Tannin Hill at the Old General Post Office
On 17 September 2026, twenty-four ENAK members gathered together for lunch at the Tannin Hill Tea Rooms, located on the first floor of the wonderfully restored Old Post Office just off Merdeka Square in the centre of KL. In respect of this traditional heritage venue optional dress code for ENAK participants consisted of a colourful array of local Malay batik and traditional clothing, as can be seen in the vibrant photographs taken by our volunteer photographers including Terrence, Rosemary, Vicky and Sumitra!
Before lunch, the gracious hosts, Carole Tan and her husband, gave a brief outline of the history behind their tea room concept, an explanation of the therapeutic benefits of teas, traditional methods of brewing, and the particular role of tea in enhancing the flavour and nutritional value of different dishes.
At an inclusive cost of RM60 per person, lunch commenced with a welcome drink of Nitro cold brew tea, followed by an exquisite Salmon Szechuan Tempeh hors d’oeuvre accompanied by a healthy Raw Pu’er Tea.
The main course comprised rice and vegetables together with fish, chicken or vegetarian options, accompanied by Tie Guan Yin Tea and followed by dessert and white tea. A special complementary dessert made of tea with honey concluded the meal. Enakers got to have a sampling of mooncakes from Tannin Hills Mid-Autumn Festival collection.
After lunch, and in honour of the traditional-themed dress code, colour-coordinated photographs were taken by the ever-attentive Terrence. ENAK members had an opportunity to purchase specialist teas and to have one-on-one sessions with Carole’s husband in order to learn more about Tannin Hill ’ tea selections and their traditional brewing processes. The atmosphere was convivial throughout and a good (and nourishing) time was had by all.
The tearooms are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, for snacks, lunch and dinner. Group events can also be booked. This is an exceptional venue well worth several visits, and a very special place for visiting family and friends to experience traditional Malaysia.
Thank you Carole!
Many thanks to Vivienne Robertson for the review
Keropok Lekor served with a dipping sauce , Khiam Kuih a beautiful and delicate wobbly steamed caked served with a mixture of prawns on top and Fried Popiah which was served with vibrant chilly dipping sauce
There was a choice of mains from which we each chose one
Khao Jam (or Khao Yam) – This is the restaurants signature dish , a colourful rice dish made with shredded fish, fresh herbs, vegetables and fragrant toasted coconut, finished with a flavourful budu dressing. Michelle demonstrated how the dish should be mixed and eaten it was a lovely interactive gesture that added to the experience.
Nasi Dagang Ike– steamed rice cooked with coconut milk and served with a rich, complexly spiced fish curry with vegetables. The flavour is morishly addictive and you keep going back for more.
Lakso (Kelantan Laksa) – This lakso Lakso features rice noodles served with a creamy fish broth, coconut milk, and aromatic spices. The dish is garnished with finely sliced herbs, torch ginger flower (bunga kantan), fresh vegetables and a dollop of sambal for extra brightness and heat.
Nasi Lemak with Chicken & Sotong – Rich, fragrant coconut rice paired with grandma’s signature rich, slow-cooked sambal, crispy anchovies, roasted peanuts and boiled egg with chicken and sambal sotong (squid in sambal)
Dessert was a simple classic sweet red bean soup.
Many thanks to Sujata Lulla for the review.
