A Holiday Buffet That Delivers Festive Warmth by the Sea
If you’re planning a Christmas escape this year, The Westin Desaru Coast’s Coastal Christmas Buffet Dinner (24 & 25 December 2025, 6:30pm–10:30pm) is easily one of the most festive and flavour-packed celebrations you can indulge in. Priced at RM 298 nett per adult and RM 149 nett per child, the buffet brings together signature Christmas classics, fresh seafood, Asian favourites, and a beautiful collection of desserts — with an option to add free-flow wine for RM 188 nett.
Below is the curated selection of highlights and my food comments after tasting the Christmas spread.
Starters That Set the Tone
Scallop Ceviche
A refreshing and perfectly balanced starter. The scallops are plump, sweet, and lightly cured — the citrus brings a bright zing while the herbs add freshness. A great way to awaken the palate.
Maguro & Butter Fish Mosaic
Visually stunning and clean-tasting. The maguro offers a deep umami note while the butter fish melts almost instantly in the mouth. A refined cold starter that feels festive and premium.
Beetroot Salmon Gravlax
The beetroot cure gives the salmon a beautiful colour and a gentle earthy sweetness. The texture is silky, and it pairs well with the light dill dressing.
Smoked Duck Breast Salad
The smoky aroma hits first, followed by tender slices of duck with just the right amount of fattiness. The salad greens and dressing help cut through the richness, making it satisfying yet not heavy.
Seafood & Japanese Counter: Always a Crowd Favourite
Seafood on Ice
Expect fresh prawns, mussels, and oysters served chilled with classic condiments. The prawns are particularly sweet and firm — a clear standout. A must-visit station for seafood lovers.
Sashimi & Assorted Sushi
The sashimi selection is fresh and well-sliced, especially the salmon, which has a buttery bite. The sushi is well-executed, with rice that holds together nicely without being gummy. A pleasant Japanese inclusion that balances the Christmas-heavy options.
Christmas Highlights: The Heart of the Buffet
Roasted Whole Turkey Crown
Juicy and tender — not an easy task with turkey. The accompanying cranberry sauce adds a lovely sweet-tart contrast. The herb stuffing is fragrant and comforting, a true Christmas classic done right.
Beef Wellington
One of the night’s top highlights. The pastry is crisp and flaky, while the beef inside remains pink, savoury, and incredibly tender. The mushroom duxelles brings an earthy punch that ties everything together beautifully.
Lamb Osso Bucco
Rich, hearty, and slow-cooked to perfection. The lamb is fall-off-the-bone tender, soaking up the robust tomato-based sauce that’s full of depth. Perfect for those who love flavour-packed meats.
Angus Braised Beef Short Ribs
Expect melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with a bold, beefy flavour. The braising sauce is slightly sweet, savoury, and deeply satisfying — a comfort dish that warms you from the inside out.
Pan-Seared Salmon with Saffron Sauce
Beautifully cooked with crisp skin and moist flesh. The saffron sauce gives it a mild floral aroma without overpowering the salmon’s natural flavour.
Baked Cheese Oysters
Creamy, rich, and indulgent. The cheese crust adds a savoury punch that pairs well with the briny oyster — an addictive treat if you’re a cheese lover.
Asian Favourites Worth Going Back For
Chicken & Beef Satay
Fragrant, juicy, and grilled perfectly. The satay sauce is thick and nutty, adding depth without being overly sweet — one of the better satays served in hotel buffets.
Dang Galah Masak Kalio
A standout Malay dish. The giant prawns are tender and soak up the spiced coconut gravy beautifully. The flavours are bold, aromatic, and authentically rich.
Salted Egg Prawn
Crispy, creamy and savoury — the salted egg coating clings well to the prawns. The dish hits all the sweet-salty notes without being greasy.
Tandoori Chicken
Juicy, flavourful, and well-marinated. The spices permeate all the way through the meat, and the charred edges add a nice smokiness. Enjoy it with naan for the perfect combination.
Lamb Bhuna Gosht
A hearty Indian offering. The lamb is tender and coated in a thick, aromatic gravy full of spices. It’s bold, comforting, and pairs exceptionally well with jeera rice.
Desserts: A Festive Finale
White Mango Yule Log
A tropical twist on the traditional Yule log. It’s light, creamy, and subtly fruity — a refreshing alternative to the usual chocolate-heavy versions.
Opera Cake
Rich and elegant with well-balanced layers of coffee, chocolate, and almond sponge. Not overly sweet, making it perfect after a heavy meal.
Christmas Pudding with Vanilla Sauce
Dense, nostalgic, and filled with festive spices. The warm vanilla sauce cuts through the richness and ties the flavours together beautifully.
Strawberry Cream Puff
Light choux pastry filled with smooth strawberry cream. Simple but satisfying — a nice palate cleanser.
Tiramisu
Creamy with the right amount of coffee bitterness. The texture is soft and luscious, ending the meal on a comforting note.
The Westin Desaru Coast’s Coastal Christmas Buffet Dinner is a beautiful blend of festive classics, fresh seafood, and Asian flavours — all presented with quality and attention to detail. From the perfectly executed Beef Wellington to the rich Indian curries and refreshing desserts, the buffet is thoughtfully curated to cater to all ages and palates.
If you’re spending Christmas by the sea, this buffet is definitely a worthy celebration.
