We're seeing a uniform distribution between age-old dishes and contemporary creations this year. Contact each establishment for cut-off dates.

1. The Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

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Above Fish shaped ‘Nian Gao’ or glutinous rice cake. Photo: The Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Home to a resplendent pork-free Chinese restaurant, The Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur recently announced its dine-in set menus and take-away specialities for Chinese New Year 2019, all of which are listed here:

Dine-In

  • Yun House: Set menus, RM388-688 per pax; Yee Sang Prosperity Toss, RM 148-536 per platter.
  • Junior Ballroom: Reunion dinner, RM4880 or RM6880 for a table of 10 pax.
    *Every booking of 3 tables entitles diners to goodie bags. The God of Prosperity will also make a special appearance to deliver a complimentary barrel of beer.
  • Curate: Lunch buffet, RM157 (adult), RM78.50 (child); Dinner buffet, RM198 (adult), RM99 (child); Reunion buffet, RM288 nett.
  • The Lounge: CNY brunch, RM218 (adult) and RM105 (child); CNY afternoon tea, RM135-188.

Take-away

  • Yee Sang Prosperity Toss, RM 148-536 per platter; Fish shaped ‘Nian Gao’ or glutinous rice cake, RM98 for one; Homemade pineapple tarts, RM98 per box of 8 pieces; Hampers, RM350 onwards; Roasted whole duck with plum sauce, RM388; Roasted whole chicken, RM288; Signature Prosperity Treasure Pot, RM2088 (medium) or RM4088 (large).

The Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur | 145 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2382 8650 | thelounge.kualalumpur@fourseasons.com

2. One World Hotel Petaling Jaya

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Above 'Oriental Beat' offerings. Photo: One World Hotel PJ

Located smack in the middle of Selangor's shopping district, One World Hotel is a convenient option for PJ dwellers who'd rather not make the schlep to KL. Minimise hassle by having one of the following restaurants host your family reunion:

Zuan Yuan

  • Gathered Elegance promotion: Choose from three tiers of set meals by executive chef Michael Chew Chee Peng, RM1,798.00, RM1,988.00 or RM2,288.00 for a table of ten. *Every table receives a complimentary bottle of wine.
  • Shared Happiness promotion: 5 varieties of Yee Sang: 1) Soft Shell Crab 2) Abalone 3) Salmon Skin and Abalone 4) Salmon 5) Fruits with Chef’s Signature Sauce. Priced at RM128 and above.

Cinnamon Coffee House

  • Oriental Beat promotion: Lunch buffet, RM108 (adult), RM54 (child); Dinner buffet, RM138 (adult), RM69 (child).

One World Hotel PJ | First Avenue, Bandar Utama City Centre, Selangor | 03 7681 1111 | cinnamon@oneworldhotel.com.my

3. Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

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Above Fresh durian crêpes. Photo: Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

From lion dances to acrobatic performances (by an award-winning troupe) and guzheng concerts to guest appearances (the 'God of Wealth' will be doling out red packets to kids), Mandarin Oriental's Chinese New Year line-up makes for fun-filled memories. Book the following before they fill up: 

Dine-In

  • Set Menus at Lai Po Heen: Fortune, RM288 per pax; Prosperity, RM398 per pax; Wealth, RM518 per pax. 
  • Dim Sum Sets at Lai Po Heen: Longevity, RM188 per pax; Happiness, RM238 per pax.
  • Buffets at Mosaic: Lunch or dinner on Monday-Saturday, RM145 or RM175 per pax; Sunday brunch, RM205 per pax.

Take-Away

  • The Mandarin Cake Shop: It's near impossible to saunter past the tempting display of sweets at this in-house pâtisserie without picking something up. Seasonal specialities include the chilled durian pancakes, koi-shaped chocolate truffles, and a pretty assortment of Chinese New Year cookies. View the brochure here.

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur | Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2330 8798 | mokul-fb@mohg.com

4. Hilton Malaysia

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Above Lotus leaf rice. Photo: Hilton Malaysia

Auspicious foods will be placed at the forefront of Hilton Malaysia's Chinese New Year menus. Think noodles for longevity, rice cakes for wealth, fish for prosperity and tangyuan for togetherness. Rather than going the safe route with seafood-centric yee sang, Hilton KL is dishing out a version with roasted duck and satay sauce, which reminds us how blessed we are to be living in a country with a confluence of cultures. 

Hilton Kuala Lumpur

  • Set Lunch at Chynna: Abundance 7 courses, RM288 per pax; Prosperity 8 courses, RM398 per pax; Wealth 6 courses, RM428 per pax; Grand Fortune 6 courses, RM688 per pax.
  • À La Carte Dinner at Chynna: Depending on the complexity of a dish and the rarity of its ingredients, prices range from RM70 to RM700. *Pay with a CIMB, Maybank, OCBC, Standard Chartered, HSBC or Citibank credit card to receive a 20% discount.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur | 3, Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2264 2264

Hilton Petaling Jaya

  • Set Dinner at Toh Yuen: Everlasting Happiness 9 courses, RM1988 per 10 pax; Luck & Joyfulness 9 courses, RM2288 per 10 pax; Sea of Prosperity 9 courses, RM438 per 10 pax.
  • Buffets at Paya Serai: Dinner, RM138 (adult) and RM88 (child); High Tea, RM128 (adult) and RM78 (child).

Hilton Petaling Jaya | 2, Jalan Barat, PJS 52, Petaling Jaya, Selangor | 03 7955 9122

Visit Hilton.com to learn about Chinese New Year promotions at Hilton Kuching, Hilton Kota Kinabalu, Doubletree by Hilton, Doubletree Kuala Lumpur, Doubletree Resort by Hilton Penang, and Doubletree Resort by Hilton Melaka.

5. The St Regis Kuala Lumpur

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Above Prosperity Yee Sang with abalone & soft-shell crab. Photo: The St Regis Kuala Lumpur

It's only once a year that patrons of The St Regis Kuala Lumpur get to taste Puan Sri Sharon Chua's heirloom yee sang. The accomplished calligrapher has been making the dish for years to coax her daughters, Carmey and Carmen Chua, to eat their greens. Puan Sri has also designed the packaging for The St Regis KL's take-away treats this year, making the boxes collectibles in their own right.

Dine-In

  • Prosperity Yee Sang: Vegetarian & Nuts, RM113/208 (medium or large); Salmon & Jellyfish, RM145/280 (medium or large); Abalone & Soft-shell Crab, RM208/386 (medium or large).
  • Set Menus: Lunch or dinner, RM298, RM328 and RM398 per pax. Reserve a private dining room (4-50 guests) or The Astor Room/Grand Ballroom (up to 800 guests). 
  • Sunday Jazz Brunch: Chinese specialities will join the smorgasbord of brunch dishes at The Brasserie, RM298/468 (without or with alcohol).

Take-Away

  • Prosperity Yee Sang: See prices above.
  • House of Fortune: Peruse homemade cookies, cakes and Nian Gao at this pop-up shop.

The St Regis Kuala Lumpur | 6, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2727 6696 | dining.kualalumpur@stregis.com

6. W Kuala Lumpur

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Above Photo: W Kuala Lumpur

YEN at the W Kuala Lumpur breaks the mold when it comes to Chinese cuisine, delivering fun, unexpected twists on Chinese classics while also steering clear of pork. How's that for inclusivity and innovation?

  • Yee Sang options: Premium Jelly Fish, Korean Snow Pear & Avocado Oil, RM118/228 (half or full portion); Norwegian Salmon, Air-Dried Szechuan Fish Chips & Crispy Fish Skin, RM118/228 (half or full portion); Qiandao Lake Angel Beads, Sous Vide Lobster Meat & Tempura Crispy Soft Shell Crab, RM188/338 (half or full portion); and Caviar, Gold Flakes, Truffles Oil & Abalone, RM248/488 (half/full portion).
  • À La Carte Dishes: Premium Poon Choy, RM268 per pax (minimum 4 pax); 'Monk Jump Over The Wall,' RM188 per pax; Hokkaido Scallops with dried Mandarin Peel & Black Bean Sauce, RM60 per pax; Steamed Layer Traditional Ninko, Organic Beans & Shredded Coconut, RM8 per portion, and more.
  • Set Menus: Great Prosperity, RM188; Happy Reunion, RM288; Rich Fortune or Wealth Treasures; both RM388. *Every spend of RM300 comes with a complimentary packet of ang pows. Every set menu for 10 pax includes free-flowing Pu'er tea and gift bags.

W Kuala Lumpur | 121, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2786 8888 | b&f.wkualalumpur@whotels.com

7. The Westin Kuala Lumpur

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Above Avoacado pancake with black sesame ice cream. Photo: The Westin Kuala Lumpur

Rediscover your Cantonese roots at Five Sen5es at The Westin Kuala Lumpur. Chef Tan, who has snagged multiple awards for his prowess in the kitchen, is whipping up a mélange of traditional and contemporary cuisine to engage all your senses.

Dine-In

  • Set Menus: Reunion, RM1,888 for 10 pax; Blessings, RM1,988 for 10 pax; Abundance, RM2,388 for 10 pax. *Each set meal is inclusive of a complimentary bottle of wine. Kids aged 6 years and below dine for free while tweens between 7-12 years receive 50% off food items.
  • À La Carte: Timeless classics include oven-roasted barbeque duck with Mandarin orange sauce, honey-glazed Black Cod, fresh lily bulbs with seasonal vegetables, Nian Gau stuffed with purple sweet potato paste. Contact restaurant for prices.

Take-Away

  • Yee Sang: RM88 onwards.

The Westin Kuala Lumpur | 199, Bukit Bintang Street, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2773 8338 | westindining@westin.com

8. Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur

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Above Photo: Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur

Lauded for its lavish buffets, Latest Recipe at Le Méridien KL will tweak its usual spread to include CNY specialties this season. Just the thought of roasted 5-spice duck, wok-fried prawns with butter cream sauce, stir-fried chili crab, and San Xi braised lamb shoulder is enough to make us lick our lips.

  • Yee Sang options: Sliced Clam Abalone, RM320; Sliced Tuna, RM230; Salmon, RM230; Jelly Fish, RM200.
  • Buffet Dinner: Monday-Thursday, RM153 (adult) or RM76.50 (child); Friday-Sunday, RM165 (adult) or RM82.50 (child); CNY Eve, RM198 (adult) or RM99 (child).
  • The Great Prosperity Set Menu: Inclusive of an 8-course meal; rental of a private room; free-flow of non-alcoholic drinks for 4 hours; waiver of corkage fee for 2 bottles of hard liquour or wine; complimentary use of the sound system and a cordless microphone, and special room rates. *Book 15 tables seating 10 pax each to receive a 2-night complimentary stay at the hotel.

Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur | 2, Jalan Stesen Sentral, KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2263 7434 | dining.lmkl@lemeridien.com

9. JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur

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Above Shanghai restauran. Photo: JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur

Evoking the glamour of old Shanghai, the JW Marriott's Chinese restaurant is spearheaded by Chef Wong Wing Yuek, a trueborn Shanghainese. Eight auspicious varieties of yee sang will be featured on the seasonal menu.

  • Yee Sang options: Lobster, market price; Geoduck, market price; Sliced abalone, RM208; Jellyfish, RM108; Baby abalone, RM108; Fresh fruits, RM108; Salmon, RM108; Vegetarian ham, RM88.
  • Set Menus: Prosperity, RM308 per pax; Lunar New Year Menu A, RM2,888 for each table of 10 pax; Lunar New Year Menu B, RM3,988 for each table of 10 pax.
  • À La Carte Dishes: Deep-fried bean curd stuffed with French goose liver and truffle paste, RM40 per pieces; baked assorted seafood with cheese, RM66 for 3 pieces; deep-fried crispy glutinous rice cake with yam, RM18 for 3 pieces; and more.

JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur | 183, Bukit Bintang Street, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2719 8288 | shanghairestaurant@ytlhotels.com.my

10. The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

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Above Colourful 'yee sang.' Photo: The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Celebrate Chinese New Year amidst the colonial splendour of The Majestic Hotel. The hotel's seasonal promotions are reasonably priced (all under RM150) and the Reunion Dinner on the first day throws in live entertainment, including a lion dance show, which the kids are bound to enjoy.

  • Contango: Lunch, RM118 per pax; Dinner, RM148 per pax.
  • Majestic Ballroom Reunion Dinner: RM135 per pax.

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur | 5 Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2785 8000 | tmklresv@ytlhotels.com.my

11. Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel

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Above Treasure Pot at Dynasty. Photo: Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel

Different families might have slightly different terms for this dish depending on their dialect. Regardless, poon choipen cai or peng cai equals the epitome of abundance. The centrepiece of many a Chinese New Year feast, this impressive casserole is filled to the brim with premium ingredients. Tuck into this 'Treasure Pot' at the Renaissance or take it to go.

Dine-In (At Dynasty)

  • Yee Sang options: Salmon; Fruity Fiesta; Jellyfish; Golden Crispy Enoki; Smoked Duck, Salmon & Fu Kwei Abalone; Salmon & Whitebait. Regardless of ingredients, each platter is priced at RM118/228 (half or full portion).
  • Lunar New Year Dim Sum: Steamed Stuffed Sea Cucumber with Seafood Paste; Golden Dumpling with Carrot Sauce; Steamed Spinach Jade Dumpling with Prawns; Crispy Potato with Egg Custard; Taro Ball with Prawn & Salted Egg; and more at RM19.80 each.
  • Set Menus: Happiness, RM1,798 for 10 pax; Fortune, RM2,198 for 10 pax; Happiness, RM1,798 for 10 pax; Longevity, RM3,398 for 10 pax; Individual Set 1, RM198; Individual Set 2, RM298; Individual Set 3, RM398; Golden Feast, RM1,098 for 6 pax; Diamond Feast, RM1,398 for 6 pax; Gourmet Celebration Set 1, RM498 for 5 pax; Gourmet Celebration Set 2, RM798 for 5 pax.

Take-Away

  • Yee Sang options: See above.
  • Treasure Pots: Prosperity Dynasty Treasure Pot, RM498 for 5 pax; Golden Prosperity Abalone Treasure Pot, RM998 for 5 pax.

Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel | Corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2771 6692 | rhi.kulrn.fb@renaissancehotels.com

12. The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur

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Above Photo: The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur

Cantonese cuisine is placed on a pedestal at Li Yen, and the chefs are going the traditional route with their spread. We've got our eyes on the Steamed Clay Pot Rice with Chinese Waxed Meat—requiring 45 minutes to prepare, the dish incorporates sausages specially flown all the way from Hong Kong.

  • Lunch Set Menus: Set A, RM148 per pax; Set B, RM190 per pax; Set C, RM250 per pax (minimum 4 pax to order these).
  • Dinner Set Menus: Set A, RM1,988 per 10 pax; Set B, RM2,888 per 10 pax; Set C, RM5,388 per 10 pax.

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur | 168, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2782 9122 | liyen@ritzcarlton.com.my

13. Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

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Above Wok fried stuffed scallop with baby pak choi. Photo: Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

Wan Chun Ting suits any occasion, whether you're partaking in a meal with family members, friends or business associates. Private rooms are available at your behest, but make your bookings soon to avoid disappointment.

  • Yee Sang options: Vegetarian; Jellyfish, RM88/176 (half or full portion); Norwegian Salmon; Crispy Fish Skin with Mango & Snow Pear, RM108/216 (half or full portion); Australia Lobster Yee Sang, market price; and more. Add on ingredients such as crackers and abalone range from RM6-288.
  • Set Menus: Prosperity, RM2,188 for 10 pax; Fortune, RM2,388 for 10 pax; Wealth, RM2,588 for 10 pax. *Every table of 10 receives a complimentary bottle of wine.

Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara | 6, Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2720 6688 | ha123-fb3@sofitel.com

14. Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur

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Above Photo: Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur

We love the idea of a laid-back lunch by the pool after one too many formal dinners; Man Tao Rooftop Bar is firing up the barbecue for a reunion en plein air. Needless to say, the establishment's namesake (steamed Chinese buns known as mantao) will feature on the menu. But if the folks insist on a more formal sit-down meal, look to Brasserie 25 instead. 

Brasserie 25

  • Sizzling Reunion Dinner: RM98 (adult) or RM68 (child) with free-flow of the Prosperity Mocktail.

Man Tao Rooftop

  • Sizzling Lunar New Year: RM68 with free-flow of mocktails, soft drinks and juices; RM108 with free-flow beer, soft drinks and juices.

Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur | 25, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2038 0000 | hsklresv@stripeskl.com

15. Nobu Kuala Lumpur

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Above Photo: Nobu Kuala Lumpur

Nobu, which champions the confluence of Japanese and Peruvian flavours, will introduce several new items in acknowledgement of Chinese New Year. A punny dish concocted by executive chef Philip Leong and team, the 'HARHARHAR Prosperity Platter' plays on the Cantonese word for prawn and the sound of laughter.

  • HARHARHAR Prosperity Platter: Salmon & white fish, RM188; Whole lobster, RM288.
  • Hot Dish: Steamed plaice with Iwashi dashi, goji berries and black moss, RM 158.
  • Dessert: 'God of Wealth’ white chocolate mousse with pineapple yuzu curd, pineapple filling & cheese sable cookies, RM 48.

Nobu | Menara 3 Petronas, Persiaran KLCC, KL City Centre, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2164 5084/019 389 5085

16. The RuMa Hotel

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Above Photo: ATAS Modern Malaysian Eatery / The RuMa Hotel

This sexy luxury hotel houses with a sleek restaurant that celebrates seasonality. The yee sang at ATAS Modern Malaysian Eatery peaks our interest with ingredients such as pucuk paku, betel leaf, fried chicken skin and sweet tamarind plum dressing.

  • Yee Sang: RM128 for 4 pax; inquire about prices for larger groups.

The RuMa Hotel | 7, Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur | 03 2778 0888 | atas@theruma.com

17. Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa

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Above Poached Dragon Trout. Photo: Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa

Lined with kumquat treets, red lanterns and fairy lights, the lobby at Sunway Resort Hotel will put anyone in a festive mood. Unless you've booked a private banquet hall, all festive dine-in meals take place at The Resort Café.

Dine-In

  • Yee Sang options: Crispy Shrimp & Snow Pear; Salmon & Snow Pear; Alaska Scallop & Crispy Salmon Skin; Fresh Salmon & Soft-Shell Crab; Cooked Lobster. Prices range from RM88-118 (half portion) and RM148-228 (full portion).
  • Prosperity Buffet Dinner (pre-CNY): RM138 (adult); RM98 (senior citizen); RM78 (child).
  • Reunion Buffet Dinner (first day of CNY): RM148 (adult); RM98 (senior citizen); RM78 (child).
  • CNY Buffet (rest of week): Lunch, RM98 (adult) or RM68 (child); dinner, RM138 (adult) or RM98 (senior citizen) or RM78 (child).
  • Chap Goh Mei buffet (February 16): RM138 (adult), RM98 (senior citizen) or RM78 (child).
  • Set Menus: 8-course meal at The Resort Café, Billow of Happiness, RM1,688; Billow of Prosperity, RM1,888; and Billow of Longevity, RM2,088 per 10 pax. 8-course meal in a private function room, RMRM2,200-2,500 per 10 pax

Take-Away

  • Four kinds of meats: Roasted Black Garlic Chicken, RM128; Roasted Duck, RM148; Braised Duck with Stuffing, RM188; Double-Boiled Kampung Chicken with Premium Stuffing, RM588. Each bird serves 6-8 pax.

Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa | Persiaran Lagoon, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya | 03 7492 8000 | srhs.bookfnb@sunwayhotels.com

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