This isn’t me stereotyping, as an alternative, it’s me making an announcement as an Indian myself. As an Indian in Malaysia, if you go to a Chinese language seafood restaurant for a type of “large household dinners”, likelihood is, we’ve in all probability had the identical menu.
There’s a fish merchandise, in all probability assam or candy & bitter, a vege, omelette, tofu and a rooster dish as nicely. Inform me, am I within the ballpark? So, think about my shock when a restaurant I’ve been visiting for ages went viral for dishes I’ve by no means even heard of!
61 Seafood Restaurant in Kajang went viral again in Nov 2022 because of influencer, Jenn Chia, who posted a video of the restaurant. In her video, she claimed that this humble restaurant had considered one of Malaysia’s greatest fish soups and clay pot fish!
Throughout my subsequent informal go to to the restaurant, I used to be shocked to see it filled with folks even queuing up with their households. After many months of disappointment, I lastly received a spot within the restaurant, desirous to attempt the dishes Jenn Chia advisable.
What I attempted at 61 Seafood Restaurant
My order was a mix of dishes I’d normally not attempt whereas sustaining a few of the classics. My order consisted of the 3 Wine Claypot Fish Soup (RM70), Signature Claypot Fish Rice (RM60), Assam Fish (RM55) and the ever-classic Omelette with Onions (RM15).
Now, technically, this was my 2nd time making an attempt the 3 Wine Claypot Fish Soup and I used to be mildly disenchanted as in comparison with after I first tried it. Throughout my first trial, I received the hype because the soup was extraordinarily flavourful and the fish was melting in my mouth. The soup had a mess of substances in it that gave its perfume and flavour such because the goji berry, chestnut and cabbage. Nevertheless, throughout my current go to, whereas the flavours have been nonetheless there, the soup fell to the sweeter aspect and it additionally lacked the tender fish meat.
Subsequent was the signature Claypot Fish Rice which truly is available in a set with the soup. Now, this dish nonetheless maintained the style from after I first tried it, fortunately! Claypot rice dishes tend to be salty at occasions and might be off-putting which was not the case for this dish. The sweetness of the fish completely complemented the saltiness of the rice. This dish can also be good for these with a low spice tolerance however nonetheless need flavourful dishes.
The Assam Fish, a timeless dish I’ve savoured since childhood, has constantly maintained its scrumptious flavour all through the years. The wealthy and creaminess of the sauce is simply good and by no means overpowering. Having this fish with plain white rice may assure you a brief second in heaven. (Is it clear that I’ve my biases?)
Last ideas
All in all, submit the viral impact, 61 Seafood Restaurant has nonetheless maintained its style for MOST of its dishes regardless of the slight hike in costs, however hey, that’s inflation. Is it definitely worth the drive to Kajang?
Undoubtedly! The realm surrounding the restaurant might sound a bit sketchy nevertheless it’s value it for those who get the yummy dishes within the restaurant. Let this be a reminder for all these households having their usual, boring dinner on daily basis that it’s OKAY to stray out of your routine orders each every now and then.
Professional tip: Regardless of the recognition of the restaurant, they solely settle for cashless fee for orders beneath RM50, so have your wads of money prepared.
