The Ming Room at Bangsar Shopping Centre has always been a cherished dining destination for many. After undergoing a major transformation, the restaurant has re-emerged, better than ever, as an epitome of modern elegance intertwined with traditional aesthetics.
THE AMBIENCE
Upon entering The Ming Room, what strikes you first is the skillful incorporation of bamboo into its design. This not only adds a touch of nature but also subtly infuses the setting with a sense of tranquility. The intricate bamboo patterns are more than just decor; they weave stories of tradition, culture, and a connection to the earth.
For those who seek an intimate setting, The Ming Room offers eight private dining rooms. Each of these rooms is a testament to refined elegance. Whether it’s a family gathering, a business meeting, or a romantic dinner, these rooms promise exclusivity and ambiance in equal measure.
Under the watchful eyes of Executive Chef Vincent Ong and Dim Sum Chef Loke Kar Kit, The Ming Room’s menu has undergone a refresh. While their signature dishes remain, tempting patrons with familiar flavors, several new creations have been added to the mix. During our visit, we were fortunate enough to sample these new offerings.
THE FOOD
Black Fungus & Prawn Dumplings
This is one of their signatures where the dumplings are beautifully wrapped in a delicate translucent skin and inside comes with the black fungus which is well complemented with the succulent prawns, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.
Siew Mai with Ginger & Century Egg
One of the innovative delights where the classic Siew Mai, this dish captivated from the very first bite. Infused with the pungent aroma of ginger and the unique flavor of century egg, every morsel was a delightful surprise.
Yin Yang Crispy Char Siew Bao
These weren’t your regular char siew baos. They were a visual treat, with a crispy exterior that crumbled delightfully in the mouth. And then, the filling – sweet, smoky char siew that was so tender and flavorful. The warm filling contrasted beautifully with the crispy shell, creating a mouthfeel that was both rich and refreshing.
Typhoon Shelter-style Prawn Dumplings
These are elegantly on a bed of crispy garlic bits, the dumplings were an appealing golden brown, My initial bite was met with a delightful crunch from the garlic, but as I delved into the dumpling, I encountered a bit of a surprise. The usually delicate and supple “har kow” skin, which is traditionally revered for its soft, translucent quality from steaming, had taken on a chewier texture. It was an interesting and unexpected twist, to say the least. It is indeed something unique to me.
Pan Fried Radish Cake
We had our radish cake as it is most of the time but this time, The Ming Room had made a twist with it where the radish cake is deep fried perfectly. But what set it apart was the delicate layer of egg enveloping the radish cake, sprinkled generously with spring onions.
Pan-fried Chives Prawn Cake
The prawn cakes were pan-fried to a beautiful golden brown,. Upon taking my first bite, the exterior’s crispiness was immediately evident, contrasting beautifully with the tender, succulent prawn filling within.
Aside from dim sum, we also had a NEW selection of main courses to enjoy.
Grilled Iberico Pork Neck Skewers
The presentation was elegant and understated. The skewers, reminiscent of Japanese kushiyaki, were neatly lined up, showing off the perfectly grilled pieces of Iberico pork neck. A slight char on the surface of the meat hinted at the grill’s high heat, ensuring that the flavors were sealed within. The meat was incredibly tender, and it comes with the burst of flavors – a symphony of savory and smoky notes.
Lobster Meat Chawan Mushi
A dish that gracefully bridges simplicity with luxury, it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that dance harmoniously on the palate. The egg custard, smooth as silk, melts on the tongue together with the delightful chunk of the lobster meat which promise a taste of the ocean’s treasures.
Cooked to perfection, it retains all its natural sweetness and juiciness. The lobster’s firm and bouncy texture provides a delightful contrast to the softness of the custard. Each bite is a burst of oceanic flavors, with the rich sweetness of the lobster playing off the umami-infused custard.
And at the side we are served with the Crispy Lobster Ball which comes so good, The flavourful bites of lobster balls comes addictively good and each of every bites is perfectly paired.
The Qing Yun Village Chicken
The moment the Qing Yun Village Chicken was placed on our table, we knew we were in for a treat. The decadent golden hue of the skin gleamed under the ambient lighting of the restaurant, almost as if hinting at the culinary journey that awaited us. But what truly elevated the dish was the homemade ginger dip. On its own, the chicken was a symphony of flavors, but when paired with the ginger dip, it was like adding a crescendo to a musical piece. The zesty kick of the ginger, with its spicy undertones, played beautifully against the subtle richness of the chicken. The dip added depth, cutting through the fat and highlighting the meat’s natural flavors.
Boiled Seafood Treasure Rice
This is indeed a comforting meals we love. And this dish is indeed spectacular and had took the centre stage. Fresh cubes of fish, scallops, prawns, and slender cuts of asparagus were poached with precision in a broth that had clearly been simmered to perfection. The seafood, being the stars, were treated with reverence, ensuring they retained their inherent sweetness and texture. And then, the pièce de résistance – the crispy puffed rice. We indeed enjoyed them so much that we give a double thumbs up.
And we ends our meal with their Black Sesame Balls with White Lotus Paste and the Water Chestnut Osmanthus Jelly. They are amazingly delicious and is a great one to end the heavy meals.
So whether you’re a longtime patron, eager to taste their new creations, or a first-time visitor, curious about their much-lauded classics, The Ming Room promises an unforgettable dining experience. With its blend of old-world charm and new-age sophistication, it’s a testament to the timeless allure of good food.
Address
Location: The Ming Room, 3rd Floor Bangsar Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof, 59000 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: +603-2284 8822