D'Shanghai - JB's Largest Dim Sum Maker Opens Restaurant

When you think of dim sum in JB, D’Shanghai should be on your radar. This isn’t just another Chinese restaurant—it’s backed by Kim Man Group, Southern Malaysia’s largest frozen steamed bun and dim sum wholesaler. What sets them apart? They took their wholesale expertise and transformed it into a restaurant concept in 2012, bringing both northern and southern-style Chinese dim sum under one roof. In 2018, their efforts paid off with a World Top Gourmet Award, cementing their position as one of Malaysia’s outstanding establishments.

D’Shanghai operates across four convenient locations in JB—KSL City Mall, R&F Mall, Permas Jaya, and Taman Pelangi. The modern Chinese décor creates an upscale yet comfortable atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings or catching up with friends after a shopping spree. Unlike traditional pushcart dim sum spots, everything here is made fresh to order and steamed upon request, ensuring your food arrives piping hot at your table.

The pricing is what really catches attention. You’re looking at Crystal Jade or Imperial Treasure quality, but at a fraction of Singapore prices. Most dim sum items range from RM6 to RM11, making it an attractive option for Singaporeans looking to maximize their ringgit.

D’Shanghai’s claim to fame is their xiao long bao, and for good reason. These soup dumplings aren’t your standard offering—the pork broth inside is simmered for three hours, creating that burst of rich, savoury-sweet liquid when you bite in. The translucent skin is delicate enough to see the filling inside, yet strong enough to hold the soup without breaking. Each dumpling is hand-wrapped daily by experienced dim sum masters.

But here’s where it gets interesting: D’Shanghai offers unique variations you won’t find everywhere. The Rice Wine Xiao Long Bao (RM9.40) features dumplings infused with real red wine, giving them a distinctive burgundy color and subtle depth. The Fresh Scallop Xiao Long Bao (RM9.90) swaps out pork for seafood, offering a lighter, ocean-fresh alternative. Then there’s the Genki Xiao Long Bao, made with Angelica root for herbal notes that appeal to health-conscious diners.

Crispy Rice Rolls with Mushroom combine the silky texture of chee cheong fun with a crispy layer of bean curd skin, filled with yam and carrot paste. It’s an inventive twist on a classic that delivers both textural contrast and subtle sweetness.

Lotus Leaf Rice (around RM10-12) showcases traditional Cantonese flavors done right. Sticky rice steamed with preserved meat and dried mushrooms inside a lotus leaf wrapper, the dish arrives fragrant and aromatic. The seasoning hits the right balance—flavorful without being overly salty.

Deep-Fried Honeycomb Taro (RM8) is a must-try if you enjoy sweet-savoury combinations. The exterior shatters into crispy layers, revealing a creamy taro filling inside. The honeycomb texture comes from the intricate frying technique that creates air pockets throughout.

XO Carrot Cake (RM11) has developed a cult following among regulars. Unlike the softer Hong Kong-style version, this one delivers serious wok hei—that smoky, charred flavor from high-heat stir-frying. The XO sauce adds umami depth and a touch of heat.

The menu extends beyond dim sum to include fried rice, noodles, and congee, making it suitable for those who want a fuller meal. They also serve their own special dried shrimp chili, which they bottle and sell separately if you want to take some home.

D’Shanghai has positioned itself as a comfortable middle ground—more polished than traditional kopitiams, yet more approachable than high-end Chinese restaurants. For Singaporeans familiar with dim sum chains back home, this offers comparable quality at JB prices, with the added bonus of unique Shanghai-style items you don’t typically find in Cantonese dim sum spots.

Multiple Locations:

KSL City Mall: L2-132(B), KSL City No. 33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor

R&F Mall: G-114 -116, R&F Mall, Jalan Tanjung Puteri, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor

Permas Jaya: G56, Jalan Permas 15/1, Bandar Baru Permas Jaya, 81750 Masai, Johor

Taman Pelangi: No. 1 Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4, Taman Sutera Utama Jalan Sutera, 80150 Johor Bahru