By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BAHRU: Sundays in the city are taking on a new flavour at Sheraton Johor Bahru, where the weekend table has been turned into a generous celebration of seafood, sizzling grills, music, family togetherness and the simple pleasure of dining without hurry.

The hotel has unveiled its new Sunday Brunch Buffet at Daily Social on Level 5, themed “From Ocean to Carving Board”, a lavish weekly dining experience that made its debut on May 24 and is set to welcome guests every Sunday.

Designed as more than just a buffet, the brunch is positioned as a leisurely weekend retreat where families, friends and food lovers can gather over a spread that moves from the freshness of the sea to the warmth of the carving station, from smoky charcoal grills to familiar Asian wok flavours, and from handcrafted desserts to live music.

For Executive Chef Melvin Chong, the idea behind the new brunch is rooted in abundance, comfort and connection.

“We wanted to create a weekend dining experience that truly celebrates the abundance of both the land and the sea,” said Chong.

“Our Sunday Brunch is designed to bring families and friends together over an incredible array of flavours, from our sizzling charcoal fire grills and vibrant Asian woks to our premium chilled seafood bar.”

He said every station had been carefully planned to offer guests a dining journey that is both exciting and memorable.

“Every station is thoughtfully crafted to offer a dynamic and memorable gastronomic journey for all ages,” he added.

At the heart of the brunch is an extensive seafood selection, where diners can enjoy sea prawns, New Zealand mussels, Hamaguri clams and scallops laid out as part of the hotel’s “Seafood Galore” offering.

For those drawn to richer, heartier flavours, the live carving station presents a signature roasted cucurma lamb leg served with oven-roasted vegetables, while the Western Fire Grill brings out premium steaks and lamb chops with the aroma and theatre of open-flame cooking.

The live charcoal oven adds another layer of warmth to the spread, serving grilled Italian sausages, barbecue chicken wings and homemade mini cheese burgers — dishes that carry the easy charm of a weekend cookout, but with the polish of hotel dining.

Guests can also graze through a cold cut and cheese board featuring Camembert, Gouda and smoked duck, or visit the live cheese wheel and pasta station, where comfort and indulgence meet in a theatrical flourish.

Chong said the brunch was deliberately designed to offer variety without losing its sense of harmony.

“A good brunch should allow guests to explore,” he said. “Some may begin with seafood, others may go straight to the grill or pasta, while families with children may enjoy moving from one station to another. What matters most is that everyone finds something that speaks to them.”

The buffet also pays tribute to Asian flavours through a lively wok station, where guests can customise their meals with kway teow, yellow noodles or mee hoon. The familiar sound of wok cooking brings a local rhythm to the experience, adding heat, aroma and movement to the spread.

Regional favourites are also strongly represented, with Malay, Indian and Chinese selections that include Kari Ikan Merah Ala Mamak, Nawabi Biryani Rice, Braised Lamb with Chinese Herbs and an assortment of dim sum.

For many diners, these are the dishes that carry memories of home — spices rising from the pot, noodles tossed over high heat, rice served warm and fragrant, and shared plates passed across the table.

The sweet finale is equally theatrical. The dessert section features a live dessert and crepe station, chocolate fountain, ice cream station, popcorn machine and French pastries, including Pop Corn Cheese Cake, Banoffee Tart and Jivara Pate De Choux.

There is also an interactive mocktail station, where drinks are shaken and served with flair, adding colour and freshness to the brunch experience.

Beyond the food, Sheraton Johor Bahru has also shaped the brunch as a complete Sunday outing. Live acoustic music by Johor Bahru-based vocalist Melissa adds a relaxed and soulful atmosphere to the afternoon. A former Malaysian Idol Top 30 contestant and Rockschool London “Rock Star Award” recipient, Melissa brings years of musical experience to the setting.

Families are also kept in mind, with a dedicated kids’ corner created to entertain children while parents enjoy their meal at a more relaxed pace.

“This is not only about dining,” Chong said. “It is about creating a Sunday moment — where parents can unwind, children can enjoy themselves, and friends can spend real time together around good food.”

The Sunday Brunch is priced at RM138 nett per adult, RM98 nett for senior citizens aged 60 and above, and RM69 nett for children aged six to 12. A beverage package is available at RM198 nett per person.

Guests can also enjoy a “Dine 5, Pay 4” promotion, while Marriott Bonvoy members receive 20 per cent savings across brunch and pool packages.

For those seeking a fuller weekend retreat, the hotel is offering the Sunday Splash Pool Package at RM320 nett for two adults and one child. The package includes Sunday Brunch at Daily Social, access to the swimming pool until 6.30pm, and one non-alcoholic poolside drink per person.

Additional pool-only guests are charged RM60 nett per adult and RM30 nett per child, both inclusive of one non-alcoholic poolside drink.

With the launch of “From Ocean to Carving Board,” Sheraton Johor Bahru is tapping into a growing appetite for meaningful weekend experiences — where dining is not rushed, food is not merely consumed, and hospitality becomes a bridge between people.

In a city that continues to grow as a destination for business, leisure and family travel, the new brunch offers a reminder that some of life’s most memorable moments still happen at the table — over shared plates, familiar laughter, music in the background and the comforting promise of another Sunday well spent.