Dolly Dim Sum Turns Ten: A Decade of “Dim Sum All Dolled Up”
Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Han Sen Hau
It’s been nearly a decade since our last visit to Dolly Dim Sum in December 2015, and the moment feels ripe to raise a pair of chopsticks in celebration. Now marking its 10th anniversary, Dolly Dim Sum has grown from a promising newcomer to a beloved household name in Malaysian dining. It blends Cantonese culinary traditions with a fresh, modern spirit. Today, we return to its flagship outlet at Suria KLCC to savour a taste of the journey so far.
Dolly Dim Sum offers a contemporary reimagining of the traditional Chinese tea house. From the outset, the concept stood out for its dedication to high-quality ingredients, heartfelt service and inviting, comfortable setting. Each location brings a slightly different personality to the table, yet all are united by a commitment to halal-certified excellence (JAKIM approved), and a mission to bring people together over shared plates and meaningful moments. At Suria KLCC, diners are welcomed into a space inspired by an oriental courtyard. Hanging birdcages and elegant motifs set the stage for a casual yet considered dining experience. It’s here that Dolly, the restaurant’s muse and namesake character, quietly watches over guests—her presence a whimsical nod to the brand’s blend of timeless charm and modern flair.
Dolly Dim Sum Turns Ten!
From the first outlet in Avenue K (now relocated to KLCC), Dolly Dim Sum has grown steadily to 15 outlets, dotting the Klang Valley, Kuantan, Johor Bahru, and most recently, Penang (awaiting halal-certification). Plans are already afoot to extend her hospitality to East Malaysia. It’s a growth story fuelled by consistency and sincerity—a rare feat in the fickle world of food trends.
Menu
The menu is a thoughtful balance of traditional Cantonese staples and inventive house signatures, encouraging an all-day grazing style that suits solo diners, couples, families and large groups alike.
Small Plates
Steamed Dim Sum
We began our meal with a bamboo basket of Siew Mai (MR 11.80) — neatly pleated dumplings filled with minced chicken, prawns, and mushrooms. They were satisfyingly plump and delicately seasoned, with just enough bounce to the bite.
The Szechuan Dumplings (RM 13.90) took the meal in a fiery direction. Served in a spicy, tangy sauce, the plump parcels offered a pleasant heat and a zingy undertone that lingered just long enough. The Roasted BBQ Buns (RM 10.20) —pillowy and lightly sweet—broke open to reveal a warm, honeyed chicken filling, rich and sticky with charred edges.
The steamed Beef Balls (RM 10.90) added a twist with the inclusion of aged mandarin peel, lending a subtle bitterness and complexity to the savoury meat. For something moist and vibrant, the Sweet & Sour Beancurd Rolls (RM 10.90) in sweet and sour plum sauce provided great contrast—golden wrappers surrounding a mix of black fungus and vegetables, all glossed in a tangy, fruity sauce. No dim sum feast would be complete without Dolly’s Signature Egg Custard Buns (RM 10.90), and they did not disappoint. Light and fluffy, a rich, salted egg yolk caramel centre flowed like lava upon first bite.
I felt the dumplings were all sufficiently appetising on their own. However, plum and sweet chilli sauces were provided separately to add to taste.
Fried & Baked
Among Dolly’s baked selections, the Black Pepper Beef Puff (RM 15.50) stood out for its surprising depth. Flaky pastry shells gave way to juicy chunks of Australian ribeye, cooked with caramelised onion and laced with black pepper for a warming kick. The Salad Prawn Dumpling (RM 11.80) was equally memorable with its pale orange, crunchy carapace melding seductively with mayonnaise-lemon dip.
Cheong Fun
The Crispy Shrimp Cheong Fun (RM 16.30) offered an enjoyable textural play—delicate rice noodle rolls wrapped around crunchy prawns and turnip, drizzled with a subtly sweet soy-based sauce. It was a modern interpretation that retained the soul of the original while adding just the right amount of flair.
Dolly Dim Sum Suria KLCC Mains Menu
Rice & Noodles
To test the wok, we ordered the Royal Golden Fried Rice (RM 25.80), and it passed with flying colours. Light and fluffy grains were tossed with prawns and omega egg and topped with an intense pop of orange ebiko. The wok-fried Beef Kuey Teow (RM 27.50) continued the theme. The wide, flat noodles were imbued with wok hei and interspersed with tender beef slices and beansprouts. Rich, satisfying and hearty, it could easily be a meal on its own.
Wok Special
The Plum Sauce Chicken (RM 27.50) offered a crisp exterior on each morsel of chicken, generously coated in a thick, tangy plum glaze. It leaned sweet but was balanced with enough acidity to keep the dish light and moreish.
Lastly, ensuring we were deserving of dessert, the Stir-fried Hong Kong Kailan (RM 24.50) was delivered. The glossy vegetables were cooked just right—crisp-tender and aromatic with a kiss of garlic oil, allowing the freshness of the produce to shine through.
Desserts
To end on a sweet note, we tried the Sesame Mochi Balls (RM 9.20). Golden and warm, their glutinous rice coating gave way to a gooey peanut filling. Nutty and slightly salty, it made for a nostalgic and comforting dessert.
Dolly Dim Sum Suria KLCC Drinks Menu
Dolly’s beverage list deserves equal mention, beginning with the Qi Li Xiang (RM 8.50)—a premium oolong known for its floral bouquet and silky-smooth mouthfeel. If you prefer something chilled, the Osmanthus Oolong Iced Tea (RM 11.90) offers a delicate floral undertone with just the right amount of tannic bite. For those craving zest, the Calamansi Assam Bliss (RM 12.5) mocktail is a vibrant, citrus-forward refresher. It brings together tart calamansi and the welcome zip of assam boi in one playful sip.
Dolly Dim Sum KLCC Review
A decade in, Dolly Dim Sum remains as relevant and beloved as ever. The brand continues to offer shared plates, honest flavours, and the comfort of consistency. Whether you’re a long-time fan or making your first visit, there’s much to admire in Dolly’s commitment to quality, tradition and a little flair.
Reasons to visit or revisit Dolly Sim Sum KLCC: ten years of operation and 15 outlets is a darn good sign that the brand has managed to provide consistently high standards; halal menu; several vegetarian options; bright, happy and contemporary space.
Dolly Dim Sum Suria KLCC
Lot 426-428 4th Floor KLCC, Jalan Ampang
Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Link to Dolly Dim Sum Suria KLCC on Google Maps
dollydimsum.com @dollydimsum
*Halal certified
**Limited vegetarian options
*** Child-friendly with high chairs for toddlers
Dolly Dim Sum Suria KLCC Hours
Daily: 10:45 am – 10:00 pm
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