Back in the day, dining out used to be akin to an event. Especially fine dining. Going out to eat felt like attending a theatrical performance, with skilled waiters seemingly dancing with trolleys, and dishes were finished with a flourish right before your eyes.
If your heart yearns for an olden day dining experience, look no further! For a limited time only, EQ is bringing back Chalet, a celebrated fine-dining restaurant from Malaysia’s early culinary history, and it’s definitely an experience not to be missed.
A Culinary Legend
Whether you’re someone who cherishes the fond memories of Chalet, excited for a revisit, or you’re about to discover this nostalgic restaurant for the very first time – dining at the Chalet Pop-Up is sure to be an absolute blast either way.
But first, if the name Chalet doesn’t ring a bell, here’s a quick rundown.
Chalet, first established at the original Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur, was once revered as the pinnacle of fine dining in Malaysia. It truly lived out its glory days from the 1970s right up to the early 2000s, drawing in diners eager to feast on its delectable Swiss cuisine – such as the bubbling raclette, dramatic flambé dishes, and the legendary Canard à la Presse.
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The Chalet Pop-Up isn’t aiming to be an exact replica of the Chalet of yesteryear. Instead, it’s a respectful reimagining of this glorious fine-dining establishment. It lovingly preserves the essence of Chalet while presenting it with a renewed, contemporary polish. For those who miss it, it’s a heartwarming walk down memory lane; for newcomers, it’s an exciting, fresh experience. Imagine stepping into a cherished old photograph, but finding it beautifully retouched with vibrant, new colours – that’s what the Chalet Pop-Up aims to deliver.
The Chalet Pop-Up meticulously brings back Chalet’s classic menu, a delicious exploration of Switzerland’s rich culinary heritage. Diners will be delighted to find that the dishes skilfully utilise core ingredients that evoke the majestic Alps – cheese, cream, game, and brandy – all balanced to suit modern palates.
Let’s dive into the stars of this culinary performance, the delicious signatures and main courses that defined Chalet all those years back. First, for an absolute must-try experience; the Raclette Valaisanne. Imagine molten raclette cheese, golden and bubbling like a miniature lava flow, served right at your table over tender new potatoes and tangy cornichon pickles – a purely comforting yet fun dish. If you want a cosy dish perfect for sharing, opt for their classic Fondue au Fromage. The slight hint of truffle adds elegance to this dish, and yet it still retains its warm, inviting quality.
When it comes to main courses, the dishes feature influences from the sophisticated cities of Geneva and Zurich, alongside the charming Vaud countryside. The Émincé de Veau à la Zurichoise is a wonderfully comforting and elegant Zurich-style sliced veal, draped in a rich mushroom cream and served alongside crispy rösti potatoes. If you’re feeling extra hungry, ready to eat a more filling meal, the Filet de Boeuf Wagyu is quite the treat. It’s crowned with luscious foie gras and delicate shavings of black truffle, accompanied by pommes dauphine and seasonal veggies. Finally, for seafood lovers, try out the Homard Thermidor, an exquisite Maine lobster dish that promises a perfect balance of richness and oceanic freshness.
But the absolute showstopper? It has to be the famous Canard à la Presse. This dish, iconic and sought-after from even back then, is the centrepiece at Chalet. It’s a whole roasted duck, gleaming like a treasure on a silver press – so you can imagine just how grand this dish is. The rare art of pressing the bird is performed right at the diner’s table, its precious juices extracted and then transformed into a rich, decadent sauce. It’s a truly ceremonial dish, perfect for two diners, like a culinary ballet unfolding before your eyes. Just remember, due to its extravagant nature, this masterpiece is only available with pre-order – so keep that in mind when making your reservation.
To kick off your epicurean journey, look forward to exquisite starters such as Viande des Grisons (Swiss air-dried beef), classic steak tartare, and rich foie gras de canard. And yes, Chalet’s beloved wild mushroom soup, served in a charming hollowed bread roll, is making a very welcome return as well during this Pop-Up!
To finish your meal, the desserts are simply perfect, exuding that old-world charm where liqueur, fire, and pure indulgence beautifully intertwine. Indulge in the Crêpes Suzette, flambéed right at your table with a flourish of flames, or a warm and satisfying Hot Strawberry Soufflé, light as a cloud. For a truly spectacular send-off, try their speciality coffees, lovingly laced with brandy or liqueur and topped with billows of whipped cream.
The Chalet Pop-Up runs from 14 – 30 August 2025, and is available for dinner only. Seating is limited, so early booking is strongly recommended to secure your spot in this unforgettable culinary revival.
Reserve here.
