Latest Recipe’s striking tiger yee sang (Photo: Le Méridien)
Known as the king of beasts in China, the tiger is often depicted with four strokes on its forehead, which form the Chinese character ‘wang’ (king). The ferocious and tenacious cat is a symbol of strength and bravery — qualities that will help you take on 2022. On that note, here are a few lavish options to get you started.
W Kuala Lumpur
Restaurants are making a comeback, with an aim to captivate. All-time favourite dim sum destination Yen is pulling out all the stops to court diners, including doling out dumplings that resemble gold ingots to usher in prosperity. Make sure you start with the yee sang though – the most premium option on the list, which includes caviar, gold flakes, truffle oil and abalone, is a splurge-worthy platter that will impress your banker friends.
RM498 for the full portion. Available until Feb 15. See here for more info.
Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
Haute cuisine need not be presented within the confines of fine dining. Bounty of the sea and treasures of the earth can appear on the same plate without overshadowing each other. If the idea of yet another salmon-topped yee sang bores you, take things up a notch (well, probably a few notches) by opting for the MO Auspicious Fan Yee Sang, which also includes sea urchin, black truffles and salmon roe. A scattering of edible gold leaf adds shimmer to a visually-stunning presentation. Lovers of the ocean should take advantage of the seafood option, studded with butterfish, salmon, tuna and Chuka Hotate.
MO Auspicious Fan Yee Sang, RM1,000 for full portion. Available until Feb 15. For dining reservations or takeaway, call 03 2230 8798 or email [email protected].
Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Celebrity chef Lam Hock Hin of Chynna has not only curated special CNY packages that showcase festive staples such as poon choy, plump prawns and steamed tiger grouper, but also yee sang that goes with each set. The most indulgent option (RM888 nett per person) features signature yee sang with crispy Japan A5 Miyazaki wagyu beef, vegetarian fin thick soup with stuffed sea cucumber, wok seared Japanese Miyazaki wagyu, braised 3 Heads abalone, simmered rice with fresh water prawn, and – for dessert – doubled boiled snow lotus with red dates and deep-fried shredded yam nian gao. Yee sang is available as ala carte too should you decide to order it separately.
Signature yee sang with crispy Japan A5 Miyazaki wagyu beef, RM388 nett for standard portion. To reserve, call 03 2264 2264.
The St Regis Kuala Lumpur
Often times, generational hand-me-down recipes are only shared among the ménage, but the hotel’s owning family matriarch Puan Sri Sharon Chua has made her family’s well-loved yee sang available for all to try. The backstory was to entice picky children to eat their greens, hence the platter features a colourful myriad of finely chopped and sliced fresh fruits and vegetables with a shower of assorted nuts and seeds. It’s on the lighter side, but no less moreish. The addition of abalone and crispy soft-shell crab will make your tablemates go for seconds.
RM498+ for large (up to 10 persons), RM268+ for medium (up to six persons). Call 012 280 1303 or click here to order.
Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur
If you’re looking for inspiration to assemble your own roaring character at home, take design cues from Le Méridien’s striking attempt, which sets the benchmark pretty high. Amp it up with sliced clam abalone, or better yet, fresh lobster, from Latest Recipe’s luxurious yee sang specials and you’ll have an extremely photogenic platter for the ‘gram. The restaurant is also hosting CNY buffet dinners, where diners can order a set to lou hei sans the tiger.
Special Yee Sang, RM320nett. From Jan 21-Feb 15. Call 03 2263 7888 to order.
