We all know that food and drink are a human’s much-needed sustenance — the fuel that keeps us alive. And while these things are a basic need to live, it has evolved into a core part of human life: a want.

As the year of 2025 draws to a close, we’ve spent months navigating the indulgences that Malaysia has to offer. From whimsical dessert displays to high-altitude cocktails, these are our favourite eats and drinks that have left a permanent mark on our palates this year.

apricot by Peaches & Cream

We’re starting our list with something sweet. A definitive highlight of 2025 was the arrival of apricot by Peaches & Cream at MyTOWN Shopping Centre. A tasteful show of European cafe culture, this cafe shines with its blend of delicious sweet treats and also continental comfort food.

Their pizzas and pastas serve as perfect savoury mains to fill you up. But the real showstopper here is the dessert experience. The cafe features its very own Dessert Tree, where guests can literally “pick” their favourite sweet treats from the display before heading back to their table, where a decadent, velvety custard cream is poured over their selection. It’s playful, posh, and most importantly, delicious.

The Year of Matcha

If 2025 had a colour, it’s most definitely earthy green. Following the global “matcha craze,” Malaysia saw a surge in dedicated matcha spots that have quickly become lifestyle staples. From PJ to KL, matcha has proven that it’s far from a performative trend — it’s delicious, addictive, and has its own health benefits to boot!

Whether it’s a perfectly whisked ceremonial latte or a decadent scoop of ice cream, the matcha phenomenon is here to stay. It’s a green bundle of umami goodness that we just can’t seem to get enough of. And it surely has earned its spot as one of the pinnacle beverages of the year.

Full-Blown Japanese Indulgence at Miyabi

Probably one of our favourite Japanese buffets we have tried this year was the Christmas and New Year semi-buffet at Miyabi, Sheraton Petaling Jaya. Miyabi is already well-known for serving up indulgent and authentic Japanese cuisine, usually through their curated set menus or gorgeous Omakase courses.

They don’t usually splurge on buffet offerings, but as a special occasion for the 2025 festive season, they pulled out all the stops for Christmas and New Year. It truly was a semi-buffet to remember! We were treated to everything from delicate sushi and the freshest sashimi to the theatrical sizzle of our favourite teppanyaki station.

The “semi” part of the buffet is where the luxury really kicks in — with certain premium dishes served directly to your table. They maintained an air of exclusivity that a standard buffet simply can’t match. It truly was a feast to remember.

Godzilla Drinks at EQ’s Sky51

2025 marked the 70th anniversary of cinema’s most iconic titan, and Sky51 at EQ decided to celebrate in the most fun way possible. The hotel’s rooftop bar introduced a limited-edition “Godzilla” cocktail, aptly named “King of Monsters.”

What made this particularly great was that the drink was available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, making it enjoyable for everyone regardless of their preference. The absolute standout feature, however, had to be the Godzilla-shaped jelly placed right atop the drink! It was such a quirky, defining drink of 2025, and it well and truly deserves its spot in our round-up.

Hot Pot With A View at Sichuan Kitchen

Who doesn’t love a good hot pot? There is something so incredibly comforting about that steamy, soupy goodness and the ritual of freshly cooking your own food while enjoying good company and even better times.

Sichuan Kitchen, located in Four Points by Sheraton KLCC, serves up a really fantastic and authentic Sichuan spread. A major highlight of 2025 for us was their seasonal hairy crab hot pot set — a decadent treat that perfectly captured the flavours of the year.

But perhaps the best part of the whole experience is the backdrop. You get to enjoy your hot pot with a stunning view of the Petronas Twin Towers! It is truly a hot pot hotspot in the very heart of KL that manages to be both cosy and cosmopolitan all at once.

Whether it’s creatively crafted drinks or a sophisticated semi-buffet, 2025 has been a year of some really unforgettable flavours. These standout eats and drinks have proven that when it comes to indulgences in Malaysia, the experience is just as delicious as the dish itself. We can’t wait to see what 2026 brings to the table!