The Han Room, Gardens Mall - Kuala Lumpur


Kit from Singapore, but whose home town is Kuala Lumpur, has always sung the praises of the Han Room, an outlet of the Oriental Group. Ipoh-born Chef Justin Hor Chee Keong presides over the several restaurants in this group. I was more than curious when I found myself in the Gardens Mall, where the Han Room is located on the ground floor, when niece Su Hui and friends were coming to catch up with me. Cantonese in foundation, the cuisine offered has a twist, in presentation, taste and texture. The four of us had to wait on the sofa at the entrance as we did not book for lunch on a weekday. 

Kit had sent me the UOB Chef Menu, thoughtfully and delightfully contrived and chosen.  I got diverted, when I saw offerings like charcoal grilled Spanish pork roll;  crispy cod fish roll with pork floss; tea smoked farm chicken; and the braised Shatin chicken stuffed with liver suasage.  In the end, we settled for subtle tasting spare pork ribs grilled with pepper, accompanied by a selection of entrees.  They also had petite yum cha items like the steamed thousand layered cake; durian pudding; steamed cheong fun with unagi (eel); and the classic siew mai, but this time with pickled ginger and century old egg.  Above picture depicts a delicately balanced chicken perched on a dragon fruit slice base.  Critics observe the small portions of the dishes.


I reckon the Han Room offers Cantonese fare with a surprise, some fusion and innovation.
They offered foie gras with a delight, harmonising the goose aroma with sweet fruity sensations.
Traditional roast pork and red lined char siew were done well. We did not get dessert as we wanted to try a Taiwan outlet at the top floor of the nearby Mid Valley complex,  which had a sensational amber jelly concoction (we were not disappointed there as well).

The Han Room has been opeenedd since January 2011.  My impressions from my visit in June 2012 are:

Atmosphere:  Upmarket buzz.
Location:  Shopping centre.
Taste:  Good.
Service:  We had a dedicated staff look after our table
People Engagement: Attentive and interested.
Fav Dish Experienced:  Grilled spare pork ribs.
Best Time to Visit:  After a confirmed booking.
Would I Return?:  Yes.

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