We visited Thyme at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur last year for its Ramadan buffet and left impressed, so we returned this year with high expectations. Would the same standard still be there? The short answer: yes, though not without a few familiar quirks.
First impressions (and a very full dining room)
At the time of our visit, the restaurant was very crowded. Thyme is popular for a reason, but the space does feel on the small side for a buffet of this scale. Navigating between stations wasn’t that easy, especially at peak time, and it did take a bit of patience to move around comfortably. Challenging, especially since we’d barely eaten all day in preparation for the buffet.
A small but noticeable detail: the tables were still wobbly, just like last year. Not a deal-breaker, but something management might want to finally fix.
A strong start: kerabu & seafood
The kerabu station at Thyme was a clear favourite. Crunchy vegetables, a colourful spread, and well-balanced, it was a great start for the buffet. Aptly named Symphony of Seafood, the seafood corner also didn’t disappoint: fresh, generous, and consistently popular throughout the evening. We noticed a whole steamed fish in the Chinese corner, which was very tasty as well.
Big flavours on our plate
The kambing golek (roasted goat) was tender and full of flavour, exactly what you hope for at a Ramadan buffet. Another standout was the udang galah sambal petai – big, aromatic prawns, and not holding back on flavour. This was one of those dishes people actively went back for. If only I were a cow with nine stomachs, I could have kept going. The asam laksa looked irresistible, along with the pasembor, satay, and sashimi. Sadly, there is a limit to what us humans can manage.
The king of fruits
Desserts didn’t disappoint either. The apam balik was freshly made, and had that right amount of crunchiness.
One of the most talked-about features of the evening at Thyme though was the durian stall located just outside the restaurant. It opened about an hour after the buffet started, and when it did, it quickly became the place to be. If you’ve never tried durian and are only put off by the smell, I’d encourage you to keep an open mind and give it a chance. It might just win you over! For a durian lover like myself, this stall was a highlight with a nice diversity of fruits and staffed by people who clearly knew how to handle the king of fruits.
Is this a buffet for families with young kids?
Honestly, probably not the best choice if you’re dining with small children or particularly fussy eaters. Many dishes contain spicy and bold flavours, and there aren’t many neutral options for younger palates.
However, Thyme’s Ramadan buffet remains a strong and popular choice, especially if you enjoy big flavours, seafood, and local favourites done well. It is the kind of buffet that encourages you to go back for “just one more plate”. While the space can feel tight during peak hours and a few practical details could be improved, the food quality and variety largely make up for it. Would I go again? Yes, but ideally on a quieter evening.
A tip: when parking at the hotel, be aware of the narrow carpark. We found it was easier to park at Pavilion mall and walk across.
You can book your table here. The buffet is open from 6.30pm – 10pm and is priced at RM258 per adult and RM129 per child (6–11 years).
We were invited by PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur. As always, our opinions are honest and our own.
