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/.


Sudhanshu Rai Inaugurates Nayvedyam, New South Indian Dining Spot in Bengaluru

Sudhanshu Rai Inaugurates Nayvedyam, New South Indian Dining Spot in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on July 6, 2026

Bengaluru has a new addition to its dining scene with the launch of Nayvedyam, a pure-vegetarian restaurant dedicated to authentic South Indian cuisine. The restaurant was officially inaugurated by filmmaker and storyteller Sudhanshu Rai, marking its entry as a new destination for traditional, comfort-driven dining in the city.

Positioned as a space for those who value heritage recipes and simple, honest flavours, Nayvedyam brings together the diverse culinary traditions of South India under one roof. The menu focuses on timeless favourites such as crisp dosas, soft idlis, aromatic sambhar, freshly prepared chutneys and wholesome regional thalis.

The restaurant is inspired by the Sanskrit term Naivedyam, which refers to food offered with devotion. Staying true to this philosophy, Nayvedyam aims to serve meals that reflect purity, tradition and care, using fresh ingredients and age-old cooking methods.

Among its signature offerings are the Ghee Pudi Masala Dosa, Temple Ghee Thatte Idli, and a variety of curated thalis that showcase the richness and diversity of South Indian regional cuisine. Each dish is designed to deliver a nostalgic yet refined dining experience.

For Sudhanshu Rai, the inauguration was also a personal experience, as he appreciated the restaurant’s focus on authentic flavours and traditional preparation. He noted that the experience felt deeply rooted in culture, with food that carries a sense of storytelling through taste and presentation.

Speaking on the launch, Saurabh Mehra, Founder of Nayvedyam, said the vision is to make the restaurant a preferred destination in Bengaluru for authentic South Indian dining, built on tradition and genuine hospitality. He also expressed gratitude for having Sudhanshu Rai inaugurate the space, calling it a meaningful start to the brand’s journey.

While South Indian cuisine remains the highlight, Nayvedyam also offers a selection of North Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes, including curries, breads, Gobi Manchurian, Hakka noodles and fried rice. This makes it a versatile dining option for families and group gatherings.

Located on Gopalakrishna Adiga Road near Sarjapur Road, Chikkanayakanahalli, Nayvedyam operates daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., offering dine-in, takeaway, online ordering and catering services.


Conan Expands Its Beer Portfolio with Launch of Conan Platinum Strong Lager

Conan Expands Its Beer Portfolio with Launch of Conan Platinum Strong Lager

By Hariharan U

Published on July 6, 2026

Conan has expanded its beverage portfolio with the launch of Conan Platinum, a new premium strong lager introduced in Delhi. Positioned in the high-strength beer category, the 8% ABV offering aims to deliver a more refined and balanced drinking experience for evolving consumer tastes.

Crafted to stand out in India’s growing premium beer segment, Conan Platinum combines intensity with smoothness, offering a flavour profile that is both bold and approachable. The lager features rich notes of toasted grain and subtle caramel, supported by a balanced hop bitterness that leads into a clean, crisp and long finish.

The beer’s texture is full-bodied yet smooth, designed to offer a creamy mouthfeel without any harsh alcohol aftertaste. Alongside its taste profile, Conan Platinum carries delicate fruity esters and light floral aromas, enhancing its layered drinking experience. Its amber-gold appearance and elegant lacing further reflect the attention to brewing detail.

The vision behind Conan Platinum comes from entrepreneur Arvind Bajaj, who has interests across exports, lifestyle, hospitality and real estate. Drawing from global brewing inspiration and shifting consumer preferences, he aimed to create a strong beer that prioritises both strength and sophistication.

Speaking on the launch, Arvind Bajaj, Founder of Conan Beer, said, “Today’s premium beer drinkers are not just looking for strength. They want flavour, balance and a smoother overall experience. With Conan Platinum, we focused on creating an 8% ABV strong beer that remains exceptionally smooth, flavourful and easy to enjoy.”

He added that every element from aroma to finish was carefully developed to ensure a more elevated strong beer experience that aligns with modern drinking preferences.

With this launch, Conan continues its focus on offering crafted beer experiences tailored to India’s changing consumption patterns. Conan Platinum is positioned as a versatile strong lager suitable for social occasions, celebrations and casual moments alike.

Conan Platinum is currently available in Delhi.


Poppy Udaipur Showcases Artisanal Italian Cuisine with Signature Pizzas and Heritage Flavours

Poppy Udaipur Showcases Artisanal Italian Cuisine with Signature Pizzas and Heritage Flavours

By Hariharan U

Published on July 6, 2026

Poppy Udaipur is strengthening its reputation as one of the city's standout dining destinations with an Italian menu built around craftsmanship, quality ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques.

Housed in a restored heritage bungalow, the restaurant has carved a niche for itself by combining artisanal Italian cuisine with authentic Rajasthani flavours. At the heart of its menu is a thoughtfully curated pizza programme that focuses on slow fermentation, precise techniques, and carefully sourced ingredients to deliver pizzas inspired by classic Italian traditions.

Among the restaurant's signature offerings are the Pomodori Pepe, featuring sun-dried tomato pesto, the Almond Florentine Pie, the Ecstasy with aubergine pesto, and The Italian Grandma, a six-cheese pizza finished with a subtle touch of spice. Each pizza has been crafted to offer its own distinct flavour profile while remaining true to authentic Italian styles.

Beyond pizzas, Poppy's Italian menu features a selection of oven-baked specialties, including the Smoked Scamorza Doughball, Smoked Chicken Pepperoni Panuozzo, and a range of stuffed garlic breads. Guests can also enjoy handcrafted pastas such as Radiatori, Mafaldine, Girelle, Gnocchi, and Ravioli, highlighting the restaurant's focus on comfort-driven Italian cuisine made from scratch.

Complementing its Italian offerings is a menu rooted in Rajasthan's culinary heritage, inspired by recipes from the Bedla family legacy. Signature dishes include Smoky Laal Maas, Banjara Aaloo, Gobhi Lal Shorba, and Hari Mirch ka Paneer, bringing regional flavours that are rarely found on contemporary restaurant menus.

The combination of authentic Italian craftsmanship and heritage Rajasthani cuisine has become the defining identity of Poppy. Every section of the menu has been designed to encourage guests to explore new flavours while maintaining a balance between familiar favourites and regional specialties.

Sharing the restaurant's philosophy, the team at Poppy said, "Every dish is built with intention, whether it's pizza, pasta, or traditional Rajasthani food. Our focus is on flavour, balance, and making sure guests always want to explore more of the menu."

As Udaipur continues to emerge as a prominent culinary destination, Poppy is positioning itself as a restaurant that celebrates both global and local gastronomy. By bringing together handcrafted Italian dishes and authentic regional cuisine under one roof, it offers guests a dining experience that blends heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary hospitality.

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