Malaysia is set to celebrate its 69th National Day since the Federation of Malaya’s independence was declared by Tunku Abdul Rahman in 1957. And in true Malaysian nature, food isn’t just a huge part of our culture, it’s also a massive part of our Merdeka celebrations. Annually, a plethora of establishments will curate a line-up of exciting dining offerings for Malaysians to celebrate the special day ranging from decadent buffet spreads and lush afternoon tea sets to one-of-a-kind set menus. Well, this year is no different.
From the afternoon tea set presented on a congkak at The RuMa Hotel and Residences to the Malaysian flavours-inspired four-hands dinner at EQ Kuala Lumpur’s Sabayon, there’s so much to choose from throughout the months of August and September. Many of these offerings are also available to celebrate Malaysia Day on 16 September. For example, Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel’s Feast has introduced its Coastal Voyage Seafood Dinner Buffet that runs until 26 September. Looking for something smaller instead? Benihana has concocted the Chicken Sambal Roll whereas Lapisan Pâtisserie is the spot to check out for pastries fusing French bakes with local flavours.
The RuMa Hotel and Residences
MICHELIN Key hotel, The RuMa Hotel and Residences, is celebrating Merdeka with a plethora of curated experiences including Chapters of RuMa Afternoon Tea at The LIBRARI. Using a handcrafted congkak board, the afternoon tea curation offered takes inspiration from the heritage of Malaysia. Available from now until 15 November 2026, there are two sessions per day — 1.30PM to 3.30PM and 3.30PM to 5.30PM. Each seating is priced at RM168+ per person.
Learn more HERE.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur
Head over to the hotel’s Botanist Lounge & Bar to savour the Warisan Afternoon Tea. Enjoy locally inspired treats such as Popiah with Smoked Duck, Ayam Percik Pandan Bun, Lobster Kerabu, Boh Teh Tarik Panacotta Gula Melaka and Jackfruit Creme Brûlée among others. Available until 20 September 2026, the Warisan Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed daily from 3PM to 6PM and is priced at RM168 nett per set for two pax.
Learn more HERE.
Imperial Lexis Kuala Lumpur
At UMI Japanese Restaurant, Imperial Lexis Kuala Lumpur has curated a seven-course omakase meal in celebration of Merdeka. Called The Taste of Harmony, the menu comprises dishes such as Sabah Botan Ebi with Calamansi and Cincalok Cream Sauce, Laksa Owan with Hokkaido Scallop and Clear Laksa Dashi, Wagyu Rendang with Slow-Glazed Wagyu and Seasonal Garnish as well as Nasi Lemak Donburi with Ikura Sambal, Onsen Egg, Koebi Karaage and Tori Karaage Curry among others. Priced at RM388 nett per person, the set is available from 24 to 31 August 2026 from 6PM to 10PM.
Learn more HERE.
Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre’s Merchants is the place to check out for a decadent buffet spread this Merdeka month. Available on 29, 30 and 31 August 2026 only, the offerings pay homage to time-honoured Malaysian favourites and the flavours that make Malaysia special. Think Grilled Otak-Otak, Assorted Nyonya Kuih-Muih and more. Available from 6.30PM to 10.30PM throughout the three days, the buffet is priced at RM185 nett per adult.
Learn more HERE.
Lapisan Pâtisserie
In commemoration of Merdeka, Lapisan Pâtisserie has crafted not one but three creations that put Malaysian flavours in the spotlight. Fusing with the French-style artisanal bakes that it has come to be known for, the Malaysian Favourites’ pastry series comprises Kaya Butter Crispy Toast, Pandan Coconut Tart and Chicken Rendang Mille Feuille. The pastries can be found at Lapisan Pâtisserie stores throughout Malaysia from 20 August 2026.
Learn more HERE.
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
Ready for a Merdeka feast at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s Lemon Garden? Whether for dinner on 30 August and either lunch or dinner on 31 August, look forward to a spread that spotlights the various Malaysian flavours spanning Sarawak to Kedah. For example, there’s the the Dulang Hasil Laut Warisan Merdeka featuring the likes of Ketam Salji Panggang Berempah, Ikan Merah Panggang Air Asam and Lobster Panggang Berempah among others. There are also specialties like Daging Rusuk Panggang Berempah and Kambing Golek Istimewa to enjoy with friends and family. Dinner is priced at RM258 nett per person while lunch is priced at RM198 nett per person.
Learn more HERE.
Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel
Situated on Level 3 of Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel is Feast where you can enjoy the Coastal Voyage Seafood Dinner Buffet while celebrating Merdeka with loved ones. Available until 26 September 2026, look forward to creations such as Fish Head Curry and Chili Crab with Mantao. Available from 6.30PM to 10.30PM, the buffet is priced at RM138 nett per person while guests born in the month of August get to enjoy 31% off their meals (applicable for dining parties of two or more).
Learn more HERE.
The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
This August and September, step into Contango at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur for a feast like no other in celebration of Merdeka and Malaysia Day. Available every Friday and Saturday from RM168++ per person, Harmony of Flavours is a buffet spread offering a culinary journey down the country’s rich tapestry.
Learn more HERE.
Benihana
Benihana has introduced both the Chicken Sambal Roll and the Sushi Popper! Japanese with a Malaysian twist, the dishes are created to commemorate both Merdeka and Malaysia Day by the team at Benihana. The former comes with Grilled Chicken, Tamagoyaki, Cucumber, Chicken Floss and Sambal whereas the latter is prepared to let you enjoy sushi easily. Available at Benihana in Suria KLCC, they can be savoured from now until 16 September 2026. Additionally, Benihana also offers a wide selection of Japanese fare that can be paired with the new creations.
Learn more HERE.
EQ Kuala Lumpur
EQ Kuala Lumpur, the only hotel in Malaysia listed on the Travel + Leisure’s World’s 100 Best Hotels 2026 list, is offering the Merdeka Four Hands Dinner on 30 August 2026. Executive Chef Azizi Taslim and Chef de Cuisine Steve Ariffin are both coming together to prepare a specially curated meal with the culinary heritage of Malaysia as its inspiration. On Level 51 of the hotel, enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline while savouring dishes such as Confit Stingray with Ginger Flower and Curried Duck Rilletes among others. The dinner is priced at RM588+ per person for regular seating and RM888+ per person for premium window seating.
Learn more HERE.
(Hero and Featured image credit: Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur)
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
