Merdeka 2024: The ultimate guide to dining out and festive eats

Taking guests on a journey through 14 Malaysian states with authentic cuisine is The St Regis Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka offerings. Available on August 30 to 31 and September 6 and 13, The Brasserie will celebrate Independence Day with a lineup of creations that pay homage to Malaysia’s diverse culinary heritage while borrowing inspiration from local folklore and fables. 

Celebrating a pillar of local culinary heritage, Locus will shine the spotlight on Kristang cuisine from August 22 to 24. In an exclusive takeover by acclaimed Kristang chef Melba Nunis, guests can expect a feast of communal-style Eurasian dishes from devil curry chicken and tiger prawn pineapple curry to soy limang terung and sugee cake. 

See also: Melba Nunis brings Kristang food to The Datai Langkawi for The Chef Series 2024

Known for its hearty burgers and even more indulgent shakes, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes at Sunway Resort Hotel will celebrate Merdeka with an ode to our national dish. While its array of all-American eats maybe this spot’s signature, the burger joint has crafted an exclusive nasi lemak burger for the celebration.

Expect a decadent reimagining of nasi lemak in a sandwich dressed with fiery sambal, a perfectly runny egg, and served with spiced fries. 

Artisan Playground is celebrating both Merdeka and Malaysia Day with a month-long nasi kandar buffet, available until September 29. Paying homage to one of the country’s most beloved dishes, you can expect robust curries and gravies alongside the fixings you can find in any nasi kandar joint. 

Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur will host a month long tribute to Malaysian culinary heritage and traditions from August 31 to September 30 to celebrate Merdeka. Drawing inspiration from the recipes of each state in Peninsular Malaysia, guests can expect a buffet of Penang’s rojak pasembur, Perak’s rendang tok, Negeri Sembilan’s telur itik masak lemak, Pahang’s patin masak tempoyak, Melaka’s ayam pongteh, and more.

Nasi lemak can also be expected alongside a range of desserts, a carving station, and a seafood spread. 

Just in time for both Merdeka and Malaysia Day, Lachér Patisserie has unveiled its seasonal treat. Tradition and innovation come together in Lachér Patisserie’s nangka vanilla cake, perfect for celebrating in the comfort of your own home.

Order this and find layers of jaconde sponge, burnt honey cremeux, almond croustillant, genoise sponge, tropical jackfruit confit, and mascarpone mousse infused with Madagascar vanilla beans. 

Don’t miss: The difference between cempedak and jackfruit 

In conjunction with the hotel’s 6th anniversary, August 31 will see festivities take over W Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka and anniversary celebrations kick off at Flock with a dining experience of the restaurant’s Pan-Asian signatures accompanied by vibrant entertainment and free flowing beer, wine, and cocktails. 

Inside Scoop has released a limited-run lineup of flavours in an effort to support iconic homegrown brands such as this Merdeka. Find three new scoops crafted in collaboration with Farm Fresh, Beryl’s, and Secret recipe including choco malt, chocolate indulgence, and tiramisu almond chocolate with another flavour to be unveiled soon. 

Elevete Patisserie has your sweet treats covered when looking to celebrate Merdeka at home. Its Merdeka 2024 collection houses festive Jalur Gemilang cupcakes, a layered pandan cake decorated to resemble the Malaysian flag, and bakes flavoured with local produce.

The highlight of this collection is its onde onde inspired tart—a toasted almond tart shell filled with gula melaka caramel, pandan curd, and coconut buttercream. 

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