A Hidden Gem That Sets the City Ablaze
Tucked away in a secluded corner of Kuala Lumpur’s bustling city centre, CHARR Dining is where the art of open-fire cooking meets the bold spirit of Cantonese ‘wok hey.’ This is no ordinary BBQ joint— it’s where age-old techniques collide with modern sensibilities. And trust me, the results are extraordinary.
CHARR Dining isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a sensory experience. From the moment you step into the dimly lit, wood-accented space, the scent of smouldering embers and caramelized meat fills the air. Every dish is kissed by the flames, every bite layered with smoke and intensity. It’s primal. It’s refined. And it’s unlike anything else in the city.
The Magic of Smoke and Fire
There’s a reason wood-fire cooking has stood the test of time. The Maillard reaction—when heat transforms proteins and sugars into a rich, umami-laden crust—takes centre stage here, lending an irresistible depth to every dish.
Take the Pommes Anna with Herbs Crema & Smoked Trout Roe, for example. This French classic, typically a buttery and indulgent side, is reinvented here with an intoxicating kiss of fire. Each delicate, paper-thin layer of potato is crisped to golden perfection, while the smoked trout roe bursts with briny richness, elevating an already luxurious dish to new heights.
And then there’s the Seasonal Fish with Singapore Laksa. The fire-charred fish, tender yet smoky, meets the creamy, coconut-rich broth of a classic laksa. The result? A dish that dances between Southeast Asian comfort and wood-fired brilliance.
Where Cantonese ‘Wok Hey’ Meets Open Flame
CHARR Dining isn’t just about BBQ—it’s about technique. The team here has mastered the elusive Cantonese ‘wok hey,’ that smoky, elusive breath of the wok that infuses stir-fried dishes with an almost mystical depth of flavor.
It’s most evident in the Chicken Wings with Pad Kra Pao & Fermented Hot Sauce. These wings don’t just crunch; they shatter between your teeth, the crisp skin hiding juicy, spice-laden meat beneath. The house-fermented hot sauce? A knockout punch of heat and umami, lingering just long enough to make you reach for another.
Even the humble Burnt Onion with Smoked Stracciatella & Chimichurri becomes a showcase of contrasts—deeply caramelized onions meet cool, creamy cheese, while the herbaceous bite of chimichurri cuts through the richness.
Drinks That Hold Their Own
A meal at CHARR isn’t complete without a drink in hand, and the bar menu here is just as impressive as the kitchen. Sustainability is key—waste is minimal, and ingredients are repurposed wherever possible. Case in point: pineapple skins are transformed into house-made tepache, a fermented beverage that adds layers of funk and sweetness to their inventive cocktails.
The CHARRED Sour is a standout, a smoky take on the Whisky Sour that amplifies the depth of the drink without overpowering it. Meanwhile, the Pina Taka, a grilled pineapple-infused rum cocktail, balances caramelized fruitiness with a whisper of smoke. Even the locally crafted Fat Boy Craft Beer from Melaka is chosen for its ability to complement the bold, fire-driven flavours of the food.
A Space That Invites and Enchants
CHARR Dining’s design mirrors its culinary ethos—bold yet inviting, refined yet unpretentious. The centrepiece is a handcrafted mahogany communal dining table, a nod to the importance of shared meals. The warm, fire-lit ambience is intimate yet buzzing with energy, making it the perfect hideaway for those who seek a dining experience that feels both private and electric.
And the best part? It’s still a hidden gem—for now. CHARR’s location at The Manor, tucked away from the city’s more obvious dining hotspots, means that it retains an air of exclusivity. But word is spreading, and soon, securing a table here might become the hottest reservation in town.
The Verdict: Worth the Hype?
Absolutely. CHARR Dining isn’t just another trendy spot riding the wood-fire wave—it’s a restaurant with soul, driven by a deep respect for technique and flavour. Whether you’re here for the smoky, umami-laden dishes or the impeccably crafted cocktails, one thing’s for sure: CHARR is setting Kuala Lumpur’s dining scene ablaze, one perfectly charred bite at a time.
Operation Hours
Monday and Tuesday Closed
Wednesday – Sunday 6pm to 11pm
Location
47-3A, The Manor, 3, Persiaran Stonor, City Centre, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah
Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
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