Rabu, 07 Januari 2009

Gu Yue Tien @ Chulan Square

I was invited by one of my wine drinking friends at a very last minute to have dinner at Gu Yue Tien together with his German clients. It was a too good offer to be turned down as I am free and I have not tried this particular restaurant hidden amongst the other outlets at Chulan Square. I have been passing Chulan Square for God-know-how-many-times in December since I need to go to Pavilion very frequently.

The owner and master chef of this humble setting is none other than Frankie Woo. Having worked in countless restaurants and hotels since he was 13, Chef Frankie Woo now happily calls the shots at his own outlet, Gu Yue Tien. Since it was opened three years ago, the restaurant has been attracting the city’s more discerning diners, including the rich and famous – Hong Kong superstar Jackie Chan, Datuk Michelle Yeoh and her beau, amongst others, have been spotted here. He translates the joy of eating by offering a unique selection of delicacies combining a variety of Asian and international flavours, ingredients and techniques.

Some facts about Frankie here. His accolades and achievements are pretty impressive. You know what they say, never trust a skinny chef?!! I told him the same thing and he laughed. But you can trust Frankie. He's warm and friendly and his creations will definitely melt your heart and soul. That's how I felt right after the appetiser.



We started with a plate of "yee sang" which is a platter of pickles and crispy crackers served with raw fish and plum sauce during CNY for prosperity. Gosh, nowadays they do serve yee sang pretty early. I had this in December!

However, this is not a conventional plate of yee sang. The usual colourful pickles are replaced with strips of fresh pear and assorted lettuce leaves that one finds in a western salad platter and surrounded with fresh salmon slices. Besides the commendable efforts of making this a unique yee sang, the sauce and crispy crackers were absolutely delicious. The oriental taste of the dish is maintained despite the new and westernised combination.



If you love soft-boiled eggs, his trademark Half-boiled Egg with Foie Gras (RM8++ each) is a 'must have'. Imagine a decadent treat imbued with the indulgent richness of foie gras, and lightly poached egg served in its shell. I dig it in like how I would for my usual half boiled eggs and let me tell you how heavenly the feeling was... it was beyond description! It might be the most expensive single half boiled egg you've ever eaten but you would not regret it!


Clockwise from top left: Herbal Duck, Steamed Cod, Prawn with bacon and Iberian Pig.


The other dishes were all equally good! I especially like the prawns wrapped in bacon and deep fried to perfection. It was served with mangoes and apples which I find it interesting. This surf & turf dish has got me addicted. I will definitely order this again next time. The dishes are all so refreshing. Despite the fusion style of cooking and westernised presentation, the taste remains oriental.

And lastly, besides all the good wines we were having which I did not take any photos, we had a glass of Grappa di Amarone Allegrini to end the dinner. I must say I'm not really a fan of Grappa or any Port after dinners but this particular grappa is nice. But still not my cup of tea! I think a cup of warm chinese tea is more appropriate.


After that, I adjourned to Bangkok Jazz and joined my sisters and her bf. Mr.W tagged along and buy everyone drinks! Wohoo.... I'll definitely be making a return visit to this restaurant. For round RM100++ per person (without wine), one can get around 6-7 course dinner here. I would think it's pretty reasonable. It's really a hidden gem and I love this place.


Updated post here.


So, let Frankie woo you to...

Gu Yue Tien Chinese Cuisine

Chulan Square (just opposite Pavilion)
Jalan Raja Chulan


For reservations, please call: 03-2148 0808
Lunch: 11:30am - 2:30pm (daily)
Dinner: 6:30pm - 10:30pm (daily)

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