We recently spent a Sunday evening at Thyme, the all-day dining restaurant at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur, and had the chance to try out their Bucked Out Seafood Buffet. If you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a different kind of dining experience in the city, this is something worth checking out.

What makes this buffet stand out is its interactive, sharing concept. Instead of the usual buffet spread, you can pick up a bucket and select your choice of fresh seafood from a wide selection. There’s everything from plump shrimp to shellfish, clams, crabs, slipper lobsters, escalopes, and fish. Once you’ve filled your bucket, the chefs cook your selection in the kitchen, after which the staff will serve it piping hot on a tray for your table to share.

It’s a fun and communal way to dine, perfect for couples, groups or families who enjoy sharing food and trying different flavours. The whole process feels a bit like a seafood market meets a live kitchen, and it definitely adds a sense of excitement to the meal.

One of the unique features here is the option to choose how your seafood is cooked. Whether you prefer the bold spices of Malay cuisine, the delicate touch of Japanese flavours, the comforting tastes of Chinese cooking, or the aromatic spices of Indian dishes, the chefs are happy to accommodate. This flexibility means you can mix and match, trying your seafood in different styles with each round.

Beyond the buckets, the buffet also features a variety of local and international dishes. There’s a sashimi and sushi station for those who love Japanese raw fish, pizza, roast meats, as well as Indian, Chinese and Western dishes. If you’re a sweet tooth, there’s an ice cream station and a plethora of local and Western desserts. The spread is pretty extensive, so there’s something for everyone, even if seafood isn’t your main thing. There are also live oysters, which are freshly shucked for you on the spot, while the nyonya laksa is a must-try!

A real standout for us was the Boston Lobster, which is included for every diner. You can choose to have it cooked thermidor style (rich, creamy, and decadent) or grilled with zesty lemon butter. I went for the grilled version, and the lobster was perfectly cooked-tender, juicy, and bursting with flavour. My partner went for the thermidor variant, which was rich and creamy. Both were bursting with umami flavours and was a nice touch that elevates the buffet from a typical seafood spread to something a bit more special.

The atmosphere at Thyme is relaxed and welcoming, with plenty of space for groups and families. The open kitchen setup adds a bit of theatre to the experience, and the staff are friendly and happy to explain the different options if you’re unsure what to try next.

We appreciated the balance between the interactive elements (like picking your seafood and having it cooked to your preference) and the more traditional buffet aspects. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours here, slowly making your way through the different stations and enjoying good company.

All in all, the Bucked Out Seafood Buffet at Thyme is a great way to spend a Sunday evening in Kuala Lumpur, especially if you enjoy fresh seafood and a bit of variety. The family-sharing concept makes it fun and social, and the quality of the seafood (especially the lobster!) really stands out.

The buffet runs every Sunday from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. It’s priced at MYR238 nett per adult and MYR119 nett for children aged 6 to 11 years. Reservations are recommended.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a seafood feast, I’d say it’s definitely worth a visit.

To make a booking, head over to https://eshop-prckul.panpacific.com/

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Photo credits: Author’s own using the vivo X200