If there’s one thing we really look forward to Chinese New Year every year, it’s the chance to reunite with extended family from near and far over reunion dinners.
While traditional households would often have the auspicious reunion dinner at home, many urban families are now opting to eat out at fancy restaurants or luxury hotels during this special occasion.
To quote The Asean Post, the hassle of planning, preparing and cooking the spread of symbolic dishes is simply time-consuming and labour intensive. The time spent is better used for catching up with loved ones we haven’t seen in awhile. “Busy lifestyles” and “lack of culinary skills” are also part of the main reasons why people prefer eating out.
Restaurants have also taken note of this trend and are leveraging on the increase of demand with different packages and menus to suit various needs and budgets. So whether it’s your first or 10th reunion meal, here are some options worth considering the next time someone asks, “Where to Lou?“…
1. Evolution Café @ Renaissance Kuala Lumpur
Led by Executive Chef Edmund Ng and Executive Sous Chef Kok Chee Kin, the duo have curated a set of CNY menus blends traditional flavours with modern sophistication. The Yee Sang is well blended with seafood options, shredded white turnip, carrots, yam, pickled ginger, and pomelo plus (its winning ingredient) homemade plum sauce.
The 9-course reunion set also includes steamed whole fish in light soy sauce, baked tiger butter prawns with crispy prawn and cheese rolls, steamed glutinous rice with assorted meat in lotus leaf, and more.
- 9-course set menus will be available from 5th January 2020 onwards until 8th February 2020
- Set menu starts from RM1888 nett for a table of 10 persons
- Advanced booking between 2-5 days is advice
For restaurant reservations and more, please call 03-2162 2233 or email rhi.kulrn.fb@renaissancehotels.com.
2. THIRTY8 @ Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Opt for an opulent feast of auspicious culinary delights at THIRTY8 this season. Chef Byron Zhang has incorporated local flavours to go together with traditional dishes from his hometown in Guangdong, China.
Toss to prosperity when you and your family kicked off the reunion meal with Yee Sang (topping options include of jellyfish, crispy fish skin or salmon to pair with over 18 ingredients). Exquisite dishes range from Prosperity Abalone Treasure Pot, Szechuan style
steamed grouper, traditional crispy chicken stuffed with fish paste and almond flakes, Pandan bird’s nest drink, and more.
- Chinese New Year Yee Sang starts from RM168. Menu here.
- Chinese New Year a la carte specials start from RM58. Menu here.
For the Chinese New Year Sharing Menu, a minimum of 4 people is required. The 6-course set costs RM368/person, while the 8-course set is priced at RM488/person. Do note that drinks are not included for this particular menu.
3. Grand Imperial Restaurant
One of our job perks allow us to taste a wide variety of Yee Sang and we assumed we had tasted it all. Big mistake. While Yee Sang with abalone (or salmon) is quite common in most restaurants, don’t miss out on the chance to taste Grand Imperial’s Yee Sang with deep fried crispy fish skin. The crunchy flavours blends seamlessly with the rest of the ingredients and the taste is orgasmic.
Another highlight at Grand Imperial would be their signature dish-Iberico Spare Ribs. The ribs are imported from Spain and marinated with special spices as well as alcohol. Imagine yourself biting into the succulent and tender skin – it’s enough to make anyone salivate.
Take a look at the restaurant’s menu here or here.
4. Marco Polo Restaurant
Known for its popular dim sum, Marco Polo restaurant has been around for approximately 40 years. From now till 7th February, the Chinese eatery is offering 2 promos – Buy 1 Free 1 Yee Sang (options include salmon, jelly fish, abalone, pear & salmon) and free RM50 voucher for every RM100 spent on their CNY set.
5. Pizza Hut
Yes, we admit, Pizza Hut may seem like an odd choice to be on this list. But there’s no better time to chow down on the fan-favourite Sweet and Sour Cheesy Bites. In celebration of CNY, this pizza comes with a modern twist that has a sweet and tangy deliciousness that will cater to Malaysians’ taste buds.
