Chef Nicola Affatati of Graze at Hilton Kuala Lumpur
From Puglia to KL – Chef Nicola’s Culinary Journey!
In this edition of EATALCHAM, we feature Chef Nicola Affatati of Graze at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, as he shares the story behind Graze’s Ospitalità Italiana certification, his roots in Southern Italian cooking, and his must-try recommendations for an authentic Italian dining experience!
Chef Nicola Affatati, true to his Southern Italian roots, hails from Puglia and brings his vibrant spirit to the kitchen at Hilton Kuala Lumpur.
1. What does receiving the Ospitalità Italiana certification mean to you and your restaurant?
Receiving the Ospitalità Italiana certification is both an honour and a proud moment for me and the entire Graze team. This esteemed seal of authenticity reaffirms our commitment to preserving the true spirit and heritage of Italian cuisine.
For our guests, it is a promise that every visit to Graze offers genuine Italian ingredients, flavours, techniques, and hospitality, just as you would experience at my mother’s dining table in Italy.
In the kitchen with Chef! From left to right: Erika Angelozzi – Managing Director of Italcham Malaysia; Chef Nicola Affatati (holding the Ospitalità Italiana certification glass plaque); Michele Dossi – President of Italcham Malaysia; and Justin Wermers – Food & Beverage Director at Hilton Kuala Lumpur.
Official Presentation of the Ospitalità Italiana certificate at Italcham Malaysia’ Annual General Meeting 2025
2. How does your menu reflect the true traditions of Italian cuisine?
Our menu celebrates the heart of Southern Italian cooking — fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared simply, allowing their natural flavours to shine.
Inspired by my hometown of Puglia, renowned for its olive oil, seafood, and handmade pasta, many of our dishes are rooted in cherished family recipes and regional traditions. Each plate is thoughtfully crafted to deliver the balance, texture, and warmth that feels like home to any Italian.
Overview of the main dining area at Graze — featuring warm tones, a beautiful view, a cosy atmosphere, rich mahogany wood tables, and deep red chairs.
3. Are there any dishes or techniques that you’ve adapted to suit local palates, or do you stay fully committed to traditional preparation?
While I remain true to authentic Italian preparation, I also respect the local palate. In Malaysia’s tropical climate, this might mean featuring lighter olive oil-based sauces or highlighting more seafood. Yet, the soul of each dish — the techniques, the seasoning, and the deep respect for every ingredient — remains undeniably Italian.
Guazetto – Seafood stew, prawns, Alaskan scallop, mussels, Atlantic cod, garlic bread
Graze’s logo
Cavatelli Frutti Di Mare – Handmade Cavatelli, prawns, scallop, mussels, seafood bisque
4. Tell us about your culinary journey that brought you from Italy to Malaysia. Which crucial experiences have shaped your approach to cooking, and how did they lead you to your current role at Graze?
My culinary journey began in Italy, where I learned from local chefs and honed my skills in kitchens where everything — from pasta to artisanal bread — was made by hand. Over the years, I worked across Europe and Asia, gaining a deep appreciation for not only ingredients, but also the cultural stories behind them.
Moving to Malaysia offered me the chance to share the rich traditions of my homeland with a new audience. At Graze, I merge my Italian roots with Hilton’s commitment to excellence, creating a dining experience that is as authentic as it is memorable.
Spaghetti al Sugo di Tonno, Caperi, Olive – Spaghetti, Gargano Tomato, Bluefin Tuna, Capers, Olives
5. What’s the ideal way to enjoy the best that Graze has to offer? Are there any menu recommendations to fully savour the quality of the Italian food?
The best way to experience Graze is to arrive with an appetite for discovery. Begin with a classic antipasto, follow with a handmade pasta or perfectly cooked risotto, and conclude with a timeless dessert such as tiramisù.
Pair your meal with a fine Italian wine, and take your time — for Italian dining is about slowing down, savouring each flavour, and sharing the moment with good company.
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Graze at Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Address: Level 5, 3, Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur