Occurring only once every 12 years, the Year of the Dragon is truly a time for elaborate feasts and grand banquets. Foster unity and togetherness in this list of seven culinary havens that promise to delight your taste buds and pave the way for a prosperous year ahead.
Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur
From now till 24 February, the award-winning Lai Po Heen in Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur is ushering in the Lunar New Year with an enticing array of six Yee Sang selections (priced from RM168 to RM260 for half portions and RM328 to RM520 for full portions), most notably its MO Signature Yee Sang topped with premium Australian Lobster sashimi and caviar (RM888 for a full portion). In this elevated take on the traditional Yee Sang, caviar is introduced and thus imparts a luxurious and briny flavour that complements the inherent sweetness of the lobster.
Five set menus are available, featuring Seasons Peace (RM988 per person), Wealth (RM768 per person), Prosperity (RM588 per person), Fortune (RM468 per person) and a Vegan menu (RM228 per person). From traditional favourites such as the braised South Africa five-head abalone and double-boiled black chicken soup to innovative creations such as the crispy prawns with tropical fruit salsa and oven-baked Australian baby lobster with foie gras sauce, the menus at Lai Po Heen are sure to delight your palates.
For dining reservations, contact +60323308888 or email mokul-fb@mohg.com.
The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
At The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, indulge in exquisite Chinese New Year Set Menus (RM413++ per person)—a Prosperity Set Menu and a Longevity Vegetarian Set Menu. The Prosperity Set Menu begins with a Braised Bird’s Nest Soup, followed by classics such as the Steamed Red Spotted Grouper Fish, Deep-fried Sea Prawns and Braised Dried Oyster with Black Moss and Bean Curd. The Fragrant Egg Fried Rice, topped with crab meat sauce and tobiko, steals the show. Then for dessert, Chilled Osmanthus Tea, Water Chestnut with Peach Gum and a Deep-fried Homemade Yam Nian Gao is served to start the year of the dragon on a high note as it symbolises growth and the promise of a better year.
Guests may savour more sweet indulgence with The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur’s Afternoon Prosperi-Tea (RM158++ per person), featuring delights that are specially crafted such as the Bonsai Tree, Mandaring Orange Tree, Gold Ingot and Peony Jelly.
The Yee Sang (RM196++ per set) certainly cannot be left out when it comes to celebrating the Lunar New Year. A cherished recipe passed down through generations, the Premium Yee Sang at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur is made with a special undisclosed final ingredient that is worth checking out. All the offerings are available from now until 24 February.
For more information, call +60327276696 or email dining.kualalumpur@stregis.com.
InterContinental Kuala Lumpur
Tao Chinese Cuisine, the hotel’s signature Chinese restaurant was awarded the Best Muslim-Friendly Chinese Restaurant by Malaysia Tourism Industry in 2022 for a good reason. To commemorate the Year of the Dragon, the restaurant introduces a nutritional and nourishing Vegetarian Yee Sang (RM118++ for half set, RM208++ for full set), incorporating star jellies, chia seeds and the vibrant dragon fruit for a unique dragon-esque presentation. A total of five Yee Sang sets are available to choose from, with ingredients ranging from baby octopus to soft shell crabs.
Blending authentic Cantonese cuisine with modern innovations=, six different course set menus have been curated, which include the Legendary Set (RM 3,688++ for 10 persons), Ethereal Set (RM2,888++ for 10 persons), Majestic Set (RM2,388++ for 10 persons), Renewal Set (RM1,888++ for 10 persons), Radiance Set (RM1,288+ for 6 persons), and Mystic Set (RM988+ for 4 persons). Guests may savour offerings such as the Braised Crab Meat, Abalone and Dried Scallop Broth, Braised Sea Cucumber with Fried Fish Maw and Fortune Money Bag, and the Steamed Mini Lotus Leaf Rice with Yam, among other tantalising options. The highlight features a Roasted Chicken and Roasted ‘London’ Duck, which is a restaurant signature.
Reservations can be made here. For enquires, connect with the F&B team at fnb.admin@ickualalumpur.com.my or call +60162024623.
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur’s THIRTY8 restaurant welcomes the Chinese New Year with a seven-course oriental feast (RM288 nett per person). Blending authentic Chinese culinary treasures with global flavours, Chef Danny—a seasoned master of Chinese cuisine at the hotel—applies his wealth of experience to showcase exquisite delights that are available both in-house and online. From 7 to 11 February, savour lush portions of golden snapper, ten-head abalone and more. An auspicious multi-course reunion meal (starting from RM25 nett) is also accessible online and will be delivered to your doorstep, and features classic dishes such as the Crispy Fish Skin or Petuna Salmon Yee Sang, Golden Roast Chicken with Sichuan Chili Sauce, and Wok-fried Glutinous Rice with smoked duck to name a few.
For reservations, contact +60321821234 or email restaurant.kuagh@hyatt.com.
JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur’s Shanghai Restaurant (the only Shanghainese hotel restaurant in KL) is ushering in the Year of the Dragon with classic Shanghainese cuisine. Headed by Executive Chinese Chef Wong Wing Yeuk, he is dedicated to serving the most authentic Shanghainese dishes like braised spare ribs and combining tea flavours with savoury dishes. To introduce the new Chinese New Year menu, the Shanghai-native chef hand-picked and prepared eight of his best dishes, and a surprise dumpling dish, to tantalise guests’ taste buds.
This Michelin Selected restaurant is located in a cosy space that can fit three to four round tables. All courses start with The Art of Yee Sang to welcome good luck and fortune for the lunar new year. The yee sang platter consists of fresh salmon, lobster, abalone, jellyfish, fresh fruits, some luscious homemade sauces, and black truffle, giving this traditional dish a refreshing twist. It’s also suitable for vegetarians. The surprise dumpling dish, Shanghainese Xiao Long Bao, is next. Unlike most places, Chef Wong makes it big with lots of filling and soup inside the wrapper. The Prosperity Flower Fish with Sweet and Sour Sauce is next, before the Deep-fried Bean Curd Stuffed with Foie Gras and Truffle Paste comes along to cleanse the palate. Chef Wong then presents one of his most unique Shanghainese dishes, the Sautéed Prawn with Long Jing Tea—the fresh green tea leaves blend effortlessly with the seafood. The Braised Zhejiang Spare Ribs is next, then followed by the Traditional Rice with Waxed Meat. The meal ends with Nian Gao with Yam, a classic Chinese dessert.
The Shanghai Restaurant’s Chinese New Year menu starts from RM288 per person, and there are three courses to choose from. Plan a meaningful gathering this festive season starting from 13 January to 24 February 2024, with a choice of lunch or dinner. Shanghai Restaurant is also available to deliver these dishes to your doorstep.
For reservations and enquiries, WhatsApp +60185919537 or email shanghairestaurant@jwmarriottkl.com.
Nobu Kuala Lumpur
This auspicious season, Nobu Kuala Lumpur is inviting guests to experience two exclusive Lunar New Year dishes—specially curated Yee Sang Platter (RM250++) and Nobu-Style Duck 3-Way (RM160++). Available from now till 17 February, the Yee Sang Platter ensemble is crafted for a group of four and features a medley of orchard-fresh apples, juicy grapes, garden vegetables, and thinly sliced vegetables. Adding to the feast of prosperity is the Nobu-Style Duck 3-Way, available from 3 February to 17 February. This culinary creation is served in three preparations—Foie Gras Croquette with Wasabi Aoili, Duck Leg Confit Rillettes Tostada, and Aged Ducked Breast with Kumquat Shiso Salsa. In the spirit of celebration, Nobu is also announcing its Dragon Baby promotion throughout the month of February. Dragon babies, upon presenting proof of birth within the Dragon Chinese zodiac years can revel in the Lunar New Year festivities in style.
For reservations, call +60323800028 or WhatsApp +60193895085.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, as executive chef Alex Au and his team present The Reunion Stars, a curated dining experience at Li Yen. This festive banquet features a compilation of traditional reunion dishes, such as the beloved Hong Kong-Style Waxed Meat Clay Pot Rice and the Li Yen Poon Chooi, alongside other Chinese classics including Hong Kong dim sum and barbecued specialities. Uplift this Lunar New Year by bringing the flavours of Li Yen to your doorstep through their dedicated delivery and takeaway services, available from now till 24 February. Advance reservations are required.
For reservations, Whatsapp +60186468033 or email li.yen@ritzcalrtonkl.com