We Tried the Turkish Buffet Spread At Shangri-La and It’s Heavenly

When Malaysians think of Turkey; they may visualise the beautiful Hagia Sofia, the hot air balloons of Cappadocia and the irresistible temptation of taking a bite from a wholesome wrap of doner kebab. However, Türkiye offers more than that.

In conjunction with the Turkish Cuisine Week from 21 May to 27 May, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism collaborates with renowned hospitality giant Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur to bring you a buffet spread of authentic Turkish cuisine.

Turkish cuisine is known to be deeply rooted in Anatolian history, which is also known to use fresh ingredients that can be found in the Mediterranean region.

Middle-eastern food lovers will be spoilt for choice with the selection of more than 30 dish variations including Kadinbudu kofte (fried minced lamb & rice), Saksuka (eggplants with tomato salsa) doner kebab, Yaprak Sarma (Stuffed Vine Leaves with Rice), Turkish Coffee and more.

The buffet will serve 35 types of dishes that consist of appetizers, main courses and desserts. Dishes that guests can look forward to including Saksuka (eggplants with tomato salsa), Kadinbudu kofte (fried minced lamb & rice), Yaprak Sarma (Stuffed Vine Leaves with Rice), Turkish Coffee and Fıstıklı Baklava (Baklava with Pistachio). The buffet also offers many options for vegetarian and vegan diets.

The Turkish Ministry and Shangri-La were kind enough to make us one of the first few to experience their authentic dishes. Personally, we loved the rich taste of the Yaprak Sarma, which was based on the recipe of Chef Turgay Gundogdu, a respected Turkish chef with 35 years of experience. The ingredients used in the dish felt foreign as if I was introduced to a different place for the first time - a great introduction to Turkiye I’d say, as someone whose experience of Türkiye lies in a bowl of dated Turkish Delights once upon a time.

As a coffee connoisseur, I was also taken on a journey down a street in Istanbul as the buffet also presented me with my first ever cup of Turkish coffee that was brewed with hot sand. According to the barista, the sand-filled bucket allows total control over the temperature of the coffee, resulting in a unique outcome.

Interested to give the buffet a try? Visit the Lemon Garden, Shangri-La Hotel from:

Date: 21 May to 27 May

Lunch: RM168 nett (Tuesday - Thursday) and RM188 nett (Friday - Sunday & Public Holiday) Dinner: RM188 nett (Tuesday - Thursday) for dinner

Premium Dinner: RM248 nett (Friday - Sunday) with seafood and local Malaysia cuisine

Book a table or find out more information at Shangri-La