Ahead of our T.Dining Awards in December 2019, we pay a nostalgic visit to the family-run Swiss eatery first featured in T.Dining’s Best Restaurants Guide in 1998
La Suisse restaurant first opened its doors in 1992 – a bold, new venture by Switzerland-trained Chef Mike Yap.
When he was 17 years old, Yap left Malaysia to pursue studies in culinary arts in Switzerland. Upon his return home in the early 1990’s, he was determined not to let all those gruelling years of training go to waste.
Together with his wife Claudia, he set up La Suisse, attracting expatriates and locals alike with its authentic Swiss French cuisine and romantic décor.
See also: What's Cooking At Off Menu, Hong Kong's Newest Food & Drink Festival
It’s the kind of intimate family restaurant where customers are on a first-name basis with the people serving their dinner – the kind of place where you can phone in, ask for a special dish not on the menu and pick it up in the evening.
Where & What To Eat: Republik Damansara Heights
Very soon, more and more diners were turning up at the restaurant for a taste of Chef Yap’s hearty specials like lobster bisque, or braised beef ribs in Merlot sauce. It wasn't just that the Swiss fare here was exquisite, it was the inviting ambience that made it a perfect little spot for date nights and small family dinners.