Meisan Szechuan - Signature Peking Duck with 35-Year Legacy

When a Chinese restaurant survives for over 35 years in competitive Johor Bahru, you know they’re doing something right. Meisan Szechuan Restaurant, once a beloved fixture at the old Mutiara Hotel, has reopened at Berjaya Waterfront Hotel with its legendary reputation intact—and that signature Peking duck that locals have been missing.

After the closure of Mutiara Hotel several years ago, regulars feared they’d lost access to one of JB’s finest Chinese establishments. But Meisan bounced back stronger than ever. Now perched on Level 5 of Berjaya Waterfront Hotel, the restaurant brings back everything that made it a local institution, from Chef Chan’s 30-plus years of refined Szechuan cooking to that timeless classic Chinese ambience.

Here’s the hook that keeps people coming back: Meisan’s Peking duck is served deconstructed for your convenience—no whole bird to intimidate you, just perfectly crispy duck skin in golden squares and shards. Your server assembles each wrap tableside: crispy skin nestled in soft, slightly uneven crêpes, complemented by fresh cucumber sticks, green and white scallion nests, and sweet plum sauce. The leftover duck meat doesn’t go to waste either—it’s diced and incorporated into fragrant fried rice, giving you two distinct experiences from one bird.

The preparation respects tradition while accommodating Malaysian preferences. This isn’t just any duck; it’s a carefully executed dish that’s earned its status as the restaurant’s calling card.

Szechuan Hot and Sour Soup: This isn’t your average hot and sour soup. Meisan’s version hits all the right notes with its vinegary tang, lacy egg ribbons, and tender shiitake slivers swimming in a perfectly balanced broth. It’s the kind of soup that can reset your palate and your mood in equal measure.

Fried String Beans with Minced Chicken: Don’t let the humble appearance fool you. These Szechuan-style dry fried green beans are tender yet crunchy, coated in savoury sauce that makes them dangerously addictive. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple ingredients elevated through proper technique.

Szechuan Camphor and Tea-Smoked Duck: Another signature that showcases the kitchen’s smoking expertise. This duck offers a completely different flavour profile from the Peking version—aromatic, complex, and unmistakably Szechuan in its bold character.

Braised Eggplant with Minced Chicken: The restaurant’s Szechuan heritage shines through in this dish where silky eggplant meets well-seasoned minced chicken. It’s comfort food that demonstrates why Meisan has stood the test of time.

Wok Hei Fried Rice: Every grain is perfumed with that elusive wok hei (breath of the wok) that separates great fried rice from mediocre versions. Available with or without housemade XO sauce, this carb-heavy delight soaks up gravies beautifully.

Walking into Meisan feels like stepping back to the 1980s—in the best possible way. Matte gold and warm wood interiors, oversized Chinese vases, ink brush paintings, red lanterns with golden tassels, and lemon-yellow upholstery create an atmosphere of refined grandeur. The spacious dining hall can accommodate everything from intimate dinners to grand banquets, with five private rooms available for groups of ten.

The ambience is notably calmer than typical bustling Chinese restaurants—some appreciate the unhurried atmosphere, though it might feel surprisingly quiet during off-peak hours. It’s the kind of place where conversations flow easily and service staff have time to provide genuine recommendations.

Set menus start from RM90 per person and showcase the restaurant’s signature dishes, making it accessible for those who want the full Meisan experience without ordering à la carte. For reference, a meal for four with Peking duck, wine, and tea typically runs around RM315—reasonable considering the quality, generous portions, and level of service.

Meisan Restaurant proves that longevity in the restaurant business isn’t about gimmicks or trends. It’s about consistent quality, genuine hospitality, and dishes worth making the trip across the Causeway for. Whether you’re a returning regular or a first-timer, that Peking duck alone justifies the visit—everything else is an excellent bonus.

Meisan Restaurant - Berjaya Waterfront Hotel

Address: 88, Level 5, Jalan Ibrahim Sultan, Taman Stulang Laut, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor

Contact: +6011-5877 6009 / +6012-600 6597

Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM