Serena Brasserie’s A Feast for All Ages Buffet

It's that time of year again! The holidays are here, and if you're looking to indulge in festive cheer with a side of mouthwatering food, look no further than the  InterContinental Kuala Lumpur. This year, they've kicked things up a notch with their "Season of Golden Tidings" celebration, a whole month of festive fun, luxury and of course so much good food. As if the holidays weren't already magical enough, this round of Christmas Buffet promises to take your celebrations to a whole new level.

Get ready to stretch those stomachs because Serena Brasserie is pulling out all the stops with their Sparkling Season Dinner Buffet. From December 1st - 23rd and again from December 26th - 30th, you'll be treated to an epic spread of seasonal dishes that’ll have you coming back for more (and probably more, again… and again). For just RM278 nett per adult and RM139 nett per child, you can enjoy everything from juicy meats to fresh seafood, all set in the gorgeous festive decor that only InterContinental could pull off.

Let’s talk about the stars of the show at Serena Brasserie’s festive buffet. First up, the Slow Roasted Prime Rib… this melt-in-your-mouth beauty is a must-try, perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection (jawnji). Then there’s the Salmon en Croute, where flaky pastry meets rich, tender salmon, a combo that feels both indulgent and comforting. For seafood lovers, the Fresh Seafood on Ice is a dream, offering everything from succulent prawns to plump oysters, all chilled and ready for you to devour (this is my favourite, every time!). If you're craving a touch of British tradition, the Yorkshire Pudding will hit the spot - warm, golden, and perfectly pillowy, it’s the ideal sidekick to any main.

Chup, there’s more! If you're into the whole festive vibe (and let's face it, who isn't kan), you have to try their selection of seasonal desserts. I’m talking about rich, indulgent cakes, cookies and a lot of sugar in every bite. It’s Christmas in dessert form, and it’s everything you’ve been waiting for. Drum rolllll…… the grand finale: the Exquisite Festive Desserts. A selection that’s as decadent as it is festive, featuring everything from rich yule logs to cute gingerbread cookies, guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth in the room.

For those who want to kick it up a notch for the big days (December 24th - 25th), don’t miss out on the Golden Feast Dinner Buffet. This one’s priced at RM318 nett per adult and RM159 nett per child, and it’s worth every single cent.

Now, if you’ve ever wanted a full-on luxurious experience (who hasn’t, right?), InterContinental Kuala Lumpur has partnered with Helena Rubinstein, the queen of skincare. Helena Rubinstein is all about high-performance beauty, and this festive season, they’ve designed an elevated ritual to leave you feeling pampered and glowing.

If you book a Suite or Premium Lounge Access Room, you’ll get to experience the Replasty Age Recovery Welcome Ritual. Basically think rejuvenation with a Replasty Age Recovery Day and Night Cream duo - a little luxury to help you recover from that long-haul flight or simply the stress of holiday shopping. You’ll also receive a Replasty Age Recovery Eye Cream turndown amenity, a perfect little gift to enhance your nighttime skincare routine and get you ready for a cozy night of beauty sleep.

InterContinental Kuala Lumpur’s Season of Golden Tidings is more than just a feast for the belly it’s a feast for the soul. Whether you’re sharing a moment with loved ones, making new memories with friends or simply indulging in the magic of the season, this holiday celebration has something for everyone.

So, what are you waiting for? Make sure you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. The holidays are meant to be filled with joy, indulgence, and a whole lot of good food. Treat yourself (and maybe even your family and friends too) to a Christmas Buffet at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur. Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday —may it be filled with love, laughter and… plenty of food!

Turkey, Lamb and Yummy Desserts: Christmas Food Heaven at M Resort Hotel PJ

If you’ve been around my blog long enough, you’ll know I’m a sucker for anything merry let it be lights, sparkles, food, food and… more food (you know where this is going, right). So when Miera invited me as her plus one to check out M Resort Hotel Petaling Jaya Christmas buffet spread at their Fairway Coffee House, I didn’t even pretend to think twice. Santa hasn’t even warmed up the sleigh yet, but my makan mood? Fully activated (me when it comes to food ‘wink’).

Walking into Fairway Coffee House honestly felt like stepping into a Christmas postcard, minus the snow of course (eyes rolling) because, hello, we are in Malaysia (eyes just did a back flip). But the ambience? On point. Warm lights, happy people, and that faint whiff of roasted something-something that gets your stomach waking up. Whether you’re coming with your makan gang, colleagues who pretend they don’t eat much (absolute lies!), or family members who skip lunch “to make space”, the whole vibe just screams, “Okay guys, Christmas mode ONZZZ.”

Let’s get real, us Malaysians love Christmas but we love-love Christmas FOOD even MORE. And Fairway Coffee House clearly understood the assignment because their Christmas Eve spread is basically a culinary parade. I walked in thinking I’d just “take a look” first. Spoiler: I lied. Titik.

The superstar: Roasted Turkey complete with all the trimmings. I’m talking stuffing, gravy, sauce ie. the whole works. Now, I know turkey can sometimes taste like cardboard if done wrongly, but this one? Moist, flavourful and I may just eaten more than one plate. Don’t judge please.

Next to it, the Red Ribbon Bone-In Ribeye was calling out to me like, “Lily… come laaaa...”. And then, as if that wasn’t enough, there’s the Roasted Whole Lamb Leg with Roasted Root Vegetables. If you’re a lamb lover, this will make you tear up a little. I’m not saying I got emotional, but I’m also not denying it.

 
Oh yah…. My baby carrot get a special mention. IYKYK – hint to Miera.
 
Sambung – there’s also Lamb Navarin, Classic Beef Stroganoff, Creamed Spinach Salmon and the Traditional Shepherd’s Pie. I don’t know who curated this list but they clearly believe in feeding people (us) properly.
 
No Christmas Eve dinner is complete without desserts, and this buffet’s dessert counter… whew. Let’s just say if Santa went missing, you could probably find him here sneaking bites.

Chocolate Logs, gorgeous Entremets, cute little Petit Gateaux, Tarts, basically every fancy sweet treat you’ve seen on gram but can actually touch and eat. And then you have the nostalgic Christmassy stuff: Marzipan Stollen, Panettone, Cookies, Bread Pudding with Creme Anglaise. Warm, sweet, comforting.

 
At this point, I told myself I’d “just taste a bit”. Again… lies.
 
One thing I love about Malaysian buffets? Even when celebrating snow, reindeer and Santa, we MUST have our Asian staples. And M Resort delivered.
 
There’s Malay, Indian, and Chinese selections — everything from curries to biryanis to noodles to stir-fry. Then there’s the Japanese section where the sushi and sashimi look way too tempting to ignore. And yes, there’s grilled seafood too, just in case you needed an excuse to get another plate.

Basically, if your family is like mine where everyone wants something different, this buffet covers all arguments. No one leaves unhappy.

 
There’s also a spread of local dishes, just because.... And of course - more desserts. At this point, I accepted that on Christmas weekend it’ll be 90% eating, 10% pretending I would go to the gym after.
 
M Resort Hotel really nailed the festive vibes this year. The Christmas Eve buffet feels indulgent, warm and wonderfully Christmassy.

If you’re planning a festive gathering — family, friends, office or even a self-love solo makan date (no judgment!) — Fairway Coffee House is definitely worth checking out. Come hungry, wear comfy pants, and remember: calories consumed during Christmas don’t count. 

Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner
24 December 2025 : 6.30pm – 10.30pm
RM238nett per adult & 119nett per child aged 5 - 11 years
RM167nett per senior citizen aged 60 years and above

Christmas Day Buffet Hi Tea
25 December 2025 : 12.00pm – 4.00pm
RM185nett per adult & 93nett per child aged 5 - 11 years
RM130nett per senior citizen aged 60 years and above

Halal Restaurant in Hanoi: Batavia Restaurant

If you are a traveller like me then you know the struggle of finding proper halal makan in non-Muslim-majority cities. So guess what? While strolling through the charming chaos of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, I stumbled upon a gem that had me grinning from ear to– Batavia Restaurant!

A Little Piece of Indonesia in Hanoi
Tucked away in the heart of Hanoi, Batavia is not just any Indonesian restaurant – it's a cozy, homey spot bursting with authentic flavors, warm service, and loads of soul. Think Balinese wood décor meets Vietnamese charm. Love at first sight lah!

The heart and soul behind Batavia? Meet Mr. Iwan, an Indonesian expat with a big smile and even bigger dreams. He moved to Vietnam years ago and, like many of us, missed the comfort of his home food. That craving turned into a mission… and boom! Batavia was born.

100% Halal, No Compromise
Now here’s the best part, Batavia is 100% halal! Mr. Iwan takes this very seriously, kid you not. All their meats are sourced from certified halal suppliers (in fact some were imported!), and the kitchen is managed with strict halal practices so when you makan here, no worries, no doubts, tanpa was-was.

I even peeked into their kitchen (curious traveller kindathing) - clean, organised, and the smells... MasyaAllah laparrudin terus.

Inspired by Home & Heart (Masak dengan kasih saying)

The menu? A true love letter to Indonesia. Mr. Iwan shared that the dishes are inspired by his late mum’s cooking, his travels across Indonesia, and the street food stalls he grew up with, a typical Indonesia kampung upbringing. It’s not fusion or modern, nor was it this-and-that fancy shmancy food, it’s the real deal, straight-up kampung-style goodness with Hanoi flair.

A True Crowd Favourites
Okay, let’s talk food! These three dishes? Must. Try.

1. Rendang Sapi – Slow-cooked, tender beef in rich coconut gravy. Smoky, spicy, heavenly.
2. Nasi Goreng Batavia – Their signature fried rice with just the right kick.
3. Sate Ayam with Peanut Sauce – Juicy, smoky skewers with that creamy, dreamy sauce.

But we from IslamiCruise did not have the normal-typical-crowd favourite, we have a fusion of Indonesia-Vietnamese food. The mix vege versus the Vietnamese fried fucuk, the all-time-famous Pho, cakoi (my favourite, and we only got a plate [mana cukup!]) and keropok. And beladoooo (the Minang in me leap with joy) and few other dishes that was to die for.

IslamiCruise Approved!

And guess what? Our friends from IslamiCruise have been loyal patrons of Batavia for over 3 years now! It is their go-to spot whenever they're in Hanoi and you know IslamiCruise only partners with trusted halal eats and great taste place! And I approves it too.

Why Hanoi Loves Batavia
Besides the yummy food and halal seal of approval, Batavia has won the hearts of both locals and travellers because of its authenticity, affordable prices, and homely vibe. Plus, it’s perfect for Muslim tourists who wanna eat with peace of mind without compromising on taste.

Save it. Share it. Tag your makan kaki.

IslamiCruise Halong Bay 2025 Media Fam Trip is organized by IslamiCruise Internation Sd Bhd.

Halong Bay: A Spiritual Serenity onboard IslamiCruise

I have been sailing on cruises multiple times in multiple countries but my recent trip onboard IslamiCruise’s Pelayaran 55 in the breathtaking Halong Bay, Vietnam was definitely not my normal nor typical sail. This time around, it is all about blending spiritual healing with nature, and perhaps to some - soul-refreshing/ searching. We cruised through the stately limestone islets while participating in tazkirah, Qiamullail, congregational Subuh solat and meaningful forum with renowned scholars. Till now, I’m still processing everything.

An Experience Like No Other

A little background on IslamiCruise: Established back in 2014, they were (still are) the world’s first Islamic program onboard a Halal-certified cruise, of which redefined the meaning of Muslim-friendly travel. Everything on board is Syariah-compliant, right from the halal-certified food, Qibla-facing prayer signs, as well as religious activities, making you feel at peace without compromising your lifestyle.

Pelayaran 55 brought along 50+ participants from all age groups and walks of life, indifferent when it comes to this trip. What makes it great is that despite that we were strangers at first, but by the end of the trip we are one big family.

The Heart of the Journey

This would be the tazkirah sessions. We are humbled and honoured to have Ustaz Syeikh Muhd Zainul Asri and Ustazah Mahani, Ustaz Azwan Ali together with Ustazah Muzayyanah that brought something special to share. This is unlike the surau or masjid session lecture or ceramah, this felt personal – a direct impact to the soul I would say.

I clearly remembered, one moment we were waking up for doing Qiamullail under the stars, performing Subuh prayer in congregation and quietly listening to a Subuh tazkirah, and next before our eyes we saw the beautiful sunrise emerge. We were all overwhelmed. Who needs filter when you are presented with God greatest gift.

The Food for the Soul

Golden Cruises served us a sumptuous 5 star halal meals, strictly monitored by Ustaz Salam. I was told that the meat was brought all the way from Hanoi as Halal meat is hard to source in Halong Bay. And also, there are times that Ustaz Salam himself prepared some of the dishes. Happy tummy throughout the trip.

Bonding Time
Aside from the structured activities, there was a lot of time for chit-chatting especial during mealtime and this extended to while tender boat riding, cave excursions or even lepaking at Titop Island, everything just clicked. As much as the exhilarating adventures, the piritual moments shared balanced it off.

Everyone said the same thing ie. they connected and genuinely grateful for this wonderful experience. It’s not every day (nor usual) that you get to go on a trip that feeds your soul and your sense of travel at the same time.

So, if you are ever desire for a more meaningful and unique holiday ie. balancing travel and spiritual aspect then this might just be the trip for you, it recharges your spirit, reconnects you with inspiring people, and reminds you of your purpose if life - IslamiCruise. 

With over 50+ sails to places like Phuket, Banda Aceh, and Halong Bay (was told 20+ cruises just in Halong Bay alone), they announced that come this January 2026 a 13-nights cruise sailing from Malaysia and Arab Saudi, with stops at Banda Aceh, Maldives, and Salalah in Oman. An epic trip indeed.

So yeah, this isn’t just another holiday trip but a journey inward, outward, and obviously upward. An experience that I will remember (hence blogged about it) and one that I recommend for you to experience it too.

IslamiCruise Halong Bay 2025 Media Fam Trip is organized by IslamiCruise Internation Sd Bhd.

Pearl Harvesting in Halong Bay, Hanoi

 
Me - part adventurer, part National Geographic perasan-er, part konon historian dan segala bagai. When I learnt that IslamiCruise excursion includes visiting a pearl farm in Halong Bay, I told myself “kena pergi nih!”

Floating Pearl Farm

After a hearty Vietnamese+Western breakfast on board, we were grouped and boarded the tender boat to the pearl farm. Built on wooden platforms, nets bobbing in the water, and segmented areas showcasing and educating us about how pearl is harvested.

Pearl farming is the local’s livelihood for many families around Halong Bay. The province started their pearl aquaculture in the early 90s with help from Japanese experts. Then on, it has grown into an export industry, I learnt that they are now supplying high-quality pearls to both local and international markets. You can see the Vietnam’s pearls in boutiques from Hanoi to Tokyo, to even Europe.

The Process and Types of Oysters & Pearls

It starts by the technicians implanting a tiny shell bead or nucleus into the oyster (yes, I know – it is hard to see, but you have to trust the process kay). The oyster then reacts by secreting layers of nacre around it – layer by layer, eventually forming a pearl. Like what they say ‘if life gives you lemon, make a lemonade’ but in this case ‘if life gives you an irritant, make jewelry’. God is great!

Depending on the oyster species and desired pearl size, this process takes 18 months to 5 years. Akoya pearls are usually harvested around 24 months, while South Sea pearls need more beauty sleep in order to make a premium pearl. During this ‘hibernation’ time, farmers will carefully monitor water quality, clean the shells, also do a health checks on the oysters (Mutiara di belai yea). So be patience, young pearl padawan (tetiba Star Wars pulak).

I was told that the farm here mainly uses Akoya oysters, the small species known for producing perfectly round and glossy pearls. Having said that, they also raise South Sea and Tahitian oysters of which create a larger, more exotic gems.

Nothing Goes to Waste

Pearls are then polished, graded and set into jewelry on-site. Meanwhile oyster shells are used to make mother-of-pearl inlays for ornaments such as trays to picture frames, event the face of watches (I have one myself). And the oyster meat? Well, sometimes they eat it despite not all species are tasty – so they say. Amazingly, the by-products ie. broken shells are repurposed into lime for agriculture. Haiwan cangkeran seribu guna!

Are Vietnamese Pearls Famous?

I bet many would want to know, and I was told (might need verification here), they are sold not only in Vietnam but also being exported to Japan, Korea, Australia and Europe. And that some pearls from Halong Bay even carry OCOP certification (Vietnam’s “One Commune One Product” initiative - quality and locality).

The guess the best part about visiting the farm is that I can see the whole process of the pearl journey, from oyster to jewellery. I felt a deep appreciation of the people here, the pearl harvester/technician, the team that monitors the oyster, the jewellery craftsman, the sales personnel – everyone plays a role. It is slow work and delicate, just to create something so beautiful.

So, if you’re sailing through Halong Bay next time around, please don’t skip the pearl farm. There’s 2 things that can happen, either you walk away with a necklace (or an ornament) or just a nucleus of new knowledge, it will definitely be a gem of an experience you’ll carry with you long after the cruise ends. Thank you IslamiCruise!

#TravelTips:
Ask staff for certification of its origin and pearl type.
If cost is an issue, get a mother-of-pearl trinket instead – cheaper, lighter and easy to pack.

IslamiCruise Halong Bay 2025 Media Fam Trip is organized by IslamiCruise Internation Sd Bhd.

A Ramadhan Feast You Won’t Forget : M Resort and Hotel Kuala Lumpur:

The holy month of Ramadhan is a special time for reflection, family gatherings, and of course, feasting! And when it comes to breaking your fast in style, M Resort and Hotel Kuala Lumpur has always been my go-to destination. Their yearly Ramadhan spread never fails to surprise me, and this year is no exception. With their 2025 Ramadhan offerings, it’s safe to say they’ve outdone themselves once again!

Ayam Golek

Before diving into the food, let’s take a moment to appreciate the charm of M Resort and Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, this contemporary hotel blends modern luxury with warm hospitality. Whether you’re staying the night or visiting for a meal, you’ll be greeted by elegant decor, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions, like Ramadhan. Their commitment to quality and attention to detail is evident, and this shines brightest during their Ramadhan festivities.

A Delicious Food
Every year, M Resort's Ramadhan spread is something I eagerly anticipate. It’s a true celebration of traditional Malay delicacies with a few exciting twists, and 2025 is no different. From the moment I step into their dining hall, the aroma of spices and freshly prepared dishes fills the air, making it impossible not to salivate. The variety is vast, and as always, everything is cooked to perfection, making it a worthwhile experience every single time.

Jantung Pisang Masak Lemak Putih

Udang Sambal Lemak Tempoyak Petai

This year, M Resort’s Ramadhan buffet includes an incredible selection of local and international flavors. I can always count on them to surprise me with new items, but they also stick to the classics that I love. From the rich Udang Sambal Lemak Tempoyak Petai to the perfectly cooked Jantung Pisang Masak Lemak Putih, each dish carries its own unique flavors and textures that transport me straight to a home-cooked meal. 

Butter Prawn

As much as I love all the dishes, one of the standout stations for me is their Nasi Campur section. I’ve had nasi campur at many places, but M Resort’s version is simply one of the best I’ve ever tasted. The rice is fluffy and perfectly cooked, and it’s complemented by a variety of side dishes and condiments that make each bite an explosion of flavor. You can’t leave without trying it!

Chinese Section

Japanese Section

What sets M Resort’s Ramadhan spread apart is the delightful surprise of their Chinese and Japanese food stations. After indulging in the rich, flavorful Malay dishes (the makanan berlemak we all love), the refreshing lightness of the sushi and dim sum are the perfect palate cleansers. This combination of flavors creates a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience that never gets boring!

Bread Butter Pudding

Kuih-muih

Desserts Galore
M Resort is also known for their impressive dessert spread, and I can’t get enough of it. It’s honestly the highlight of the meal! Their bread butter pudding is my absolute favorite. Soft, rich, and absolutely divine, it’s the perfect way to end the meal. But that's not all—there's a wide range of traditional Malay sweets and other desserts that cater to every sweet tooth.

New York Mini Beef with Chimichurri

2025 Ramadhan Promotion: Early Bird Special
RM228 nett per adult
RM114 nett per child (5-11 years)
RM160 nett per senior citizen (60+ years)

Buy 5 free 1 promo available from the first day of Ramadhan to March 30, 2025. Reserve now at +603 7773 7690 or fnb@mresort-hotel.com.my

Mix Lobster with Prawn

So, if you’re looking to make your Ramadhan feasts extra special this year, don’t miss out on M Resort’s amazing spread. I highly recommend you book early, especially with the early bird pricing—this is one dining experience you’ll remember long after the month of Ramadhan ends.