Tiger ‘Double the Huat’ CNY Launch & Dinner @ Pavilion KL
Tiger Beer kicked off Chinese New Year 2020 with a “Double the Huat” launch at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, celebrating both the Year of the Rat and the brand’s 88th anniversary. Eight is the luckiest number in Chinese culture, so 88 felt especially auspicious. I joined the launch and the dinner that followed.
The Launch at Pavilion KL
The night began with the unveiling of a giant Tiger Beer “88” sculpture, followed by a colourful lion dance, with each lion representing a different HEINEKEN Malaysia brand. Local singer-songwriter Namewee then surprised the crowd with a short set, including his new Chinese New Year song “Year of Rat”.
Outside, the Tiger Huat Huat Bazaar at the Pavilion Connection area had festive handicrafts, Chinese New Year gifts, games and a limited Pestle & Mortar x Tiger Beer clothing collection. There were even two God of Prosperity (Choi San Yeh) characters walking around for photos.
Dinner at Grand Imperial Restaurant
After the launch, we moved to Grand Imperial Restaurant in Pavilion KL for a Chinese New Year dinner. It started, of course, with a Double Prosperity Yee Sang of shredded mixed fruits and crispy fish skin, tossed high for good luck.
Next came a massive lobster platter with lobster in Japanese mayonnaise, a lobster claw fruit tart and deep-fried scallops stuffed with yam. The Spanish Iberico spare ribs baked with red wine were superb, tender and full of flavour.
We finished with steamed dragon grouper in superior soy sauce and a plate of fried French beans, lotus root and mushrooms: simple, classic flavours to round off the meal.
Final Thoughts
Between the lion dance, the music and a proper reunion-style feast, it was a festive way to welcome the new year. If you are looking for a Chinese New Year dinner spot in KL, Grand Imperial’s set menus are worth a look.