Diners seeking an authentic taste of Thailand without leaving the city can now indulge in The Essence of Thai Cuisine at Makan Kitchen, DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Running every Friday and Saturday evening from 8 June to 31 July 2026, the special dinner buffet showcases the culinary expertise of guest chef Noppadon Chant from DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket, bringing the vibrant flavours of the Land of Smiles directly to Malaysian diners.
Thai cuisine is renowned for its harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy notes, and this promotion successfully captures that philosophy through a selection of classic dishes and regional favourites.
Among the standout appetisers was the Minced Chicken Salad, a refreshing starter that delivered a lively combination of tender minced chicken, herbs and spices. The dish offered a satisfying contrast of textures while the bright citrus notes enhanced its overall freshness.
Another crowd favourite was the Som Tum, Thailand’s iconic green papaya salad. Crisp, crunchy and bursting with flavour, it showcased a delightful interplay of tangy lime, savoury fish sauce and gentle heat from chillies. The refreshing nature of the dish made it a perfect palate awakener.
The Miang Kharm provided a fun and interactive dining experience. Wrapped in fresh leaves and filled with an assortment of ingredients, each bite delivered layers of sweetness, nuttiness and aromatic complexity that reflected the essence of traditional Thai street food.
No Thai feast would be complete without Pad Thai Goong, and Makan Kitchen’s rendition did not disappoint. The stir-fried rice noodles were beautifully coated in a balanced tamarind sauce, while the prawns added a natural sweetness and satisfying bite. It was comforting, flavourful and highly approachable for diners of all ages.
Moving to the main dishes, the Slow-Cooked Beef Curry emerged as one of the evening’s highlights. The beef was exceptionally tender after hours of slow cooking, absorbing the rich curry spices and creating a deeply comforting dish with remarkable depth of flavour.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the Black Pepper Stir-Fried Squid, where perfectly cooked squid retained its natural tenderness while being enhanced by the aromatic warmth of black pepper. The dish struck an enjoyable balance between spice and savouriness.
The Minced Chicken with Basil showcased the simplicity and effectiveness of Thai home-style cooking. Fragrant basil elevated the minced chicken, creating a dish that was aromatic, savoury and wonderfully satisfying when paired with rice.
Equally appealing was the Cashew Nut Chicken, featuring succulent chicken pieces stir-fried with crunchy cashew nuts. The combination of textures, together with a lightly sweet and savoury sauce, made it an easy crowd-pleaser.
For seafood enthusiasts, the Lime Chilli Steamed Seabass Fillet proved to be a standout. The delicate fish was steamed to perfection and enhanced by a vibrant dressing of lime and chilli. The result was a dish that was both refreshing and intensely flavourful, highlighting the freshness of the seafood.
Ending the meal on a sweet note was the beloved Mango Sticky Rice. The ripe mango offered natural sweetness while the glutinous rice, enriched with creamy coconut milk, delivered the comforting finish expected from one of Thailand’s most celebrated desserts.
Beyond the Thai culinary showcase, Makan Kitchen is also running its Weekday Buffet from 2 June to 30 November 2026, available every Tuesday to Thursday. Diners can enjoy a rotating selection of specialties including Spiced Lamb Leg with Harissa Honey Glaze, Smoked Australian Beef Brisket Pastrami, Kelantan Ayam Percik Bakar, Signature Rendang Daging Tok, Kambing Tongseng and many other international and local favourites.
The Essence of Thai Cuisine Dinner Buffet is available every Friday and Saturday from 6.30pm to 10.00pm, priced at RM168 nett per adult and RM84 nett per child. Guests can also take advantage of the attractive Buy 4 Free 1 promotion, making it an excellent option for family gatherings and group dining occasions.
For reservations and enquiries, call +603 2172 7272 or email KULDT_FB@hilton.com.
