Carbon KL’s menu for the festival in Desaru Coast will include varied options. — FLOREY D. MIKIL/The Star
Returning with more music and fun in the sun this September is Desaru Coast’s Ombak Festival.
The 2025 edition is set to take place at the coastal destination in Johor from Sept 12 to 14.
Carbon KL chefs David Tay, 38, and Yeoh Wei Chieh, 29, will once again present an unforgettable gastronomic journey to festivalgoers.
“We want to double down on what we’re good at, which is smoke and fire,” said Tay at a preview event held recently at their restaurant in Kota Damansara, Selangor.
Befitting the “Smoke & Fire” theme of their offerings this year, Tay recommended the Smoked Argentinian Shortrib as a must-try.
Meanwhile, Yeoh suggested a dish in tune with the festival’s seaside venue. “Grilled fish with really, really good sambal. It’s from one of our chefs who’s from Johor.”
Also joining the duo this year are chef Ng Hun Yan (more fondly known as chef Onion) and interns from Kolej Yayasan Pelajaran Johor.
The expanded team translates to more helping hands in preparing their mindfully curated menu, which includes Tempura Oyster Mushroom, Snapper Umai and “Pina Colada” – smoked ice cream paired with grilled pineapple.
Tay (left) and Yeoh are bringing ‘smoke and fire’ to Ombak Festival 2025. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Having tasted these at the preview event, it’s safe to say that festivalgoers will definitely have good food to enjoy alongside good music.
From Simply Red and Joss Stone to Phum Viphurit and Kyoto Protocol, Ombak Festival 2025 boasts a diverse lineup composed of international, regional and local artistes.
“SonaOne and Zamaera,” Tay named the artists he looks forward to seeing live, while Yeoh picked Joe Flizzow.
Funnily enough, while this marks SonaOne’s second year on stage, technically this would be his first official performance at the festival.
“I was at Ombak Festival last year as a surprise, I wasn’t even on the bill. I just wanted to pop up, show up, and have a good time,” the rapper said at the same preview event, which was attended by some of the performers.
The crowd enjoying a performance from Malaysian artists Joe Flizzow and SonaOne during the Ombak Festival. — Picture courtesy of The Ombak Festival's organiser
For Kyoto Protocol frontman Fuad Alhabshi, he said it’s the family-friendly facilities he looks forward to.
In response to the number of families with small children in attendance last year, the festival is preparing more facilities to better accommodate such visitors.
As announced by festival director Karina Ridzuan, the festival is partnering with Kiddocare to provide childminding services. The Ombak Kids zone will also ensure a fun weekend for young visitors.
For more information on the upcoming festival, visit www.ombakfestival.com.
