Every Lunar New Year’s Eve, Kuala Lumpur starts to glow with red lanterns, and office chat groups buzz with activity. The admin team asks: “Where should we book our reunion dinner this year?” Colleagues discuss: “Do they have abalone?” “Is the portion enough for a big table?”In KL, yee sang is more than a must-have dish—it’s a ritual. People stand around the table, raise their chopsticks high, shout auspicious phrases, and toss the colorful ingredients together. At that moment, the atmosphere outweighs the flavor.This list of Top 5 KL Yee Sang Restaurants is not a ranking or competition. Taste is subjective. Instead, it’s based on New Year crowds, social media appearances, company gathering choices, and each restaurant’s “yee sang style.”
Yun House (Four Seasons Hotel)
Stepping into Four Seasons Hotel, the high ceilings and festive lighting already set the ceremonial tone. Yun House feels formal and elegant, suitable for multi-generational family gatherings or high-level corporate dinners.
The seafood yee sang here is on the luxurious end. Options include salmon with black truffle, golden soft-shell crab with fish roe, and even vegetarian abalone versions. The plating is delicate, flavors layered but not overly sweet, leaning toward a fresh profile.
Best for:
- High-end family gatherings
- Corporate dinners or business entertaining
Notes:
- Peak Lunar New Year periods require early reservation
- Premium items are priced higher
- Hotel parking is relatively convenient
YEN, W Kuala Lumpur
Compared to traditional restaurants, YEN exudes a younger vibe. The décor is modern, perfect for friends’ get-togethers or young corporate teams.
Yee sang names themselves celebrate the season: “Blossoming Wealth,” “Good Fortune Ahead,” “Spring Harmony.” Plating is creative and colorful, Instagram-friendly. Both seafood and fruit yee sang are popular, with slightly sweeter sauces and a festive, lively style.
Best for:
- Young teams
- Small corporate or friend gatherings
Notes:
- Lively music and atmosphere
- Check opening hours and package options in advance
Sek Yuen Restaurant (Traditional Old-School)
For traditional Cantonese yee sang, many locals think of Sek Yuen. Red lanterns, wooden tables, and older patrons make this a nostalgic family choice.
The signature yee sang is classic Cantonese style—simple ingredients but generous portions. Sauces are straightforward, without fancy upgrades, keeping the authentic taste.
Best for:
- Older-generation family reunions
- Fans of traditional flavors
Notes:
- Busy during peak hours
- Parking may need planning
Yi Sheng Huat Seafood
As the name suggests, seafood dominates here. Large round tables make it ideal for family or friend gatherings.
The colorful yee sang is ingredient-rich, with thick salmon slices and frequent abalone or shrimp options. Portions lean toward large-table sharing, creating a lively and festive feel.
Best for:
- Big family reunion dinners
- Friends’ gatherings with 10+ people
Notes:
- Check portion sizes before ordering
- Peak Lunar New Year periods are busy; reservations recommended
The Zun Kitchenette
Modern and minimalistic, The Zun Kitchenette is often chosen for company year-end parties or small corporate gatherings.
Yee sang balances tradition and creativity, offering both classic salmon and upgraded seafood versions. Plating is neat but not overly flashy, positioning it as a middle-ground option.
Best for:
- Company gatherings
- Small friend or family reunions
Notes:
- Popular time slots may require waiting
- Various package sizes available; confirm guest numbers in advance
Yee Sang Tips: What You Should Know
Every ingredient in traditional yee sang carries symbolic meaning. Carrot represents prosperity, radish symbolizes youth, crushed peanuts signify wealth, and fish symbolizes abundance.
Salmon yee sang is soft and refreshing, appealing to most, while abalone or soft-shell crab versions add texture and chewiness, priced higher.
Freshly made versus pre-plated versions also differ. Freshly sliced salmon is more elastic, while pre-prepared ones may lose some texture during busy hours.
Halal yee sang differs mainly in ingredient sourcing and preparation, suitable for multi-ethnic company gatherings.
Choosing Portion Sizes:
- 5–6 people: small
- 8–10 people: medium
- 10+ people: large or double platters
In KL, choosing a Top 5 KL Yee Sang Restaurants isn’t about who is the most luxurious or the cheapest. Each place has its fans, and flavors vary.What people remember is standing around, shouting “Toss it!” together. Yee sang is about the atmosphere, the reunion, and team spirit. Choosing a restaurant is really about picking a vibe that suits your family or team.
