REFINED REUNION FEASTS AT WAN CHUN TING

‘Horse-perity’ specialities such as Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab Yee Sang, Stir-Fried Prawns with Egg White and Black Truffle, and Golden Fried Chicken with Mango Glaze are some of the festive creations by Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara’s Executive Chinese Chef Leong Weng Heng at Wan Chun Ting restaurant, to herald the arrival of the Horse Year.

 
Available from 7 January to 3 March, Wan Chun Ting guests may choose from three curated Chinese New Year Set Menus (minimum four persons per table): Prosperity Menu (RM288+ per person), Fortune Menu (RM338+ per person), and Wealth Menu (RM398+ per person).

 
Stir and toss your way to fortune and good luck with the restaurant’s Signature Prosperity Yee Sang (from RM98+ to RM398+ in half and whole portions). Select from Pearl Abalone and Norwegian Salmon Yee Sang, Crispy Soft-Shell Crab Yee Sang, Hokkaido Scallops with Snow Pear Yee Sang or 10-head Abalone Yee Sang for the rousing celebratory ritual.

 
The Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab Yee Sang proved on-point with an ubiquitous assortment of crisps, pickles and shredded veggies. The sauce wasn’t cloyingly sweet with chunks of deep-fried soft shell crabs adding discernible texture to the tableaux.
 
We got an overview of Chef Leong’s curated menus prepared with premium ingredients evoking auspicious symbolisms whilst exuding vibrant flavours; an artful mix of cherished traditions with contemporary touches.

 
His Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Cordyceps Flower, Tian Zhi Orchid & Sun-Dried Scallop exemplified that approach. Every drop of the clear, sweet broth was clear proof of Chef Leong’s dab hand at Cantonese cooking.

 
Freshness and precise timing ensured the Hong Kong Style Steamed California Bass garnered effusive praises. Nobody could fault the delicious fish, accompanied by house-made soya sauce dressing.

 
Fortune favours the bold as the saying goes and the Golden Fried Chicken with Mango Glaze is worth crowing about. Similar to nuggets of gold, the crisp fried chicken doused with tangy-sweet mango sauce were simply irresistible.

 
Even more sublime was the show-stopping Stir-Fried Prawns with Egg White and Black Truffle. We went ga-ga over the delicate, cloud-like clumps of egg white scented with black truffle and tender, springy prawns.

 
Let abundant good things gallop in when you partake the classic serving of Braised Sun Dried Oyster, Beancurd and Broccoli. Those huge, mildly smoky mollusks paired well with soft beancurd and tender broccoli florets.

A burst of invigorating chilli hotness from the chef’s house made XO sauce levelled up the Stir Fried Crunchy Vegetables, Celtuce and Macadamia Nuts. It’s a nice, superbly addictive change from the slew of protein-centric dishes.

Carb lovers should find Fragrant Fried Rice with Waxed Meat Wrapped in Lotus Leaf a natural shoo-in. Packed with big, hearty flavours, the only complaint would be finding restraint to stop at just one bowl.

 
As tradition demands it, every celebratory meal must conclude sweetly. Notable options of Steamed Chinese New Year Cake Coated with Grated Coconut and bowls of Chilled Peach Resin with Osmanthus, Snow Pear, Longan and Red Dates fit the bill.

Wan Chun Ting also serves extensive à la carte and dim sum selections.

Lion Dance & Live Chinese Music Performances

 
Catch lively Lion Dance performance at Sofitel KL Damansara on 26 February at 10 am.
 
Also be entertained with live Gu Zheng performances by a traditional Chinese musician on 16, 23, and 27 February, as well as 3 March 2026, from 7.15pm to 9.00pm.
 
For more information on Wan Chun Ting CNY promos, visit https://heyzine.com/flip-book/46734f9433.html or WhatsApp +6017 511 7725 or email: HA123-FB@sofitel.com
 

A STABLE OF CNY SPECIALS BY THE ORIENTAL GROUP

A playful yet auspicious centrepiece – a horse head-shaped ceramic pot by Color King – cradling the Takeaway Poon Choi steals the limelight at The Oriental Group’s recent Chinese New Year preview.

 
Priced at RM688 inclusive of the charming keepsake pot, this festive indulgence requires a minimum three-hour pre-order. Lift the lid and you’ll find a layered bounty to level up your family reunion meal.

 
Whole five-head abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw and dried scallops anchor the poon choi with deep umami accents. Dig deeper to uncover delectable chunks of free-range chicken, roast duck, roast pork, prawn balls and squid.

 
Rustic and comforting treasures: dried oysters, fatt choi (black sea moss), lingzhi mushrooms, yam, Chinese cabbage and gluten complete the picture — each ingredient chosen not just for symbolism, but for how it absorbs and enriches the broth. Collectively, the poon choi emerges as a tasty communal dish.

 
No CNY table is complete without loh hei, and diners are spoilt for choice with seven variations of Yee Sang. From Crispy Fish Skin (Medium RM118, Large RM158) and Soft Shell Crab (M RM138, L RM178) to Salmon & Anchovies or Grilled Iberico Pork Neck (both M RM138, L RM178), each version leans into palate-pleasing textures and flavours.

At the preview, a surf-and-turf pairing of soft shell crab and grilled Iberico pork neck stood out. Crisp, succulent and meaty elements intertwined seamlessly, unified by a house-made,  sweet and tangy plum sauce.

In homage to the Year of the Horse, culinary craftsmanship results in Roast Treasure Duck (RM78 half, RM148 whole), deftly carved and creatively reassembled into a galloping steed. Beyond its visual flourish, the duck impresses with crisp, lacquered skin and juicy flesh. A delicate stuffing of lotus seeds and chestnuts adds soft, nutty contrasts to temper the richness.

 
Equally impressive is the ‘Prancing Year of the Horse’ Farm Chicken (RM168 each). Smoked over fragrant pu-er tea leaves, the free-range chicken is tender and aromatic with the muted tea smoke lending a refined bitterness that showcases chef’s restraint and understanding of balance.

 
My personal favourite has to be the stellar Iberico Golden Pork Cheek (RM88 per portion). Pan-fried until meltingly tender, the pork cheek is coated in subtly sweet, glossy chef’s special sauce (industry speak for house-made saucy recipes). Cubes of Californian honeydew provide a refreshing counterpoint, cutting through the richness with its natural juicy sweetness.

 
Designed to spark joy around the table, the Abundance Claypot Rice (RM188 for four persons) came crowned with sizeable freshwater prawns, fried garlic mince and spring onions. Each grain of rice exudes enticing prawny sweetness and heady aromatics, making the whole pot of rice irresistibly moreish.

 
Traditionalists will appreciate the Evergreen Blooming Cabbage (RM118), a dish symbolising continuous growth and prosperity. Those tender braised pork tendons, soft beancurd sheets and dried scallops wrapped within tender cabbage leaves are deeply satisfying, elevating a humble vegetable dish into an epicurean delight.

 
The Steamed Nian Nian You Yu Soon Hock (seasonal price) also left a lasting impression with its notable garnishing of chopped Chinese black olives, three types of aged radish and preserved vegetables. 

Mildly salty and umami-laden, edged with subtle hints of aged mandarin peel, the condiments enhance the fish’s natural sweetness — a mark of confident Cantonese cooking.

 
To end on a sweet note, the customary Deep-fried Nian Gao with Yam & Sweet Potato makes its appearance. Crisp on the outside while remaining soft and chewy within, the festive treat carries heartfelt wishes for progress and success, appealing equally to the young and the young at heart.

 
The Oriental Group’s Chinese New Year set menus range from RM1,888 to RM9,888 per table of ten. Smaller families and intimate gatherings can opt for Individual Set Menus priced between RM198 and RM598 per person (minimum two persons). Thoughtfully crafted and rich in symbolism, this is a celebratory feast honouring tradition while showcasing culinary finesse.

For reservations and further information, please contact The Oriental Group of Restaurants through the official website: https://www.orientalrestaurants.com.my/
 
 
 

STRIDES OF ABUNDANCE AT HILTON KUALA LUMPUR

Thoughtfully curated set menus at Chynna, Hilton Kuala Lumpur are galloping out of the gate for the upcoming Year of the Horse, setting a frisky pace for the auspicious celebrations ahead.

Ensuring the Chinese New Year gets off to a spirited gallop, Hilton Kuala Lumpur’s Executive Chinese Chef Lam Hock Hin trots out a line-up of festive specialities skilfully blending time-honoured Chinese flavours with subtle Western flourishes.

 
Front and centre is a show-stealing, noble horse-shaped Prosperity Yee Sang, created to rein in abundance and good fortune. Intricately assembled with freshly shredded vegetables, pickles, seeds and nuts, it is crowned with standout options such as Grilled Salmon Sauce (RM168 half portion, RM318 whole). The inventive inclusion of grilled salmon, salmon oil, and white and purple cabbage gives this auspicious toss finesse and flair; proof Chef Lam is no one-trick pony.

 
Bringing more horsepower to the experience is a stable of winsome choices, ranging from Salted Egg Fish Skin with Soft Shell Crab (RM178 half, RM328 whole), Abalone (RM308) or Tasmanian Ocean Trout (RM158 half, RM308 whole) to the more unique Spicy Sea Bird’s Nest with Crispy Rice and Aged Vinegar Dressing (RM158 half, RM308 whole).

 
We sampled the Fortune Set (RM1,888 nett per table of five) which opened at a confident canter with Traditional Tasmanian Ocean Trout Yee Sang. A vibrant, refreshing curtain-raiser to stir up promising prospects ahead.

 
Breaking from the usual Chinese banquet soup repertoire, Chef Lam enticed us with Western-inspired Cauliflower Soup with Seafood, Crushed Peppers and Vegetarian Fins. Its creamy, delicate nuances heralded a welcome change of pace.

 
The Shunde-Style Steamed Tiger Grouper was an undisputed show-stopper. Smooth, naturally sweet and cooked to on-point doneness, the fish was matched sublimely with tau foo yue (Redbelly Yellowtail Fusilier) puffs. Those spongy-soft morsels were excellent at soaking up every last drop of the fish jus.

Adding crunch and contrast, the Fragrantly Spiced Crispy Chicken with Golden Crunchy Rice Crumbs boasted extra furlong with its clever use of puffed rice, giving the spice-rubbed chicken extra textural interest.

The Mixed Salad with Coconut Dressing, Salted Egg Fish Skin and Crispy Soft Shell Prawns also held its ground. Hats off to the chef for emphasising more fresh greens as vegetables often play second fiddle in Chinese New Year menus.

Keeping health and balance firmly in the saddle is Braised Wild Abalone Cubes, Fish Maw, Monkey Head Mushroom and Garden Greens. A subtly refined and notably lighter on the palate dish.

 
By this point, the meal had gathered enough momentum that the Yam Rice with Salted Egg, Dried Shrimp and Mushrooms found itself competing for tummy space, Still, it’s a testament to the generous and satisfying progression of dishes.

No festive feast is complete without a sweet finish. Bowls of Sea Coconut, Malva Nut and Longan Sweet Soup, paired with Traditional Nian Gao stuffed with Yam Custard and coated in Ground Nuts and Sesame Seeds, brought the celebration home, leaving diners highly satisfied at the finish line.

 
Other set menus at Chynna include the Prosperity Set (RM1,588 nett per table of five), Wealth Set (RM2,588 nett per table of five), and the Grand Fortune Set (RM799 nett per person, minimum three persons per table).

 
Adding to the festive atmosphere are a series of cultural highlights worth trotting out for: God of Prosperity appearances (3–18 February), a live Guzheng performance (16 February), Chinese calligraphy sessions (18 February), Tea Master welcome pouring demonstrations (16–18 February), as well as acrobatics and traditional lion dance performances.

Auspicious rewards await guests between 15 January and 3 March 2026. For every RM200 spent in a single receipt, get a chance to draw a red envelope. Each is filled with exclusive prizes, from RM100 dining vouchers and complimentary Yee Sang to staycation packages at Hilton Kuala Lumpur and a 3D2N getaway at KROMO Bangkok, Curio Collection by Hilton.

 
For reservations or inquiries, contact Hilton Kuala Lumpur, tel:03-2264 2264, email: HiltonKualaLumpur_FB@hilton.com, or book via SevenRooms.