As the festive season sets in, we found ourself at Sunway Putra Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, drawn by the promise of indulgent flavors and heartwarming traditions. From the dazzling 12-foot Christmas tree at the Atrium Lounge to the delectable offerings at the “Meat-ival Celebration” buffet, the hotel perfectly encapsulates the spirit of togetherness and joy.
Festive Dining: A Gastronomic Delight
The Meat-ival Celebration” Buffet was an absolute feast for the senses. The highlight for me was the Roast Turkey with all the trimmings, which was beautifully moist and paired perfectly with the rich, savory gravy. But it was the Spiced Turkey with Masala Stuffing that truly stood out—unexpectedly bold and aromatic, it gave a festive classic an exciting twist.
The Roast Lamb with Creamy Percik Sauce was another crowd-pleaser. The lamb was tender, with the creamy percik sauce adding a hint of spice that elevated the dish. We couldn’t resist going back for seconds of the Taliwang Beef Ribs, which had a lovely smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The Rendang Duck Serati offered a fragrant, spicy kick, while the Spicy Malai Chicken Tikka was perfectly charred and complemented beautifully by the tangy mint chutney.
Regional favorites like the Chicken Satay Madura and Beef Satay Maranggi were well-executed, with perfectly grilled skewers that had just the right balance of sweetness and smokiness.
Christmas Eve Buffet: A Lavish Spread
On Christmas Eve, the buffet spread felt like a true celebration of flavors. The Beef Wellington was one of my favorites—flaky, buttery pastry encased perfectly cooked beef, and the accompanying sauce tied the dish together beautifully. The Scallop & Prawn Thermidor was another standout, with its creamy, cheesy goodness that didn’t overpower the natural sweetness of the seafood.
The Seafood on Ice Bar was a hit, offering an impressive variety of fresh prawns, mussels, and scallops. For dessert, the Yule Log Cake and Traditional Christmas Pudding were decadent and full of festive cheer, while the Stollen provided a delightful nutty sweetness.
The live carolers and a surprise visit from Santa added a magical touch, especially for the younger guests.
Christmas Day Hi-Tea: A Festive Midday Treat
The Christmas Day International Buffet Hi-Tea was an absolute delight. The Roast Duck Rice stole the show for me, with its crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. The Grilled Stingray was another favorite—the marinade was perfectly balanced, enhancing the fish without overwhelming it.
The Turkey Stew was hearty and comforting, a dish that felt like a warm hug in a bowl. The Roast Lamb with Potatoes and Vegetable Au Jus was another festive staple done right, with perfectly cooked meat and a rich, flavorful sauce.
The dessert spread didn’t disappoint, offering everything from classic Christmas cookies to indulgent cakes. Santa and his cheerful Santarinas made the experience even more special, handing out treats and posing for photos.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
We also had the chance to enjoy the New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner, which featured an equally impressive lineup of dishes. The Roast Beef was cooked to perfection, juicy and tender, while the Chilli Crab was packed with flavor, offering a delightful combination of spice and sweetness. The Crispy Butter Prawns with Cereal had the perfect crunch and a touch of sweetness that made it irresistible.
A Festive Staycation
The hotel’s Together at Christmas Package offers the perfect way to embrace the festive season, with a cozy stay and a delightful dinner and breakfast. Whether you’re looking for a festive escape or a memorable meal with loved ones, Sunway Putra Hotel delivers on all fronts.
For bookings, visit www.sunwayhotels.com/sunway-putra or call +603 4040 9888.
