[Muslim-friendly] Here’s a throwback to our visit to THIRTY8 at Grand Hyatt, KL.
If you’re looking for a high-tea session with a side of the KL skyline, this space is definitely worth checking out.
Located on the 38th floor of the Grand Hyatt hotel, THIRTY8 offers a 360° panoramic view of the city as you sip your tea or Bacardi.
Ala Carte Buffet at THIRTY8
Back in March, we visited this spot for the High On Flavors A La Carte Buffet (RM189 per adult).
Here’s what we like: despite being a buffet session, the dishes are made-to-order i.e. ala-carte. This minimises wastage (yay!) and ensures the food is fresh, and not exposed (aka in an open buffet line).
There are about 20 items on their menu, but TBH – they are pretty hit-or-miss.
The hits…
Among the savoury items, we enjoyed the Ikan Siakap Kukus – sea bass steamed Nyonya-style and served with tofu, cabbage and spring onion.
Served in a small portion (it’s a buffet, after all), we found the fish to be delicate and fresh, with lovely gingery essence from the paste.
We also liked the Ikan Panggang – honey-glazed black bream served with Kemanan corn fricassee in hibiscus reduction.
The sweetness of the hibiscus reduction was a nice compliment to the black bream, which was nicely charred for a crisp skin and tender flesh.
The kitchen seems to do well in the seafood department, as we also enjoyed the Kepah Putih – Perlis brackish water white clams served in creamy butterfly pea and cauliflower veloute.
The broth was light, which helped to accentuate the natural taste of the clams.
Among the sweet selection, we enjoyed the Plain & Cameron Highlands Brinchang Strawberry Scones the most. These were served warm with fresh clotted cream, jam, and kaya.
They had a good texture (a bit crumbly, softer in the middle), while the strawberry scones were surprisingly not too sweet and paired well with the kaya jam.
The Kek Coklat Lava was decent too.
… and misses
We didn’t care too much for the Lobak as it lacked wok hei, and the batter for the Udang Air Laut shrimp balls was way too hard to bite into.
The Assorted Bites platter comprising free-range chicken pinwheel, mackarel in a charcoal bun, pumpkin souffle, and Roti John did not impress as well.
The 3-tier Afternoon Tea Set and Rambutan Sorbet were decent, but not mind-blowing.
Verdict
Overall, THIRTY8 offers one of the best views of the KL cityscape.
However, we found the food to be hit-or-miss. In summary – come for the view, but temper your expectations for the food.
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THIRTY8 Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
Address: Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, 12, Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur,
Hours: 7am-11pm Daily
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/malaysia/grand-hyatt-kuala-lumpur/kuagh/dining/thirty8
Phone: 03-2203 9188
