Marking Malaysia Day with Peranakan cuisine in KL


Nyonya Laksa (far left) and Nasi Ulam from the Peranakan kitchen of chef de Souza.

A vibrant celebration of Baba-Nyonya culinary heritage awaits food lovers in Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with Malaysia Day.

The exclusive showcase of time-honoured Peranakan dishes at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur’s Park Lounge highlights recipes brought to life by chef Sharon Ann de Souza, who is of Kristang and Baba-Nyonya parentage.

The Melaka-born banker-turned-chef is also behind Kuala Lumpur’s Nyonya Supper Club.

Taking up cooking later in life, de Souza began with a desire to preserve the recipes she grew up with for the next generation.

Her intimate, reservation-only dinners remain closely connected to tradition, from grinding rempah (spice blends) by hand to seeking out specific ingredients required for recipes handed down from her mother and grandmother.

For “A Baba Nyonya Story: Recipes of a Living Heritage”, de Souza brings a selection of these family recipes to the hotel, offering a personal perspective on the cuisine and its place within Malaysia’s diverse culinary heritage.

The menu includes Nasi Ulam, combining finely sliced aromatic herbs with toasted coconut, dried shrimp, salted fish and sambal belacan; Daging Tulang Rusuk Kapitan, slow-braised beef short rib cooked with ground spices, coconut cream and lime; and Nyonya Laksa, served with rock lobster and vermicelli in a coconut curry broth with quail egg, laksa leaves and calamansi.

Kuah Lada, traditionally enjoyed in Nyonya homes, features golden snapper simmered with tamarind, turmeric and black peppercorns, accompanied by Chinese doughnuts to soak up the gravy.

The a la carte menu offers a selection of starters, main courses and desserts, from RM35+ to RM118+ per dish.

Through de Souza’s family recipes and connection to Melaka, the collaboration recognises the people, stories and traditions behind Baba-Nyonya cuisine, ensuring these cherished recipes continue to be cooked, shared and passed down.

The dishes are available from Sept 14 to 20, noon to 10.30pm daily.

For reservations, call 019-235 1234, e-mail diningreservations.kulph@hyatt.com or visit parkhyattkualalumpur.com

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