Try Some of the Best Dim Sum in Kuala Lumpur at Grand Harbor
Looking for something delicious, social and Malaysian? Locals and travelers alike can enjoy delicious plates of Dim Sum in the bustling Bukit Bintang district of Kuala Lumpur. Grab a chair and some chopsticks and find out about our favourite dim sum place!
Want try Dim Sum in KL? It’s brunch, it’s Chinese, it’s Malaysian food--you can’t really go wrong…
It’s mid-morning, we’re feeling hungry and social--which means we have to go for brunch!...or...tapas!...or maybe Chinese. And how do we pull this off, you ask? Come out from under that rock, my friend--we’re going for dim sum, one of the world’s great culinary-cultural institutions. Grab a table in the dining hall, amidst the rattling carts, carrying plates of savory and sweet bites, and bottomless pots of earthy pu’er or oolong tea. Dim sum is a great way to enjoy good company and great food--no wonder it’s taking the culinary world by storm, spreading far beyond its origins in Hong Kong and Guangdong, China, and across the Chinese-speaking diaspora, where it has spawned many delicious global variations. Dim sum took root in Malaysia in the 20th century, with the influx of Cantonese-speaking laborers, traders, and entrepreneurs, who settled in places like KL, Ipoh, and Penang. While Penang’s Chinese food often reflects a Hokkien heritage--though dim sum in Penang is quite common--it’s down in cosmopolitan KL where the Cantonese influence is stronger, and dim sum dominates. Whether you’re a seasoned siu pao pro, or a novice looking to dive into some dumplings, Kuala Lumpur is a great place to try some of Malaysia’s best dim sum!
Steamed custard bun
Finding the Best Dim Sum in KL
We recently stopped by one of our favorite spots, Grand Harbor, next to the Pavillion shopping center in Bukit Bintang--easily accessible by Grab and the city’s LRT system. What sets Grand Harbor apart? In this dining hall, you’ll see plates and steamer baskets being whisked around by the waitstaff, instead of the classic carts--which means your steamed pork buns, black bean pork ribs, and beautifully lacquered roast duck all arrive fresh from the kitchen. The dim sum menu is short and sweet, the pictures are eye-catching, and the food does not disappoint. We settled on some soup dumplings (more of a Taiwan & Shanghai thing, but we can’t resist), and a few house favorites, like the red rice noodle rolls (chee cheong fun) stuffed with shrimp, and the steamed custard “quicksand buns”. The soft rice noodle rolls, dyed red with beet extract, held parcels of plump prawns coated in crisp strands of starch, giving an ecstatic burst of flavors and texture; perfection on a plate is what dim sum is all about! The steamed golden custard buns were some of the most pillowy pao around, concealing a treasure of rich, creamy salted egg yolk centers—like a savory lava cake. A few dumplings and some chicken feet later, and our taste buds were pleased. Previously, we’ve feasted on fresh seafood and sublime char siu, Cantonese stir fried vegetables, soups, and much more--and we recommend you do, too! In a city chock full of options, Grand Harbor is a grand place to grab a convenient, quick, and delicious taste of Malaysian-style dim sum and other Cantonese specialties--and should be on your radar if you’re a fan of tasty Malaysian food!
Crispy(!) Chee Cheong Fun
Written and Photographed by Jeremy B., 2020
Looking for more things to eat and do in Kuala Lumpur? Read about Danny’s previous adventure in the capital of Malaysia here.