Iftar at StraitsKitchen, Grand Hyatt Singapore

Source: The Grand Hyatt Singapore. A selection
of dishes from the Ramadan buffet.

The Grand Hyatt Singapore welcomes guests to celebrate the spirit of togetherness with an iftar buffet at StraitsKitchen, Singapore’s first halal-certified buffet restaurant in a five-star hotel on Orchard Road.

Under the guidance of Chef Mohamad Mohamed Abdelmoety Ahmed, Chef Khairul Akmal Bin Zakaria, and Chef de Cuisine Nelson Wong, StraitsKitchen’s culinary team has prepared an extraordinary Ramadhan experience. 

Till 31 March 2025, StraitsKitchen will offer a buffet that brings together authentic Singaporean flavours with a touch of Middle Eastern cuisine. 

The dining experience begins with a selection of traditional mezze (appetisers), including smoky baba ghanoush and silky hummus, served with warm pita bread. 

Beyond the appetisers, guests can enjoy a variety of live stations and regional specialties celebrating both Malay and Arabic traditions. In addition to the Malay barbecue station serving chicken, beef, and mutton satay accompanied by warm peanut sauce and traditional ketupat (rice cakes), guests can enjoy Middle Eastern street food at its finest with the shawarma station, serving freshly-carved chicken shawarma wrapped in warm pita bread, topped with lettuce, onions, and tahini sauce.

Guests craving hearty mains can enjoy ayam buah keluak, a rich Peranakan specialty: braised chicken cooked with nutty buah keluak*, and beef rendang, a slow-cooked, coconut-infused beef dish fragrant with lemongrass and other aromatics. Seafood lovers will be delighted with ikan bakar, where sustainable barramundi is grilled to perfection, then served in a banana leaf and slathered with sambal. Udang Belado, a fiery tiger prawn stir-fry coated in homemade belado sauce, is another option.

To complete the feast, guests can indulge in handcrafted desserts, from flaky baklava filled with crushed nuts and drizzled with Arabic syrup, to dense, honey-soaked basbousa topped with toasted hazelnuts. The buffet also offers traditional Southeast Asian desserts, including pulut hitam (black glutinous rice in coconut milk), goreng pisang (crispy banana fritters), and bubur cha cha (a creamy coconut dessert with yam, sweet potato, and sago pearls). Sweet treats like chendol as well as an assortment of durian mochi and Nonya kueh are also on the menu.

In the evening, the Ramadan Dinner buffet offers a spread of dinner exclusives. In addition to the core mezze offerings of hummus and baba ghanoush, the dinner spread presents tabbouleh, fattoush, tzatziki, feta cheese salad, and warak enab (grape leaves stuffed with Arabic-spiced rice and raisins). The seafood on ice station adds on slipper lobster, mussels, and clams in the evenings to accompany the black tiger prawns available throughout the day.

Dishes like lamb mandi (fragrant steamed basmati rice with saffron and slow-cooked lamb, topped with pine nuts and coriander) and sayaduyah rice (صيادية, an Arabic dish of jasmine rice cooked with shrimp, barramundi, and spices) offer a taste of the Middle East’s vibrant culinary heritage, and guests can savour the kambing qorma (a rich, slow-braised lamb dish infused with creamy cashew nut sauce and aromatic bell peppers) and mahshi felfel (capsicum stuffed with spiced rice, dill, tomato, and minced beef). 

The dinner buffet is rounded out with comforting soups, including sup tulang merah, a robust, red-hued mutton bone stew served with crusty baguette, and sup ayam Palembang, a delicate kampung chicken soup with tofu and fresh basil leaves.

To end the meal on a sweet note, guests can visit the Date Bazaar, featuring an exquisite selection of premium dates from across the Middle East and North Africa, including the rich, caramel-like Ajwa and the chewy and flavourful Mabroum from KSA, the prized Medjoul from Jordan and Palestine, and the delicate Deglet Nour from Tunisia. Complementing these are natural dried figs and apricots from Turkey. Guests can also enjoy warm treats such as the aish el saraya (عيش السرايا), a classic Arabic bread pudding perfumed with fragrant syrup, as well as ladida coconut, a confection blended with mixed dried fruits.

StraitsKitchen also invites guests who are not fasting to experience the lunch buffet, which features a selection of local and regional favourites from Singapore’s Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cuisine, complemented by a touch of Middle Eastern flair.

Details

Ramadan Buffet at StraitsKitchen
2 March – 31 March 2025 (including Hari Raya eve and Hari Raya Puasa (Eid))

S$68++ (lunch) | S$98++ (dinner)
All prices are subject to 10% service charge and 9% goods and service tax.

To reserve a table, please visit https://www.singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com/straitskitchen. 

Hashtags: #GrandHyattSingapore, #GoGrand

*Buah keluak comes from the Pangium tree. It is fermented before cooking.

Hyatt Regency returns to Sydney, positions hotel for MICE

Hyatt Hotels announced today that a hotel, located at 161 Sussex Street and previously part of the Four Points by Sheraton brand, will be rebranded to Hyatt Regency Sydney at midnight on November 30, 2016, marking the Hyatt Regency brand’s return to Sydney. The company is positioning the Hyatt Regency Sydney as a preferred venue for conference organisation.

Hyatt Regency Sydney will enter the Australian market during a time of growing demand for business, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) and leisure travel. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the market saw 7.6 million visitor arrivals for the year ending February 2016, which was an increase of 9 percent compared to the previous year.

Said David Udell, Group President – Asia Pacific, Hyatt Hotels: “Hyatt hotels have been operating in Australia for more than 30 years, providing a solid foundation for future growth in what is a dynamic market. This hotel will resonate with business and leisure travellers alike, and furthermore, we believe this hotel will be a leader in providing outstanding exhibition and function spaces so meeting planners can enable attendees to have a great experience.”

Following a US$250 million redevelopment and refurbishment, Hyatt Regency Sydney will enjoy an unparalleled location in the Sydney Central Business District adjacent to Darling Harbour, providing the perfect setting for corporate, leisure and meeting and events programmes. This expansion will also include a new 24-storey tower and 222 additional guestrooms, making Hyatt Regency Sydney the largest upscale, full service hotel in Australia with a total room count of 892. Additionally, the hotel will introduce a 272-seat all day dining restaurant, and will also feature the only hotel rooftop bar in Sydney and a Regency Club lounge with stunning panoramic views of the harbour.

The hotel will feature more than 37,100 sq ft (3,450 sq m) of meeting space for events, including two ballrooms that can seat more than 1,000 people, which will be part of the new pillar-less convention centre with panoramic views of Darling Harbour. There is a four-ton car lift and a four-ton goods lift, as well as a separate coach check-in facility for expedited registration for large groups.

Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong is the first Hyatt Place in SEA

Hyatt and Boutique Corporation have announced the opening of Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong on the island of Phuket, Thailand. The 161-room beachside hotel marks the first Hyatt Place hotel in Southeast Asia, and features the Hyatt Place brand’s casual atmosphere and practical amenities such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings.

“Thailand continues to be an important market for Hyatt, and Phuket is one of Southeast Asia’s premier tourist destinations where demand from both leisure and business visitors continues to grow,” said David Udell, Group President – Asia Pacific, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong is the second Hyatt-branded hotel in Phuket, and we believe the hotel will exceed guest expectations and provide them with everything they need while visiting this beautiful island in the Andaman Sea.”

Said Prab Thakral, President and Group CEO, Boutique Corporation: “We plan to expand and add more hotel developments in Phuket to the company’s portfolio. We are confident that Hyatt Place Patong, Phuket will gain loyal travellers through the exceptional guest experience and excellence in service and food and beverage offerings for which Hyatt is known.”

Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong offers:

• Guestrooms with separate spaces to sleep, work and relax, as well as a Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper. Ten specialty guestrooms offer ocean views and balconies overlooking the Andaman Sea
• Free Wi-Fi 
• A complimentary hot breakfast available daily in the Gallery Kitchen
• Odds & Ends programme for forgotten items that guests can buy, borrow or enjoy for free
• Meetings Spaces offer more than 400 sq ft of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space
• An infinity-edged pool with wading area 
• 24-hour StayFit Gym featuring cardio equipment with LCD touchscreens and free ear buds

Interested?

Make a reservation. Receive a 20% discount off the standard rate for booking by 24 July 2016 for a stay till 31 July 2016, with the booking at least seven days prior to arrival. Booking requires a full, non-refundable prepayment at the time of booking. Participating hotels include the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin, Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort and the Hyatt Place Phuket Patong.

The Park Hyatt Bangkok is expected to open in late 2016.

Hyatt Regency Suzhou offers Anniversary Meeting Package to mark successful first year

Source: Hyatt Regency Suzhou.

The Hyatt Regency Suzhou is celebrating the hotel's first birthday with a number of promotions to thank loyal patrons and valued guests for their support over the past year.

Opened on 24 August 2014 in Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) with a subway station on its doorstep, the Hyatt Regency Suzhou hotel offers 355 rooms and suites plus a Regency Club, five restaurants and lounges, as well as more than 15,000 sq ft of event venues.

"Our first year has been overwhelming, as we have surpassed all expectations in terms of business, hotel position and service standards. It is extremely satisfying to see what we have achieved in such a short time. Credit must be given to our guests who have visited, to our business partners who have been instrumental in our success, to the owning company for investing in the property, as well as to the hotel team for doing an amazing job," said General Manager Gary Chan.

The hotel's Anniversary Meeting Package runs till 24 September 2015. For RMB824 nett per room night, the package includes accommodation, breakfast for two persons, meeting room rental, coffee break and meeting amenities. A meeting organiser is also entitled to the Hyatt Gold Passport Planner rewards programme. 

From the Hyatt Regency Suzhou it is 25 minutes by train to Shanghai, an hour by car to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and 10 minutes by car to Suzhou SIP Railway Station. Hyatt Regency Suzhou is part of Jinghope Plaza, a complex including a shopping mall, entertainment venues and two Grade-A office buildings. It is also near Jinji Lake, the Culture and Arts Center, the International Expo Center and the Ferris Wheel Park.

Interested?

Contact the sales team about the Anniversary Meeting Package at +86 512 6288 1234.

Iftar at StraitsKitchen goes international

Source: Grand Hyatt Singapore website.

This Ramadhan, StraitsKitchen at the Grand Hyatt Singapore invites guests to enjoy diverse flavours from Asia with an iftar buffet spread of dishes from countries including Indonesia, India, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, in addition to the usual Singaporean favourites. The food is freshly prepared in halal-certified theatre kitchens.

From the Middle East, expect Saudi Arabian roasted leg of lamb, Lebanese samke harra (grilled fish) and shawarma meats, Moroccan mezze and traditional desserts including baklava, basbousa and kanafa bil cream.

Fresh, sustainably sourced seafood dishes will also be a highlight of the menus across the various theatre kitchens including Bengali machi (fish) curry, udang lemak nanas (Peranakan curry prawns), mini salmon skin with yellowtail maki, Alexandria-style mixed seafood and a crustacean bar with poached tiger prawns, clams, mussels and oysters.

From countries closer to Singapore, the Chef’s specialties include mini double-boiled superior ‘Buddha jumps over the wall’, Hyderabadi biriyanis (basmati rice with lamb or seafood), wok-fried crab with salted egg and nasi kambing herba (slow-cooked herb mutton rice).

The buffet also features a variety of desserts and six fine date selections: ajwah, barhi, sokari, kholas, khidri, and segai; ice creams and sherbets such as fig, honey and walnut ice cream, Arabic coffee ice cream and mango sherbet, plus umm ali, and more.

StraitsKitchen will serve the iftar buffet from 6:30pm to 10:30pm, priced* at S$68++ for adults and S$38++ per child. The meal includes selected free-flow of juice, lassi (Indian yoghurt drink), tea and coffee. 

A choice selection of dishes in addition to the regular buffet line-up will be also available during lunch. This is priced* at S$45++ (adults) and S$25++ (children).

Interested?

For reservations, call +65 6732 1234. Club at the Hyatt cardholders can enjoy a 15% discount. 

*All prices quoted are subject to a 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.

Hyatt hotel guests to enjoy free Wi-Fi

As part of the company's continued efforts to evolve the guest experience by listening and responding to guest needs, Hyatt Hotels Corporation will offer free Wi-Fi at all Hyatt hotels worldwide from February 2015, providing connectivity and convenience regardless of booking method or loyalty programme participation.

Guests will be able to access free Wi-Fi on an unlimited number of mobile devices or laptops in Hyatt-branded hotel guest rooms and social spaces, the company said.

According to the Expedia Mobile Survey 2014:

- 62% Indian travellers say Wi-Fi availability or pricing (like free Wi-Fi versus not having to pay for Wi-Fi) impacts their purchase decisions when searching for and booking flights or hotels

- 43% say complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public areas is very important when they book a hotel for personal travel

"Internet connectivity is no longer an amenity. It has become an integral part of travellers' daily lives and a basic expectation," said Kristine Rose, VP of brands for Hyatt. "Travellers shouldn't have to remember which brands or locations offer it for free or the strings attached to get it."

Hyatt hotels across many brands have long offered Wi-Fi at no charge to guests in several of its brands and to elite members of the Hyatt Gold Passport loyalty programme. Expanding free Wi-Fi is part of Hyatt's ongoing focus to make the guest experience more seamless.

"Our colleagues are committed to not just listening to what our guests say, but understanding their real needs. This practice has already brought us new ways to make a guest's stay more personal and seamless, from expedited check-in methods to easier ways for guests to make requests," Rose said. "Today, people consider smartphones just as important as their car and more important than television or coffee.* Travellers feel out of sync with their lives when they can't freely connect. Giving free Wi-Fi without a catch will enable us to continue innovating the guest experience to help people be more productive and stay better connected to colleagues, friends and family."

Where available, Hyatt Gold Passport Diamond and Platinum tier members will receive a complimentary upgrade to premium Wi-Fi service.

*Braun Research on behalf of Bank of America, June 2014.

Hyatt Regency Suzhou is first Hyatt hotel in Jiangsu province

Hyatt Regency Suzhou has formally opened in the city of Suzhou, known for its ancient canals, stone bridges and UNESCO-listed classic gardens. 

Source: Hyatt. The 29-floor atrium is the
highest in the city.

"The opening of Hyatt Regency Suzhou is a strategic step for Hyatt as we grow our brand presence in China," said Christopher Koehler, VP of operations - China, Hyatt. "We look forward to fostering meaningful connections among business and leisure travelers around the world."

Located in the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), Hyatt Regency Suzhou is part of Jinghope Plaza, a new complex project that includes a luxury shopping mall, entertainment venues and two Grade-A office buildings.

Hyatt Regency Suzhou has a subway station at its doorstep, and is expected to become a key connecting point between Suzhou and Shanghai, offering easy accessibility to visiting guests. It takes just 25 minutes by train to reach Shanghai, one hour by car to reach Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and 10 minutes by car to reach Suzhou SIP Railway Station, the transportation hub of Yangtze River Delta region. The Suzhou International Expo Center is nearby as well.

The hotel offers 355 spacious guestrooms and suites plus a Regency Club. There are five restaurants and lounges, more than 15,000 square feet of innovative meeting and event venues, and spa and wellness facilities.

"We are delighted to introduce the Hyatt Regency brand's signature world-class dining, hospitality and amenities to one of China's most historic cities," said Gary Chan, GM of Hyatt Regency Suzhou. "With an energetic team of expert planners and passionate hoteliers, we are ready to welcome our guests from the neighbourhood and around the world."

Hyatt Regency Suzhou features both international flavors and authentic local dishes with fresh seasonal ingredients. Hua Chi 88 is a Chinese dining restaurant serving authentic Suzhou and Huaiyang cuisines, Taihu Boat cuisine from nearby Tai Lake, and Peking duck roasted over fruitwood in the traditional duck oven. Live show kitchens throughout the dining room add to the theatrical atmosphere. Six private dining rooms feature large windows and private bathrooms.

The Fireplace is an international grill restaurant with a European bistro-style ambience. The open kitchen serves up Italian pizzas and grilled specialties. The Fireplace also features a mosaic and marble bar with a Manhattan vibe.

Tea House on the ground floor serves light snacks, beverages and cocktails, and provides free Wi-Fi. 

Beneath the magnificent 29-story atrium, The Atrium is ideal for informal meetings and gatherings. Market Cafe occupies a second-floor space with double-height windows where guests can eat out of the pan, off the grill and out of the wok.

Hyatt Regency Suzhou is the place for every occasion with more than 15,000 square feet of meetings and events space. The Residence is a new-concept events venue comprised of four multifunctional rooms with large French windows, hosting up to 360 guests. The rooms feature versatile sliding screens that open onto a large foyer, and a dedicated Loft Kitchen is fully equipped for creative dining experiences. The Residence is ideal for conferences, meetings and cocktail events. 

Designed in contemporary style, the 6,240-square-foot Regency Ballroom can host up to 450 people for a cocktail event and 340 for a private dining event. The ballroom can also be divided into two rooms for smaller gatherings. A large VIP/Bridal Dressing Room and lounge are available. 

All venues are appointed with advanced technology and communications systems as well as complimentary wireless Internet connectivity. A private street-front entrance provides exclusivity.