How does Soon Heng balance its retro Chinese theme with Western cuisine?

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Soon Heng Social Club Integrates Retro Chinese Ambiance with a Western Culinary Focus

Soon Heng Social Club presents a unique dining experience by juxtaposing a distinct retro Chinese interior with a menu predominantly featuring Western cuisine. While the establishment embraces a nostalgic Chinese aesthetic, its culinary offerings are firmly rooted in Euro-adjacent dishes, creating an intriguing contrast for patrons. The restaurant has successfully navigated this blend since its opening in early 2019, demonstrating resilience through challenging periods like the pandemic.
Retro Chinese Interior Design

The restaurant's interior is a deliberate creation of a retro-themed Chinese ambiance. Elements such as folding screens, string curtains, and various vintage decor items contribute to this atmosphere. The visual identity is further enhanced by a vintage sign acquired from an antique collector, contributing to a curated feel that evokes a bygone era. This deliberate design choice sets a specific mood for the dining space, distinct from typical restaurants in the Taman United area of Kuala Lumpur.
Western-Influenced Menu

Despite its Chinese-inspired name and decor, Soon Heng's culinary direction leans heavily towards Western and Euro-adjacent dishes. The menu features items like kale salad with jamon serrano, grilled octopus with harissa, and gambas al ajillo, alongside pasta, steaks, pork chops, and duck confit. This focus on Western cuisine is overseen by Jack Chang, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate, who leads the kitchen operations.
Signature Dishes and Culinary Execution

The menu highlights several well-executed Western dishes. Among the steak selections are Argentinian Black Angus picanha and Australian MB7 Full Blood Wagyu picanha, served with accompaniments like truffled mash and burnt onion citrus sauce. The French duck leg confit is prepared to achieve a requisite crisp skin without drying the interior. Additionally, the grilled pork shoulder chop is noted for its moistness and flavour, served with apple purée and a choice of fries. Desserts include a unique "Bojicha" (Bailey's and hojicha) tiramisu and a citrus blossom cream tart, offering a final touch of inventive Western-style finales.

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How does Soon Heng balance its retro Chinese theme with Western cuisine?

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