In a city where Ramadan buffets often compete on sheer volume, hundreds of dishes, endless counters, and overwhelming spreads, Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur takes a markedly different approach. Its inaugural Centric Bazaar doesn’t try to outdo others in quantity. Instead, it narrows its focus, curating a smaller lineup of dishes that prioritises flavour, execution, and interaction.

The result is a Ramadan buffet that may not appeal to those who come armed with a checklist and an appetite to sample everything in sight, but one that largely succeeds where it matters most: the food itself.

An intentionally intimate setting

Hosted in the hotel’s SunRoom, Centric Bazaar immediately feels more restrained than typical hotel Ramadan buffets. Seating is capped at 120 guests per evening, and the space is laid out less like a massive dining hall and more like a compact market.

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There’s no long parade of chafing dishes here. Instead, the buffet is organised into chef-led stalls, each specialising in a specific dish. The idea is to echo the movement of a local bazaar, albeit one that’s air-conditioned, calm, and mercifully free of elbowing crowds.

This smaller scale inevitably means fewer choices. But it also allows guests to move around at an unhurried pace, engage with the chefs, and actually enjoy the experience without feeling rushed or overstimulated.

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Fewer dishes, better execution

The limited selection is noticeable, especially when compared to larger hotels that often showcase multiple versions of similar dishes. At Centric Bazaar, each stall represents a deliberate choice, familiar Malaysian classics that most people actually want to eat during Ramadan.

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Chef Afiq Ghani, better known as Chef Mumu, leads the concept alongside his culinary team. With over 15 years of experience in buffet operations, his approach here feels confident and restrained. Rather than adding more dishes for the sake of variety, the focus is on getting the fundamentals right.

Standout savoury highlights

Chef Kie’s Curry Laksa is one of the buffet’s strongest offerings. The broth is rich and aromatic without being overly cloying, striking a balance that’s often missed in buffet settings.

Chef Cha’s Rendang delivers the depth and tenderness expected of a festive classic. Slow-cooked and well-seasoned, it avoids the dryness that plagues many buffet renditions. Served alongside traditional accompaniments such as nasi impit or serunding, it feels comforting rather than showy.

Image Credit: Hyatt, Rojak Daily

A welcome surprise is Chef Diat’s Nasi Lamb Bokhary, created exclusively for Centric Bazaar. Fragrant rice paired with roasted lamb offers a break from the usual Malay-heavy rotation found at most Ramadan buffets, adding just enough variation without straying from familiar flavours.

To balance the richer dishes, Chef Zahir’s Kerabu Sotong brings brightness and texture to the spread. Light, tangy, and refreshing, it works particularly well as a palate reset between heavier plates.

Image Credit: Rojak Daily

Simple desserts that make sense

Dessert options follow the same philosophy as the savoury spread: limited, but thoughtfully executed. Chef Ain’s Ice Kacang leans into nostalgia rather than novelty, with guided combinations that highlight balance instead of excess sweetness.

Meanwhile, the experience kicks off with Aiman’s live teh tarik, a small but effective touch. Watching it being pulled fresh sets the tone for the buffet’s interactive angle and reinforces the emphasis on everyday Malaysian favourites done well.

Image Credit: Rojak Daily

Price and promotions

Centric Bazaar’s pricing reflects its more curated approach, positioning it comfortably within the mid-range of city Ramadan buffets:

• Early Bird: MYR 168+ per person (available until 9 February 2026)
• Regular Price: MYR 198+ per person (from 10 February 2026 onwards)
• Children below 12 enjoy 50% off
• Bank cardholders of CIMB, Maybank, and Alliance can enjoy a Buy 5, Get 1 Free privilege on MYR 198+ vouchers, redeemable under one confirmed group reservation

For corporate bookings or group iftars, these promotions make the buffet more attractive, particularly given the option to privatise one of the SunRooms for groups of 50 or more.

Our verdict

It’s important to be clear about what Centric Bazaar is, and what it isn’t. Guests expecting a huge Ramadan buffet with dozens of dishes across multiple cuisines may find the selection underwhelming. There are no endless rows of Western dishes, no dramatic carving stations beyond the essentials, and no sense of “everything under one roof.”

But for diners who value quality over quantity, Centric Bazaar offers a refreshing alternative. The majority of the dishes are well-executed, flavours are consistent, and the calmer atmosphere makes it easier to actually enjoy buka puasa as a social, shared moment.

Image Credit: Hyatt

It may not be the biggest buffet in town, but for what it sets out to do, it gets most things right.

For more information about Centric Bazaar, visit their website. Stay connected and get updates on Instagram and Facebook.

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