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/.


FOO Opens New Contemporary Asian Restaurant in Bengaluru’s Indiranagar

FOO Opens New Contemporary Asian Restaurant in Bengaluru’s Indiranagar

By Hariharan U

Published on July 2, 2026

FOO has strengthened its presence in Bengaluru with the launch of its newest restaurant in Indiranagar, marking the brand's third outlet in the city and its largest Bengaluru opening to date.

Located in one of Bengaluru’s most vibrant dining and nightlife destinations, the new restaurant has been designed as a social dining space that combines contemporary Asian cuisine, signature beverages, and immersive interiors.

Spanning 2,660 sq. ft., FOO Indiranagar features a bold design palette with deep red tiles, a cobalt-blue entrance, warm timber finishes, natural stone, metallic accents, and curated artwork. At the heart of the restaurant is a fluted stone bar designed to encourage relaxed lunches, evening gatherings, and celebratory dining experiences.

The menu showcases FOO’s signature Pan-Asian offerings, featuring more than 100 varieties of Asian tapas inspired by culinary traditions from across the continent. Guests can enjoy handcrafted sushi, dim sum, Nikkei-inspired dishes, and a selection of small plates designed for sharing.

The beverage programme complements the menu with cocktails crafted using Asian ingredients such as yuzu, miso, sake, and house-infused spirits. Signature creations include the Foo King, Pickled Picante, and the popular Foo Queen, alongside a curated sake selection and non-alcoholic beverages.

The Indiranagar outlet also introduces Foo Brew to Bengaluru for the first time. The brand’s signature Japanese rice beer has been developed to pair with Asian flavours, offering guests a crisp and refreshing accompaniment to dishes ranging from sushi and dim sum to the restaurant’s signature tapas.

Speaking on the launch, Ryan Tham and Keenan Tham, Founders of Pebble Street Hospitality, said Indiranagar’s evolving food culture made it a natural choice for the brand’s next destination. They added that the restaurant has been designed as a neighbourhood space where guests can enjoy everything from quick meals to extended evenings with friends and family.

The new opening reflects FOO’s continued expansion in Bengaluru, reinforcing its focus on bringing together bold Asian flavours, design-led spaces, and hospitality experiences centred around community and shared dining.


Kinya Coffee Launches Weekend Breakfast Experience in Indiranagar Bengaluru

Kinya Coffee Launches Weekend Breakfast Experience in Indiranagar Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on July 2, 2026

Kinya Coffee has introduced a new weekend dining concept called “The Weekend Breakfast,” designed to celebrate a slower and more mindful morning culture in Bengaluru.

Held every Saturday and Sunday, the experience invites guests to pause their routine and enjoy a thoughtfully curated breakfast menu paired with specialty coffee and matcha offerings in a relaxed café setting.

The menu brings together globally inspired breakfast dishes including Eggs Benedict, Turkish Çılbır, Shakshuka, Japanese Tamago Sandwiches, pancakes, French toast, and breakfast boards. Each dish is crafted with a focus on familiar comfort and precise execution, served in a setting that encourages guests to take their time.

Alongside the food, Kinya Coffee’s beverage program plays a central role in the experience. The café offers a range of coffee and matcha preparations, including espresso, pour-over coffee, cold brew, and ceremonial-style matcha. The emphasis remains on craftsmanship and creating moments that encourage guests to linger longer.

The concept goes beyond dining, positioning itself as a weekend destination for Bengaluru’s evolving morning culture. It aims to bring together entrepreneurs, families, friends, and travellers who are looking for a slower start to the day and a shared space for conversation and connection.

Speaking through the concept positioning, Kinya Coffee highlights the idea that in a fast-paced world, mornings can become a luxury when slowed down and appreciated fully.

The Weekend Breakfast is available every Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM at Kinya Coffee, located on 12th Main Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru.


Hyatt Centric Janakpuri Introduces 'Summer at Centric' Seasonal Menu

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri Introduces 'Summer at Centric' Seasonal Menu

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 2, 2026

Hyatt Centric Janakpuri has launched 'Summer at Centric', a seasonal culinary showcase that celebrates the fresh flavours of summer through a specially curated menu at Kitchen District, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant.

Inspired by some of the season's most-loved ingredients, including mango, jamun, lychee, kakdi, and phalsa, the menu presents a collection of dishes that combine vibrant flavours with contemporary cooking techniques.

Among the highlights is the Quinoa & Lychee Salad, featuring avocado, cucumber, feta cheese, and lychee, finished with a honey-orange dressing. Guests can also enjoy the Black Pepper Chicken Tikka with Jamun and Phalsa Compote, where the bold flavours of the chicken are balanced with the subtle tartness of seasonal fruits.

The seasonal menu also includes dishes such as Chicken Shawarma and Mango Thai Green Curry, each offering a fresh take on summer-inspired dining while showcasing the versatility of seasonal produce.

For dessert, the spotlight is on the Mango Tres Leches, a tribute to the king of fruits and one of the signature creations from the summer collection.

With 'Summer at Centric', Hyatt Centric Janakpuri invites guests to enjoy a seasonal dining experience that brings together fresh ingredients, colourful flavours, and thoughtfully crafted dishes, making the most of summer's finest produce at Kitchen District.

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