From its cosy beginnings in TTDI to the generous elegance of M Resort, Bref by Darren Chin has been beloved by diners for 12 years. The restaurant first started as an intimate space, focused on high-quality, accessible French cuisine under the helm of Executive Chef Lim Wei Han. This approach saw its debut on the Michelin Selected list in the inaugural Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2023.
By the end of 2023, the restaurant was relocated to the newly opened M Resort & Hotel in Bukit Kiara, a grander space to accommodate more guests. With the move, came the evolution, with Chef Han looking a little closer to home, sifting through the nostalgic tastes of his childhood that resonate with both him and his regulars at Bref.
Widely acknowledged as Chef Darren Chin’s right hand man since he started under his wing in 2015 as Chef de Partie at the now one- Michelin-star DC Restaurant, Chef Han now has full command of Bref, saying “Chef Darren has given me complete freedom to stamp my mark here, and I intend to honor his trust.”
Stamp his mark he has indeed. New items on the menu include the crispy-skinned Seabream with Mango Curry sauce, loosely reminiscent of fried fish and banana leaf rice and the Signature Claypot Seafood Rice, generously laced with blue swimmer crab, Japanese abalone and Australian king prawns. “One of my favourite dishes growing up is Claypot Chicken Rice, and I wanted the familiar experience of eating that but using these luxurious seafood ingredients, and of course, the all-important socarrat,” Chef Han shares.
The recipe for that particular dish took five months to develop, and has fast become a crowd favourite.
Of course some of Chef Han’s creations from the former TTDI space still feature on the menu today—the Signature “Echo of the Sea”, a truly indulgent cold capellini coated in a creamy abalone reduction, laden with luscious chunks of cured amaebi, snow crab and bafun uni is one. “If we ever took that off the menu, I think our guests would revolt,” chuckles Chef Han.
While the menu continues to evolve every season, Bref straddles a beautiful balance between culinary exploration and Euopean-style classics done well, like the popular pistachio-crusted Rack of Lamb and the Australian Pureblood Wagyu Sirloin MB9 that has inspired many guest accolades.
“When we first moved to M Resort in 2024, it took our regulars a while to warm up to the new space, but we’re so thankful for their continued support, for those who continue to choose Bref for their special occasions, family feasts and also our afternoon tea, served by our sister brand Monsieur Darren. We also hope to welcome new guests and that they too, turn into familiar faces here at Bref,” says Chef Han.
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Opening Hours:
Wednesday to Monday
Lunch: 12.00 – 3.00pm (last order 2.30pm)
High Tea: 3.00 – 6.00pm
Dinner: 6.00 – 10.00pm (last order 9.30pm)
M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Level 2, No 1, Jalan Damansara, Bukit Kiara
60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
+6 03 7932 3322
+6 011 2889 3374