KUCHING: Foo Man Ting, a new Chinese classical restaurant at La Promenade Mall here, has opened, offering a menu of premium dishes in a dining space inspired by traditional ink paintings.
The restaurant, which means ‘Court Full of Luck’ in Chinese, is led by head chef Yong Chee Kian in collaboration with the mall’s management, Hock Seng Lee (HSL).
LOGO: Foo Man Ting / 福满庭, means 'Court Full Of Luck'. The word 福is also the first character of our parent company Hock Seng Lee / 福胜利.
Chef Yong, 56, brings with him extensive culinary experience from Taiwan and Singapore, while HSL offers expertise in property development and high-end buildings.
CHEF YONG: I am delighted to be part of HSL’s new offerings at La Promenade. This is a true collaboration of expertise. My kitchen is staffed by veterans from Kuching, Kuala Lumpur and new talent emerging from places like Serian.
“My motto is, ‘Min yi shi wei tian,’ which means, ‘The people regard food as heaven’. Food is life. Having spent 36 years in Chinese culinary arts, my goal for Foo Man Ting is to marry Classical Chinese cuisine with modern innovation,” Chef Yong said.
“I am delighted to be part of HSL’s new offerings at La Promenade. This is a true collaboration of expertise. My kitchen is staffed by veterans from Kuching, Kuala Lumpur and new talent emerging from places like Serian.
“HSL has built an amazing kitchen and the dining hall and VIP rooms are beautiful. Together we have found the most amazing calligraphy paintings that adorn the space.
(L-R) ART: Foo Man Ting 福满庭is Chinese classical dining in a restaurant inspired by calligraphy paintings. Located at La Promenade Mall, the new restaurant is a collaboration between Hock Seng Lee and Chef Yong Chee Kian.
INK: The restaurant’s dining space is inspired by Chinese ink paintings.
“Even the logo is created by calligraphy master Liew Boon Poh.”
Notable industry veteran Angie Ng is the front-of-house floor manager.
Highlights from the menu include Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (Fo Tiao Qiang, known for its rich seafood taste, and is considered a banquet dish), Hangzhou Braised Pork Belly (slow cooked in claypot, with a sauce of premium soy and rock sugar), Cantonese-style Steamed Coral Grouper and Peking Duck.
Other highlights include an amazing selection of roast meats, Sichuan Kung Pao Chicken, not forgetting humble delights like tofu dishes and handmade noodles.
Foo Man Ting also has a list of specially curated wines not found on retail shelves from France, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.
A consultant mixologist has created cocktails including a signature Strawberry Brandy Iced Tea, Korean Screwdriver and Whisky Highball. Other things like Asahi, Macallan and Hennessy are available.
“Wines and cocktails at Foo Man Ting carefully match a range of Chinese cuisine. We prefer lighter wines to compliment delicate soups and seafood. Our cocktails are made from fresh fruits and the spirits are great for cocktail parties or digestives,” floor manager Ng said.
Foo Man Ting began previews for invited guests since mid November. Feedback has been strong, and VIPs have included Kota Samarahan Municipal Council chairman Datuk Peter Minos, business elites, artists and restaurant critics.
(L-R) DELICIOUS: Hangzhou Braised Pork Belly is three-layer pork slowed cooked in claypot with a sauce of premium soy sauce and rock sugar.
PREMIUM: Braised Abalone and Goose Feet is a combination rich in flavour and texture.
INNOVATION: Local lobster with chef’s own ‘thousand island’ dressing, baked with mozzarella.
FRESH: Cantonese-style Steam Coral Grouper; the flavour of steamed fish in the Cantoese style is all about freshest ingredients.
MOUTH WATERING: Sichuan Kung Pao Chicken is a dish for the senses. Ingredients include chilli sauces, dried chillies, vinegar, soy and sugar.
DELIGHTS: Pipa Bean Curd With Crab Meat and Vegetable.
YUMS: Stir-Fried Chinese Spinach with Trio Eggs is a popular dish for those who love flavourful soups.
BEAUTIFUL: Black Sesame Glutinous Balls is a traditional dessert of Tang Yuan with crushed peanuts.
The restaurant on level two of La Promenade Mall is open every day for lunch and dinner. For reservations, contact +6012 326 8535. For more info, search @FooManTing on social media.