By the time you step into Lai Ching Yuen at Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur, the restaurant already feels dressed for celebration — auspicious reds, warm chatter, and the unmistakable aroma of Chinese New Year indulgence. This year, Executive Chinese Chef Thye Yoon Kong presents a festive lineup that feels both deeply traditional and luxuriously refined, with dishes that aren’t just symbolic, but genuinely gratifying on the palate.
Yee Sang – A Toss to Prosperity With Substance and Flavour
The Yee Sang selections here take centre stage, and rightly so. The Premium Abalone Yee Sang impresses with thick, tender slices of abalone — not chewy, but beautifully briny and sweet. Paired with crisp vegetables and the signature tangy-plum sauce, every toss delivers clean freshness instead of overpowering sweetness.
The Norwegian Salmon Yee Sang comes with silky, fatty salmon that carries a pleasant richness, while the Soft-Shell Crab Yee Sang adds a satisfying crunch and a savoury edge that many modern diners will appreciate. The Crispy Fish Skin variation is delightfully addictive, lending a crackling bite to the otherwise refreshing mix. Even the lighter options like Snow Pear and Jellyfish Yee Sang impress — the snow pear offering a juicy crunch and natural sweetness, while the jellyfish adds a springy, umami-rich chew. Each plate feels thoughtfully balanced in texture and flavour rather than just visually festive.
Big Bowl Feast “Poon Choi” – Layered Luxury in a Pot
A true showstopper for communal dining, the Poon Choi arrives as a generously layered celebration of abundance. The twelve-head abalone is luxuriously tender; the braised green eye grouper fillet absorbs the rich gravy beautifully without losing its delicate flakiness. The king prawns are fresh, sweet, and firm, while the braised goose feet melt down into rich collagen, deepening the flavour of the pot.
The braised pork belly is indulgently succulent, offering comforting fattiness balanced by the earthy sweetness of shiitake mushrooms and yam. Beneath the richness, humble layers of radish and baby cabbage soak up the sauce, giving the pot depth, warmth, and heart — exactly what a good Poon Choi should represent: unity, generosity, and sharing.
Set Menus – Elevated Tradition for Reunion Celebrations
Golden Abundance Set
This premium set feels truly celebratory from start to finish. The Roasted Whole Suckling Pig boasts crackling-crisp skin with juicy, flavourful meat underneath — a clear highlight. The Double-boiled Abalone Soup with Morel Mushroom is soul-warming, intensely savoury, and deeply aromatic. The Steamed Soon Hock is done just right: flaky, naturally sweet, and enhanced by a light soy dressing rather than masked by it.
The Deep-fried Slipper Lobster with Salt & Pepper Enoki surprises with its addictive crunch and aroma, while the Braised Stuffed Sea Cucumber delivers luxurious gelatinous texture balanced with earthiness. The Waxed Meat Claypot Rice is smoky, fragrant, and immensely satisfying. Dessert balances indulgence with nostalgia — crisp Nian Gao and a refreshing Mango Sago that cleanses the palate gently.
Seasons of Harmony Set
This menu leans comforting yet sophisticated. The Braised 12-Head Abalone offers tender bite with lush gravy, while the Black Chicken Soup with Sea Cucumber and Fish Maw carries deep herbal sweetness, nourishing without being overly heavy.
The Poached Red Star Grouper is delicately prepared, maintaining its natural sweetness.
The Iberico Spareribs are tender with a sticky glaze that clings beautifully, while the Wok-fried Slipper Lobster with Spicy Sauce delivers a satisfying kick. Once again, the Waxed Meat Claypot Rice impresses with depth and aroma, followed by a lovely dessert finale of Sea Coconut with Peach Gum — light, soothing, and reminiscent of traditional festive family desserts.
Bejewelled Prosperity Set
This menu feels homely, generous, and very much like a cherished reunion feast. The Yee Sang with Jellyfish & Fish Skin is refreshing with lively crunch. The Double-boiled Pork Ribs Soup is rich, sweet, and deeply comforting with seafood essence.
The Steamed Green Eye Grouper is succulent with savoury soy notes. The Braised Pork Knuckle steals the show with gelatinous tenderness and bold flavour, while the Tiger Prawns with Oats give fragrant buttery crunch. Even the Vegetarian Lo Han Delight stands out, bringing wholesome textures and umami depth. Dessert — Longan Tea with Sesame Glutinous Balls — ends the meal on a nostalgic and beautifully traditional note.
Festive à la Carte & Dim Sum – Worth Ordering Separately
The Roasted Whole Suckling Pig continues to shine with crisp skin and juicy meat, while the Hong Kong Style Duck offers smoky aroma and moist flesh. The Iberico Spareribs are tender with beautifully caramelised edges. The Char-grilled Squid carries a lovely char and bouncy bite. Rice dishes deserve special mention — both the Richman Fried Rice and Waxed Meat Claypot Rice come fragrant, wok-kissed, and full of texture.
Dim sum lovers won’t be disappointed either:
• Steamed Abalone Crystal Balls are delicate and luxuriously silky.
• Golden Jade Scallop & Prawn Dumplings burst with sweetness and ocean freshness.
• Deep-fried Shrimp Rolls are light, crisp, and wonderfully addictive.
Lai Ching Yuen doesn’t merely present festive dishes — it honours tradition, refines flavour, and elevates festive dining into a truly celebratory experience. From premium Yee Sang to indulgent Poon Choi and thoughtfully curated set menus, every plate tells a story of abundance, togetherness, and culinary craftsmanship.
For gatherings big or intimate, this is a Lunar New Year dining experience that feels heartfelt, joyous, and thoroughly satisfying — the kind that makes reunion dinners truly memorable.
