The upcoming Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur has announced an ambitious culinary programme led by internationally recognised chefs Garima Arora and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, as the luxury hotel prepares for its opening in late 2026.
The collaboration will introduce a collection of dining concepts designed to position the hotel as a major gastronomic destination in Southeast Asia. Hospitality group Hilton says the initiative reflects the growing role of food and dining experiences in luxury travel.
Garima Arora, chef-owner of Bangkok’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Gaa, will launch a modern Indian restaurant called Yaari at the property. The name, which means “friendship” in Hindi, reflects the restaurant’s focus on Indian hospitality and shared dining experiences.
Arora is widely recognised for her contemporary approach to Indian cuisine and became the first Indian female chef to helm a Michelin-starred restaurant when Gaa received its star in 2018. At Yaari, she plans to reinterpret regional Indian dishes using traditional cooking techniques and innovative presentation.
The menu will highlight the diversity of India’s culinary traditions, from coastal curries to northern kebabs, alongside refined versions of street foods such as chaat. Desserts will draw inspiration from traditional mithai, offering a modern take on classic Indian sweets.
Alongside Arora’s restaurant, French-born chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will introduce three distinct dining concepts at the hotel: JG KL, abc kitchens KL, and The Bar by JG.
Vongerichten, whose culinary career spans more than four decades, is known for blending French techniques with Asian flavours. His flagship restaurant Jean-Georges in New York currently holds two Michelin stars.
The JG KL restaurant will focus on contemporary fine dining, combining French, American and Asian influences with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Meanwhile, abc kitchens KL will offer a more relaxed dining concept inspired by Vongerichten’s “abc” restaurant series, incorporating farm-to-table dishes and plant-forward cuisine.
The third concept, The Bar by JG, will serve small plates and cocktails in a setting that blends French elegance with Southeast Asian influences.
Hotel executives say the partnerships aim to establish Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur as a new culinary landmark, bringing together global expertise and Malaysia’s rich food culture ahead of its planned opening later this year.
