Roast turkey is among the must-have dishes for Christmas.
Christmas is incomplete without the presence of a glistening yet moist roast.
Be it roasted turkey, chicken, whole beef or leg of lamb, the excitement of gathering around the table to indulge in this time-honoured tradition is an occasion not to be missed for many.
The rich aroma of slow-roasted meats, caramelised crust and tender cuts evoke a sense of warmth and festivity that defines the season.
This Christmas, leave the professionals at Hilton Kuala Lumpur in charge of the festive roasts while you sit back and enjoy a fabulous meal.
Over at Vasco’s, the weekday and weekend buffets feature an impressive spread of international and Asian-inspired roasts, seafood, live cooking stations and classic holiday desserts.
A standout dish for me is the Grilled Lamb Denver Ribs served with flavourful black peppercorn sauce.
The Denver cut comes from the lamb’s lower spare ribs, and is prepared with the fat, gristle and connective tissue removed for a cleaner bite.
Grilling gives the ribs a smoky, caramelised crust that beautifully enhances the lamb’s natural sweetness.
In terms of texture, these ribs are slightly leaner than regular ribs but still achieve an almost fall-off-the-bone tenderness – just the way I like them.
While the lamb is perfectly flavourful on its own, a touch of the black peppercorn sauce lifts up the taste and keeps things exciting between bites.
One of this year’s highlights is the Slow-roasted Australian Wagyu Whole Beef Leg which is available for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve buffet dinners.
The sheer size of this 40kg hunk of meat certainly catches the eye!
A 12-hour slow roasting process is necessary to ensure the meat is tender without losing its flavour.
During Christmas, fish dishes often take a backseat to flashier, more extravagant meat options but the Salt Crusted Tasmanian Salmon is a perfect reminder not to judge a book by its cover.
The salmon boasts a tender, buttery texture that flakes apart effortlessly.
One of the highlights this year is the Slow-roasted Australian Wagyu Whole Beef Leg. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
The salt crust not only locks in moisture but also gently and evenly seasons the fish, enhancing its natural flavours without overwhelming it.
The Wild Mushroom Risotto, finished and served in a hollowed-out Parmesan wheel is an unexpected delight.
The mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavour that is both hearty and comforting, complementing the risotto’s creamy base.
Tossing the risotto in the Parmesan wheel allows the cheese to melt and meld into the rice, creating a velvety texture with buttery richness.
The overall effect is indulgent, aromatic and deeply satisfying, making it a must-have for mushroom lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.
After the savouries, no festive feast is over without dessert to round off the meal.
There are plenty of options to choose from including Chestnut Yule Log, Panettone Bread Pudding, Plum Pudding and Santa Chocolate Dome to name a few.
Artistically created desserts such as Santa Chocolate Dome add colour to Vasco’s Christmas dessert corner.
The bread pudding, dotted with dried fruits and spices, reveals a warm and comforting flavour profile.
It is heavily spiced though, which some may find a bit too heavy on the palate.
The velvety custard, however, adds a luscious, buttery richness to the pudding, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
Running until Jan 1, Vasco’s Festive Weekday Lunch Buffet is priced at RM158nett per adult and RM78nett per child, while the Weekday Festive Seafood Buffet Dinner is RM198nett per adult and RM98nett per child.
The Festive Weekend Lunch Buffet is priced at RM188nett per adult and RM98nett per child, while the Weekend Festive Super Seafood Buffet Dinner is tagged at RM238nett per adult and RM118nett per child.
Christmas Eve presents a special dinner buffet priced at RM318nett per adult and RM118 nett per child.
If dinner is not possible, look out for the Christmas Day lunch fare which has Sabah reef lobsters among the attractions.
The buffet is priced at RM318nett per adult and RM128nett per child.
The Christmas Day Dinner Buffet will cost RM268nett per adult and RM118nett per child.
Usher in 2025 with the New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet priced at RM318nett per adult and RM118nett per child, while the New Year’s Day Lunch Buffet is priced at RM198nett per adult and RM98nett per child.
VASCO’S, Hilton Kuala Lumpur, 3, Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 03-2264 2264). Business hours: 6am to 10.30pm.
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
