If you’re looking for an authentic Cantonese dining experience in Johor Bahru, we got you! Wan Li Restaurant at Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel is one place worth checking out. This restaurant is known for its refined Cantonese cuisine and extensive dim sum selection.
Located inside the hotel, Wan Li Restaurant immediately stands out with its beautiful interiors. The space features warm lighting and modern Chinese-inspired décor that gives the restaurant a sophisticated yet cosy feel. We visited the restaurant to explore its à la carte offerings, which include signature roasted meats, seafood dishes, soups, noodles, dim sum, and desserts. According to the chef, many of the ingredients are locally sourced, making it accessible to a wider range of diners looking for authentic Cantonese cuisine in Johor Bahru.
Signature Peking Duck steals the spotlight
One of the restaurant’s standout dishes is Wan Li’s Signature Traditional Peking Duck (RM83) . It is prepared through a meticulous roasting process to achieve crisp skin and tender meat. The duck arrives with live carving done directly beside the table, so the presentation itself adds to the overall experience. This also allows diners to watch the staff carefully slice the roasted duck before serving.
The skin was incredibly crisp while the meat remained juicy and tender underneath. It can be enjoyed wrapped in thin pancakes with condiments, though the crispy skin was flavourful enough to eat on its own. The balance between texture and flavour made this one of the strongest dishes of the meal.
Rich flavours and comforting Cantonese dishes
Another favourite from the menu was the Fragrant Fried Chicken with Dried Chili, Garlic & Szechuan Pepper (RM41). The dish is carefully balanced with dried chili, garlic, and pepper to create a fragrant heat rather than overwhelming spice. The chicken remained crispy despite being coated in seasoning, while the Szechuan pepper added a subtle numbing sensation that gave the dish additional depth.
For seafood lovers, the Stir-Fried Prawns Fritter with Curry Butter Milk Sauce (RM73) is another dish worth ordering. The prawns are wok-tossed at high heat to lock in aroma before being coated in a creamy curry butter milk sauce. The prawns themselves were fresh and juicy. The sauce carried a rich buttery flavour with a light curry fragrance that paired well with the seafood without becoming too heavy. Beyond the signatures, Wan Li also serves a variety of classic Cantonese dishes that showcase lighter flavours and comforting textures.
The Fragrant Beetroot Fried Rice (RM51) was simple but satisfying. It paired especially well with the richer mains, balancing the overall meal nicely. Meanwhile, the Double-Boiled Ginseng Soup with Village Chicken (RM30) delivered a comforting herbal richness that felt refined. The broth was clear but deeply flavourful, while the chicken remained tender after hours of slow boiling.
The Coral Grouper steamed Hong Kong style (RM33/100gram) highlighted the freshness of the fish through delicate preparation and light seasoning. Steamed with soy sauce, ginger, and aromatics, the fish remained soft and flaky while still retaining its natural sweetness, which is something Cantonese cuisine is especially known for.
We also tried the Cantonese-style flat rice noodle (RM41), which carried a distinct wok hei aroma that added smokiness and depth to the dish. The noodles themselves had a silky texture that absorbed the savoury sauce well, making every bite worth it.
An extensive dim sum selection
If there is one thing diners should not skip at Wan Li Restaurant, it is definitely the dim sum menu. The restaurant serves more than 20 types of dim sum, including steamed, fried, and baked varieties alongside porridges and desserts. The variety alone makes it easy to turn a simple lunch into a full Cantonese feast.
Among the dishes we tried, the Steamed Barbeque Chicken Bun stood out for its soft fluffy texture and savoury filling. The Spicy Dumplings carried a good kick without overpowering the filling, while the Durian Tart ended the meal on a strong note. The tart featured a crisp buttery pastry with creamy durian filling that remained rich without becoming overwhelming, making it especially enjoyable for durian lovers. Wan Li offers à la carte dim sum for both lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, diners can enjoy a Dim Sum Buffet (RM88nett) available from 11am to 3pm.
Cantonese dining spot worth returning to
Wan Li Restaurant delivers the kind of dining experience that works well for both casual family meals and special occasions. The combination of traditional Cantonese flavours and polished presentation makes the restaurant stand out among dining spots in Johor Bahru.
Wan Li Chinese Restaurant, Renaissance Johor Bahru Hotel
Address: 2, Jalan Permas 11, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Opening Restaurant: 11am-2.30pm | 6pm-9.30pm (Daily)
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