Ee Chinese Cuisine has a really good spread. Yes, it is pork-free but they have done a fantastic job with the flavours. Little morsels like dim sums were done to perfection. 

Ee Chinese Cuisine | 13, Jalan 16/11, Seksyen 16, 46350 Petaling Jaya | +6016 262 2059 | kualalumpur.eastin.com | Monday-Friday, 12pm-2:30pm, 6:30pm-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am-2:30pm, 6:30pm-10pm, Weekends Dim Sum Brunch, 10:30am-2:30pm

Elegant Inn has the remarkable ability to maintain a truly high standard in spite of being around for quite a few years. Their service staff was attentive and knowledgeable, and made sure we had a good selection of food. The garoupa, for instance, was steamed to perfection. Additional dim sum dishes were made a la minute and accompanied by a selection of condiments.

 Elegant Inn Cuisine | 2.01, Level 2, Menara Hap Seng, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2070 9399 | Monday-Saturday, 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10:30pm; Sunday, 10:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-10:30pm

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This Cantonese restaurant in Pavilion Hotel is a perfect place for a get-together with family and friends. There are over a hundred dishes to choose from. The Specialty Combination Platter, an appetising mix of chicken, duck and jellyfish, is an inspired place to begin. 

Jade Pavillion | Level 8, Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur Managed by Banyan Tree,170, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2117 2823 | banyantree.com | Monday-Sunday, 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm; Weekend Dim Sum Brunch, 9am-2:30pm

Dining at Jing Ze feels like entering chef-owner Nicholas Scorpion’s private kitchen where he gets to serve you his all-time favourites—each inspired by a unique incident through his travels and culinary journey. Their offerings are eclectic, with some favourites that will keep loyal fans returning. 

Jing Ze Contemporary | No. 22A Ground & Mezzanine Floors, Jalan 17/54, Section 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya | +603 7931 4801 | jingze.com.my | Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10:30pm

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Lai Po Heen serves classic Cantonese fare in an understated and elegant setting, making it one of the best places for southern Chinese cuisine in Kuala Lumpur. The prize for most outstanding taste here has to go to the golden fried prawn and mango rolls with breadcrumbs, served with a tangy mayonnaise and wasabi dip. 

Lai Po Heen | Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2330 8798 | mandarinoriental.com | Monday-Friday, 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm

Chrome, black and sleek. Li Yen evokes an understated elegance. Food-wise, the flavours were good. The sauces were smooth, the fish sliced just so and curled perfectly to decorate the plate. A popular place for a hearty dim sum lunch. Overall, the experience is what you’d expect in a world-class hotel.

Li Yen | The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, 168, Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur | +6018 646 8033 | liyenkl.com | Monday-Sunday, 12pm-3pm, 6:30pm-10pm; Sunday and public holidays, 10:30am-3pm, 6:30pm-10pm

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The timeless deliciousness of Teochew cuisine finds a home next to stellar Hong Kong dim sum at Luk Yu Tea House, offering a staggering variety of dishes. Luk Yu Tea House also shows us that not all teas are created equal, and if you’re curious to explore just how versatile tea and Cantonese or Teochew pairings can be, this is the place to start. 

Luk Yu Tea House | 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur | +6018 632 8060 | Monday-Sunday, 11:30am-10pm

How does one stand out in a crowded Chinese cuisine space? Ming Ren Xuan’s answer is to complement its traditional items with less conventional ingredients in Chinese cooking. Its dim sum dishes are made to order and generally well-executed. We also enjoyed the warm and friendly service. The restaurant also boasts an exquisite wine lounge and several private rooms with a jaw-dropping view of the city skyline.

Ming Ren Xuan | Avenue K, L3-5, Level 3, 156, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2711 1199 or +6012 688 1648 | mingrenxuan.my | Monday-Sunday, 10am-10pm

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Regent serves authentic Hong Kong dishes in Mont Kiara, with a string of signatures that has turned this restaurant into a neighbourhood staple. The menu contains a healthy variety of dishes across various proteins and seafood that warrants multiple visits. Indulge in a rich assortment of delectable offerings, made using Hong Kong-style Cantonese recipes and ingredients. The establishment also doesn’t sell spirits and wine, so make sure to bring your own drinks. 

Regent Chinese Cuisine | Lot-A-OG-01, Block A, No.2, Jalan Kiara, Plaza Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur | +603 6211 3331 | theregent.my | Monday-Sunday, 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10:30pm

Revisit the roaring atmosphere of Shanghai for an experience of luxury and an authentic old Chinese affair. The classic Shanghainese staple of delicate pork-filled soup dumplings was the perfect prelude to a meal. The fried noodles with lobster, assorted mushrooms, and truffle oil was a mouthful of joy. The steamed egg white with crab meat was a refreshing palate switcher from the tangy meat favourites.

Shanghai | 183, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur | +6018 591 8537 | shanghairestaurant.com.my | Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm; Sunday and Public Holidays, 10:30am-2:30pm

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Shang Palace is very much a product of its time, featuring classic Cantonese fare with a number of provincial delicacies. Vegans can rejoice as there is an extensive list of choices to fit their diet. For everyone else, signature dishes such as the free-range chicken smoked with Chinese tea and stewed duck are flavourful and pair well with a bowl of white rice.

Shang Palace | Level 1, Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, No. 11, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2032 2388 | shangri-la.com | Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30pm-10pm; Sunday and Public Holidays, 10:30am-2:30pm

One would be forgiven for thinking of this establishment as anything but a Chinese restaurant. It's decor, bright colours with vivid pop art theme does a good job in hiding its Oriental roots. The menu is unabashedly Chinese though. The dim sum menu is a veritable reflection of the chef’s skills and more often than not, it’s futile to resist to order more. 

Yen | W Hotel, 121, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur | +6012 268 9729 | marriott.com | Tuesday-Friday, 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11am-2:30pm, 6pm-10pm

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The interior styling of Yun House is a feast for the eyes. Savour its sophisticated retro feel with hints of Italian and Turkish influences. The menu is supposed to feature elevated Cantonese cuisine but there are no real standouts. But it showed promise with the starter of crispy salmon skin with salted egg yolk and ikura caviar. Special mention goes to the great desserts.

Yun House | Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur, Level 5B, 145 Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur | +603 2382 8640 | fourseasons.com | Monday-Saturday, 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm; Sunday, 11am-4pm

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