Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur has hired Garima Arora and Jean-Georges Vongerichten to lead its culinary direction, as the hotel prepares a collection of signature dining concepts.

Arora, the chef-owner of Bangkok’s Restaurant Gaa, is widely recognised for her progressive interpretation of Indian cuisine. In 2018, Restaurant Gaa earned its first Michelin star under her leadership, making Arora the first Indian female chef to helm a Michelin-starred restaurant.

At Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, Arora will lead Yaari, a modern Indian restaurant with a name that translates to “friendship” in Hindi. The concept reflects the spirit of Indian hospitality while showcasing Arora’s contemporary culinary perspective.

Yaari’s menu reinterprets traditional Indian dishes through a deep understanding of heritage cooking techniques and the nuanced use of spices. The restaurant aims to celebrate the breadth and diversity of India’s culinary landscape, with regional flavours reimagined for a modern audience: from the tangy curries of the southern coast to the smoky kebabs of northern India. The menu also features refined chaats, transforming one of India’s most beloved street foods into an artful exploration of texture and spice. Desserts draw inspiration from traditional mithais.

Meanwhile, French chef Vongerichten will introduce three signature concepts at the hotel: JG KL, abc kitchens KL and The Bar by JG.  With a career spanning more than four decades, Vongerichten is celebrated for his distinctive culinary approach that blends French technique with vibrant Asian influences.

JG KL offers a calm, contemporary dining space where global refinement meets a quiet sense of place, presenting dishes that blend French, American and Asian influences with an emphasis on precision, seasonality and bold flavour contrasts.

Inspired by the chef’s influential abc concepts, abc kitchens KL delivers a relaxed yet thoughtful dining experience. The seasonal menu brings together the farm-to-table philosophy of abc kitchen, the plant-forward creativity of abcV and the vibrant Latin influences of abc cocina under one roof.

Completing the trio is The Bar by JG, a polished yet energetic venue that fuses French elegance with Southeast Asian flair. The menu features elevated yet approachable small plates and shareable dishes designed to pair with a curated beverage selection reflecting Vongerichten’s philosophy of balance, freshness and precision.

Additional dining venues will be announced ahead of a late-2026 opening.