KL’s newest destination for great Sichuan food: MinJian Granary arrives from Chongqing with a…
Kuala Lumpur has a new hotspot for Sichuan food lovers, and it comes straight from Chongqing. MinJian Granary, a popular restaurant brand from China, has finally opened its first KL outlet — and yes, it’s already creating buzz for its bold flavors and signature dishes.
A Taste of Chongqing in the Heart of KL
Although Chongqing is administratively separate from Sichuan, its food culture is still deeply rooted in Sichuan traditions. After all, this is the birthplace of classics like la zi ji (spicy dry chili chicken), suan cai yu (pickled mustard fish), and the world-famous mala hotpot.
MinJian Granary started in 2018 and now operates across major Chinese cities like Chengdu, Shanghai, Wuhan, Jinan, Beijing, and more. KL’s branch, barely a month old, sits proudly along Lorong Yap Kwan Seng in a standout bungalow that’s hard to miss — especially at night.
A Rustic Theme With a Modern Twist
The restaurant’s name means “folks’ granary,” symbolizing warmth and rustic countryside charm. Inside, it’s designed like a giant grain storehouse — though instead of sacks of wheat, you’ll find digital screens, brand stories, and even photos of celebrities like Nicholas Tse and Charlene Choi.
The property is huge, around 1,500 square meters, with plenty of parking. Private dining rooms line one side of the restaurant, each requiring a minimum spend of RM800. Larger groups will definitely want to book ahead.
A Menu Packed With Sichuan Favorites
The menu spans signature Chongqing dishes, Sichuan and Hunan staples, and even a few Cantonese items for those who prefer mild flavors. But let’s be honest—people come here for the heat, spice, and that unmistakable punch of Sichuan peppercorns.
Must-Try Starters
Mouthwatering Chicken (RM38)
This cold dish is the perfect introduction to Sichuan flavor. Served chilled, the chicken absorbs every layer of spice — from tangy vinegar and fragrant sesame to the tongue-tingling Sichuan peppercorns. It’s simple, bold, and absolutely delicious.
Crispy Red Kidney Beans (RM28)
A surprise standout. These light, crunchy beans puff up like French fries and burst with garlic, dried chilies, and pickled mustard greens. Addictive and fun to eat.
Classic Sichuan Flavors, KL Style
Shredded Pork in Fish-Flavored Sauce (RM36)
Don’t be fooled by the name — there’s no fish here. The yu xiang sauce is a sweet, sour, mildly spicy mix of pickled chilies, bean paste, sugar, and vinegar. It coats the tender pork beautifully.
Chongqing Spicy Chicken / La Zi Ji (RM68)
A mountain of dried chilies hides tiny cubes of crispy chicken. Hunting for them is part of the experience — though it can get tiring after a while!
The Star of the Show: Mao Xue Wang (RM88)
If there’s one dish that defines MinJian Granary, it’s this. Mao xue wang arrives as a bubbling pot of fiery red chili oil — the kind that makes you brace yourself for impact.
You get a generous platter of ingredients: prawns, squid, pork slices, luncheon meat, vegetables, noodles, tripe, and silky duck blood. For RM12, you can also add a giant fried omelette — and trust me, it’s worth it.
Despite its intimidating look, the flavors are surprisingly balanced. Mild spice still carries depth, savoriness, and that signature Sichuan aroma without overwhelming your palate. Many diners end up scraping the bowl clean.
Comforting, Heavy, and Unforgettable
Once you’ve tried mao xue wang, your palate will crave similarly bold flavors. Good thing the menu delivers:
- Braised Chicken With Potatoes (RM68): Tomato-forward, aromatic, and great with rice.
- Hong Shao Rou (RM48): Sweet, sticky braised pork belly with a glossy sheen — a comforting favorite.
Fun, Gimmicky, and One Miss
Giant Sesame Glutinous Rice Ball (RM38)
A hollow, crunchy rice-sesame sphere. Fun for photos but simple in flavor — unless you dip it into the mao xue wang. Then it becomes amazing.
Sizzling Yu Xiang Eggplant Roll (RM36)
Sadly, the only disappointment of the night. The batter was chewy instead of crispy, and the sauce didn’t deliver the bold flavors you’d expect.
Final Verdict
MinJian Granary offers one of KL’s most exciting Sichuan dining experiences. If you love spicy, bold, aromatic food, this is a must-visit. Just skip the eggplant roll — everything else is more than worth trying.
MinJian Granary 民间粮仓
67, Lorong Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur
Open daily: 11am – 10pm
Tel: 017-376 4861
Instagram: @minjiangranary
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