On July 25, Lili at The Millen Penang invites diners on a cross-cultural culinary journey, pairing Malaysian-inspired dishes with Italian wines in a one-night-only event that promises bold flavours and refined pairings.

Held at The Millen, one of Penang’s newest and finest hotels, Lili restaurant is hosting a one-night-only dining experience on Friday, July 25, bringing together the flavours of Malaysia and Italy in an inspired five-course wine pairing event. Titled Lili’s Five-Course Wine Affair, the evening promises a seamless fusion of East and West — with every dish served alongside a thoughtfully matched glass of fine Italian wine.

The dinner will take place at Lili on Level 2 of The Millen Penang (Autograph Collection), the dinner runs from 7.00pm to 10.00pm and is priced at RM288 nett per person. The event’s concept is simple but elegant: one course served with one glass at a time — allowing each pairing to shine on its own terms.

Diners will start with refined bites like snapper otak-otak toast, complemented by the Antinori Scalabrone Rosato Bolgheri DOC 2021, a vibrant Tuscan rosé with wild berry notes and crisp minerality. This is followed by ocean trout with jeruk kedondong and sago chips, paired with Jermann Vinnae Ribolla Gialla 2022, a textured yet fresh white wine from Friuli known for its citrusy complexity.

The entrée — a marinated, roasted chili duck breast with heirloom tomato and sesame soy dressing — is elevated by Prunotto Barolo DOCG 2020, a robust and structured red from Piedmont with layers of dark cherry, spice, and floral tones.

For mains, guests can choose between Angus beef tenderloin, Kapitan lamb shank, or Atlantic cod fish prepared assam pedas–style. All three are paired with Tormaresca Bocca di Lupo Castel del Monte DOC 2016, a bold Aglianico with savory tannins, blackberry richness, and subtle earthiness.

Rounding out the evening is a tropical mango and cendol mousse with caviar gula Melaka and pandan coconut. This finale is paired with Antinori Muffato della Sala Umbria IGT 2018, a late-harvest dessert wine layered with honey, apricot, and saffron – a fitting end to a nuanced meal.

The event not only celebrates culinary creativity but also showcases a curated selection of Italian wines from celebrated estates, hand-picked to complement each course. Seats are limited, and reservations can be made via WhatsApp at +6012 201 6988.