Chefs and foodies, rejoice—Culina has officially touched down in Kuala Lumpur
It isn’t just a grocery stop—it’s a full-blown culinary experience.
Ever have one of those days when you crave a meal crafted by your own hands, even though your cooking skills barely pass muster? Don’t worry—this is a judgment-free zone. If you’re still figuring out how to air-fry chicken, let alone whip up green curry from scratch, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: even the most amateur cooks can pull off culinary magic with the right ingredients, and that’s where Culina steps in.
Dubbed “the place where chefs shop,” Singapore’s premier gourmet food and wine specialist has planted its first flag outside the Lion City, landing in the heart of Kuala Lumpur at Shoppes at Four Seasons Place. Equal parts market, bakery, wine bar, and bistro, Culina is a treasure trove of top-tier seasonal products and speciality foods, featuring ingredients that once lived exclusively in the kitchens of fine dining establishments. Now, they’re yours for the taking.
Picture this: the vibe is part of a high-end grocery store, part Pinterest-worthy dream. Think Khloé Kardashian’s viral pantry goals, which are only supersized. Shelves stocked with everything from artisanal canned goods to fresh produce are arranged with almost compulsive precision, all set against a stunning interior designed by Paolo Navone of Milan’s OTTO Studio. Bonus trivia: the layout mirrors Culina’s flagship store at COMO Dempsey in Singapore, blending the charm of a traditional Mediterranean market with a sleek, modern twist.
Cooking might not be our strong suit, but navigating the aisles of premium ingredients? That’s where we shine. At Culina, it’s easy to spot treasures chefs would battle over, from Petrossian caviar to prime Australian lamb flown in weekly. Even the pantry essentials here are dressed to impress, with chic packaging that lures you in and globally sourced condiments—think olive oils and gourmet snacks—that often come with Culina’s exclusive distribution rights.
As we roamed the aisles, basking in the aesthetic perfection of the market, we found ourselves gravitating to the crown jewel: The Wine Bar. With a staggering collection of over 450 labels, this is where even the most seasoned oenophiles will pause to marvel. From rare vintages to bottles typically reserved for the finest dining establishments, Culina has curated a list that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
Then there’s the Bistro—a cinematic space that feels plucked from the set of a Wes Anderson film. The menu? A masterclass in celebrating the natural flavours of seasonal ingredients. Whether it’s a delicate appetizer, a hearty main, or a decadent dessert, every dish shines. For the festive season, they’ve gone all out with an All-Day Festive Menu. This sharing set for two features a lineup so indulgent it’s hard to pick a favourite: Smoked Salmon Blinis, Burrata Salad, Slow Roasted Chicken Roulade, Pan-Seared French Seabass, Sirloin Steak cooked over coal, and a seafood platter loaded with oysters, prawns, crab cocktail, and scallop crudo. And if you’re feeling creative, you can handpick ingredients from the market and have the bistro whip up a custom dish for you. Talk about living the dream.
But wait, there’s more. The Bakery is a haven for carb lovers, offering everything from whole sourdough loaves made with a 12-year-old starter to indulgent desserts like Basque Burnt Cheesecake and Flourless Chocolate Cake. Pro tip: Pair your treat with a cup of Guerilla Coffee, a speciality roast from Singapore that’s worth savouring.
