Those who continue to recall fond memories of Golden Phoenix restaurant at the Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur have all the more reason to celebrate this Chinese New Year: the legendary restaurant has returned to EQ as a festive pop-up. From now until 15 February, Golden Phoenix will offer a selection of classic Cantonese and Szechuan dishes and culinary sets – many of which are synonymous with the original restaurant, which was founded at the former Hotel Equatorial in 1974.
Regulars familiar with the gilded age of the Golden Phoenix and a new generation of diners can look forward to ordering from a selection of three main culinary sets (intended for a minimum of six people), alongside an à la carte menu. Taking charge in the kitchen, chef John Chu – who oversees Chinese banquets at the hotel – is responsible for elevating and rejuvenating old favourites with luxurious contemporary touches, such as the addition of lobster and other premium ingredients.
All three Lunar New Year sets – the Rich Fortune set (priced at RM238 per person), the Happy Reunion Set (RM328 per person), and the Prosperity Treasures Set (RM488 per person) – feature a crisp, refreshing yee sang with elements like abalone and caviar. Well aware of diners’ high expectations of Golden Phoenix’s food, Chu has ensured that his dishes are executed with great precision and balance. A superb double-boiled black garlic fish maw soup with conch meat may be the most restorative elixir guests drink this year, while his signature roast goose with black truffle and golden dried scallop sauce makes for a magnificent showpiece.
Customers who prefer to avail themselves of EQ’s Chinese New Year offerings in the comfort of their homes can order yee sang sets (ranging from RM98 to RM228), premium abalone poon choy (RM888) for take-away. Gifting options are also available in the form of Abundance Hampers, the most lavish being the Prosperity & Abundance (RM1,288) hamper, which includes treats such as a bottle of Hennessy VSOP, Chinese zodiac pralines, and house-made salted egg puffs.
