DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang Christmas Buffet 2018
For many Penangites, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang holds unforgettable memories as Christmas Buffets venue over the years.
The resort has gone through many name changes before its most extensive refurbishment under the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton branding.
The RM230 million project is designed to meet the next generation of travelers.
Many of my friends are happy to return for extended stays again.
I was just happy to walk around before dinner. It was almost 8 pm when I arrived greeted by Ted, a lovable giant teddy bear mascot.
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TeddyVille Museum
The resort is home to Malaysia’s first teddy bear-themed museum, TeddyVille Museum. *Hotel guests get to enjoy discounts!
For this trip, it’s time to check out the two buffet dinners on hand. I guess I will need to make another trip to check out the resort in the daytime. 318 rooms, ballroom, function rooms, recreational areas, a lobby bar, a café, and three restaurants – sound like the right choice for a brief business stay, a quick family getaway, or a nice quiet vacation.
I remember we used to walk across the overhead bridge to ‘Miami Beach’ of Batu Ferringhi, chill on the beach for a picnic, some strumming on the guitar, and tease each other about swimming out to the Lovers’ Isle in the far distance.
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang Christmas food promo at Makan Kitchen!
Aptly themed “Sugar, Spice and All Things Nice,” the buffet is Christmassy with all the food we love to indulge in for the festivities.
For anyone who plans to spend the festive season in Penang, DoubleTree by Hilton Penang’s Makan restaurant has a buffet banquet with a sumptuous turkey feast, befitting all foodies.
Aside from the traditionally generous spread of delicious offerings, many Asian flavors on the Christmas Menu reflect the diversity of Malaysia’s culinary influences.
Makan Kitchen
Makan Kitchen draws Foodies and hotel guests to savor Penang’s culinary heritage and feature a wide variety of food from light starters to local delights.
Not to worry, there are lots of salads, healthy options, and vegetarian choices, and plenty of fruits and nuts.
Dining
Makan Kitchen features a fun, live cooking environment. There was a lovely BBQ with a suitable temperature tended by the top chefs.
They know how to make the perfect BBQ every time.
I met some Australian guests who told me how much they enjoyed a summer BBQ back home.
The smell, the sunshine (well, nighttime then), and the cocktails are all part of eating great fun.
The best of which is having someone prep, start the fire, BBQ, and clean up! I think the chefs at Makan Kitchen perfected this experience for us.
Pool Side BBQ
While cooking BBQ food is pretty straightforward, the proof is in the tasting! Verdict: Squids, Prawns, Scallops cooked just right. The seafood is juicy and fresh.
Of course, I had a few (ahem) pieces of my favorite BBQ chicken, and that was perfect—nice crispy skins, tender, and juicy chicken thighs.
These top chefs have the perfect BBQ running from the ultimate marinades and dipping sauces to the optimum cooking times down pat.
Yuletide Treats Galore
Every year we look forward to the traditional Christmas dinner with a whole Roast Turkey, Stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and roasted or buttered vegetables such as carrots, turnips, parsnips.
We began with the Christmas meats. Think Prime Rib, Roast Chicken, Glazed Ham, and Seafood Bisque. Beef Tenderloin. Cornish Hens. Leg of Lamb. Sausages.
Sigh. I need more stomach space to deep dive into all the delicious dishes.
My favorite of the three is the Roast Chicken, Seafood Bisque, and the Melanzane alla Parmigiana, a classic Italian dish made of Aubergine, tomato & Parmesan bake.
Roast Chicken
Roast Chicken is the meat dish I prefer over the star Roast Turkey.
I realize that making a fancier roast chicken fills the cavity with onions, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme.
Basting with herb butter makes it so simple and delicious.
I loved the little hens perfectly roasted at Makan Kitchen.
The flavors are surprisingly subtle, and the skin perfectly crispy.
The meat is tender and juicy. Perfect, without any addition of salt or gravy.
Melanzane alla Parmigiana
Of the three, the Melanzane alla Parmigiana brings back memories of traveling in Italy, where this popular dish is a staple of the rosticcerias or roast-meat shops.
The chefs make it beautiful here without a copious amount of oil. I noticed they had salted the aubergine before cooking, which dramatically improved the dish’s mouthfeel.
Served warm, the aubergine or eggplant dish is Neapolitan in origin and humble in its simplicity.
I loved the savory and thick sauce, deep taste of tomatoes, cheesy flavor, and textural contrast of the aubergine meltingly soft and outrageous richness.
I just like to think it’s pleasantly warming without counting the calories!
Seafood Bisque
Good Bisque is smooth, creamy, and has a velvety texture.
Its signature flavor and mouthfeel make the Bisque different from other soups.
The choice of ingredients and cooking technique makes the Bisque what it is – a vibrant and flavorful soup that’s so velvety-smooth and flavorful.
Live Music
There was a two-piece band playing, and the singers sang beautifully. “The Girl from Ipanema” (Garota de Ipanema) is a Brazilian Bossa nova jazz song and my favorite.
It was the perfect evening to relax with a cold drink by the sparkling swimming pool.
I prefer to unwind with a cocktail or a beer in the Axis Lounge upstairs!
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang
56, Jalan Low Yat, Puncak Ria, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang
Telephone: 604-892 8000
Website: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang
