Steaming-hot siew mai, studded with flying fish roe; luxurious phoenix eye dumplings, plump with goose liver, water chestnuts and caviar - countless baskets, bowls and plates of these tempting treats fly out from Zuan Yuan's kitchen every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday.
Dim sum devotees, make a weekend date at One World Hotel Petaling Jaya's flagship Chinese restaurant for its ever-popular All You Can Eat Dim Sum celebration, with two meal sessions available at 10am to 12pm and 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
With more than 40 items to choose from, Zuan Yuan's All You Can Eat Dim Sum remains a feast to remember, reasonably priced at RM88 nett for adults, RM44 nett for children.
We returned to Zuan Yuan recently to dine on its diversity of dim sum, as well as its September monthly special of crispy sea cucumber with abalone sauce and Australian baby broccoli, plus other pleasures like Peking Duck that relies on succulent Irish duck.
Chef Jordan Chin leads Zuan Yuan's kitchen for dim sum and mooncake while Chef Lim handles hot fare, pushing for consistent customer satisfaction.
Chef Jordan's recommendations for dim sum to start with include cherished classics like the Steamed Signature Siew Mai with Flying Fish Roe and Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, as well sweet and savoury buns.
But you'll also discover unique choices here, from the gorgeously green Steamed Teochew Dumplings with Prawns, Green Chives & Dried Shrimp to the delectably decadent Steamed Phoenix Eye Dumplings with goose liver, water chestnuts and caviar - the contrast of textures between the luscious liver and crunchy chestnuts makes for an addictive dumpling!
Bring the entire family to enjoy everything from Crispy Taro Dumplings with Scallops & Black Pepper Chicken to Stir-fried Turnip Cakes with Prawns & Spicy Sauce to Crispy Prawn Dumplings with Ebiko & Salad Dressing.
Egg tarts will be polished off with ease; steamed glutinous rice with chicken, mushrooms and barbecued chicken will bring back nostalgic memories of childhood dim sum breakfasts; while the congee with grouper fish fillet promises hot, creamy comfort.
The entire dim sum selection is also available a la carte.
For other occasions, Zuan Yuan is also reliable for weekday lunch with colleagues, weekend dinner with friends, and everything in between.
Throughout September 2023, the restaurant's monthly special is the Crispy Sea Cucumber with Abalone Sauce & Australian Baby Broccoli - beautifully prepared, with a thin, gently crisp surface that yields to the gelatinous, full-bodied centre.
For an irresistible indulgence, Zuan Yuan's Traditional Peking Duck is a delight (RM140), relying on Irish duck, the breed that's coveted for its clean, fragrant taste and juicy succulence.
This is Peking duck at its most delicious - served first with the skin, spring onions, cucumber and tangy hoisin sweet bean sauce in pancake rolls, then served in a selection of styles such as wok-fried, with black pepper sauce, or with fried rice.
For more meat, placate your carnivorous cravings with the Pan-fried Beef Tenderloin with Pumpkin, Asparagus & Cantonese barbecue sauce (RM92). The chunks of Australian beef live up to their promise of true tenderness, silky-smooth with hints of black pepper.
Longtime Zuan Yuan loyalists know the beancurd is one of the restaurant's signature winners - the house-made braised beancurd is crafted with fresh soy milk and fresh chicken egg, lovely with lily bulb, wolfberries, shimeji mushrooms and crispy scallops (RM45) - a must-order for every meal here, sumptuously soft and aromatic.
Wrap up with Wok-fried Hokkien-style Vermicelli with Assorted Seafood & Vegetables, elevating a street food staple while keeping its time-honoured essence intact, tossed with thin vermicelli for a triumph of taste and texture (RM48).
Zuan Yuan Chinese Restaurant
One World Hotel Petaling Jaya, Bandar Utama City Centre, Petaling Jaya, 47800 Selangor.
Tel: 03-7681-1159
