BAZAAR Tries: Step Back in Time With Dai Jin Dining’s Unique Culinary Journey

Your journey begins here.

Beyond the large wooden doors lies a hidden tranquil atmosphere to set the tone for our evening. Nestled in Klang, Dai Jin is unlike any other dining experience. It takes you on a journey that brings anyone back to the Song Dynasty, an era that thrived on culture and prosperity.

Stepping in, you’re treated to an ambience that visually transports you to its opulent aesthetics and divine architecture. Dai Jin’s concept reflects the Song Dynasty scholars, specifically Gu Hongzhong’s iconic “Night Revels of Han Xizai” artwork.

Our experience at Dai Jin:

As you enter, prepare to embark on a cleansing and rejuvenating journey. A foot bath will mark the beginning of your experience, guiding you through each ritual until you reach the dining pavilions. The foot bath sets the stage for the next phase of your journey. Later, you will be provided with clogs to walk in as you continue on your path. Next, the server will escort you to a cup of warm oolong tea before spinning the golden prayer wheel as a symbol of good fortune.

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Finally, you will be able to pick a bookmark that resonates with you to take home as a token of your unforgettable journey.

What’s on the menu

Curated by Director Zhu Yuwei, the chef merges ancient recipes with modern techniques. Honouring the Song Dynasty’s principles with a fusion touch, each dish takes inspiration from ancient Song literature – “The Song Dynasty Food Critique,” “A Dream of Sorghum,” “The Crab Manual,” and “The Simple Ingredients from the Wilderness.”

As we were directed to our dining pavilion, we were served a selection of dried fruits and nut-based snacks and pickled chitose radish to start. Next, we were served Sweet Cherry Foie Gras, Pickled Olives and Braised Abalone, and lastly, Squid Ink Grouper. Infused with rich flavours and fresh ingredients, each bite left a memorable taste before the main courses rolled in.

Stuffed Baked Tomato

To cleanse our palettes, we were given a glass of Aged Honey Vinegar, infusing healthy benefits for better digestion. Next, the signature Stuffed Baked Tomato was served, which became an instant favourite on the dinner table.

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Their Blooming Chicken Broth was everything we dreamed of—comforting, memorable, and appetising. For something light yet flavourful, the Woodland Tofu with Brazilian Mushrooms was an inviting touch before the main courses were served. The three savoury courses include the Slow-Cooked Duck Breast, Goldfish-Shaped Shrimp Dumpling, and Sakura Kamaboko. A spectacle is what we’d like to call it. Each dish was presented in a way that left a lingering warmth in our hearts.

 

The perfect ending to our already delightful evening included their signature Fortune Berry dessert and a side of refreshing seasonal fruits.

Our evening at Dai Jin was a breathtaking experience that left us yearning for more. Encircled by the enchanting landscape and embraced by a serene atmosphere, we were warmly attended to by friendly servers throughout our culinary journey. Additionally, the exquisite menu dazzled us with its authentic and contrasting flavours and we look forward to our return to Dai Jin.

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Make a reservation here.

Address: Lot 140679, Jalan Jasmin 3, Bandar Botanic, 41200 Klang, Selangor.

Operating hours: 11.30am – 2.30pm | 5.30pm – 9.00pm

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All images credited to Dai Jin

Amalina Anuar is the Digital Director of Harper's Bazaar Malaysia. From covering the latest runway trends to the hottest happenings in Kuala Lumpur, she also delves deep into all things lifestyle and beauty.