You all know what dim sum is, right? The original dim sum originated in Canton and were a lot like diners: small, roadside establishments that served tea. Just like Spanish tapas, which were originally simple accompaniments to glasses of sherry, these simple Cantonese tea snacks eventually became the main focus of the meal, though tea is, of course, still served. These days, in many parts of Southern mainland China and in Hong Kong in particular, it’s become a weekly ritual family meal, generally taken on weekend mornings.
In Malaysia, dim sum has definitely grown in popularity with quite a number of restaurants within Kuala Lumpur serving halal versions of famous staples like siu mai or har gau and coming up with their own innovative dishes. Now locals and travellers alike can enjoy dim sum local Chinese delicacies with family and friends!
Here are 5 halal dim sum restaurants you’ve missed out on in KL;
1. Dolly Dim Sum
Although the first restaurant on our list is also the newest addition to the scene in KL, it has already grown a sizeable following its chic (instagrammable!) interior and freshly prepared food. Dim sum is served all day long at their two mall based restaurants in Avenue K and Nu Sentral.
Dolly Dim Sum Avenue K
Opening Hours: 11:00am-10:00pm
Address: Lot G9 Ground Floor, Avenue K, 156 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Opposite KLCC)
Contact Number: (+603) 2181 3830
Dolly Dim Sum Nu Sentral
Opening Hours: 11:00am-10:00pm
Address: LG.43 NU Sentral No. 201 Jalan Tun Sambathan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact Number: (+603) 2856 0663
2. China Treasures
Located in Sime Darby Convention Centre, China Treasures is a regular favourite especially for families. The best part is, this is one of the few dim sum restaurants in KL that has halal certification! So you definitely don’t need to worry when chowing down on plates and plates of dim sum here.
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm (Lunch), 3:30pm – 10:30pm (Dinner) on weekdays, 10:00am – 4:30pm (Lunch), 6:30pm – 10:30pm (Dinner) on weekends and public holidays
Address: Sime Darby Convention Centre, 1A, Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, 60000 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Contact Number: (+603) 2089 3788
3. Lai Po Heen
Known to be one of the best Chinese restaurants in KL, Lai Po Heen in Mandarin Oriental Hotel is a little more on the upscale side of things, but is definitely a crowd pleaser with its sumptuous spread.
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 2:30pm Monday to Friday, 10:30am – 2:30pm Weekends and Public Holidays. 7:00pm – 10:30pm daily for dinner.
Address: Level 1, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact Number: (+603) 2179 8885
4. Luk Yu Tea House
If you’re in the heart of KL and want to rest your feet after shopping at Bukit Bintang, head on over to Luk Yu Tea House for a teahouse experience that will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a charming and rustic Hong Kong restaurant, with its classic latticed window and stained glass panels.
Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 11:00pm Monday to Saturday, and 10:00am to 11:00pm on Sundays and Public Holidays
Address: Feast Village, Starhill Gallery, 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact Number: (+603) 2782 3850
5. MinMax Restaurant
Freshly steamed or fried to order, MinMax offers a dim sum menu that covers all the basics and then some, for very reasonable prices in a comfortable setting. They’ve got quite a regular following too!
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 3:00pm (Lunch), 6:00pm – 11:30pm (Dinner) on weekdays, 9:00am-3:00pm on Sunday
Address: Lot 2.1 Level 2, PNB Darby Park, Jalan Binjai, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact Number: (+603) 2166 8669
So what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone and book your table at one of these restaurants for your dim sum fix!
