Step into a world of Newstalgia – a fusion of comforting memories and cutting-edge creativity – as Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur welcomes back its signature dining series, Dine With Chef 2025. Following last year’s success, the event returns with a bold new theme: Newstalgia: Memories Reinvented. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the flavours we grew up with, reimagined through the lens of modern gastronomy.
This year’s month-long culinary celebration brings together celebrated chefs from Hyatt hotels in Kuala Lumpur, as well as acclaimed culinary masters from Poland, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. At the heart of the event is the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur’s talented culinary team, joined by chefs from the newly opened Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur, the soon-to-open Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, and Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown.
Newstalgia taps into the emotions of childhood staples, transforming them with innovative techniques, cross-cultural influences and a touch of luxury. It’s more than a nod to the past – it’s a celebration of the present and a vision of the future. Each dining experience is carefully curated to be immersive, engaging all the senses through taste, ambience, interaction and perfectly paired menus.
“Dine With Chef is about honouring Malaysia’s vibrant culinary identity alongside the finest international culinary traditions while giving our chefs the freedom to play and collaborate,” says Olivier Lenoir, General Manager of Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. “By bringing together local and international culinary talents in addition to our chefs from the Hyatt properties in Kuala Lumpur, we’re turning this into a citywide celebration of culinary creativity and shared nostalgia. ”
Executive Chef Grzegorz Odolak adds, “This year, we’re not just serving meals – we’re curating moments that connect the past and future on a single plate. We want to position Hyatt as a creative force in Malaysia’s evolving dining scene – spotlighting its chefs, spaces, and stories through immersive gastronomy that invites exploration and emotional connection.”
A city-wide culinary journey
Guests can look forward to an exciting calendar of modern tasting menus, exclusive one-night-only collaborations and interactive chef-led sessions. Venues across the city – from the iconic skyline views at THIRTY8 and the relaxed charm of POOLHOUSE to the vibrant JPteres and the intimate pop-up on Level 5 – will come alive with gastronomic storytelling. Special highlights include a collaboration between Executive Chef Odolak and Pastry Chef Ali Saleh from Park Hyatt Jakarta, plus feature events at Hyatt Centric and the upcoming Park Hyatt and Hyatt Regency hotels.
Meet the Guest Chefs of Newstalgia: Memories Reinvented
The Spirit of Poland – Chef Mariusz Olechno, Chef Marcin Budynek and Chef Paweł Mieszała
Honouring the 234th anniversary of the Constitution of 3 May 1791 – a powerful symbol of liberty and resilience – this event is a tribute to Polish culture and history. Held in collaboration with the Embassy of Poland in Kuala Lumpur, it features three distinguished Polish chefs: Mariusz Olechno, Marcin Budynek, and Paweł Mieszała. Together, they showcase a menu of traditional Polish dishes that narrate the country’s rich historical and cultural journey through its culinary heritage.
Malaysian Celebrity Chef – Florence Tan
A true icon of Malaysian cuisine, Chef Florence Tan of Malacca is celebrated as a food historian, author and guardian of Nyonya culinary traditions. Her distinctive style balances authenticity with elegance, combining delicate flavours, bold spices, and nostalgic touches in each dish. For Dine With Chef, she presents a refined Peranakan menu that pays homage to her heritage, offering diners a taste of timeless Nyonya flavours, beautifully reimagined.
Private Dining Chef, Malaysia – Nyonya Su Pei
Hailing from Penang, Nyonya Su Pei is quietly revolutionising appreciation for traditional Nyonya cuisine through her highly sought-after, intimate dining experiences. At Dine With Chef, she brings her signature style to the spotlight, offering guests an exclusive taste of heirloom recipes typically reserved for cherished family occasions. Her dishes are thoughtfully crafted and presented with contemporary elegance, serving as a heartfelt tribute to heritage cooking and the generations of women who have preserved these treasured recipes.
Firangi Superstar, Singapore – Head Chef Raj Kumar
Singapore-born Chef Raj Kumar brings an adventurous spirit and a deep respect for his cultural roots to every dish he creates. Known for pushing culinary boundaries through unconventional pairings and fresh, bold ingredients, he leads the team at Firangi Superstar with a vision that reimagines Indian cuisine in innovative and thought-provoking ways. His creations are more than meals – they are immersive experiences that celebrate the diversity of South Asian gastronomy. Set against Firangi Superstar’s cinematic backdrop, Chef Raj’s menu invites diners on a journey where storytelling, culture and flavour converge in spectacular fashion.
Event highlights
Throughout May, Dine With Chef 2025 will feature a dynamic lineup of culinary experiences that blend heritage, innovation and storytelling across multiple Hyatt hotels in Kuala Lumpur. Each event offers a unique opportunity to savour bold flavours, engage with renowned chefs and enjoy immersive dining environments. Here’s what to look forward to:
The Spirit of Poland – THIRTY8, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Immerse yourself in the rich culinary traditions of Poland, led by three distinguished chefs. Chef Marcin Budynek brings creative flair to the à la carte dinner menu, while Chef Mariusz Olechno delivers authentic, time-honoured Polish flavours. Complementing the experience, award-winning Chef Paweł Mieszała presents his exquisite pastries at afternoon tea. To commemorate the Constitution of 3 May, a special St. Martin’s Afternoon Tea will be served from the 3rd to the 4th of May, featuring the iconic St. Martin’s Croissant – a festive pastry rooted in Poznań and Greater Poland, deeply tied to both St. Martin’s Day and Polish Independence Day.
Dates: 1st to 4th May 2025
Price: RM158 nett
Mother’s Day Brunch – THIRTY8, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur & IL Forno, Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur
Hosted at two vibrant venues, this heartfelt tribute begins at THIRTY8, where Chef Greg (Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur) is joined by Chefs Stig and Holger (Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur). The brunch is paired with a bespoke gin & tonic trolley and signature drinks including “The Matriarch” cocktail. Meanwhile, IL Forno presents a warm celebration with Chefs Enzo (Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur) and Jonas (Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown), offering a deeply soulful brunch. It’s the perfect setting to honour the extraordinary women in our lives.
Date: 11th May 2025
Price: Brunch at THIRTY8 (RM248 nett), “The Matriarch” cocktail (RM48+) and brunch at IL Forno (RM198+)
TanBuri Set Lunch – TanBuri, Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur
Discover a bold blend of Indian and Japanese influences, where aromatic tandoori meats and vegetables are layered over a comforting donburi rice bowl. Infused with local spices and secret house-made sauces, each bite is a celebration of cross-cultural creativity.
Dates: 12th to 16th May 2025
Price: RM40+
Peranakan Cuisine by Chef Florence Tan – JPteres, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Embark on a flavour-rich journey with Malaysia’s treasured Nyonya chef, Florence Tan. Famed for her deep-rooted passion and culinary storytelling, Chef Florence brings vibrant Peranakan dishes to life. The Peranakan Lunch Buffet is available from the 14th to the 16th of May and for a more personal encounter, join the Gerai Session on the 17th of May.
Dates: 14th to 17th May 2025
Price: Peranakan Lunch Buffet (RM128 nett – adult and RM64 nett – child) | Gerai Session (RM158 nett)
ARTÉnoon Tea with Chef Ali & Chef Kang – THIRTY8, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Join Pastry Chef Ali Saleh (Park Hyatt Jakarta) and Chef Low Kin Kang (Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur) for a visually stunning afternoon tea, where Asian-inspired sweet and savoury creations are transformed into elegant edible art.
Dates: 16th to 18th May 2025
Price: RM128 nett on weekdays and RM158 nett on weekends
Weekday Lunch Buffet with Chef Ramu & Tea Thambi – JPteres, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Rooted in the flavours of Tamil Nadu, Chef Ramu Kumar channels childhood memories and decades of expertise into dishes rich in Southern and Northern Indian tradition. Paired with curated teas from Tea Thambi.
Dates: 19th to 23rd May 2025
Price: Weekday buffet (RM128 nett – adult and RM64 nett – child)
India Through Another Lens with Raj Kumar – THIRTY8, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Chef Raj Kumar of Firangi Superstar (Singapore) invites guests to experience Indian cuisine in a new light – through modern techniques, bold storytelling and adventurous flavour profiles. Enjoy the à la carte menu at your own pace, exploring a vibrant reimagination of Indian culinary traditions.
Dates: 22nd to 24th May 2025
Price: A la carte
Private Dining by Nyonya Su Pei – JPteres, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
With over a decade of experience in private dining and culinary education, Nyonya Su Pei presents refined takes on treasured family recipes. Experience an intimate dinner for two on the 29th or 30th of May, or join her communal-style Gerai Session on the 31st of May for a shared taste of heritage.
Dates: 29th to 31st May 2025
Price: Dinner for two (RM248 nett) and Gerai Session (RM158 nett)
Guest Shift with WAX ON Berlin – @21 Rooftop Bar, Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur
Join Sam Orrock, mixologist from Berlin’s acclaimed Wax On (a fixture on the World’s 50 Best Bars list), for a collaborative guest shift alongside bartenders from Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur and Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. Celebrate global mixology with vibrant cocktails, flair-filled pours and creative concoctions.
Dates: 29th to 30th May 2025
Price: Packages start at RM108+ for three drinks and RM158+ for five
With limited availability and high demand, guests are encouraged to book these dining experiences early:
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Contact: restaurant.kuagh@hyatt.com | WhatsApp +60 12 621 9869
Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur:
Contact: KULCT-DigitalDine@hyatt.com | WhatsApp +60 12 628 9421
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