Renowned chef Vijayakant Shanmugam has been appointed as the Director of Culinary at Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, marking his return to Malaysia after nearly 30 years of international culinary experience. Shanmugam will spearhead the culinary operations at the hotel, which is set to open in 2026, bringing his expertise from across Southeast Asia, the Maldives, Japan, and India.
Shanmugam, originally from Kuala Selangor, will oversee the hotel’s array of dining options, including restaurants, lounges, and banqueting services. He will collaborate with acclaimed chefs Garima Arora and Jean-Georges Vongerichten to establish a unique dining destination in Kuala Lumpur. His recent collaboration with Vongerichten in New York focused on integrating Malaysian ingredients and culinary traditions into the upcoming JG Kuala Lumpur.
With a career that includes roles at prestigious hospitality brands such as Hilton, Shangri-La, and Raffles, Shanmugam has a deep passion for showcasing Malaysian cuisine on a global stage. “It’s an honour to lead the culinary vision for such a highly anticipated luxury hotel opening in Kuala Lumpur,” Shanmugam stated, expressing his aspiration to set new culinary benchmarks in the city.
The Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur will feature 268 suites and seven culinary experiences, including the signature Peacock Alley and Istana, which will offer a blend of local and international cuisines. General Manager Etienne Dalançon emphasised the hotel’s commitment to creating timeless and welcoming dining experiences that reflect Waldorf Astoria’s legacy of culinary craftsmanship.
