Prosperity Salmon with Black Caviar and Soft Shell Crab Rainbow Yee Sang at Zuan Yuan Chinese Restaurant, One World Hotel. — Photos: KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star
A Lunar New Year menu carries tradition into a new season.
At Zuan Yuan Chinese Restaurant at One World Hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, this tradition is ramped up with modernity.
Hotel Food and Beverage manager Kenneth Chung and Chinese chef Vincent Loo call the craftsmanship behind the “Wealthy Set” an 11-course marathon of flavour.
The table is set with savoury snacks – Sichuan-style kyuri with flower fungus and pickled lotus root with braised peanuts.
These crunchy, tangy bites prepare diners for the appetising Prosperity Salmon with Black Caviar and Soft-Shell Crab Rainbow Yee Sang.
The yee sang is texturally diverse, elevated by clean, briny pops of caviar against the freshness of the colourful platter of vegetables.
Next is warm, comforting Double-boiled Abalone Soup.
Desserts in the Wealthy Set comprise (left) Golden Sesame Ball with Sweet Potato Pandan Nian Gao, and Traditional Glass Jelly with Chrysanthemum Sorbet.
Slow-simmered chicken and cordyceps give the clear broth a rich, restorative taste.
The seafood courses follow in quick succession.
Sabah Red Grouper, a steamed fisherman’s village-style dish, features a light soy base that enhances the fish’s sweet, natural flavour.
Pan-fried Tiger Prawns with Cereal, Bird’s Eye Chilli and Curry Leaf is a crowd favourite.
With just subtle heat, it lingers just long enough to balance the buttery sweetness of the cereal coating.
One of the more creative turns is the Oven-roasted Chicken, which arrives alongside delicate chicken roulade.
It is a clever nod to modern techniques within a traditional framework.
Oven-Roasted Chicken with Chicken Roulade.
This is followed by the Braised 10-head Abalone, Bean Curd and Sea Moss with Garden Greens.
We are nearly at our limits when the Signature Golden Fried Rice with Sakura Shrimp arrives, but the fragrance of the tiny, crispy shrimp makes it impossible to skip.
Loo serves a refreshing contrast for dessert – Traditional Glass Jelly with Chrysanthemum Sorbet.
The icy, floral treat refreshes the palate after the rich meal.
For those wanting a more traditional taste, the Golden Sesame Ball with Sweet Potato Pandan Nian Gao provides chewy-sweet contrast.
Zuan Yuan’s festive sets are available for lunch and dinner until March 3.
Double-Boiled Abalone Soup with Free Range Chicken and Cordyceps Flower.
The festive set menus comprise the Auspicious Set priced at RM1,999nett (for 10 diners) or RM1,688nett (for six); Wealthy Set at RM2,399nett (for 10) or RM2,099nett (for six); Blessings Set at RM2,888nett (for 10) or RM2,688nett (for six) and Titanium Individual Set for RM388nett per person.
The Vegetarian Set is priced at RM1,388nett (10 diners) or RM999nett (six).
Adding to the excitement, guests are invited to witness a lion dance performance on Feb 20 at 10.30am.
ZUAN YUAN CHINESE RESTAURANT, Lobby Level, One World Hotel, First Avenue, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. (Tel: 03-7681 1113). Business hours: 11am to 2.30pm (Monday to Friday), 10am to 2.30pm (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays); 6pm to 10pm (Monday to Sunday).
This is the writer’s personal observation and not an endorsement by StarMetro.
