Hilton Malaysia Commemorates 50 Years of the Iconic Jungle Bird Cocktail

Hilton Malaysia Commemorates 50 Years of the Iconic Jungle Bird Cocktail

By Author

Published on August 10, 2023

In a spirited celebration, Hilton Properties across Malaysia are raising their glasses to honour the 50th anniversary of the renowned Jungle Bird cocktail. This iconic concoction, born at Hilton Kuala Lumpur half a century ago, has captured the hearts and palates of cocktail enthusiasts globally. To mark this milestone, Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton outlets across Malaysia are launching the "Sip, Soar and Celebrate" campaign. Throughout the entire month, patrons will have the pleasure of savouring the Jungle Bird cocktail, a testament to the enduring legacy of this vibrant creation.

The Jungle Bird cocktail's roots trace back to the early 1970s, when Jeffrey Ong Swee Teik, the beverage manager at Hilton Kuala Lumpur's Aviary Bar, masterminded its creation. Inspired by the lush ambience, exotic surroundings, and vibrant birdlife visible from the bar's windows, Ong set out to craft a cocktail that embodied the essence of the jungle while offering a delightful experience for patrons.

While the Jungle Bird found favour among hotel guests and locals in Kuala Lumpur, its true ascent came through the pages of 'The New America Bartender's Guide,' authored by John J. Poister in the late 1980s. The Jungle Bird cocktail was spotlighted as a featured recipe in the guide, catapulting its popularity to a broader audience. The global bartending community embraced the Jungle Bird, incorporating it into their menus and cementing its status as a modern classic.

Linda Pecoraro, General Manager at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, extolled the cocktail's journey, stating, "The Jungle Bird's journey from its creation at Hilton Kuala Lumpur to its status as a globally recognized cocktail is a testament to the power of inspired craftsmanship and the ability of a drink to capture the imagination. Its blend of flavours, combined with its unique bird-shaped presentation, has made it an icon in the world of mixology. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with the 50th-anniversary special edition box that comes with an elegant bird-shaped glass as well as the Jungle Bird cocktail served at Aviary Bar."

In addition to honouring the original Jungle Bird, the participating hotels are adding their creative twists, resulting in captivating variations that pay homage to Malaysian culture. These variations range from mocktail renditions to infusing the cocktail with local ingredients such as rice wine and pandan, providing an authentic reflection of the region's diverse flavours.

Indulge in the Jungle Bird cocktail at these participating outlets:

Aviary Bar, Hilton Kuala Lumpur (+603 2264 2264)

The Club Bar & Lounge and The Rooftop Bar & Grill, Hilton Kota Kinabalu (+6088 356 000)

Caffe Cino, Hilton Petaling Jaya (+603 7955 9122)

Cellar Door, DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur (+603 2172 7272)

Tosca, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru (+607 268 6868)

Axis Lounge, DoubleTree by Hilton Damai Laut Resort (+60 5684 3333)

THE KOFFEE & Makan Kitchen, DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside Resort (+603 8890 0000)

The Garden Grille, Hilton Garden Inn Puchong (+603 8084 1299)

For a deeper dive into the intriguing history of the Jungle Bird cocktail at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, explore eatdrinkhilton.com/jungle-bird-cocktail/.


Where Mumbai Goes for Its Chocolate Fix This Chocolate Day

Where Mumbai Goes for Its Chocolate Fix This Chocolate Day

By Hariharan U

Published on July 3, 2026

Chocolate Day, celebrated on 7th July, is all about indulging in rich, comforting desserts, and Mumbai's dining scene has no shortage of irresistible options. From classic chocolate mousse to creative chocolate-forward desserts, the city's restaurants are serving indulgent treats that promise to satisfy every chocolate lover.

Here's where to head for some of Mumbai's best chocolate desserts this Chocolate Day.

Papi, Bandra

Papi's Dark Chocolate Mousse is a refined take on a timeless classic. Rich without being overly sweet, the dessert delivers an intense chocolate flavour with a smooth, airy texture, making it a fitting finale to the restaurant's European-inspired menu.

Torii, Khar

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Torii's Vegan Ganache Chocolate Cake combines 55% dark chocolate with coconut milk to create a silky vegan ganache, finished with a generous drizzle of Nutella sauce. The result is a rich dessert that offers deep chocolate flavours while remaining completely dairy-free.

Harajuku Bakehouse

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Inspired by Tokyo's café culture, Harajuku Bakehouse serves its signature Jiggly Pancake topped with Nutella, vanilla ice cream, and dark chocolate sticks. Soft, fluffy, and playful, the dessert balances visual appeal with comforting flavours.

Amelia

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Chocolate lovers looking for something indulgent can opt for Amelia's Chocolate Bomb. Built on a fudgy brownie base, the dessert layers dark chocolate hazelnut mousse with bright orange purée and mixed berries, creating a balance of richness and freshness.

Lyla

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Lyla's Chocolate Coma offers an interactive dessert experience. A white chocolate dome melts under warm chocolate sauce to reveal a dark chocolate mousse layered with roasted peanuts, combining creamy textures with a satisfying crunch.

Amaru

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For those looking for something unconventional, Amaru presents the JD Matcha Cake. The dessert pairs matcha and chocolate with a shot of Jack Daniel's and chocolate bitters, bringing together earthy tea notes, rich cocoa, and subtle whiskey flavours for a distinctive finish.

Whether you prefer classic chocolate desserts or contemporary interpretations, these restaurants offer some of Mumbai's most memorable sweet experiences, making them ideal destinations to celebrate Chocolate Day.


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Launches Friday Weekend Pizza Party

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Launches Friday Weekend Pizza Party

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 3, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is inviting pizza lovers to kick off their weekends with its Weekend Pizza Party, a special Friday dining experience that celebrates the art of handcrafted pizzas. Available every Friday in July at Food Exchange, the limited-period offering combines freshly made pizzas, interactive live cooking, and gourmet sides.

A highlight of the experience is the Live Pizza Station, where chefs prepare every pizza from scratch using freshly made dough, premium cheeses, and carefully selected toppings. Guests can watch their pizzas being crafted to order, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.

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The menu features a wide selection of classic and gourmet pizzas. Diners can enjoy favourites such as the Margherita with Buffalo Mozzarella & Basil and Quattro Formaggi, along with signature creations including Truffle Wild Mushroom Pizza, Roasted Vegetable & Feta Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Lamb Kofta Pizza, Spicy Italian Sausage Pizza, and Garlic Prawn Pizza. The selection draws inspiration from Italian, Mediterranean, and global flavours.

Adding to the spread is a Root Vegetable Fries Bar, offering a variety of crispy options such as Sweet Potato Fries, Cassava Fries, Beetroot Fries, Carrot Fries, Lotus Stem Chips, and classic potato fries. Guests can pair them with a range of gourmet dips, including Truffle Aioli, Garlic Herb Mayo, Chipotle Dip, Basil Pesto, Roasted Tomato Dip, and Cheese Sauce.

Designed for families, friends, and colleagues, the Weekend Pizza Party offers a relaxed way to enjoy handcrafted pizzas and flavourful accompaniments while welcoming the weekend.

  • Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport.
  • Dates: Every Friday in July.
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

Top Mumbai Restaurants to Explore Exclusive Monsoon Menus This Season

Top Mumbai Restaurants to Explore Exclusive Monsoon Menus This Season

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 3, 2026

As the rains return to Mumbai, several restaurants have introduced exclusive monsoon menus designed to match the season's craving for warm, comforting food. Whether it's Mediterranean classics, Japanese hot pots, or sizzling Indian favourites, these limited-time menus promise memorable dining experiences throughout the monsoon.

Luuma House (Juhu)

Starting 6th July, Luuma House in Juhu is serving its specially curated Mezze Monsoon Menu, inspired by comforting Mediterranean flavours and seasonal ingredients.

The menu begins with the Turkish Lentil Soup, followed by the signature Lyali Beirut Mezze, which includes hummus, labneh, falafel, batata hara, muhammara, and freshly baked pita. Guests can also enjoy the Moroccan Dijaj, topped with lemon-marinated chicken, pistachio pesto, and creamy burrata.

For the main course, highlights include the Turkish Moussaka served with herb apricot sauce and the Chelo Chicken with garlic chilli sauce. The meal ends on a sweet note with the Steamed Date Pudding, served with tahini date caramel and ice cream. With its warm ambience and Mediterranean-inspired menu, Luuma House offers the perfect setting to enjoy the rainy season with family and friends.

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  • Address: Plot No. 47, Gulmohar Road, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle West, Mumbai
  • Timings: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Tokki & Tora (Andheri & Powai)

This monsoon, Tokki & Tora is inviting guests to enjoy comforting Japanese and Korean flavours through a seasonal menu featuring hot pots and ramen.

The menu includes favourites such as the Vegetable Hot Pot, Tori Nabe, Seafood Hot Pot, and the popular Korean Kimchi Jjigae, prepared with fermented kimchi, tofu, and fresh vegetables.

Guests can also choose from a variety of ramen bowls, including Miso Ramen (available in spicy and non-spicy versions), Korean Ramen, and Shoyu Ramen, all served with rich broths and authentic flavours. Whether it's a cosy lunch or dinner on a rainy day, Tokki & Tora offers the perfect comfort meal for the season.

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  • Locations: Tokki & Tora, Andheri | Powai
  • Timings: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Epitome (Lower Parel)

From 5th July to 30th August, Epitome in Lower Parel is presenting its Sizzling Monsoon Menu, packed with comforting starters, hearty sizzlers, and indulgent desserts.

Guests can begin with seasonal favourites including Pahadi Dal Wada Popcorn, Bhajiya Basket, Charred Corn Ribs, and Sweet Aloo Tikki Chaat.

For the main course, the menu features Tofu in Black Bean Sizzler and Red Pepper Chilli Paneer Sizzler, served piping hot with flavourful accompaniments. To finish, diners can indulge in the Sizzling Brownie, topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and nuts. Combined with its lively ambience and handcrafted cocktails, Epitome offers a complete monsoon dining experience.

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  • Address: Mathuradas Mill Compound, Plot 242, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel West, Mumbai
  • Timings: 12:30 PM – 1:30 AM

This monsoon, these restaurants offer a variety of seasonal menus that celebrate comfort, flavour, and the joy of dining during the rains. Whether you're in the mood for Mediterranean delicacies, Japanese comfort food, or sizzling Indian favourites, these limited-time experiences are worth exploring.

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