This article is part of our Chinese New Year 2026 series.
Located at the former Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur, Golden Phoenix stood as a beacon of culinary excellence. The Chinese restaurant was a celebrated icon known for its authentic Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. While the original restaurant eventually faded into history, its spirit is reborn every Lunar New Year, akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Through an elaborate pop-up setting at EQ Kuala Lumpur, this annual revival serves as a bridge between generations. It offers a sanctuary where long-time patrons may rekindle the nostalgia of yesteryears, while younger diners have the rare opportunity to savor a treasure trove of culinary secrets from the past.
This year, the legend continues as Golden Phoenix welcomes the Year of the Horse. Set against a backdrop of heritage and grandeur, the restaurant invites diners to experience a reunion feast specially curated by Chef David.
A Feast of Fortune
One of the most elaborate selections in this year’s lineup is the Bright Auspicious Set (吉祥如意宴), a culinary journey spanning eight courses of refined flavors.
Ten-Head Abalone Yee Sang 包罗万相贺新岁 | 十头鲍鱼捞生
We commence with “Lo Hei”, the ritualistic tossing of Yee Sang to symbolize prosperity. As each ingredient is tossed high into the air, the dish sets an auspicious tone for the feast ahead.
Among the myriad ingredients, the ten-head abalone stands out most prominently. The abalone is prized for its springy texture with deep umami profile. This delicacy represents abundance and good fortune for the days to come.
Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Sea Coconut & Fish Maw 花好月圆形新年 | 海底椰花胶干贝炖鸡汤
The herbal soup contains exceptionally thick fish maw, offering a luxurious texture that soothes the palate. Infused with scallops and chicken, the collagen-rich soup is further enhanced by subtle sweetness of sea coconut.
Steamed Tiger Grouper with Cordyceps Flowers, Black Fungus & White Fungus 回家贺岁迎青春 | 双茸虫草花蒸老虎斑
Symbolizing youth and a joyful return to home, this dish features exquisite tiger grouper steamed with health-boosting cordyceps and fungi.
Traditional Stewed Whole Chicken in Chinese Herbs & ‘Yu Tiao’ 金钱元宝堆满盆 | 药材富贵炖原只鸡、油条
Next is a wholesome poultry dish meant to represent a pot of overflowing wealth. It comes with crispy crullers on the side.
Wok-Fried Tiger Prawns with Kam Heong Paste & Cashew Nuts 嘻哈欢乐聚满堂 | 腰果野味酱爆草虾
In Cantonese culture, prawns are considered auspicious as the Cantonese pronunciation resembles the sound of laughter. Naturally, this dish symbolizes a year filled with laughter and happiness.
Braised Fish Maw with Conch Slices, Pipa Tofu, Mushrooms & Sea Moss 碧绿辉煌满乾坤 | 发菜鱼鳔琵琶螺片香菇
This luxurious dish is a harmonious blend of premium ingredients such as conch slices, Pipa tofu and fish maw. The presence of “fat choy” (sea moss) carries significant symbolic weight: a year of great prosperity.
Of special mention is Pipa Tofu, a perennial favorite at Golden Phoenix. Pipa Tofu is renowned for its masterful balance of texture and flavor.
Steamed Glutinous Rice with Dried Oysters Wrapped in Lotus Leaf 金银珠宝铺满地 | 蚝豉荷叶糯米饭
This fragrant rice dish signifies “gold and silver treasures covering the ground”. The depth of flavors from dried shrimp and mushrooms ensures it is scrumptious to the last morsel!
Dessert Trio for a Sweet Year Ahead 迎春如意庆吉祥 | 元宝年糕、冰皮金桔、冷冻雪梨红枣银耳
The Dessert Trio comprises of Golden Phoenix Rice Cake (元宝年糕), Snow Skin Mandarin Orange (冰皮金桔) and Chilled Peach with White Fungus & Red Dates (冷冻雪梨红枣银耳). Each piece of the trio is crafted to welcome an auspicious start of the new year.
Golden Phoenix festive set menus are priced between RM178+ and RM698+ per person. A minimum of four diners is required.
À la carte Yee Sang is available from RM138+ to RM688+ per portion depending on size and choice of ingredients. Premium ingredients include Norwegian salmon, Boston lobsters, soft-shell crabs, Hokkaido scallops, abalones and jellyfish.
Another major feature in Golden Phoenix’s festive menu is the Premium Poon Choy. This traditional dish is layered with ten-head abalones, sea cucumber, Japanese dried scallops, tiger prawns and roast duck. It is priced at RM688+ and is recommended for six persons.
Golden Phoenix’s seasonal offering includes the much-celebrated Traditional Roast Duck, priced at RM288+ each.
The duck is meant to be enjoy in two stages. Crêpes are provided to wrap crispy duck skin.
Despite its pop-up nature, Golden Phoenix honors its glory days by maintaining exceptional food quality, elegant presentation and impeccable table service. This makes Golden Phoenix the ideal choice for intimate family gatherings and prestigious corporate events. To make a reservation, kindly contact Golden Phoenix by WhatsApp or email.
Lunar New Year Banquet Celebrations
While EQ Kuala Lumpur’s Lunar New Year banqueting operates independently from the Golden Phoenix pop-up, these dining offers uphold the same high standards of excellence and authenticity.
EQ Beyond banquet menus start from RM3,288+ per table of ten persons.
Banquet Menus Highlight
Norwegian Salmon and Jellyfish Yee Sang
Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Cordyceps, Abalone, and Dried Scallops
Steamed Golden Pomfret with Black Fungus and Soya Sauce
Braised Sea Cucumber with Abalone, Fish Maw, Black Moss, and Dried Oyster
Roasted Sesame Chicken with Fragrant Garlic and Spicy Vinegar
Deep-Fried Prawns in Butter with Curry Leaves and Crispy Oatmeal
Steamed Glutinous Rice with Dried Shrimp, Yam, and Mushrooms Wrapped in a Lotus Leaf
Email here to get more information.
Other Festive Offerings Across EQ
Throughout the festive season, diners may also experience the full spirit of the Lunar New Year at other dining outlets throughout EQ Kuala Lumpur.
Bottega Lounge
Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea
from 1 February to 3 March 2026
Nipah Restaurant
Lunar New Year Eve Dinner Buffet on 16 February 2026
Day 1 and Day 2 lunch and dinner buffets on 17 and 18 February 2026
Festive Retail & Gifting
Looking for a nice gift to commemorate Chinese New Year? Visit the pop-up booth at the hotel lobby to discover beautiful hampers filled with abalone, cookies, Chinese tea and EQ’s exclusive Chinese zodiac pralines. The pop-up booth is available from 27 January 2026 to 3 March 2026.
If you need more information about Food and Travel Lover = Foodveler, don’t hesitate to reach out to Foodveler on WhatsApp. You can also email us at jack@foodveler.com.
Directions to EQ Kuala Lumpur
