Tatler Best 2025: The finest Chinese restaurants in Malaysia’s top hotels

Situated in Langkawi, Hai Yan stands as the coastal destination’s only modern Chinese establishment, offering patrons a waterside dining experience steeped in tradition. Locally sourced ingredients, live seafood, and Cantonese and Sichuan favourites shine here from berry-fed empurau fish air flown from East Malaysia to Perak-sourced roast duck served with pancakes made inhouse and other sumptuous fixings. 

Lai Po Heen is an exquisite Cantonese restaurant that captures the grandeur of 19th-century Chinese tycoon mansions, featuring soaring ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and intricate parquet flooring. Chef Michael Wong, who hails from Lenggong, Perak, brings nearly 40 years of culinary expertise to the restaurant, having risen from humble beginnings preparing meals for his siblings to becoming an internationally recognised chef. With seven private dining rooms and an open kitchen, the restaurant showcases refined white and gold interiors and Oriental art, while Chef Wong's signature dishes masterfully blend traditional Cantonese cuisine with innovative techniques. His remarkable journey, mentored by decorated chef Joseph Tse and recognised with numerous awards, is reflected in the restaurant's exceptional dim sum and classic Cantonese offerings that celebrate both his heritage and culinary mastery. Unmissable dishes include their traditional roasted Peking duck, and signature durian pancake.

Located within the elegance of The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, Li Yen is the curation of Chinese classics made in harmony with the seasons. The restaurant is headed by chef Alex Au, a Hong Kong native who brings years of culinary expertise into his craft, showcased through his delicate dim sum to traditional barbecued roast specialties. Breathing life into age-old recipes, Au upholds the tradition of Chinese cuisine and retains the strong sense of heritage in all of his dishes. Signature dishes include their golden prawns, pan fried beef fillets, and baked spare ribs.

A bastion of Cantonese culinary tradition, Shang Palace presents a refined dining experience where authenticity meets innovation. Set in an opulent yet inviting atmosphere, the restaurant showcases masterfully crafted dishes that highlight the sophistication of Cantonese cuisine. Signature creations, such as the Shang Palace Trio Combination Platter with lobster, seafood, and truffle, and the Live Fresh Wok-Fried Canadian Lobster with egg white and sun-dried scallops, exemplify the delicate balance of flavours and textures that define this culinary tradition. The expertly prepared dim sum by Dim Sum Master Chef Chan Wen Sun further elevates the experience, offering delicate bites steeped in heritage.

A prominent spot for Chinese fine dining scene for two decades now, Shanghai serves up dishes evocative of its namesake region, matched with modern Chinese glamour. Conceptualised by renowned Hong Kong establishment Soh Chit Yuen, Shanghai is helmed by chef Wong Wing Yuek, a Shanghainese native. Elevated with an exquisite selection of quality Chinese wines and teas, this established restaurant embodies tradition and authenticity, a true inspiration and approach to stand the test of time. Unmissable dishes include the chilled drunken chicken in Chinese rice wine, a classic dish from Zhejiang cuisine.

Cantonese restaurant Yen is a showcase of Chinese classics redefined. Within the W Kuala Lumpur, it offers an imperial ambiance, down to the smallest details thoughtfully curated. Yen is encased in dark oak flooring with contemporary lighting that features antique oriental elements. With four large private rooms, here you can indulge in a balanced dining experience that piques all senses. Yen will be undergoing renovations from March 17, 2025, so look forward to refreshed offerings. 

Yun House is one of the most prestigious Chinese restaurants in the city, located in the iconic Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur, elevating Cantonese cuisine within a gorgeous interior that exudes elegance and intimacy. At the helm is chef Jimmy Wong, a Hong Kong native, and his culinary journey has led him all across Asia, refining his skills in every city he steps into and collecting awards on the way. He brings his expertise to Yun House, bringing in stellar dishes, including their known crowd pleaser, the deep fried yam puffs with roasted barbecued duck.