Cover Poon Choi (Photo: Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara)
Poon Choi (Photo: Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara)
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Here's where to go to satisfy your cravings for a big bowl feast
Poon choi is loosely translated to mean "a treasure pot", "big bowl feast", or even "basin cuisine". Though traditionally a Cantonese dish, poon choi has transcended cultures and has become a gastronomic landmark in many families' celebrations during Chinese New Year. Composed of a number of layers of different ingredients, poon choi gives you the quintessential Chinese New Year flavours—all in one dish.
Served in a large bowl, the ingredients are cooked for a long time to ensure the meat becomes tender and the other fresh ingredients soak up all the essences. It is believed that only the freshest of ingredients have to be used to do the dish justice; canned, frozen, or any other ready-to-eat ingredients are considered a big no-no.
Common auspicious ingredients for poon choi include abalone, pork, fish maw, dried mushroom, prawns, broccoli, and sea moss but the list differs from clan to clan, village to village, and family to family depending on where they are located and what resources they have access to.
Like the list of its typical ingredients, the folklore of poon choi varies as well with the most common belief being that it was created as a dish for Emperor Song and his troops as he escaped the Jin army to the vicinities around Hong Kong and the Guangdong Province. The locals gathered their most precious ingredients and compiled them into large washbasins, placing the most valuable and rare ingredients like abalone, sea cucumber and other seafood on top of the other layers, fully on display.
Now a symbol of cultural unity, teamwork and gratitude, poon choi is becoming increasingly popular at reunion meals.
1. Mandarin Oriental
Above Mandarin Oriental Poon Choi
Mandarin Oriental Poon Choi
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Celebrate Chinese New Year in grand style with our signature Treasure Pot (Poon Choi), available for takeaway. Take advantage of their early bird promotion running from January 6-28, 2025, and enjoy special pricing on two exquisite options:
The Chinese New Year Treasure Pot, serving six people, is offered at RM1,288 (reduced from the regular price of RM1,588). For an even more luxurious celebration, the Chinese New Year Supreme Treasure Pot, also serving six, is available at RM2,988 (reduced from RM3,318).
As a special bonus, each Treasure Pot order includes a complimentary Yee Sang, ensuring your celebration begins with prosperity and abundance.
2. Imperial Lexis
Above Imperial Lexis Poon Choi
Imperial Lexis Poon Choi
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Savour a majestic Poon Choi, crafted for six to eight guests at RM888 nett per pot, available 15 January to 15 February 2025 at UMI Japanese Restaurant. Featuring a Japanese spin, embrace abundance with their Emperor’s Reunion Poon Choi, large prawns, cod fish collar, hybrid Hokkaido scallops, oysters, sea cucumbers, fish maw, boneless chicken leg, Shiitake mushrooms, deep fried tofu, Konjac black, and Sanuki udon.
3. Oversea Restaurant
Above Oversea Poon Choi
Oversea Poon Choi
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Layers of premium ingredients slowly braised to perfection within a rich, aromatic broth embracing the spirit of sharing. 16 carefully selected ingredients are blended in harmony, including Cantonese roast duck, crispy roasted pork belly, Iberico pork ball, whole abalone, Japanese dried scallops, and fish maw. The Prosperity Treasure Pot is available in portions for 6 people, priced at RM688++, you can choose to dine in or take it home to enjoy at your reunion parties.
4. Four Points by Sheraton, Kuala Lumpur
Above Sichuan Kitchen Poon Choi at Four Points KLCC
Sichuan Kitchen Poon Choi at Four Points KLCC
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Poon Choi Treasure Pot available for RM698++ with two flavourful selections to choose from, either a Sichuan style fish head treasure pot, or a prosperity treasure pot with the classic fix ins. Included with your purchase is a multipurpose thermal bag perfect for transporting any delicious edible gifts this season. Fitting for a group of 8-10 people, it’s available from 1st January 2025 to 12th February 2025.
5. Wan Chun Ting, Sofitel
Above Wan Chun Ting at home
Wan Chun Ting at home
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Elevate your home celebrations with their Poon Choy available for take away. The Auspicious Treasure Pot Poon Choy is priced at RM788+ and suitable for four persons. Overflowing with premium ingredients such as succulent prawns, tender abalones, delicate scallops, and more, this traditional delicacy symbolises prosperity and togetherness.
Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to.
Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.
