Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral recently kicked off the holiday season in style with a festive tree lighting ceremony in collaboration with Ibupreneur, and we were there to celebrate! The event was a perfect mix of seasonal cheer and community spirit, featuring a delicious Christmas buffet and a vibrant Christmas Dreams Market in the lobby, where we could support local entrepreneurs. It was an evening filled with festive flavours, holiday shopping, and a wonderful sense of togetherness.
Christmas Dreams Market
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, adorned with paper balls, each telling the story of a remarkable lady entrepreneur. These women are part of Ibupreneur, a social enterprise that empowers financially dependent and vulnerable mothers, helping them become micro-entrepreneurs. It was a privilege to meet some of these inspiring women during the tree lighting ceremony and witness firsthand the impact of this empowering initiative.
Let’s eat
After the ceremony, we headed to Nook for the Christmas buffet for more festive cheer. The spread looked impressive, beginning with a fresh seafood platter and appetisers that set the tone for the meal. The centerpiece featured traditional Christmas staples like turkey, roasted leg of lamb, and ribs, complemented by a variety of flavourful sides. I was happy to see an Italian section with pasta dishes and an Asian section with noodles, curries, and satays.
The buffet selection was completed by a cheese board, a refreshing fruit platter, and a colourful dessert selection.
With such a variety, I decided to take a strategic approach, starting with the seafood. The salmon and crab were especially fresh and delicious. Next, I made my way to the main courses, filling my plate with turkey, creamy Brussels sprouts with asparagus, and buttered cauliflower with broccoli and toasted almonds. The turkey was perfectly cooked – juicy and delicious — and the vegetables were so flavourful, I went back for seconds. My companion opted for the leg of lamb and found it tender and savoury.
Of course we couldn’t resist trying some dishes from the Asian section. The vegetable dalcha, paired with sautéed cabbage, carrots, and turmeric, had a delightful kick to it, while the stir fried cabbage with carrots and turmeric was delicately spiced and balanced. My friend went straight for the satay hut and was thoroughly satisfied with the tender skewers and flavourful peanut sauce. She also tried the pumpkin and chestnut soup which she found a bit too thin.
Though the cheese board was tempting, we saved room for dessert, and I’m so glad we did! The popsicles, as beautiful as they were delicious, were a highlight – sweet and moist, and chocolatey.
The ginger cookies were perfectly spiced, and the brownies, though a bit dry, were still enjoyable.
We also tried the traditional stollen, rich and fragrant, and the pumpkin cheesecake, which was surprisingly light and creamy – a perfect end to the meal.
We found the buffet at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral very satisfying. Unlike some hotel buffets that can be overwhelming, this one struck the perfect balance, offering a variety of dishes without feeling excessive. It was a well-curated spread that is sure to leave everyone content but not overstuffed.
On certain days, the lobby also hosts the Christmas Dreams Market, where the talented mums from Ibupreneur sell their handcrafted goods so you can support these inspiring women while enjoying the holiday spirit.
And did I mention it snows in the lobby? Yes, at certain times, snowflakes gently fall inside, creating a magical winter wonderland. Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral truly knows how to make the season special!
We were invited by Pullman KLCC. As always, our opinions are honest and our own.
