Coastal Cravings, Satisfied: A Feast of Sustainability and Flavour at Westin Desaru Coast Resort

We arrived at The Westin Desaru Coast Resort hungry—for escape, for rest, and, let’s be real, for food that would actually blow our minds instead of just filling our stomachs. What we got? A culinary journey so good it has us checking our calendars for a return trip.

At Fathom, we don’t throw around glowing reviews lightly. But when a destination hits every note—freshness, sustainability, culture, comfort, creativity—we sing. And sing we shall, about an unforgettable experience across not just one but three standout dining venues: Kedidi, Prego, and Seasonal Tastes.

KEDIDI: A Love Letter to the Sea and the Seletar Soul

Let’s start with Kedidi, the resort’s newest poolside restaurant and bar. Set beside the dreamy Muara Lagoon, Kedidi serves coastal magic with a zero-waste philosophy and an aesthetic that fuses jungle charm and breezy beach vibes. It’s named after the Kedidi bird, a symbol of harmony with nature—a nod to the indigenous Seletar people who inspired the restaurant’s ethos.

Kedidi’s approach to dining is refreshingly honest. The chefs don’t try to mask the freshness of their seafood with overcomplicated preparations. Instead, they let the ingredients shine—and shine they did. We had the catch of the day—squid and fish so fresh we wouldn’t have been surprised if they winked at us from the plate. Grilled over open flame, smoky in the best way, and juicy in every bite, the seafood paired flawlessly with the restaurant’s house-made sambals.

Now, let’s talk sambals. Not all sambals are created equal, and Kedidi’s are in a league of their own. These aren’t just spicy sidekicks; they’re bold, layered, aromatic stars in their own right. From citrusy heat to fermented funk to sweet-spicy richness, every variety we tried elevated our meal and begged for repeat spoonfuls. It’s hard to pick a favourite, and honestly, we didn’t want to choose. We just kept dipping and grinning.

The herbs and leafy greens featured in many of Kedidi’s dishes are grown right at the resort, thanks to Westin’s partnership with BoomGrow—a game-changing indoor precision farming initiative. These greens aren’t just pesticide-free and eco-conscious; they’re bursting with crisp, clean flavour that made every salad feel like an event. The BoomGrow salad is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show, loaded with peak-fresh herbs and dressed with care.

For dessert, the ‘Seri Muka’ Crème Brûlée with biscotti was a revelation. Imagine taking a beloved traditional Malay kuih and giving it a luxe European twist. The result? A silky pandan custard layered over sticky, fragrant glutinous rice, with a perfect brûléed crust that shattered under the spoon. Paired with a crunchy biscotti, it was rich, nostalgic, and wildly addictive. If we could eat more than one bowl, trust us—we would.

PREGO: Italian Warmth with a Malaysian Soul

Switching gears (and continents), we made our way to Prego for dinner, Westin’s cozy Italian hideaway. With its friendly service, cheerful décor, and an aroma of garlic, herbs, and slow-cooked sauces wafting through the air, this place wraps you in a carb-loving embrace the second you walk in.

The chefs at Prego have crafted a menu that’s familiar yet thoughtful. Pastas are cooked al dente, pizzas come with bubbly crusts and generous toppings, and every dish arrives looking like it was plated with love. It’s casual, yes, but never careless.

What makes Prego special is its ability to stay true to Italian tradition while infusing local sensibilities. Think hearty bolognese, made with just enough spice to nod to local palates. Or seafood pasta, featuring the freshest catch straight from Johor’s coastline. Every bite felt like comfort food redefined for its tropical surroundings.

It’s the kind of place you want to return to after a day of sun and salt, barefoot and smiling, ready for a meal that satisfies both your cravings and your soul.

SEASONAL TASTES: Where Every Meal is a Mini Adventure

We’d be remiss not to mention Seasonal Tastes, Westin’s flagship all-day dining restaurant. This is your go-to for breakfast, lunch, dinner—and honestly, any time you’re in the mood for variety. It’s got that crowd-pleasing, something-for-everyone vibe, but elevated with a live interactive kitchen that keeps things dynamic.

Breakfast was a standout. From international options to local favourites like nasi lemak, roti canai, and fresh tropical fruits, every station was well-executed and delicious. We also loved the open kitchen layout—it’s energising to see chefs in action, whether they’re flipping omelettes or torching the surface of your brûlée.

What stood out most, though, was the attention to quality. Despite the wide range of options, every dish tasted intentional, not mass-produced. Ingredients were fresh, presentation was polished, and service was on point.

Wellness and Flavour, Seamlessly Combined

Throughout all three dining experiences, Westin Desaru’s commitment to wellness and sustainability shone through. BoomGrow’s indoor farm isn’t just a showpiece—it’s an integral part of the resort’s “Eat Well” mission. By using 95% less water than traditional farming and eliminating pesticides entirely, BoomGrow helps Westin offer meals that are as kind to the planet as they are delicious to eat.

This commitment carries through in subtle but meaningful ways—like composting food waste for local farms, or repurposing produce scraps in-house. It’s not flashy, but it’s deeply thoughtful.

All in all, it was hard to pick but Kedidi was definitely our favourite!

TL;DR: Come for the Coast, Stay for the Cuisine

There’s something special happening at The Westin Desaru Coast Resort. Sure, the beaches are pristine, the rooms are luxurious, and the vibes are immaculate. But it’s the food—the intentional, fresh, vibrant, soulful food—that left the biggest impression on us.

From Kedidi’s stunning seafood and world-class sambals, to Prego’s family-style comfort with Italian flair, to the boundless options at Seasonal Tastes that cater to every kind of eater—the Westin team has mastered the art of feeding both your body and your spirit.

By the end of our trip, our taste buds were singing, our bellies were full, and our standards for resort dining had been forever raised.

Rating: 4/5 Stars
Best Dish: Fresh squid and fish with Kedidi sambals
Biggest Surprise: ‘Seri Muka’ Crème Brûlée (can we get a lifetime supply?)
Vibe: Sophisticated yet soulful
Pro Tip: Try all the sambals at Kedidi. Seriously. All. Of. Them. And don’t miss the ‘Seri Muka’ Crème Brûlée

Hungry yet? So were we—again—just writing this. You’ll want to taste this one for yourself.