of dishes, but a few stars stood out above the rest. At the Western counter, the massive 40kg Slow-Roasted Wagyu Beef Leg commanded attention. Buttery and melt-in-your-mouth, it was seasoned beautifully with herbs and spices, paired perfectly with rich sauces and roasted vegetables, and complemented by juicy, flavourful roasted chicken.
Image Credit: Rojak Daily
Seafood lovers were treated to the Poached Whole Norwegian Salmon, a dish that impressed even those who usually steer clear of fish. Fresh, mild, and delicate, the salmon had a firm texture with a subtle sweetness and absolutely no unpleasant fishy smell.
As someone who typically avoids fish that isn’t fully cooked or overly seasoned, this salmon, whether poached, baked, or served as fresh sashimi, was a surprising delight.
The true crowd favourites
If one station stole the spotlight, it was the Seafood on Ice. Guests flocked to stack their plates with big, juicy oysters, plump lobsters and crab legs, extra-large clams and mussels packed with briny goodness, and sweet, tender prawns.
Image Credit: Rojak Daily
Nothing was dry, rubbery, or bland, a rare achievement for buffet-style seafood. The crabs, in particular, were meaty and bursting with flavour.
Another highlight was the live grill which added a smoky, mouth-watering touch with sambal prawns, tender Australian lamb shoulder, and perfectly grilled chicken. Each dish was balanced, aromatic, and surprisingly light despite the spice.
Indian Spread Highlight: Crab Dum Biryani
Image Credit: Rojak Daily
The biggest showstopper on the Indian spread was the Crab Dum Biryani. Fragrant, flavourful rice mingled with sweet, firm crab meat, infused with beautiful spices that made every bite comforting without being heavy.
As someone who rarely enjoys biryani due to it being overcooked or under-spiced, this one hit all the right notes.
A Christmas dessert wonderland
No festive feast is complete without dessert, and DoubleTree delivered a glorious sugar-laced finale.
The dessert counter featured Christmas Yule logs, tarts, mousses, cookies, and a variety of cakes.
Image Credit: Rojak Daily
Everything was beautifully presented, the kind of spread that makes both kids and adults light up with joy. Each bite carried a hint of Christmas spirit, making it easy to forget we were celebrating in November.
Explore DoubleTree’s festive offerings
Makan Kitchen – Malaysian & International Flavors
- Sips of the Season
1 Dec 2025 – 1 Jan 2026 | RM25 nett per person
Free-flow festive drinks crafted for holiday cheer. - Holiday High Tea Buffet
1 – 29 Dec 2025 | 12:30pm – 4:00pm (Blackout: 25 Dec)
RM148 nett adult | RM74 nett child
Highlights: Roasted Australian Leg of Lamb, Irish Oxtail Stew, Wok-Fried Chili BB Crab, Chocolate & Chestnut Yule Log
Activities: Racing Simulator, Arcade, Nintendo Switch, Pool Splash, Carnival, Clown Appearance - Holiday Dinner Buffet
1 – 30 Dec 2025 | 6:30pm – 10:00pm (Except 24–25 Dec)
Sun–Thu: RM168 nett adult | RM84 nett child
Fri–Sat: RM189 nett adult | RM95 nett child
Highlights (rotating): Pastrami Spiced Beef Brisket, Roasted Leg of Lamb, Mud Crab Dum Briyani, Irish Oxtail Stew - Festive Dinner Buffet
24 – 25 Dec 2025 | 6:30pm – 10:00pm
RM228 nett adult | RM114 nett child
Highlights: Slow-Roasted Wagyu Leg, Smoked Beef Ribs, Baked Salmon, Grilled Australian Lamb Shoulder, Goan-Style Red Snapper
Activities: Santa & Cookie Man Appearance, Special Festive Drink - Festive High Tea Buffet
25 Dec 2025 | 12:30pm – 4:00pm
RM158 nett adult | RM79 nett child
Highlights: Truffle Spatchcock Chicken, Irish Oxtail Stew, Wok-Fried Chili Crab, Chocolate & Chestnut Yule Log - New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet
31 Dec 2025 | 6:30pm – 10:00pm
RM238 nett adult | RM119 nett child
Add RM35 nett for free-flow soft drinks
Highlights: Sashimi of Four Kinds, Thor Hammer Beef, Australian Lamb Briyani, Wok-Fried Noodles with Abalone
Special: Free entry to Countdown Party with drink & party pack - New Year’s Day High Tea Buffet
1 Jan 2026 | 12:30pm – 4:00pm
RM158 nett adult | RM79 nett child
Highlights: Seafood on Ice, BBQ Glazed Lamb Ribs, Australian Lamb Varuval, Ipoh White Coffee Tiramisu, Strawberry Victoria Cake
Tosca – Italian Dining
- Touches of Truffle
1 Nov – 31 Dec 2025
November: Truffle & Brie Croquette (RM68), Truffle Boscaiola Pizza (RM78), Wagyu Rump Steak (RM158)
December: Truffle Ravioli (RM88), Truffle Tagliolini with Chicken Supreme (RM88) - Festive Set Dinner (5-Course)
24 – 25 Dec 2025 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm
RM288 nett per person | Add wine pairing RM60 (2 glasses) / RM100 (3 glasses)
Menu Highlights: Cured Swordfish with Caviar, Turkey & Mushroom Scarpinòcc, Wagyu Striploin or Poached Lobster - New Year’s Set Dinner (5-Course)
31 Dec 2025 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm
RM288 nett per person | Wine pairing options available
Menu Highlights: Harima Oyster, Quail Rondelle with Winter Black Truffle, Wagyu Striploin MS4 or Black Cod Fish
Axis Lounge / Cellar Door
- New Year Celebration
31 Dec 2025 | 9:00pm – 12:00am
From RM48 nett adult | RM24 nett child
Includes one drink and party pack.
Foodstore – Sweet Treats & Takeaways
- Festive Afternoon Tea (Set for Two)
1 – 31 Dec 2025 | 3:00pm – 8:00pm
RM98 nett per set | Add RM68 for two glasses of sparkling wine
Savoury: Truffle Egg Crémeux, Chicken Pastrami Sandwich, Smoked Salmon Sandwich
Sweet: Black Forest Log, Christmas Fruit Cake, Mixed Nuts Tart, Cranberry Scones - Savory Splendor (Takeaway)
18 Nov – 31 Dec 2025
Braised Angus Beef Short Ribs (RM458), Angus Beef Wellington (RM488), Slow-Roasted Australian Lamb Leg (RM428)
Our verdict
DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur’s “A Season of Hope & Purpose” buffet is more than just a meal, it’s an experience that captures the essence of the holidays. From the warm welcome at Axis Lounge to the thoughtfully curated dishes across multiple cuisines, every detail reflects a commitment to creating moments of joy and togetherness.
What makes this showcase special is its ability to balance tradition with innovation. Classic festive favourites sit comfortably alongside bold, contemporary dishes. Combined with the hotel’s signature hospitality and cosy ambience, this is the kind of dining experience that turns a simple meal into a cherished memory.
If you’re looking for a place to gather with loved ones and indulge in the spirit of Christmas, DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur delivers in every way. For more information, please contact +03 2172 7272, email [email protected] or visit their website.
Featured Image Credit: Rojak Daily
