Stepping into De.Wan 1958, affectionately known as Chef Wan’s Restaurant, is to be immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of grandeur and heritage. Nestled in Bangsar Shopping Centre, the dining hall is a visual masterpiece, where British colonial elegance meets the vibrant, lush hues of Malaysian flora and fauna. It’s a breathtaking prelude to a culinary journey that perfectly encapsulates the Muhibbah spirit of Malaysia.
My visit was to experience their special Chinese New Year "Feasts for Prosperity & Happiness," and it was nothing short of a celebratory symphony for the palate.
The feast began with the Golden Jade Prosperity Toss (Yee Sang). This was no ordinary lou hei. A vibrant canvas of crisp snow pear, colourful vegetables, and fresh fruits was elevated with delightful Malay touches—crunchy tempe and quail eggs. The trio of sauces, particularly a fragrant, peanutty concoction reminiscent of gado-gado, made the ritual of tossing a uniquely Malaysian affair. It was refreshing, complex, and a perfect, auspicious start.
The five main courses arrived as a testament to Chef Wan’s culinary philosophy: bold, unapologetically Malaysian flavours with festive flair. The Five Blessings Steamed Fish was a masterpiece of harmony; the steam-infused siakap fillet, fragrant with lemongrass, ginger, and a hint of chili, was delicate yet full of character. The Signature Green Lamb Opor was a revelation—tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb braised in a profoundly aromatic green coconut gravy that was rich without being heavy.
Coastal spices sang in the Auspicious Jumbo Sotong, where perfectly cooked squid bathed in a deeply flavourful coconut curry. In a nod to Chinese festive traditions, the Golden Orange Treasure Chicken offered sticky, glossy bliss with its citrus-butter glaze, while the Four Treasures Belacan King Vegetables provided a powerful, umami-packed crunch from the masterful belacan stir-fry.
These magnificent dishes demanded accompaniment, and the rice selections were stars in their own right. The Nasi Bunga Telang, with its mesmerising jade-blue grains, and the jewel-toned Nasi Pandan Delima, studded with ruby-red pomegranate, were as beautiful as they were delicious, with refills generously offered.
To cut through the richness, the signature lychee drinks were essential. Both the Jade Lychee Sparkle (with watermelon and pandan) and the Imperial Lychee Sparkle (with grenadine and orange pulp) were beautifully presented, effervescent, and refreshingly fruity—the ideal festive toast.
The sweet conclusion came with the Tropical Jewels of Longevity fruit platter and the comforting, warm embrace of Gula Melaka Sago Pearls—a classic dessert executed flawlessly.
While this festive set menu (priced from RM1,288++ for 9-10 pax) is a spectacular way to celebrate, the restaurant’s permanent menu gems, like their famed Cucur Udang and Kerabu Paku Kerang, remain a siren call for a return visit.
Verdict: De.Wan 1958’s Chinese New Year feast is more than a meal; it’s a cultural celebration on a plate. It masterfully weaves traditional festive symbolism with the rich, diverse tapestry of Malaysian flavours in a setting that is both opulent and welcoming. It’s a culinary experience that truly honours prosperity, happiness, and the shared joy of eating.
The Chinese New Year Set Menus are available at their Bangsar Shopping Centre and The LINC outlets. Reservations are highly recommended.
De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan
Bangsar Shopping Centre | F1 & F6, Level 1
The LINC | Lot 2-1, 2-2 & 2-3, Level 2
Reservations: +6010 2070 383
Media Invitation & Food Review please email: angelineonglimin@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 016-8262812 or DM me on Instagram
@ANGELINEONGLIMIN
Comments