28.04.2025

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur returns with #DineWithChef2025

Step into a world of “Newstalgia” this May featuring renowned chefs from Hyatt hotels in Kuala Lumpur and accomplished master chefs from Poland, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Words: Nina

Photos courtesy of Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

 

There's something magical that happens when culinary nostalgia meets innovation—a dance of flavors that both comforts and surprises.

This May, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur orchestrates this delicate balance with their triumphant return of #DineWithChef2025, themed "Newstalgia: Memories Reinvented." As someone who has experienced the consistently delicious offerings across Hyatt properties, I can attest that this month-long gastronomic festival promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.

My love affair with Hyatt's culinary prowess began at THIRTY8, perched majestically at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. The panoramic views of the city skyline formed a dramatic backdrop to a meal that was equally impressive—perfectly seared steaks, seafood of remarkable freshness, and desserts that were visual masterpieces. Each bite was a testament to Executive Chef Grzegorz Odolak's commitment to excellence, transforming high-quality ingredients into unforgettable sensory experiences.

But perhaps my most cherished Hyatt dining memory comes from an unassuming dish at Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur Bukit Jalil - their chicken rice. In this seemingly simple Malaysian staple, I discovered culinary perfection: fragrant jasmine rice cooked in rich chicken stock, impossibly tender poached chicken, and a trio of condiments that elevated each mouthful. It's this attention to detail in even the most traditional dishes that showcases Hyatt's culinary philosophy -respecting heritage while quietly perfecting it.

#DineWithChef2025 food shots from some of the highlighted dishes.

 

This year's #DineWithChef2025 amplifies that philosophy exponentially, bringing together culinary virtuosos from Poland, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia for a spectacular gastronomic takeover. Olivier Lenoir, General Manager of Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur captures the essence perfectly:

"Dine With Chef is about honoring Malaysia's vibrant culinary identity alongside the finest international culinary traditions while giving our chefs the freedom to play and collaborate."

The event transforms multiple Hyatt properties into stages for culinary storytelling. From the sophisticated heights of THIRTY8 to the vibrant casual setting of JPteres, and extending to the newly opened Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur and soon-to-debut Park Hyatt and Hyatt Regency properties, diners are invited on a journey that transcends mere eating.

The guest chef lineup reads like a who's who of culinary excellence. Polish masters Mariusz Olechno, Marcin Budynek, and Paweł Mieszała kick off the festival, celebrating Poland's rich heritage through beautifully executed traditional dishes. Malaysian legend Florence Tan brings her unparalleled knowledge of Nyonya cuisine, while Penang's Nyonya Su Pei offers rare heritage recipes usually reserved for family tables.

Key Event Highlights of Dine With Chef 2025: 

Each week in May unveils a fresh lineup of culinary experiences, from lunch buffets to elegant high teas and dramatic multi-course affairs:

  • 1 - 4 May | The Spirit of Poland - THIRTY8, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur                           

    Immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary heritage of Poland guided by three distinguished Polish chefs. Experience the innovative creations of Chef Marcin Budynek and the authentic flavours crafted by Chef Mariusz Olechno for à la carte dinner, and the exquisite pastries of award-winning chef Paweł Mieszała at afternoon tea. In commemoration of the Constitution on 3 May, the St. Martin's Afternoon Tea will be taking place from 3 to 4 May at MYR 158 nett, and will feature the St. Martin's Croissant. This unique pastry, traditionally baked in Poznań and Greater Poland, is not only a festive treat for St. Martin’s Day but also holds a special connection to Polish Independence Day.

  • 11 May | Mother’s Day Brunch - THIRTY8, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur & IL Forno, Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur                    

    Held at two different locations, Chef Greg of Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will be joined by Chef Stig and Chef Holger of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur in a heartfelt culinary tribute at THIRTY8 from MYR 248 nett. This heartfelt tribute is also paired with a bespoke gin & tonic trolley and thoughtfully crafted mocktails and cocktails including the signature “The Matriarch” available at MYR 48+ per glass. At IL Forno, Chef Enzo of Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur and Chef Jonas of Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown have curated a culinary embrace for the extraordinary women in our lives priced at MYR 198+. Create cherished moments and express your deepest appreciation this Mother's Day at IL Forno, where every dish is served with love.

  • 12 - 16 May | TanBuri Set Lunch - TanBuri, Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur                  

    Imagine a culinary journey where the fiery aromas of Indian tandoor meet the comforting embrace of a Japanese donburi rice bowl. Here, succulent tandoori meats and vegetables, infused with local spices, nestle atop fragrant rice. Each bite tells a story of tradition and innovation, enhanced by a swirl of their secret homemade sauces. Discover this East-meets-South delight for MYR 40+

  • 14 – 17 May | Peranakan Cuisine by Chef Florence Tan - JPteres, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur                                            

    Embark on a heritage-rich culinary journey with Chef Florence Tan, Malaysia’s beloved icon of Nyonya cuisine. Bringing the vibrant flavours of the Peranakan community to life, her passion, authenticity, and culinary expertise have captivated audiences around the world. Savour her signature creations at a Peranakan Lunch Buffet from 14–16 May, priced at just MYR 128 nett for adults and MYR 64 nett for children. For an even more intimate experience, don’t miss the exciting Gerai Session on 17 May at MYR 158 nett.

  • 16 - 18 May | ARTÉnoon Tea with Chef Ali & Chef Kang - THIRTY8, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur                                            Joining Pastry Chef Low Kin Kang of Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, the esteemed Pastry Chef Ali Saleh from Park Hyatt Jakarta presents an art-themed afternoon tea featuring an Asian-inspired selection of sweet and savoury creations, elevated into elegant, bite-sized masterpieces at MYR 128 nett on weekdays and MYR 158 nett on weekends.

  • 19 – 23 May | Weekday Lunch Buffet with Chef Ramu & Tea Thambi - JPteres, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur                                 

    Chef Ramu Kumar’s culinary journey began as a child in Tamil Nadu, inspired by the rich aromas of his grandmother’s kitchen. Over the years, he has mastered the art of both Northern and Southern Indian cuisine, continuing to share the vibrant essence of Tamil Nadu through every dish he creates in collaboration with Tea Thambi at MYR 64 nett per child and MYR 128 nett per adult.

  • 22 – 24 May | India Through Another Lens with Raj Kumar of Firangi Superstar - THIRTY8, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur       

    Chef Raj Kumar reimagines Indian cuisine through playful storytelling, bold flavours, and modern creativity. His inventive style comes to life at Firangi Superstar in Singapore where tradition meets innovation, drawing inspiration from the richness and vibrancy of India. Guests can enjoy the experience with à la carte pricing, allowing them to explore the menu at their own pace.

  • 29 - 31 May | Private Dining by Nyonya Su Pei - JPteres, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur                     

    Nyonya Su Pei is a passionate guardian with over 10 years of experience in private dining and culinary instruction. Blending heritage recipes passed down through generations with modern flair, she continues to inspire the next generation of chefs. Enjoy an intimate private dinner for two from 29 to 30 May at MYR 248 nett, or join her flavour-packed Gerai Session on 31 May at MYR 158 nett.

  • 29 – 30 May | Guest Shift with WAX ON Berlin featuring Mixologists from Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur - @21 Rooftop Bar, Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur                   

    This special event will feature Sam Orrock, the celebrated mixologist from Berlin's renowned Wax On, a fixture on the World's 50 Best Bars list. Joined by mixologists from participating Hyatt hotels in Kuala Lumpur, this exclusive collaboration brings together cutting-edge cocktail culture and world-class bartending talent for a high-energy showcase, celebrating the art of mixology through flavour, craftsmanship, creativity, and visual flair with cocktail packages starting at MYR  108+ for three drinks and MYR  158+ for five. 

Complementing the key events, discover a curated ongoing series of diverse culinary experiences at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur:

  • Every Friday & Saturday | Sake, Uni & Caviar Tasting Dinner - Level 5, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur                                            

    An exquisite showcase of culinary craftsmanship, this intimate dining experience invites guests on a palate-pleasing journey through refined flavours, delicate textures, and the art of precision on every plate in collaboration with Sushi Azabu at MYR 688 nett.

  • Every Friday & Saturday | Fun & Flames Weekend BBQ - POOLHOUSE, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur                                 

    Chef Izmin’s cuisine seamlessly blends the warmth of comfort food with the sophistication of modern dining, a reflection of his diverse culinary journey. This dedication to excellence is exemplified in his dishes, where meticulous attention to detail and a preparation process result in a richly flavoured culinary experience for MYR 128 nett.   

                                 

  • Every Thursday to Sunday | Le Petit Chef - Grand Residence, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur       

    Take a ride on an extraordinary 90-minute dining experience with a wondrous 3D mapping performance which promises a multisensory wonderment as you will explore the cultures and food from different regions. Menus start from MYR 248 nett for children, with adult options progressing from Le Grand Végétarien at MYR 398 nett, Le Grand Chef at MYR 468 nett, to the ultimate Le Master Chef experience at MYR 598 nett.

 

What makes #DineWithChef2025 truly special isn't just the extraordinary talent assembled but the emotional connection forged through food. Each chef brings personal narratives and cultural perspectives that transform their creations into edible memoirs—dishes that speak of childhood memories, family traditions, and cultural identities while pushing culinary boundaries.

In today's dining landscape, where innovation often comes at the expense of soul, Hyatt has mastered the delicate art of honoring tradition while embracing the future. This culinary celebration isn't merely about spectacular food—though that's guaranteed—it's about creating moments of connection and discovery through the universal language of exceptional cuisine.

For anyone passionate about extraordinary dining experiences, #DineWithChef2025 isn't just recommended—it's essential. Book your seats quickly; this gastronomic journey promises to be the most coveted culinary event of the season in Kuala Lumpur, and based on my previous culinary experiences at Hyatt properties, your taste buds will thank you.

 

With seats expected to sell out quickly, advance reservations are highly recommended. For more information about #DinewithChef2025, its main events and participating restaurants, please click here or visit our website and follow us on Facebook or Instagram. For reservations and dining enquiries at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, kindly email restaurant.kuagh@hyatt.com or WhatsApp at +60 12 621 9869.  For reservations and dining enquiries at Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur, kindly email KULCT-DigitalDine@hyatt.com or WhatsApp at +60 12 628 9421.

About the Author

Nina, Beauty, Wellness & Lifestyle Editor

Rooted in the sensual pleasures of life, Nina is a Taurus at heart—drawn to beauty, comfort, and timeless indulgence. Her writing for GC reflects a deep appreciation for the art of living well, from restorative wellness rituals and luxurious escapes to the pleasures of a perfectly crafted meal. With an instinct for aesthetics and a devotion to quality, Nina curates experiences that soothe the senses and elevate the soul. For her, elegance isn't just a style—it's a way of being.

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