For a limited time this July, Kuala Lumpur diners can embark on a culinary journey through Turkey as Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s Lemon Garden welcomes two guest chefs from Shangri-La Istanbul for an authentic celebration of Anatolian cuisine.
Running from 20 July to 14 August 2026, the Anatolian Showcase brings chefs Chefs Murat Arslantaş and Yunus Emre Şengüler to the city, introducing guests to the rich traditions, generous hospitality, and layered flavours that define Turkish dining.
Anatolian cuisine tells the story of a region shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Anatolia has developed a culinary identity built around community seasonality, and the ritual of gathering around a table.
Unlike dining cultures that centre around a single main course, Turkish meals unfold gradually, beginning with an array of mezze, followed by grilled meats, comforting slow cooked dishes, fresh breads, and fragrant rice, before ending with delicate desserts. Each element is designed to be shared, reflecting the Turkish belief that food is as much about connection as it is about flavour.
A Table Built Around Sharing
The experience begins with a selection of cold mezze, offering diners an introduction to the balance and complexity of Turkish flavours.
Classic favourites such as hummus, ezme, and mutabbal showcase the cuisine’s ability to transform simple ingredients into dishes full of character. Creamy hummus combines chickpeas and tahini for a nutty richness, while ezme brings together tomatoes, peppers, and herbs with a subtle kick of spice. Mutabbal adds smoky depth through charred aubergine, tahini, and citrus, creating a silky dish with a lingering finish.
Beyond appetisers, traditional Turkish soups provide a comforting transition into the heart of the meal, echoing the warmth of home kitchens where recipes are often passed down through generations.
Fire Meets Tradition
At the centre of the showcase is the Charcoal Grill Selection, celebrating one of Turkish cuisine’s most iconic cooking methods.
The Adana Kebab delivers bold flavours through hand minced lamb seasoned with red pepper and spices, grilled over charcoal to achieve its signature smoky depth. Chicken Şiş offers a lighter alternative, with tender marinated chicken elevated by the flavour of the grill, while Lamb Chops allow the natural richness of the meat to shine through.
One of the standout dishes is the Hatay Tray Kebab, a speciality from southern Turkey that combines minced meat, and vegetables before being slow-baked into a deeply savoury and comforting dish.
The showcase also highlights Turkey’s coastal influences through its seafood selection, while the Ottoman Spiced Rice adds a touch of history to the table. Fragrant with pine nuts and currants, the rice reflects the elegance of Ottoman era celebratory cooking.
Completing the spread are freshly baked Lavaş and Traditional Pide; warm, soft breads made for tearing, dipping, and sharing alongside the dishes.
Ending on a Sweet Note
No Turkish feast is complete without dessert, and the showcase concludes with a selection inspired by centuries of Ottoman pastry traditions.
Künefe offers a contrast of textures with crisp pastry, melted cheese, syrup and pistachio, while Baked Milk Helva (Süt Helvası) delivers a warm, caramelised sweetness with a soft custard-like texture. Almond Keşkül rounds out the dessert selection with its delicate almond fragrance and smooth pudding consistency.
Together, the desserts provide a fitting finale to a dining experience centred around balance, craftsmanship and hospitality.
Available for both à la carte lunch and dinner buffet, Lemon Garden will be transformed into a Turkish-inspired dining destination where guests can explore the flavours and traditions of Anatolia without leaving Kuala Lumpur.
The à la carte lunch menu starts from RM18 nett for appetisers and RM30 nett for grilled and roast selections.
The dinner buffet is priced at:
- Monday to Thursday: RM198 nett per adult | RM99 nett per child
- Friday to Sunday: RM258 nett per adult | RM129 nett per child
Guests can enjoy 20% savings with early bird tickets purchased online via the Shangri-La Boutique from 1 July to 19 July 2026.
For reservations and enquiries, contact Lemon Garden at +603 2786 2378 or email dining.kl@shangri-la.com.
