By its very definition, the one thing that can’t be faked is authenticity. And few things are more authentic in Kuala Lumpur’s ever-changing dining scene than a restaurant that has withstood over a quarter-century of evolution in the Malaysian capital, to say nothing of a major financial crisis, a dining landscape that has changed dramatically over the last generation, and, lest we forget, a devastating twoyear global pandemic.

We recently revisited just such a restaurant, the venerable Chalet Suisse, still at its longstanding location in Ampang. For 26 years, this charming, multiple award-winning eatery has been pleasing palates and delighting patrons. We’ve been several times over the years, and without a hitch, Chalet Suisse consistently ticks the three most important boxes for quality dining: delicious food, good service, and a winning ambiance.

This time, we paid a visit to enjoy an annual treat, a dinner centred around white asparagus and the culmination of a highly anticipated, once-a-year event that sees hundreds of kilos of tender, uncommonly colourless asparagus flown in from Holland to eager customers in Malaysia who snap up the prized stalks en masse. As has been the case every time we’ve visited since going out to eat became a thing again following many, many months of nothing but delivery and takeaway, it was a completely full house at Chalet Suisse – both downstairs and upstairs. Our own table had eight people, all hungry for the set menu curated by Chef Raymond and the talented team in the kitchen.
Suffice it to say the dinner was extraordinary, with white asparagus making an appearance in every course of the meal (yes, even dessert). However, we thought we’d reflect on the consistency of the dining experience here rather than review a one-off menu.
First, the portions that arrived at our table were incredibly generous. This is typical at Chalet Suisse: delicious food, served in very satisfying portions. The food is highquality, wonderfully prepared, and there’s plenty of it. No matter when you come, the best advice is to come with a healthy appetite.
Second, the service was efficient and pleasant, as always. From a service perspective, you couldn’t ask for a more streamlined, reliable, and enjoyable dining experience. The staff make it look almost effortless as they move around the dining room tending to guests; only when you realise there are two floors of hungry patrons do you appreciate their talent and hard work! Our wine glasses never sat empty, our dishes were delivered hot (and with a smile under the mask, we’re sure), requests were met with both competence and friendliness, and it has been this way every time we’ve dined here, all under the hand of Chef de Service Mariel Rebulado and the rest of the floor staff.
Finally, the ambiance. While we must say that the charm is dialled up to 10 during the Christmas holiday BY Chad Merchant season, with the Swiss chalet feel of the restaurant augmented beautifully by seasonal decorations, the warm, inviting atmosphere found here is terrific any time of year. Simply put, as soon as you stride through the door, you don’t feel like you’re in an Ampang shophouse anymore – or in Malaysia for that matter. The effect is magical, and it really underscores how important a part a restaurant’s ambiance plays. And at Chalet Suisse, you never feel that it’s contrived or manufactured – the ambiance here is comfortable and authentic.

It’s a testament to everyone at this restaurant, led by Swiss owner and host Manfred Faehndrich, that they have not only survived a crippling pandemic, but come out stronger for it on the other side. We enthusiastically recommend you book a table here and enjoy a taste of authentic Swiss cuisine right here in Malaysia.