Presented by award-winning Malaysian chefs, the three-series dining programme for 2023 will highlight contemporary and nostalgic Malaysian cuisine at Malaysia’s premier destination resort

Desaru, Johor - 12 May 2023 – Desaru Coast is pleased to announce the return of its signature dining programme, Gourmet Series - A Malaysian Journey. In its second instalment, the exclusively curated culinary series invites food lovers to rediscover iconic Malaysian flavours and local ingredients via three unique fine-dining experiences throughout the year.

The Desaru Coast Gourmet Series for 2023 will feature three of the country’s most acclaimed chefs with notable mentions in the first MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Starting Series I is Chef Johnson Wong, founder of gen Penang, a Select Restaurant in this year’s guide, and Communal Table by gen, a Bib Gourmand Establishment. Series II will feature Michelin-starred Chef Su Kim Hock of Au Jardin, Penang; with Series III seeing Chef Raymond Tham, co-founder and executive chef of Skillet KL and Beta, both Select Restaurants in this year’s guide.

Each instalment of the series includes a collaboration between these award-winning Malaysian chefs and the Executive Chefs at Desaru Coast’s five star resorts and properties. In addition, each visiting chef will also create a special signature dish that will be available at the host restaurant for a limited time.

“Following the success of our inaugural Gourmet Series in 2018, we are proud to once again invite guests to Desaru Coast to indulge in this incredible, experiential culinary journey,” said Roslina Arbak, Chief Executive Officer, Desaru Coast. “For Malaysians, our food is our pride – and as an international destination, we are committed to showcasing the best of Malaysian cuisine to guests from around the world. Through collaborations with some of the most acclaimed and globally recognised chefs, we look forward to presenting our homage to Malaysia’s distinctive, iconic and multicultural flavours and cuisine.”

Series I of 2023 starts in May with Chef Johnson Wong, whose innovative contemporary Malaysian dishes are attracting the attention of the fine-dining world. Chef Wong will be at Sea.Fire.Salt. Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas from 26–28 May, presenting two intimate dinner seatings on 26 and 27 May, as well as a brunch offering on 28 May. Aptly themed Straits Food Redefined and prepared in a four-hand style, Chef Wong will collaborate with Fahdrul Abd Malek, the executive chef of Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, to create a degustation menu featuring playful and inventive elevations of Peranakan classics, while the seaside brunch menu serves up a decadent array of dishes.

Guests can expect to savour distinctive dishes including succulent oysters with cucumber broth, herb oil and floral vinegar, and the familiar spice of nyonya acar with a twist with whipped tofu and house bread. Also on the menu are Char-grilled prawns with a coconut butter sauce infused with gula melaka, tender racks of lamb and rendang tok braised lamb cutlets, nasi ulam with salted duck egg and so much more.

As an integral part of the dinner, guests will enjoy wine pairings by Moët & Chandon, with selections by Whispering Angel and Terrazas de los Andes, handpicked by a sommelier.

Guests to Desaru Coast can embark on this culinary journey through two different package options: RM450 nett per person for a dinner or brunch session, with an additional RM200 nett for wine pairings.

Guests traveling from Singapore for the brunch can enjoy a seamless trip with a special package rate of RM780 nett per person for brunch with return ferry tickets, add on RM200 nett for wine pairings.

Series II of 2023 Gourmet Series takes place in September at One&Only Desaru Coast, and features Chef Su Kim Hock partnering with Chef Johnson Wong to create an exceptional six-hands dining experience. Series III of 2023 will take place in November and will be helmed by Chef Raymond Tham at the Big Easy Bar & Grill, The Els Club Desaru Coast.

The Desaru Coast Gourmet Series is proudly sponsored by Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and the Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office (JETCO), which seeks to support and promote Malaysian cuisine to the world.

For more information on the event, and to find out more about the destination and its unique offerings, please visit Desaru Coast’s website. For bookings, please contact Desaru Coast Concierge at +6016 771 7442 or +6016 913 0813.

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About Desaru Coast

Desaru Coast is curated as a new destination resort in Malaysia with a portfolio of globally renowned hotels and resorts, namely Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas and One&Only Desaru Coast. The destination is also home to Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast - one of the world’s biggest waterparks, Desaru Coast Conference Centre - a fully equipped conference facility, The Els Club Malaysia Desaru Coast – 45 holes of golf in total at two distinct courses, Ocean Course by Ernie Els and Valley Course designed in collaboration with Vijay Singh, and Desaru Coast Riverside.

The integrated destination resort earned the accolade as one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2021. It provides an indulgent getaway for the discerning leisure and business travellers alike. Located in the south-eastern region of the country, in the state of Johor, Desaru Coast spans over approximately 4000 acres along a pristine 17 km beachfront that faces eastwards over the clear ocean waters. The destination is set amid a rich bio-diverse location and is easily accessible via road, air and sea.

Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn. Bhd. is the master developer of Desaru Coast and is a subsidiary of Desaru Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. within the Destination Resorts and Hotel Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn. Bhd.) group of companies.

About the Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office (JETCO)

The Johor Economic, Tourism, and Cultural Office (JETCO) is a new venture of the Johor State Government to enhance and establish new trade, investment and tourism that involves Singapore, Johor as well as the rest of the world.

Incorporated in 2021, JETCO is staffed by a professional team from Johor and Singapore that offers services for traders, investors and tourism industry players. JETCO also provides trade advisory for importers from Singapore, exporters from Johor and investors who are interested in Johor’s unique and numerous resources.

JETCO represents wonderful chances for both Johor and Singapore in terms of fast tracking trade, investment, and tourism. The state is stressing on expanding Johor by using Singapore’s strategic position as a worldwide commercial hub and gateway for Johor products seeking global exposure.

Through discussion with tourism and trade professionals, JETCO personnel developed this approach. Together with cooperation and engagement of relevant industry players, businesses, communities, and all tiers of government can the vision and objectives be realised.

About Moët & Chandon

Moët & Chandon was founded in 1743 by Claude Moët and elevated to international renown by his descendant, Jean-Rémy Moët, who dreamt of “sharing the effervescence of Champagne with the world.” From royal court to red carpet, Studio 54 to Grand Slams, Moët & Chandon has been bringing people together around thrilling, extraordinary moments. With the largest, most diverse vineyards in the region, the House offers a universal & versatile portfolio of champagnes for every occasion and palate. Easy to love, each creation in white and rosé – from the iconic Moët Impérial to the refined Grand Vintage Collection, from the refreshing Moët Ice Impérial to the gentle Nectar Impérial – dazzles and delights with a broad spectrum of flavors and aromas to capture the astonishing breadth of its terroir. Through Natura Nostra, Moët & Chandon’s long-term sustainability program, the House works to protect biodiversity in the region and, since 2009, Moët & Chandon also supports philanthropic initiatives through Toast for a Cause. For nearly three centuries, Moët & Chandon has been the champagne of choice to mark both significant events in history and personal celebrations, enhancing each toast with the spark of effervescence.

For more information, please reach out to Mutant Communications:

Esther - esther.marie@mutantcommunications.com