Xi'an inspired iftar at Hilton Kuching this Ramadan

KUCHING, 13 February 2026 - BorneoTalk had the privilege of experiencing Hilton Kuching's exceptional "Inspirasi Xi'an, Diraikan Bersama" Ramadan buffet at its preview at the hotel’s River View Café last night. Bigger and better than before, this year's edition can only be described as luxurious.

After settling into our seats, we were enlightened a bit on this year’s Ramadan fare by the hotel’s General Manager, Adrian Teh and Executive Chef Alex Wong.

“For over a thousand years, Xi'an has been a meeting point of cultures as merchants and travellers journeyed along the Silk Road. Many Muslim traders from Central Asia and the Middle East settled here, forming communities that have become an integral part of the city's fabric. That legacy is still very much alive today. One of the most powerful symbols of this relationship is the Great Mosque of Xi'an, built in traditional Chinese architecture. While serving Islamic religious practices, it beautifully represents the blend of cultures that defines the city's history,” Adrian said.

Fresh Sematan Ornate Spiny Lobsters, ready for the grill at the outdoor live BBQ station.

“With this, we share our inspiration for Ramadan 2026 at Hilton Kuching. ‘Inspirasi Xi'an, Diraikan Bersama’ represents a dining experience inspired by the vibrant food culture of Xi'an, thoughtfully brought to life here in Kuching with expanded live cooking stations, refined and bespoke cuisine, and an even stronger sense and use of premium ingredients,” he continued.

Chef Alex shared that over the past few months, “…many of our regular guests have been asking me, 'Chef, Musang King ada kah ini tahun? Durian ada kah? Lobster masih ada kah? Tomahawk masih ada kah?' (Chef, do you still have Musang King durian this year? What about lobster and Tomahawk?). The answer is, 'Yes,' as guests will see when they come here.”

Fresh Raub Musang King durians ready for you to dig in.

He added: “What make this year is even more special are our new additions to the buffet. We introduced premium Lumina lamb rack from New Zealand, slowly roasted to tenderness and basted with garlic aioli. Guests can also enjoy our char-grilled giant tiger prawns and air-flown sashimi-grade scallops from Japan.”

He continued: “We are also honoured to have two guest chefs from Xi'an. Inspired by Xi'an's famous Muslim quarters, the guest chefs have introduced authentic flavours to our Ramadan buffet and created special dishes that stay true to Xi'an's culinary heritage while ensuring the experience remains familiar and comforting for Ramadan. Some of the key highlights include Liang Pi cold skin noodles, handmade Biang Biang noodles from the live cooking station, Chang'an Hulu Ji (Gourd Chicken), Imperial Crispy Pastry, and many more. All dishes are prepared using premium ingredients.”

The Inspirasi Xi'an buffet exceeded all expectations. Curated by Chef Alex with exquisite offerings from Chefs Wang Fujian and Jiang Jin of Hilton Xi'an High-Tech Zone, this year's menu offers Xi'an flavours along with premium local and international offerings.

At the River View Café Terrace, the outdoor live BBQ station highlights Sematan Ornate Spiny Lobsters, Australian Black Angus Tomahawk, air-flown Norwegian Salmon, and Tiger King Prawns, all cooked to perfection. The lobster was plump and juicy, while the tomahawk was cooked to a perfect medium rare. The wonderfully flavourful sauces paired beautifully with the barbecued items and truly elevated their taste.

For durian lovers, there's a dedicated stand serving fresh Raub Musang King durians too. Definitely a plus for those who love durian.

Inside, guests can savour specialties inspired by Xi'an's Muslim Quarter. The springy and spicy hand-pulled Biang Biang noodles, flavourful Rou Jia Mo (Chinese meat sandwich), and tender Shaanxi Chilli Soy Braised Beef are absolute must-tries.

Salted Australian Stanbroke M5 Wagyu Brisket at the Carving Station.

At the Carving Station, Chef Alex's signature Salted Australian Stanbroke M5 Wagyu Brisket and Xi'an-style Roasted Lumina Lamb Leg with basmati rice are premium offerings that you absolutely must try. These centrepiece dishes showcase the finest ingredients and expert culinary craftsmanship.

But these are just the tip of the iceberg in this jaw-dropping array of offerings. The adjacent buffet counters feature a variety of hot dishes that are not just Xi'an inspired, but also local, regional and international flavours, including Ayam Penyet, Butter Prawns, Satay, and many more.

The salad and starter counters feature an amazing selection of fresh seafood on ice, featuring succulent Freshwater and Santubong Tiger Prawns, Half-Shell Scallops flown all the way from Japan, and New Zealand Green Mussels. There are also sashimi, sushi, cold Japanese noodles, and fresh salads with a choice of sauces and condiments, all tossed in a giant cheese wheel.

Adjacent to River View Café, the Borneo Room has been transformed into a makeshift Silk Road themed dessert street. Elaborately decorated halls house a mind-blowing array of desserts, from handcrafted French pastries and cakes to live station offerings featuring premium Häagen-Dazs ice cream, shaved ice desserts, and a must-try live Kunafah station.

One of many beautifully handmade pastries served at the expanded Silk Road themed dessert room.

The Inspirasi Xi'an, Diraikan Bersama Ramadan buffet is priced at RM588 nett per adult and RM294 nett per child (ages 6–12), with exclusive privileges available for Hilton Honors members, including 10% off for Blue & Silver members, 25% off for Gold & Diamond members, and 20% off for group dining of 10 or more guests (full payment required upon booking via SevenRooms). Additionally, guests booking 10 or more can enjoy up to 20% off for reservations made between Feb 20 and March 19.

As part of the family-friendly offering, guests dining at River View Café will also enjoy complimentary access to the hotel's Kids' Club, a dedicated and supervised space for children.

Hilton Kuching has truly outdone itself this year with the Inspirasi Xi'an, Diraikan Bersama experience, and we highly recommend experiencing it this Ramadan. Available daily from 6pm to 9.30om between Feb 20 and March 19.

For reservations, call +608 2223 888 or email KUCHI_FB@Hilton.com. More information is available at SevenRooms under Hilton Kuching (https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/riverviewcafe/inspirasi-xian-diraikan-bersama-dinner-buffet-5801701090050048).