Kota Kinabalu: Diners in Sabah can look forward to a fresh take on hotel buffets as Hilton Kota Kinabalu unveils its first-ever “Sea and Grill Buffet” at Urban Kitchen, blending freshly sourced seafood with premium grilled selections.
Executive Chef Afifi Abu Bakar shared that the concept, developed under his direction, combines two popular favorites — seafood and grilled meats — into a single, curated dining experience.
“I came up with the idea by refining our previous buffet offerings, which typically focused on either seafood or meat-heavy themes, especially during festive periods like Ramadan,” he said to Daily Express during the buffet showcase on Tuesday.
At the core of the buffet is a commitment to freshness and quality. Guests can indulge in a variety of seafood, including sashimi-grade salmon, mussels, prawns, crab, and lobster, alongside grilled items such as lamb, chicken, and beef.
Afifi noted that the approach reflects the growing expectations of consumers in East Malaysia, where diners are adept at distinguishing between fresh and frozen produce.
“The buffet also aims to strike a balance between international appeal and local authenticity, featuring traditional Malay dishes such as rendang daging and prawns cooked in coconut milk, as well as Chinese favorites like Singapore-style chili crab. Western offerings, including seafood lasagna and lighter options like pizza, round out the menu to cater to a diverse clientele,” he explained.
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He further emphasized that the “Sea and Grill” concept is designed not only to offer variety but to establish a unique dining identity for Urban Kitchen. Signature dishes, such as roasted salmon with cream cheese, are meant to anchor the experience and encourage repeat visits.
Guests can also enjoy seafood on ice, BBQ braised beef brisket, roasted marinated lamb leg, and many more specialty dishes available at the buffet.
The dinner buffet is available weekly on Fridays and Saturdays, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. For adults, the price is RM128 nett per head, while children pay RM68 nett.
There is also a “Buy 4, Free 1” promotion available.
