Damansara Heights' new destination for dim sum harnesses the skills of chefs who formerly worked at Chinese restaurants in top KL hotels before the turmoil of 2020 forced them toward a new path. Halley brings them together in the latest brand by the team that also helms the modern Malaysian eatery Wondermama.
The kitchen makes yum cha even more fun than usual, embodied by Halley's Dim Sum Platter (RM48.80), a striking showcase of five specialities - charcoal crystal shrimp dumpling with truffle oil, shrimp and scallop dumpling, swan taro puff with chilli crab, stir-fried radish cake with spicy seafood sauce and dried shrimp, and chee cheong fun with steamed shrimp and chives.
Our favourites are the lusciously steamed shrimp-scallop dumpling and the taro puff that charms in both its shape and its sweet-spicy stuffing, though everything on the platter is worthwhile. Our only quibble: The portions of radish cake and chee cheong fun could feed two persons, but the dumplings are only meant for one, making it unclear whether this is a sharing or single serving.
The simple solution for a pragmatic table of two: Order regular portions of everything (mostly RM12.80 each for the above).
The pork-free dim sum selection is extensive enough for multiple visits, spanning contemporary creations like deep-fried beancurd wraps with shrimp and cheese dip (RM12.80) and unagi puffs with BBQ sauce (RM15.80) and classics like lo bak go (RM10.80).
Halley also serves roast duck and chicken and BBQ chicken - the roast duck (RM27.80 for a lower quarter) meets the tasty mark for a fowl fix, but what makes it extra-enjoyable is a bevy of possibilities for premium side sauces (RM2.80 each), whether you'd like a lively tang or a little fire, including sour plum orange, Sichuan mala, herbal, or superior abalone.
Service is enthusiastic and warm, making for a pleasant experience, all in all.
Halley by Wondermama
G-02-02, Republik, 1, Jalan Medan Setia 1, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.
Daily, 10am-930pm. Tel: 03-2011-2992
This post first appeared on eatdrinkkl.com
