There’s something about Ramadan that encourages everyone to slow down and come together. At Hilton Petaling Jaya’s Ramadan buffet at Paya Serai, the focus is on exactly that – an iftar experience that feels comforting, familiar and generously varied. Curated by the Paya Serai culinary team, the Ramadan spread presents classic buka puasa favourites layered with aromatic spices, standout specialities and subtle Middle Eastern influences.
Having attended Paya Serai’s buffets in the past, expectations were already set high. Hilton Petaling Jaya has long enjoyed a strong reputation – and not just for its food. But that, as they say, is another story.
The first thing that caught my eye upon arrival was a small but very promising-looking truck parked in front of the lobby. With durian written all over it, this DurianMama was instantly intrigued (and delighted) to discover it was indeed filled to the brim. Sadly, invitees were only allowed to dig in after 8.30pm.
Citarasa Timur Tengah
Oh well. Any disappointment quickly faded once we made our way to Paya Serai and were greeted by the impressive spread. Aptly titled Citarasa Timur Tengah, which translates to Flavours of the Middle East, the buffet centres around Middle Eastern favourites such as kebabs, shawarma, baklava and hummus. That said, there’s also a dedicated section for younger – or perhaps fussier – eaters, with comforting pasta dishes.
My personal favourite was the rendang section, with the shell rendang standing out in particular. Another highlight was the BBQ short ribs – “succulent” barely does them justice. A generous selection of local Malaysian salads rounded things off nicely.
The Ikan Asam Pedas delivered a lively, tangy kick and was another standout of the evening. Equally nice was the Daging Batang Pinang wrapped with Mushroom Rendang, where rich, earthy flavours came together beautifully. For something lighter yet full of character, the Mee Rebus Udang Galah impressed us with its fragrant gravy and large river prawns.
At the tables, Paya Serai staff served a refreshing blue pea cold drink – a welcome change and one I happily chose over the usual line-up of (for me) overly sweet, brightly coloured beverages.
Who does not like durian?
Needless to say, our eyes were firmly fixed on the clock. As soon as the durian stall opened at 8.30pm, we were right at the front of the queue. A selection of Musang King, D101 – popular for its sweet, creamy flesh – and Udang Merah were on offer, and it was a joy to watch the stall owner expertly open them at impressive speed. While Musang King is usually my go-to, this time the Udang Merah stole the show.
Did we have room for one more go at the buffet? Yes, of course! Desserts at Paya Serai were equally enjoyable, with tapai featuring prominently (always a win), and plenty of fun to be had with the Dondurma ice cream from the Turkish ice cream vendor. The buffet is generous without feeling chaotic, leaning heavily into well-loved Ramadan classics.
An iftar worth sharing
Hilton Petaling Jaya’s Ramadan buffet doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel – and that’s very much part of its strength. The experience is easy to enjoy, making it a truly scandalously sumptuous spread. And for those keen to understand exactly what I mean by that: a quick look at Hilton in the 90s online might just explain it.
The Ramadan dinner buffet at Paya Serai is priced at RM178 nett per adult and RM89 nett per child (6–12) from 19–22 February and 19–20 March 2026. From 23 February to 18 March 2026, prices are RM228 nett per adult and RM114 nett per child.
We were invited by Hilton Petaling Jaya. As always, our opinions are honest and our own.
