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/.


Jyran at Sofitel Mumbai BKC Unveils a New Menu Inspired by the North-West Frontier

Jyran at Sofitel Mumbai BKC Unveils a New Menu Inspired by the North-West Frontier

By Hariharan U

Published on June 15, 2026

Jyran, the acclaimed Tandoor Dining & Lounge at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, has unveiled a thoughtfully curated new menu that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the North-West Frontier. Crafted by Master Chef Waris Qureshi, the refreshed offering pays tribute to heirloom recipes, royal culinary traditions, and time-honoured cooking techniques while embracing contemporary presentation and craftsmanship.

Known for its distinctive interpretation of Indian cuisine, Jyran's latest menu draws inspiration from the celebrated culinary cultures of Awadh, Peshawar, and Hyderabad. The new selection highlights the depth and diversity of these regional traditions through dishes that showcase authentic flavours and meticulous preparation.

image

Among the standout additions are the Namak Mandi Gosht Ki Chaap, Murgh Al Qureshi, and Raan-E-Khushk Pardah, each reflecting the robust and nuanced flavours associated with frontier cuisine. Guests can also savour the restaurant's signature Dal-E-Qureshi, a slow-cooked delicacy simmered for over 48 hours to achieve its signature richness and depth.

image

Complementing the savou ry offerings is a new dessert selection that blends tradition with innovation. Highlights include the Gulab Jamun Kunafa Nest, which combines familiar Indian flavours with Middle Eastern influences, and the Jyran Signature Kulfi Falooda, a refined take on a beloved classic.

Adding another layer to the dining experience is Jyran's entirely reimagined cocktail programme. Conceptualised around a narrative titled The Lost Love Returns, the cocktail menu transforms each drink into a storytelling experience. Through theatrical tableside rituals, immersive presentation techniques, and carefully curated flavour profiles, the programme aims to create memorable moments that extend beyond the plate.

The refreshed menu further strengthens Jyran's position as one of Mumbai's most distinctive Indian dining destinations, offering guests an opportunity to explore the culinary legacy of the North-West Frontier through a contemporary lens.

Guests can experience the new menu at Jyran from June 9 onwards, with lunch service available from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM and dinner from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.


Mabruk at Sahara Star Unveils New Avatar with Refreshed Lebanese Menu and Immersive Dining Experience

Mabruk at Sahara Star Unveils New Avatar with Refreshed Lebanese Menu and Immersive Dining Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on June 14, 2026

Mabruk at Sahara Star, long regarded as the “Soul of Lebanese Dining,” has unveiled its new avatar, introducing a refreshed identity that combines elevated interiors with a reimagined culinary experience. The transformation aims to offer guests a more immersive journey into Lebanese and broader Middle Eastern culture through design, food, and hospitality.

The redesigned 70-cover restaurant now features a richly detailed Arabic-inspired aesthetic, including grand archways, mosaic patterns, handcrafted motifs, lantern-style lighting, and layered textures. Overlooking Sahara Star’s signature tropical lagoon, the space has been curated to reflect warmth, opulence, and traditional Middle Eastern storytelling through design.

Alongside the new look, Mabruk has introduced a refreshed menu that balances authentic Lebanese classics with contemporary culinary interpretations. The menu includes vibrant dishes such as Jarjeer Salad and Root Harra, alongside reimagined favourites like Maqaneq. Innovative creations such as Asparagus Baklava add a modern twist, while traditional desserts like Umm Ali continue to anchor the experience in heritage flavours.

The culinary direction is led by Chef Jihad El Chami, who brings over three decades of experience across Lebanon and the Gulf region. Known for his long-standing association with Mabruk, Chef Jihad continues to focus on preserving authenticity while adapting select offerings for evolving guest preferences, including inclusive dietary variations.

The menu highlights a wide selection of signature Lebanese preparations, including Hummus Platters with multiple variations, Hummus Bil Laham, Pumpkin Kibbeh, Meshwi Mishakkal mixed grills, D’Jaj Meshwi with Avocado Salad, Jawaneh D’Jaj Bil Kozbara, Laham Khashkhash, and Spiced Squids. Each dish reflects a balance of traditional techniques and contemporary presentation.

Complementing the food offering is a curated beverage programme designed by mixologist Swapnil Shinde. The cocktail menu draws inspiration from Middle Eastern flavours and ingredients, featuring creations such as Saffron Negroni, Ice Spice, Tropical Heat, Nuts & Cheese, and Green Mirage, each crafted with a narrative-led approach.

Speaking about the relaunch, Romie Dutt, Executive Director of Hotel Sahara Star and Aamby Valley City, said that the new avatar of Mabruk enhances its Lebanese culinary foundation with a more immersive and experiential ambience while retaining its core identity.

Chef Jihad El Chami added that the refreshed menu continues to celebrate Lebanese cuisine’s essence of simplicity, generosity, and soulful flavours, while adapting its presentation for modern diners.

With its renewed design language, curated menu, and immersive storytelling approach, Mabruk at Sahara Star reintroduces itself as a contemporary destination for Lebanese dining in Mumbai.


Soy Soi Brings the Traditional Indonesian ‘Rijstaffel’ Experience to Chennai

Soy Soi Brings the Traditional Indonesian ‘Rijstaffel’ Experience to Chennai

By Hariharan U

Published on June 14, 2026

Soy Soi in Kotturpuram, Chennai has launched a special Rijstaffel Lunch Experience, introducing diners to one of Indonesia’s most celebrated communal dining traditions.

The term “Rijstaffel,” meaning “rice table,” refers to a multi-dish meal where an assortment of curries, sambals, satays, vegetables, proteins, and rice are served together, allowing guests to enjoy a broad spectrum of flavours in a single sitting. The concept originated during the Dutch colonial era in Indonesia and has since become a distinctive representation of Indonesian hospitality and shared dining.

image

At Soy Soi, the experience is available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian set menus, with the option to combine both for a more expansive tasting journey. The restaurant has positioned the offering as an ideal choice for family gatherings, corporate lunches, and relaxed weekday dining.

The menu features several regional Indonesian specialties, including Jackfruit Rendang, where young jackfruit is slow-cooked in coconut and spices; Rendang Kambing, a rich lamb rendang; Kari Sayur, a fragrant vegetable curry; Ayam Kalio, a Sumatran-style chicken curry; Terong Balado, crispy aubergine tossed in chilli sambal; and Ikan Goreng Nyat Nyat, fried fish finished with bold Indonesian spices.

The lunch experience has been designed around sharing and exploration, encouraging diners to discover the depth and diversity of Indonesian cuisine through multiple small-format dishes served together.

With this addition, Soy Soi continues to strengthen its focus on authentic Southeast Asian flavours and culinary storytelling, bringing lesser-known regional traditions to Chennai’s dining scene.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.