Text and photos by Handri Amauri
Hidden in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s bustling Chinatown, Upper House KL is the kind of place you’d never expect to find amid the chaos of market stalls, neon lights, and the hum of street vendors. Walking through the lively streets, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.
Upper House KL by Karls Group is a rooftop restaurant, perched atop Chinatown’s B Hotel, that blends modern Asian cuisine with local flavours, offering inventive dishes, refreshing cocktails, and stunning views of the skyline.
The entrance was discreet, leading me into a lift shared with the hotel in the same building. As I ascended floor by floor, the noise of Chinatown slowly faded away—until the doors opened to the rooftop, and I was met with a completely different world.
Stepping out of the lift onto the Upper House floor, I was immediately struck by the contrast between the chaotic streets below and the refined atmosphere above. The space exuded an intimate yet sophisticated charm, with dim lighting, sleek marble tables, and a warm, inviting ambiance.
The soft hum of conversation mixed with the gentle clinking of glasses, setting the stage for an evening that felt both exclusive and relaxed.
But the real highlight was just beyond the main dining area. Walking towards the outdoor section—an open terrace rather than a full balcony—I found myself facing a breathtaking view. The space was designed to draw your attention outward, with stylish seating that encouraged guests to linger.
And right in the distance, the unmistakable silhouette of Merdeka 118 stood tall, its illuminated structure adding to the city’s vibrant skyline. As the sun dipped lower, the golden hues of the evening sky reflected off the glass-clad buildings, making it the perfect setting for slow sips and long conversations.
Settling into my reserved seat, I could already sense that this was going to be more than just a dinner—it was an experience. The table was elegantly set, and as I glanced at the menu, I noticed a special touch in honor of Chinese New Year.
The festive spirit was in the air, and they made sure to reflect that in the menu.
The highlight of the appetizers was the yee sang, a dish synonymous with celebration and prosperity in conjunction with the Chinese New Year. But this wasn’t just any yee sang; the presentation was a full spectacle.
As the dish arrived, they poured water over a part of the platter that had dry ice and a dramatic wave of smoke swirled around the platter, making the moment feel almost mystical.
The colors of the ingredients were vibrant, each element carefully arranged, waiting to be tossed. And of course, the tossing itself was a lively affair—chopsticks in hand, lifting the ingredients high, embracing the tradition of ushering in good fortune.
The flavors? Fresh, crisp, with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty notes. A strong start to the meal, setting the tone for what was to come.
The next highlight of the meal was the Dry Bak Kut Teh, a dish personally recommended by the chef. But this wasn’t the usual version most people are familiar with. Traditionally, Bak Kut Teh is a pork-based dish, but here, they crafted a Muslim-friendly take on it.
Instead of pork, they used a rich combination of Australian beef, beef tripe, tongue, dried squid, and yau char kwai (Chinese crullers)—each ingredient adding its own layer of texture and depth.
Served in a classic claypot, the dish immediately gave off a comforting, homey feel. The moment the lid was lifted, an aromatic blend of herbs and spices filled the air, rising from the steaming rice nestled underneath the tender beef.
The dried squid added a hint of umami, while the beef components brought a satisfying heartiness to each bite. Each spoonful had that perfect mix of sauce-soaked rice, tender meat, and crispy yau char kwai, making it a flavorful and well-balanced dish. It was a unique twist on a beloved classic, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation.
Of course, no great meal is complete without the right drinks, and Upper House delivers on that front with a well-stocked, pro-level bar and a skilled yet approachable bartender ready to craft whatever suits the mood.
Whether it’s a refreshing mocktail with vibrant fruity and botanical notes or a carefully mixed cocktail for those who prefer something stronger, the options are plenty. The attention to detail in presentation and flavor is evident, making each drink feel like an experience on its own.
With such a well-curated selection and a bartender who knows exactly how to balance flavors, the drink menu perfectly complements the overall dining atmosphere.
To cap off the evening, dessert arrived with a dramatic flair—quite literally stealing the show. Presented on a large round plate, it featured a flickering sparkler at its center, accompanied by a smoky dry ice effect that added an almost mystical touch.
The theatrical presentation alone made it an unforgettable moment, while the dessert itself was a simple yet satisfying combination of smooth vanilla ice cream resting on a small rectangular waffle, drizzled with caramel.
The balance of textures—crispy waffle, creamy ice cream, and silky caramel—made for a well-proportioned and subtly sweet ending to the evening, leaving a lasting impression beyond just its striking entrance, offering just the right amount of sweetness to round off the meal.
While the taste was refined and understated, the presentation made it feel like a grand finale, ensuring the night ended on a high note.
From the unexpected entrance to the stunning city views, from the creative dishes to the theatrical dessert finale, Upper House KL delivered an experience that was both refined and memorable.
But beyond the food and ambiance, what truly elevated the night was the warm hospitality of the entire team—the attentive service, the thoughtful recommendations, and the genuine friendliness that made the evening feel effortlessly enjoyable.
Whether you’re here for a special occasion or just to soak in the atmosphere, Upper House KL knows how to make it an experience worth remembering.
For further info and reservations log on to the Upper House website or their Instagram account here.
