Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is set to reignite the city’s culinary scene this May for the second time in a row with the return of its signature dining series, Dine With Chef 2025, themed Newstalgia: Memories Reinvented — a bold and beautifully crafted tribute to the flavours that shaped us, reimagined through the lens of modern gastronomy. The month-long dining event brings together a stellar lineup of exclusive collaborations with local and international chefs celebrated for their culinary artistry and storytelling. Led by the spectacular culinary team at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Dine With Chef this year proudly brings together talented chefs in the region, including participating chefs from the newly opened Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur, and the soon-to-debut Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown. This year’s theme, Newstalgia, taps into the emotional pull of childhood staples, the comforting flavours we grew up with — and reimagines them with progressive techniques, unexpected cross-cultural pairings, and a luxurious twist. It’s more than just honouring the past - it is celebrating the present and a reinterpretation for the future. Each dining event is thoughtfully designed to take guests on a sensory journey that goes beyond taste — incorporating ambience, chefs’ interactions, and curated pairings.
“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. ”
“What excites us about Dine With Chef this year is how it opens up room for storytelling,” says Grzegorz Odolak, Executive Chef of Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. “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 Culinary Odyssey Across Hyatt Hotels in Kuala Lumpur
Guests can expect modern tasting menus, one-night-only collaborations, and interactive chef-led sessions that celebrate both innovation and nostalgia. From the iconic skyline views at THIRTY8, to the semi-alfresco ambience of POOLHOUSE, and from the vibrant casual setting of JPteres to the intimate pop-up space on Level 5, Dine With Chef transforms Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur into a month-long celebration of culinary storytelling led by the hotel’s Executive Chef Grzegorz Odolak with a special collaboration with Pastry Chef Ali Saleh of Park Hyatt Jakarta. This year, the series also extends beyond its flagship venue to include the newly opened Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur featuring Executive Chef Vincenzo Carbone, together with the anticipated openings of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur with Executive Chef Stig Drageide and Executive Pastry Chef Holger Deh, and showcasing Executive Chef Jonas Juchli of Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown.
Meet the Guest Chefs of Newstalgia: Memories Reinvented
Each featured chef joining Dine With Chef 2025 brings a personal story, a cultural perspective, and a unique culinary lens to the table. Their dishes are more than just food — they’re edible memoirs, expressive, boundary-pushing, and deeply rooted in identity.
The Spirit of Poland - Chef Mariusz Olechno, Chef Marcin Budynek and Chef Paweł Mieszała
This celebration of Polish culture and history, commemorates the 234th anniversary of the Constitution of 3 May 1791 symbolising liberty and resilience. In collaboration with the Embassy of Poland in Kuala Lumpur, the event features three renowned Polish culinary experts, presenting traditional dishes that tell the story of Poland's rich historical narrative through its culinary heritage.
Malaysian Celebrity Chef - Florence Tan
A living legend in the Malaysian culinary scene, Chef Florence Tan of Malacca is best known for her work as a food historian, author, and cultural guardian of Nyonya cuisine. Her approach combines authenticity with elegance — expect delicate flavours, bold spice profiles, and nostalgic elements woven through beautifully plated dishes. For Dine With Chef, she presents an elevated Peranakan menu that celebrates her heritage with a refined touch.
Private Dining Chef, Malaysia - Nyonya Su Pei
Nyonya Su Pei from Penang is quietly shaping a new appreciation for authentic Nyonya cuisine through her sought-after intimate culinary experiences. At Dine With Chef, she brings her personal flair to the stage, offering guests a rare taste of heritage recipes usually reserved for family tables — lovingly prepared and presented with modern finesse. Her presence offers a heartfelt tribute to heirloom cooking and the women who passed these recipes down.
Firangi Superstar, Singapore - Head Chef Raj Kumar
Driven by a deep love for exploring unconventional pairings and fresh ingredients, Singapore-born Chef Raj Kumar sparks the creation of daring and original dishes. By drawing on his cultural heritage, he aims to foster curiosity and a more comprehensive understanding of South Asian culinary identity. This Singapore-born is the driving force behind Firangi Superstar's exceptional culinary team where he reimagines Indian gastronomy with a bold and innovative approach, delivering a culinary adventure as captivating as its visually rich ambiance. Blending the real and the imagined, Firangi Superstar provides an immersive cultural exploration where the extraordinary setting enhances the rich narratives and flavours of India.
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.
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 website and follow 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.
