I have been a regular guest in Essence for years and I have only praises for the buffet.
The fully Halal kitchen prepares buffet breakfast from 6.30am to 10.30am daily, buffet lunch from 12noon to 2.30pm and buffet dinner from 6.30pm to 10.30pm daily.
For weekend hi-tea at Essence on Saturday, Sundays and public holidays, it is from 12 noon to 4pm.
The spiral dessert counter has always been a highlight. The confection here is definitely a notch up from your usual shoddy mass buffet offerings.
The local traditional Malay kuih are delicate, creamy and rich just like how they rightfully should be.
Whole cakes and crumble shared the space with dainty individual servings, all swiftly replenished once portions run low.
Souffles, waffles and pancakes are made upon order, ice-cream are unlimited and local Malaysian fruits lined one side of the counter.
We ordered one of the signature desserts – the Fried Durian and was rewarded with pungent, creamy durian puree encased in hot pastry. Delectable! 
The Fried Durian Puff.
Essence recently rejuvenated the dining experience with an extension of 4-5 live cooking stations making it a total of 9 live cooking stations designed for a dining experience that engages all your senses and heartily satisfies the appetite, using the freshest ingredients.
With visual drama and theatrics thrown in for its interior and food preparation, you are guaranteed a feast not just for your appetite but your taste buds and eyes too!
The fresh seafood and meats were hand-picked and grilled to the level of doneness as request. Over at the satay station we watched as flames licked our chicken and beef skewers for the wonderful char flavor we love.
With an extensive 100-metre buffet spread, there’s something for everyone. Go round the world, teasing your palate from fiery Thai food to the rich curries of India to Mexican tacos and fresh sashimi from the Land of The Rising Sun.
I had my California roll made on the spot and helped myself to unlimited cuts of fresh sashimi at the Japanese booth while waiting for the Chef to prepare my order of mixed teppanyaki.
Bouncy prawns, chunky cuts of beef and chicken were stir-fried with mixed vegetables and mushrooms on the sizzling teppan grill resulting in a tasty plate of protein and fibres.
That’s not all, the same Japanese cuisine counter offers seafood on ice so pile up on the large sweet prawns and fresh oysters. You can also savour the premium roast of ribs, lamb or chicken at the carvery station.
The hot counter offers cooked vegetables, meat and seafood dishes in small pots to ensure freshness and hygiene.
Over at the Asian station, the chef steams your seabass upon order and serves it to your table once it is ready.
While you’re at the Asian station, stroll over to the Noodle Station just beside it and choose your preferred ingredients for a bowl of piping hot noodles; be it a simple chicken consommé or a fiery bowl of laksa.
Don’t miss the theatrical actions of the Indian chef as he knead, flips and twirls his dough while making his signature Roti Romali; a recipe of flour, milk, egg and sugar. The green one is kneaded with spinach puree while the sunny yellow is due to added saffron powder.
Essence, with its stunning backdrop of bright eclectic colours ranging from flashy red and trendy black to warm orange and yellow hues offset by a bold hand-laid mosaic wall offers a modern and vibrant ambience which promises to invigorate all dining experiences – from casual meals and friendly get-togethers to business meals and gourmand explorations.
The delicious buffet dinner spread is priced at RM98++ per person (food only).
Restaurant Name: Essence @ Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur
Location: Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603 2717 9933
Opening Hours: Daily – 6:30 AM till 10:30 AM; 6:30 PM till 10:30 PM Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM till 2:30 PM High Tea – 12:00 PM till 4:00 PM (Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays)
Contact Person and details: Email: restaurants.imperial@sheraton.com Telephone: 603 2717 9900
Halal Checklist:
Muslim Owned: N Halal Certified: Y (Please state the certifying body/organisation’s name) JAKIM 100% Halal Ingredients: Y
Cleanliness Grade – A
Serves Alcohol: Y
Extra Comments/Notes: 10% service charge and 6 % government tax applies
