Dim sum is a traditional Chinese cuisine, often associated with the Cantonese culture, and is popular in various parts of the world.
It consists of a variety of small, bite-sized dishes served in bamboo steamers or on small plates, accompanied by tea, in a tradition known as ‘yum cha’.
These small, savoury dishes, are traditionally celebrated for their use of pork and lard, which lend a distinct richness to their flavours.
In Malaysia, thanks to the rich cultural diversity and love for food, Dim Sum has been embraced and adapted to omit pork and lard but often struggles to capture the full essence of the original taste.
However, The Qing has managed to overturn this notion, offering a unique and authentic experience.
Elegant Traditional Chinese Setup
It is a Chinese restaurant located in Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur, known for its fusion of classic Chinese cuisine with fine dining service and offers a variety of pork-free dim sum and Cantonese dishes with a modern touch.
Upon entering The Qing, we were immediately enveloped in an ambience of Chinese vintage elegance.
The restaurant’s decor is a thoughtful blend of tradition and sophistication, with large Bonsai (potted plants) adorning the exterior and a meticulously arranged interior that exudes a sense of luxury.
Typical Dim Sum Treats
The culinary journey at The Qing is an exploration of flavours and textures. The Unique Swan Dumpling is a testament to the chef’s skill, with perfectly controlled oil temperature resulting in a beautifully flaky pastry.
The traditional pork filling is replaced with chicken, seasoned to perfection, though slightly drier than its pork counterpart.
Another standout dish is the Black Truffle Lava Quail Egg Siew Mai. This delicacy surprises with a burst of runny yolk from the perfectly cooked quail egg, complemented by the rich aroma of black truffle.
The balance of chicken and shrimp in the filling provides a succulent bite that rivals the traditional pork siew mai.
The Steamed Sea Prawn Har Gao is a celebration of freshness, with sea prawns offering a firm and bouncy texture, wrapped in a generous layer of delicate skin.
Meanwhile, the Fresh Scallop Jade Dumpling, topped with Tobiko, is another highlight, showcasing the quality of ingredients with its satisfying texture and fresh taste.
A classic dim sum dish, the Slice Abalone Sticky Rice with Chicken and Mushroom, is well-executed with well-marinated chicken and fragrant seasoning, though the rice is slightly undercooked and the abalone slices add little to the overall dish.
The Qing also impresses with its Stir Fried Radish Cake with Signature Sambal. Traditionally reliant on pork lard for its aroma, the dish here is elevated by a unique sambal and perfect cooking technique, creating a harmonious blend of crispy exterior and soft interior.
Only in The Qing
The speciality dim sum dishes add an innovative twist to the menu. Firstly, the Vietnamese Prawn Mango Roll, topped with mango dressing, is a refreshing departure from the usual, with the mango sauce adding a delightful zest.
On the other hand, the Sambal Petai Prawn Dumpling is a unique offering, combining fresh prawns and crunchy petai for a robust flavour, though my serving could have benefited from more petai.
An unexpected recommendation from the server led us to try the Yam-filling pan-fried buns, a delightful alternative to the classic custard buns, and a decision we didn’t regret.
More than just great food
The service at The Qing matches the excellence of its cuisine. The staff are attentive and considerate, enhancing the dining experience from the moment of seating to the serving of the chosen Chinese tea, “Do Hung Po” (RM6 per pax).
All in all, we spent around RM150 including taxes for the 9 dishes mentioned above.
It is slightly above average but justifiable for the exceptional dining experience in terms of the ambience, service, and culinary delights.
The only regret was missing out on their must-try Cheong Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls) due to a malfunctioning steamer, leaving a perfect reason for a return visit.
The Qing KL
Address: 26, Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Taste: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: This is an independent review by WeirdKaya.
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