Souled Out turned 30 this year and on Sept 27, its flagship Hartamas outlet was transformed into a high-energy wonderland of music, food, family, friends, and everything that’s made the F&B mogul a household name since 1996.
Thousands showed up at the ‘Souled Out 30th Wonderfest’ to celebrate a restaurant that has never just been about food but about connection, community and unforgettable vibes.
“We’ve never been about just serving food – we’ve always wanted to create a place where people feel like they belong,” said Souled Out owner and founder Fred Choo. “Seeing so many familiar faces and so many new ones, celebrating with us made it all worth it. This wasn’t just our milestone; this was everyone’s. We’ve built something special, and we’ve done it together.”
The party ignited at sunrise, with the Pearlly mascot welcomed guests to its daytime coffee rave, followed by yoga rejuvenation, high-intensity shadowboxing, and DJ beats – all before noon, setting the pace for an unforgettable day of non-stop celebration.
By early evening, Wonderfest was in full throttle with the Rhythm Up Dancers keeping crowd on their feet with two electrifying performances. Acoustic Fourplay and Halida & Alvin kept the vibes warm and soulful, while DJ Melissa Jo turned up the tempo with a seamless spin session.
The celebration was a blast with back-to-back performances by some of Malaysia’s most celebrated artistes, including Junji Delfino, Dasha Logan, Jordan Rivers, Samantha De Lune, Izen Kong and vocal group Pop n’ Bop, while the 17-piece SOULed OUT Big Band brought the house down in true signature style.
The biggest highlight of the night was the rare and exclusive performance by Dato’ Zainal Abidin, one of Malaysia’s most iconic music legends. From the moment he stepped onto the Wonderfest stage, the energy shifted as the crowd roared in unison. His powerful voice, timeless charisma and unmistakable rhythm reminded everyone why his music has defined generations.
Just when guests thought the night had peaked, reggae star Sasi the Don made a surprise appearance, lighting up the dance floor as he kicked off the final segment of the night with infectious beats and his signature energy. With everyone on their feet, FM1 took over the decks shortly after to spin the night into its final, joyful moments.
The full day celebration had everything from sizzling food stations and signature drinks to stilt walkers and dancers. The crowd was a vibrant mix of loyal regulars, first-timers, families and longtime friends.
True to its name, Souled Out gave back to the community too. Through its Heart & Soul initiative, 20% of Wonderfest proceeds were donated to three charities: Hospis Malaysia, The Lost Food Project and Dignity for Children Foundation. Attendees also contributed through workshops and donations, making the celebration more meaningful.
With nine outlets under The Souled Out Group, namely the Souled Out, WIP and NOA, this 30-year milestone isn’t the end of the road but a springboard into the future. What started as a bold idea in 1996 has grown into a lifestyle, a community and a cultural mainstay. And if Wonderfest was any indication, Souled Out’s best days are still ahead.
