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

10 #PragueTravelTips

So I finally made it to Prague - the city of fairy tales, cobblestones, and buildings so pretty you’d think they got filters on in real life. But let me tell you, behind all the magical vibes, there’s a few very real things you need to know before you strut around like you're in a Netflix Euro-romcom. From cancelled Airbnbs to elevators that don't exist, I learned a thing or two the not-so-glam way. Here’s the lowdown - unfiltered, unglossed and full of my usual drama. You're welcome.

Prague Reel : https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQJG2erj0c0/

1. It is convenient to stay near to the Old Town and Charles Bridge, however these places are usually taken up fast and rather expensive. Plan well.

2. My Air BnB accommodation was cancelled at the last minute, so I booked another place 15-20 mins away. It was a huge hostel/hotel complex that have 300 rooms (if not mistaken, need to fact check this but now malas). They have single room (one single bed), twin sharing and 4-8 pax dorm room (mix and non-mix). Other facilities are guest kitchen (tak semengah), bar (kot2 nak beli soft drinks), washing machine, breakfast (additional cost), wifi, table football, billiards, Kids' Corner, lounge, parking and meeting room/area.

3. When searching using google or chatgipiti, make sure you indicate 'lift is a must'. Reason being most buildings here are old especially those near the Old Town, hence majority are without lift... kang jadi satu kegigihan mengangkut naik 3-4 tingkat.

4. The train station Information Counter folks garang and tak berapa well mannered (it is reviewed/mentioner in other platforms as well), so when you seeking help for directionn make sure tanya specifically. Adek I trauma aritu.

5. Public transport is fairly easy to master all you need to remember is to validate yout ticket, else kena denda macam we all masa kat Romania dulu. YES, ada orang check randomly - we all kena check di 2 negara yang berlainan.

6. ALL Old Town is walkable, sila count your steps.

7. Please visit the castle cos I didn't manage to. Read the history, very impressive, so kira kena revisit lah kan.

8. I like to visit other country's fast food joint and cafe, to check-out their merchandise, deco, type of drinks and their localised menu. Sangat interesting yea... #marketinggeek.

9. Start your day early, be mindful operating hour/day, daylight hour, distance, weather forecast, rerouting of public transport (I kena ni, rupanya tram not in service sebab road repair hence rerouting it).

10. Look out for local market - farmer marker, flea market, Christmas market and etc.

So yeah, Prague was a mix of “Wah so cantik!” and “Eh hello, why like this??” moments - but that’s what makes the trip memorable, kan? Moral of the story: plan a bit, chill a lot, and always, ALWAYS check if there’s a lift unless you're training for Mount Everest. I’ll definitely be back to check out that castle I missed (don’t judge me) and maybe redeem my trauma kat train station tu. Till then, walk like your steps count (because they do), validate your tickets,and always pack some patience. Catch you in the next city, travelholics!

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.