Signature Dishes and Complete Pricing at Mr. Chew's Chino Latino Bar

Mr. Chew's Chino Latino Bar in Kuala Lumpur has redefined the concept of Asian-Latin fusion since its debut in 2017. Located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, specifically within the WOLO Hotel, this establishment is recognized for its sophisticated yet playful approach to dining. The menu is a vibrant intersection where Cantonese techniques meet Latin American zest, resulting in dishes that are both visually striking and complex in flavor.

For those planning a visit, the pricing typically ranges from RM 20 for individual buns to RM 250 for premium steaks. The signature Nori Taco, a fan favorite, is priced at RM 28, while their innovative cocktail program features the famous "Take-away" G&T at RM 42.

The Iconic Bites: Nori Tacos and Famous Chicken Ribs

The culinary identity of Mr. Chew’s is anchored by its "Famous Bites," a selection of small plates designed to challenge traditional flavor profiles.

The Nori Taco (RM 28)

Often cited as the most photographed dish on the menu, the Nori Taco is a masterclass in texture. Instead of a corn or flour tortilla, the restaurant uses a deep-fried seaweed shell that maintains a brittle, salty crunch. Inside, it is packed with perfectly seasoned sushi rice, rich salmon belly, and a generous topping of salmon roe (ikura). The creaminess comes from a specialized tobiko mayo, which adds a subtle smoky finish. The contrast between the warm, crispy shell and the cool, fatty salmon makes it an essential order.

Famous Fried Chicken Ribs (RM 29)

Though the menu humorously notes they are "actually, not famous yet," these chicken ribs have become a staple for regulars. Unlike standard wings, the ribs are trimmed to offer tender slivers of meat with a significantly higher skin-to-meat ratio, ensuring maximum crunch. The seasoning profile leans heavily on fermented bean paste (nam yu), providing a briny, savory depth that is balanced by a zesty aftertaste. At RM 29 for six pieces, they are an ideal shared appetizer for a group.

Catfish Char Siew Buns (RM 20)

Reimagining the classic Cantonese steamed bun, Mr. Chew’s uses grilled catfish glazed in a char siew sauce. The sweetness of the fish is offset by a sharp, tangy Thai papaya som tam stuffed inside the deep-fried mantao. The result is a bao that is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and hits multiple flavor notes—sweet, salty, and sour—simultaneously.

Small Plates and Fusion Dumplings

Beyond the headliners, the "Small Plates" section offers an exploration of seafood and cold noodles that lean into the "Chino" side of the fusion.

Salmon Ceviche (RM 38)

The salmon ceviche demonstrates the "Latino" influence through its preparation method but keeps its Asian roots with a warm ginger-garlic infused soy dressing. The inclusion of yuzu pearls provides bursts of citrus acidity that "cook" the fish on the palate, while toasted sesame seeds add an earthy aroma.

Century Egg Somen (RM 18)

This dish is a sophisticated take on cold noodles. The silky somen noodles are tossed in a spicy Szechuan sauce that carries a lingering heat. The creaminess of the century egg and tofu balances the spice, while salmon roe and tobiko add a luxurious salinity. It is one of the most affordably priced items on the menu, offering high value for its complexity.

Tiger Prawn Dumplings (RM 28)

These dumplings feature a filling of tiger prawn and barramundi, providing a firm yet succulent texture. They are served in a curry vinaigrette that draws inspiration from Southeast Asian spice palettes, topped with water chestnut for crunch and fresh Vietnamese mint to cut through the richness of the curry.

Bigger Things: Sharing Plates and Main Courses

The "Bigger Things" section is designed for communal dining, emphasizing high-quality proteins and innovative sauces.

Pan Seared Barramundi (RM 75)

The barramundi is a standout for those who enjoy regional flavors. The fillet is pan-seared until the skin is crisp, then served with a spicy tamarind chili sauce and coconut cream. This combination is a direct nod to Penang’s Asam Laksa. To modernize the dish, it is accompanied by a pineapple and avocado ginger flower salsa, which adds a buttery, tropical finish.

Grilled Prime Rib Eye (RM 150)

For meat enthusiasts, the 350g rib eye is grilled with a home-blended soy sauce that provides a deep umami crust. It is served with a unique chive flower butter that melts into the steak, adding a mild, onion-like sweetness that complements the rich marbling of the grain-fed beef.

Crispy Skin Duck Confit (RM 90)

This dish takes a French classic and gives it a Szechuan makeover. Half a duck is prepared confit-style to ensure tender meat, then finished until the skin is paper-thin and crunchy. It is served with pickled ginger-onion and a signature Szechuan orange plum sauce, which provides the necessary acidity to balance the fatty richness of the duck.

Double Cooked Lamb Ribs (RM 95)

The 450g serving of lamb ribs undergoes a double-cooking process to achieve a "fall-off-the-bone" texture. The flavor profile is defined by a green yuzu pepper and perilla leaf salsa, offering a bright, herbaceous contrast to the gamey notes of the lamb.

The Beverage Program: Cocktails and Spirits

The bar at Mr. Chew's is as much of a draw as the kitchen, known for its creative presentations and high-quality ingredients.

The 'Take-away' G&T (RM 42)

This is the signature drink of the house. Served in a cardboard box reminiscent of Chinese takeout, complete with chopsticks and a garnish of pink peppercorns and guava, it is a playful take on the classic Gin and Tonic. It uses Brokers Gin as its base, resulting in a refreshing, fruit-forward cocktail that is surprisingly sophisticated despite its whimsical presentation.

Strong and Harmonious Selections

• Ancient Fashion (RM 50): A Japanese whisky-based take on the Old Fashioned, featuring 5-spice syrup and a torched kumquat for a smoky, aromatic profile.
• Pablo’s Dynasty (RM 46): A potent mix of tequila, gin, and sweet vermouth, sharpened with Luxardo Maraschino and hellfire bitters.
• Señor Chew (RM 42): A complex blend of gin, dry vermouth, and Aperol, infused with tonka bean rice wine and chocolate bitters.

New and Experimental Combinations

• Matchalada (RM 42): For those who prefer creamy, dessert-like cocktails, this features sesame-infused gin, white chocolate, matcha, and cream.
• The Emperor’s Lady (RM 44): A floral and citrusy gin-based drink using Mei Kuei Lu Chiew (rose liqueur), lavender, and orange bitters.

Specialized Menus: Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options

Mr. Chew’s is notably inclusive, offering dedicated menus for those with specific dietary requirements.

Vegetarian Menu Highlights

• Eryngii Mushroom Char Siew Bun (RM 20): A meat-free version of the catfish bun using king oyster mushrooms.
• Deep Fried Cauliflower Pancake Roll (RM 29): A soft crepe featuring avocado, nori, and light wasabi mayo.
• Fried Japanese Pearl Rice (RM 20): Tossed with garlic, creamy avocado, and fresh coriander.

Gluten-Free Options

• Coconut Milk Poached Chicken Salad (RM 30): Served with Chinese cabbage, pickled cucumber, and roast peanuts.
• Pan Seared Barramundi (RM 75): Available without the tamarind sauce if required, focusing on the fresh salsa.

Special Occasion Menus: Holiday Brunch and New Year's Eve

During the festive season, the menu expands to include one-off creations.

• Christmas Eve Dinner (Approx. RM 250++): Typically features luxury additions like poached Irish oysters with tau fu fah and pan-seared foie gras with mui choy.
• Christmas Day Brunch (Approx. RM 140++): A festive spread including barbecued Dorper lamb ribs and red date Christmas puddings.
• New Year’s Eve Seatings: Offers a multi-course experience (ranging from RM 220 to RM 350) including high-end small plates like sautéed Wagyu Karubi and unique desserts like chocolate noodles with sesame ice cream.

Identifying the Right "Mr. Chew": NJ vs. KL

It is important to distinguish between similarly named establishments to ensure you are looking at the correct menu:

1. Mr. Chew's Chino Latino Bar (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia): The focus of this article. High-end fusion, nori tacos, RM currency.
2. Mr. Chu Chinese Cuisine (East Hanover, NJ): A traditional Chinese-American neighborhood spot. Their menu features staples like Fried Pork Dumplings, Peking Duck, and Chicken with Cashews. Prices are in USD and the style is "old-school" comfort food.
3. MR CHOW (International): A high-fashion, celebrity-frequented fine dining institution in cities like New York, London, and Miami. Their signature is Beijing cuisine, including the famous MR CHOW Noodles and Ma Mignon.

Summary of Key Menu Prices

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the must-order dish at Mr. Chew's?

The Nori Taco (Salmon Belly) and the Famous Fried Chicken Ribs are the two most recommended dishes for first-time visitors.

Does Mr. Chew's have a dress code?

As an upscale bar and restaurant, the dress code is smart casual. Most diners opt for stylish attire suitable for a chic penthouse setting.

How do I make a reservation at Mr. Chew's Chino Latino Bar?

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the two dinner seatings. You can book directly through their official website or via popular local dining platforms.

Is the food at Mr. Chew's halal?

While the restaurant serves many seafood and poultry dishes, it also serves alcohol and certain pork-related fusion items. It is best to check with the staff regarding specific ingredient sourcing if you have strict dietary requirements.

What are the prices for the dessert bar?

The dessert degustation, which includes six courses, is priced around RM 60++ per person (tea pairing) or RM 95++ per person (alcohol pairing).

Conclusion

Mr. Chew's Chino Latino Bar offers one of the most inventive menus in Kuala Lumpur’s competitive dining scene. By successfully bridging the gap between Asian ingredients and Latin American flair, it provides a dining experience that is both sophisticated and fun. Whether you are there for the RM 28 Nori Tacos or the RM 150 Prime Rib Eye, the consistency in quality and the eclectic atmosphere make it a standout destination. For those searching for "Mr. Chew," ensure you are booking the Kuala Lumpur location to enjoy this specific Chino Latino fusion.