Malaysia has a proud but, perhaps underappreciated culinary heritage as many tourists visiting the country find out. Many people would like to recreate the wonderful meals they have tried back home for their friends and family to enjoy. If this sounds like you, then the sleek Starhill Culinary Studio at the upmarket Starhill Gallery is where you need to head for. Located in the busy shopping district Bukit Bintang, right in front of the behemoth Pavilion KL, Starhill Gallery is quickly becoming a one-stop centre for those seeking indulgence and memorable experiences while in the city, with spas, beauty centres, international luxury brand names and exquisite dining outlets occupying the classy mall.
Chef Wai, YTL’s Corporate Executive Chef, heads the teaching forces behind Starhill Culinary Studio. With years of experience at Starhill Gallery restaurants, he teaches classes with energy, flair, and knowledge. As well as food preparation, tips such as how to properly handle kitchen utensils and knowledge of herbs are shared with students so that you’ll not only learn how to cook, but also how to do it like a pro chef.
With over 12,000sqft of floor space, the school can accommodate over 150 students at one time within its five specialized areas, namely the Baking Studio, Pastry Studio, Wai’s Kitchen, Wai’s Dining Area and Wine Studio, so that students can learn in a purpose-built atmosphere. Classes are held almost every day, and besides ‘Malay’ and ‘Hawker Food’ classes (in which you get to learn how to make local favourites such as rendang, nasi lemak and mee rebus), there are also classes for Japanese dishes and French bite-sized snacks like macaroons and pralines, so there really is something for everyone here. If you don’t particularly enjoy spending time in the kitchen, the culinary school also organizes wine appreciation sessions at its specialized wine studio for those who would like learn the finer arts of the divine drink.
A little fun fact: We've also learned that the pastry kitchen right behind the pastry studio houses real pastry chefs, and their pastries are then supplied to the neighbouring JW Marriot Hotel and The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
A class at Starhill Culinary Studio is priced at RM188 unless otherwise stated, and the duration is three hours, inclusive of an informative demonstration by the chef, a hands-on cooking session, a lunch or afternoon tea or light evening meal, and a goodie bag containing an apron, a chef's hat, a printed recipe and a notebook. To join any available classes, prospective students can view the schedule via their website and make a 50% deposit to secure their booking, or call +60 2782 3810 to book. Students who would like to a one-on-one time with the chef to hone their skills can also opt for a private cooking class, which can be hosted for up to 100 people. The rate starts at RM278 per person for one to five persons per private session.
Starhill Culinary Studio
- Address: Starhill Culinary Studio, Muse Level, Starhill Gallery, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
- Tel: +603 2782 3810
