JEFF’S CELLAR: AN ICON REIMAGINED

Something magical is stirring deep beneath the 260-million-year-old atmospheric limestone caves in Ipoh, Malaysia. Jeff’s Cellar, the purely natural fine dining destination at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, has emerged from an elegant transformation that will position it at the pinnacle of gastronomy – not only in Malaysia, but anywhere in the world.

Nestled in a softly-lit cave, amid stalactites, stalagmites and rippling streams, Jeff’s Cellar is a multi-award-winning restaurant that envelops diners in a subterranean world of wonder. To celebrate The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat’s 15th anniversary, this iconic venue has now completed an inspiring transformation that has enhanced every aspect of the guest experience, including new tasting menus, intriguing interiors, original elements, and a fresh focus on fine wines.

With a trio of menus that highlight locally-sourced and hand-selected imported ingredients, all artfully created by Chef Lee Choon Boon – the acclaimed executive chef who hails from Ipoh – and his team, Jeff's Cellar will transport guests on a multi-sensory journey through taste, sense, sound, touch and aroma.
 

Reimagined Multi-Sensory Interiors

Interior designer Nelson Yong and his talented team at Sunway Design have crafted a new contemporary concept which features premium furnishings and mood lighting to create a dramatic visual impression. The new interiors have made use of natural local materials, as guided by the vision of Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Sir Dr. Jeffrey Cheah KBE AO, Sunway’s founder and chairman (for whom Jeff’s Cellar is named), who was born in Ipoh and strives to use sustainable development as a way of empowering local people.

This refreshed venue retains its signature upper and lower decks while introducing a stylish new bar and lounge, and a refined private dining space with a dedicated wine cellar. Thoughtfully reimagined with layers of lighting, natural materials, and luxurious details, the redesign preserves the cave’s natural beauty and mysterious allure, while also enhancing the guest experience with a new state-of-the-art sound system that allows every note, whisper, and clink of glass to resonate with clarity.

The World’s Finest Ingredients, Crafted to Perfection

At the heart of the Jeff’s Cellar experience lies three culinary journeys – each one a story told in flavours, textures, and time. Curated by Chef Boon, the menus celebrate seasonality, provenance and technique. The 8-course Seasonal Menu showcases rare ingredients that tell the story of their season, sustainably sourced from Malaysia and around the globe – including organic produce from The Banjaran’s own certified organic farm. The 7-course Prestige Menu is a celebration of highly prized delicacies from top producers around the globe, from rustic French farms to traditional Japanese fisheries, all prepared with skill and precision. Finally, the Chef’s Tasting Menu is an 11-course odyssey that blends the best elements of the Seasonal and Prestige menus.

Highlights of these exquisite multi-course adventures include an amuse bouche of Tuna Belly Tart sourced from a Tokyo fish market, a vibrant appetiser of Mackerel with Kaluga Amur caviar, brought to life with the zing of lantana flower oil, fermented marigold leaves and horseradish, fresh Dover Sole from France, precisely executed in a “tomahawk” style, and luxurious grilled Canadian Lobster tail with edible flowers, wild cress and a lobster reduction.

Meat lovers can savour ultra-tender Miyazaki A5 Wagyu beef, accompanied with a silky-smooth pomme purée, Japanese soy-glazed wild maitake mushroom and jus de viande, while the Poussin en Vessie is inspired by the rich culinary histories of France and Japan, as premium seaweed-fed chicken is slow-cooked “sous-vide” style in a hot spring, then enhanced with a dobin-mushi broth of French morels and Japanese matsutake mushrooms, to evoke the essence of a woodland stroll.

Each dessert – Bavarois, a light, creamy almond yoghurt gelato, and Bean, which is inspired by Ipoh’s famous taufufa – is a multi-sensory thrill of sweet and savoury sensations that are artistically presented.

Original Experiences to Leave an Indelible Impression

Every aspect of the dining experience at Jeff’s Cellar has been carefully considered to evoke a sense of mystery and wonder. Guests are welcomed with a signature beverage served in pewterware. As part of the dinner course, the restaurant’s signature Sourdough was served, prepared from a five-year-old starter with a date stamp. To conclude the meal, an indulgent Chocolate & Whiskey Experience pairs two single malt whiskeys with artisanal chocolates, crafted by an expert chocolatier using local cacao beans from an organic farm in Ipoh. Then, when the time comes to settle the bill, diners will be delighted with one final sweet surprise!

World-Class Wine Preservation

The newly reimagined Jeff's Cellar brings the art of wine to centre stage, with an enhanced selection of vintages from the world's leading wineries. The innovative Bermar Podbar system perfectly preserves wines and Champagnes for service by the glass, while the Coravin Six solution ensures that rare pours remain wonderfully fresh to the very last drop. For collectors, connoisseurs, and the curious, a wine tasting experience will transport guests on a journey around the world through handpicked vintages.
 

Private Dining for Life’s Most Important Occasions

A private space within the cave will set the scene for unforgettable evenings, bespoke parties, and tasting sessions. Within this intimate setting, guests can customise their menu to suit the unique preferences of their party, with premium options such as caviar and Kobe beef, all served amid the enchanting ambience of Jeff’s Cellar to create events that live long in the memory. Perfect for small groups (starting from 15 guests), these highly exclusive occasions are available for both lunch and dinner, with tailored menus ranging from MYR 390 to MYR 1,000+ per person.

To book your dining experience, please call +605-210 7777 or email tbhr.pomelo@sunwayhotels.com