Christmas previews are truly running at full steam now and I’m lapping it all up. I LOVE Christmas! Walking to Vasco’s in Hilton Kuala Lumpur, if you don’t know where it is, simply head to where the carols are coming from (key word here is LOUD) and you’ll know you’re heading in the right direction.
We’ve only been to Vasco’s once, many, many moons ago and it must have been just a meh buffet spread at that time as for the life of me, I can’t recall anything from that meal (and believe you me, that I recall good food). Fast forward to now, oh, how things has changed. The Christmas spread which we sampled definitely stood out, and I will be salivating over their Christmas specials many more weeks to come.
What’s on offer
I have to put it out there that the seafood on ice, Vasco’s Seafood Market, is one of the biggest selections I’ve come across yet. It was packed to the brim with fresh seafood from crab legs to oysters to clams and even sea snails and more.
At the cheese section, I like that they put out little notes on that particular cheese along with suggestions on pairing. Takes the trial and error out of the equation so that you can just go straight to yum!
Various (prepared) salads are available as per any other buffet, but the standout here is the salad bar by BoomGrow at Vasco’s. You can pick your choice of leaf, snip it, toss in your choice of sauce and voila. Fun fact: our very own ChaiMama is one of the founders of BoomGrow!
For the Japanese section, you get the usual of sushi and sashimi (super fresh), ramen station and the star of that section – live teppanyaki with options of beef, lamb, chicken, prawn, fish or squid.
One area that stood out to me was the taco option. This is great for kids and even teens! I mean, as far as I know, I’ve never come across any kid nor teen who do not like tacos.
There’s also an Italian section with pastas cooked fresh on the spot, and a Malaysian section. Not forgetting a selection of breads like Cranberry Focacia and Sourdough Fruit Loaf. Phew! The choices were endless!
Festive highlights
Moving on to the mains at Vasco’s – this is where I will be reliving my memories for days on end. Duck Leg Confit à l’Orange (fall off the bone tender), Chicken Bratwurst Sausage and Mash Potato (another great option for the younger ones – the teen took a mound!), Honey Glazed Spice Brined Roast Jumbo Chicken and Roasted Turkey (both flavourful), and Australia Organic Beef top with Sambal Strawberry (sounds off-putting but it worked surprisingly well. The beef was tender and the Sambal Strawberry added a sweet note to the sambal that had just a slight kick to it). The Salt Crusted Tasmanian Salmon was flaky and buttery – absolute yum!!
I’ll admit that when we got to Vasco’s, I was in a carnivorous mood and I definitely got my fill. To ahem… ‘balance’ out the heap of meat on my plate, my favourite sides were Truffles Dauphinoise Potatoes and Roasted Brussel Sprout with Turkey Chips.
The dessert section on its own was sizeable as well. Everything from traditional yule logs to fruit cakes, to eclairs and tiramisus. There’s also a selection of cookies and freshly-made croffle station.
Navigating the spread
The spread at Vasco’s can get disorienting at times – for me at least – as there are so many sections scattered around. My tip is to head to Vasco’s Seafood Market, which faces the entrance and then work your way anti-clockwise.
With such a wide variety on offer, the spread definitely left an impression. I won’t be forgetting this meal anytime soon.
The details
Festive dining at Vasco’s, runs from 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025. Throughout the month, diners can enjoy surprise visits from Santa and Santarina bearing treats, live festive carols, and a dedicated Santa’s Grotto — the perfect spot for family photos.
Weekday Festive Buffet Lunch & Dinner (Sunday to Thursday)
Lunch: RM158 nett per adult and RM78 nett per child (6-12 years old)
Dinner: RM198 nett per adult and RM98 nett per child (6-12 years old)
Weekend Festive Buffet Lunch & Dinner (Friday and Saturday)
Lunch: RM188 nett per adult and RM98 nett per child (6-12 years old)
Dinner: RM238 nett per adult and RM118 nett per child (6-12 years old)
Celebration Beverage Package includes 2 hours of free-flow house wine, beers, & Sangria at RM188 nett per person.
Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet
RM318 nett per adult and RM118 nett per child
Christmas Day Lunch & Dinner Buffet
Lunch: RM318 nett per adult and RM128 nett per child
Dinner: RM268 nett per adult and RM118 nett per child
As an early bird treat at Vasco’s, for any bookings made from 15 November to 30 November 2024, enjoy 20% off group dining for up to 10 guests. Blackout dates may apply.
There’s also the option of a Holiday Kaiseki at Iketeru for Christmas. Priced at RM500 nett per person, diners can enjoy Steamed Cod Fish Egg Custard, fresh Sashimi flown in from Japan, Pan-Seared Sliced Wagyu Beef Vegetable Rolls with Yuzu Kosho Butter Sauce, King Prawns, Scallop Butteryaki, Oyster Gratin and Crabmeat Cream Croquette and more.
For more detail on Hilton Kuala Lumpur’s festive offerings at all participating outlets, reservations or inquiries, please contact +60 3 2264 2264 or visit EatDrinkHilton.com.
We were invited by Hilton Kuala Lumpur. As always, our opinions are honest and our own.
