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/.


The Supper Club Mumbai Marks One Year of Building Community Through Food and Storytelling

The Supper Club Mumbai Marks One Year of Building Community Through Food and Storytelling

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

The Supper Club Mumbai, founded by culinary entrepreneur Chef Rajshri Gupta, has completed one year of creating experience-led dining gatherings that bring together food, culture and meaningful conversations.

In a city known for its diverse culinary landscape, The Supper Club Mumbai has carved a niche by offering more than just a dining experience. Over the past year, the platform has evolved into a space where food enthusiasts, creators and culture seekers come together to share stories, discover regional cuisines and build genuine connections around the dining table.

Marking its first anniversary, the initiative highlights a growing demand for intimate and immersive experiences that go beyond traditional restaurant dining. Through carefully curated gatherings, Chef Rajshri Gupta has focused on showcasing India's rich culinary diversity while celebrating seasonal ingredients, heritage recipes and the stories that accompany them.

One of the defining aspects of The Supper Club Mumbai's journey has been its efforts to spotlight lesser-known culinary traditions, particularly from Karnataka. Its Yele Oota experiences have introduced guests to regional flavours, traditional serving styles and cultural practices that are rarely experienced in mainstream dining spaces. These gatherings often spark conversations around food heritage, diversity and shared memories.

The anniversary also reflects an important chapter in Chef Rajshri Gupta's entrepreneurial journey. A contributor writer for Hospitality Horizon Magazine, she transitioned from food journalism into hospitality entrepreneurship with a vision to create a platform focused on cultural storytelling through food. Her belief that dining should encourage meaningful conversations, deeper cultural understanding and appreciation of traditional ingredients ultimately led to the creation of The Supper Club Mumbai.

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Sharing her thoughts on the milestone, Chef Rajshri Gupta said, "When The Supper Club Mumbai was founded, I never envisioned just serving food but to create a space where people could unwind, share their unique experiences, absorb the cultural value, and connect around a table. With a year gone by, I've seen strangers turn into friends, forgotten food traditions driving conversations, and dining experiences evolve into meaningful memories. In the coming times, I look forward to continuing to curate immersive experiences while bringing people closer together through food."

The anniversary comes at a time when experiential dining continues to gain momentum within the hospitality industry. Consumers are increasingly looking for experiences that offer personal engagement, authenticity and cultural relevance alongside great food.

Looking ahead, Chef Rajshri Gupta plans to expand the platform's portfolio of regional culinary experiences while collaborating with artisans, storytellers and cultural practitioners, further strengthening The Supper Club Mumbai's mission of connecting people through food and shared experiences.


High Note Opens in Bandra, Bringing Back the Spirit of Mumbai’s Retro Music Culture

High Note Opens in Bandra, Bringing Back the Spirit of Mumbai’s Retro Music Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

High Note, a music-first retro bar inspired by the golden decades of the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s, has opened its doors in Bandra. Spread across 2,000 sq. ft., the new venue is designed to celebrate the neighbourhood’s rich musical heritage while offering a contemporary space for food, drinks and community gatherings.

Created by a team that grew up surrounded by live music, vinyl records and vibrant local social scenes, High Note draws inspiration from a time when Bandra’s pubs, parish fêtes and late-night hangouts were central to the area's identity. Rather than recreating the past, the concept blends nostalgic elements with a modern hospitality experience.

“For me, this is about reclaiming a space Bandra once had: where a people would gather around records and stories,” said founder Shreyas Rathod. “High Note is a total of all those sensibilities, adapted for now.”

The interiors reflect the venue’s retro inspiration, featuring vinyl-lined walls, illuminated portraits and intimate seating areas designed for long conversations. The music programming spans classic rock, rock n roll, retro pop, old skool Hip-Hop, One Hit Wonders, chart-topping favourites, themed nights and dedicated vinyl listening sessions.

A major highlight of the venue is its focus on sound quality. High Note features a state-of-the-art L-Acoustics sound system, with side-fills designed by industry veteran Roger Drego. The audio setup has been carefully engineered to deliver a high-fidelity listening experience, whether guests are attending a live performance or enjoying a vinyl playback session.

“We wanted to honour the Catholic subculture that shaped a good part of Bandra’s musical identity without making anyone feel like an outsider. The result is a venue that feels less of a bar and more of a house party – much like our big, open living rooms filled with great music, fun company, scrumptious food, and high spirits,” said DJ Russel, Resident DJ and Chief of Music.

The food menu, curated by Chef Gracian De Souza, focuses on shareable plates and flavour-packed bar bites designed to complement the social atmosphere. Signature dishes include the Adobo Smash Buff Burger, Cremini Mushroom Cafreal Kebab, Kimchi Fried Rice, Sambal Olek Prawns, Triple Cooked Pork Sausages, and Tequila Marinated Buff Tenderloin Asado.

“With High Note, we wanted to create a home for music, not a theme bar,” said Chef Gracian De Souza. “Hence, every element in the food and the way a table is arranged supports the music and the people who love it, and not the other way round.”

The beverage programme, crafted by beverage and alcohol industry specialist Eluther Gomes, takes inspiration from classic cocktails and retro drinking culture. The menu features timeless favourites, pre-prohibition cocktails, Sangrias and Beer Cocktails from the disco era, alongside signature creations such as SoundCheck Highball, High Note No. 5, Cassette Negroni and BackStage Pass.

With seating for 80 guests, High Note aims to offer a space where music takes centre stage and people can come together over great food, drinks and shared experiences. Led by a team including Shreyas Rathod, DJ Russel, Delba Ponnappa, Chef Gracian De Souza, Eluther Gomes and branding studio Dallas Company, the venue hopes to become a modern gathering place rooted in Bandra’s enduring musical legacy.

  • Address: High Note, 38, Waterfield Road, Ground Floor, Hotel Metro Palace, Off Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050
  • Operational Hours: 6:00 pm onwards


Ben's Cookies Opens First Gurugram Store at Ambience Mall

Ben's Cookies Opens First Gurugram Store at Ambience Mall

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

Ambience Mall, Gurugram has expanded its premium food and beverage portfolio with the arrival of Ben's Cookies, the popular British cookie brand, marking the opening of its first store in the city.

Founded in 1984 in Oxford's historic Covered Market, Ben's Cookies started as a small bakery and has grown into an internationally recognised brand. Known for its freshly baked cookies, authentic British heritage and focus on quality ingredients, the brand has built a loyal customer base across several global markets.

The new outlet at Ambience Mall introduces Gurugram consumers to the brand's signature range of cookies, baked fresh every day. Made with premium ingredients such as fresh butter, eggs and generous chunks of real Belgian chocolate, the cookies stay true to the brand's well-known philosophy of "CHUNKS, not chips," delivering a rich and indulgent experience.

In addition to its wide variety of cookie flavours, the store also offers thoughtfully curated gifting options, making it suitable for both everyday indulgence and special occasions. Designed to appeal to dessert enthusiasts, the outlet aims to offer freshly baked treats in one of India's most vibrant retail destinations.

Commenting on the launch, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, "At Ambience Mall, we are committed to curating world-class brands and experiences that elevate our visitors' shopping and lifestyle journey. The arrival of Ben's Cookies, a globally loved brand with a rich British heritage, aligns perfectly with our vision of bringing the finest international concepts to our patrons. We are delighted to welcome the brand to its first Gurugram location and are confident it will become a favourite destination for dessert lovers."

The launch comes at a time when demand for premium international food experiences and artisanal desserts continues to grow across the NCR region. With the addition of Ben's Cookies, Ambience Mall further strengthens its position as a preferred destination for globally renowned brands, exceptional dining concepts and memorable lifestyle experiences.

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