Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur is ushering in a season defined by togetherness and reflection with a series of festive dining and wellness offerings in conjunction with Chinese New Year and the Ramadan period. Spanning fine dining restaurants, grand ballrooms and takeaway selections, the hotel’s seasonal programme blends tradition with contemporary polish, inviting families and friends to gather meaningfully around the table.
Chinese New Year Highlights at Lai Po Heen
At its award-winning Cantonese restaurant Lai Po Heen, the focus this Chinese New Year is firmly on reunion dining. Specially arranged set menus anchor the celebrations, complemented by à la carte favourites and handcrafted dim sum selections, all available through early March.
One of the most anticipated festive staples is the Yee Sang, presented in several premium interpretations. The versions featuring lobster and caviar stand out for their luxurious mouthfeel, with sweet crustacean notes balanced by the refreshing crunch of shredded vegetables. The two-head abalone Yee Sang offers a richer, more savoury profile, while the soft-shell crab variation delivers a satisfying contrast between crisp texture and umami depth — a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy bolder flavours.
Among the standout dishes is the Double-Boiled Australian Abalone Soup with Premium Bamboo Fungus, a refined opening that showcases clarity and depth. The broth is clean yet deeply savoury, allowing the natural sweetness of the abalone to shine, while the bamboo fungus adds a gentle, spongy texture that absorbs the essence of the soup beautifully.
A highlight designed for sharing is the Treasure Duck, generously stuffed with glutinous rice, lotus seeds, mushrooms, dried shrimp and Chinese ham. The duck is roasted until the skin is lightly crisp, giving way to tender meat and a fragrant filling that brings together savoury, earthy and subtly sweet notes — a dish that feels celebratory in both flavour and presentation.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the Steamed Cod Fillet with Fish Maw Fungus and Tangerine Peel, a delicately balanced dish where the buttery softness of the cod is complemented by the gelatinous richness of fish maw. The hint of aged tangerine peel cuts through the richness with a subtle citrus aroma, keeping the dish light and elegant.
For larger family gatherings, the restaurant’s Treasure Pot takes centre stage. Slow-simmered with prized ingredients such as Australian abalone, dried scallops and fish maw, the dish is layered with flavour and symbolism. The broth is deep and comforting, absorbing the natural sweetness of seafood and meats, making it ideal for lingering meals where sharing is part of the ritual. Available for both dine-in and takeaway, it caters equally well to home celebrations.
Desserts lean into nostalgic comfort. The Batter-Fried Brown Sugar Glutinous Rice with Sweet Potato offers a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy centre, with caramel-like sweetness from the brown sugar. The Golden Fried Coconut Sugar Rice Cake Balls round off the meal on a playful note, delivering a satisfying contrast between crunchy coating and molten, coconut-scented filling.
Ramadan Dining: Buka Puasa in Grand Style
As Ramadan approaches, Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur transitions into a season of reflection with its Buka Puasa buffet dinners served across Mosaic, Lounge On The Park and the Diamond Ballroom. The spread highlights comforting Malaysian flavours with touches of regional influence.
One of the centrepieces is the Daging Bakar Berempah, featuring slow-roasted beef tomahawk that is deeply seasoned and remarkably tender. Served with assorted mustards, mushroom gravy and béarnaise sauce, the dish allows diners to tailor each bite, balancing richness with acidity and creaminess.
The Rendang Ayam Pucuk Ubi is a soulful dish, with chicken slow-cooked in local spices, grated coconut and tapioca leaves. The result is rich, aromatic and slightly smoky, with the pucuk ubi lending an earthy bitterness that keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
Bold flavours continue with the Sambal Sotong Petai, where squid is simmered in a robust chilli sambal. The addition of petai introduces a distinctive bitterness that pairs well with the spicy, savoury sauce, making it a favourite for those who enjoy assertive traditional flavours.
Completing the savoury offerings is the Gulai Ayam Kerisik, a northern-style chicken curry enriched with toasted grated coconut. The gravy is thick and fragrant, with warm spices and a nutty depth that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
An array of traditional desserts provides a sweet conclusion to the evening, while live traditional music performances on selected nights add to the sense of occasion.
With Chinese New Year and Ramadan observed in close succession, Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur continues to position itself as a natural gathering place where food, culture and connection converge, offering guests meaningful ways to celebrate, reflect and reconnect.
In celebration of the Year of the Horse, the hotel’s award-winning spa is introducing a limited-time wellness experience designed to restore energy and balance. The Fire Horse Revive Ritual is a 90-minute treatment combining a warming ginger exfoliation with a full-body massage using a progression of aromatic essential oils. Priced at RM755 nett, the ritual is available until 28 February 2026. Spa reservations can be made by calling +603 2179 8772 or via email at mokul-spa@mohg.com.
As Ramadan approaches, the hotel will host Buka Puasa buffet dinners from 17 February to 19 March 2026 at Mosaic, Lounge On The Park and the Diamond Ballroom. Buffet pricing is RM288 nett for adults and RM172 nett for children aged six to 11 during the first and final weeks, while Weeks Two to Four are priced at RM308 nett for adults and RM184 nett for children. Guests who confirm their bookings by 15 February 2026 may enjoy an early bird rate of RM268 nett for adults and RM160 nett for children.
Additional privileges are extended to MO Rewards members throughout the holy month, with group dining benefits where every fifth guest dines free when four guests dine together, alongside points earned on prepaid reservations.
For dining reservations and enquiries, guests may contact +603 2380 8888 or email mokul-fb@mohg.com. Festive takeaway items and seasonal gifting selections are also available via The Mandarin Cake Shop’s online store at https://kualalumpur.mandarinorientalshop.com
