OCEAN SEAFOOD REELS IN THE CROWD

These were the critters that caught our eyes in FB with pixs of their roe-laden chunks. Crab fiends (there's a few in every family and foodie gang) wouldn't want to pass up on the chance to savour the crabs which are served at Ocean Seafood restaurant in Kota Kemuning.

Billed as Signature Crabs in Superior Soup (RM15-RM68 depending on crab size; XXL at RM90/kg), the crabs' natural flavour melded well with the punchy Chinese yellow wine used to cook them. After the first sip, you'd be wanting more.

Scallops, squid and prawns were some of the treasures we dug up from the plate of Seafood Fried Rice on our visit to Ocean Seafood Restaurant in Kota Kemuning. There were wispy bits of fried egg and crab meat hugging the rice so my teen almost hogged the entire serving to herself. Obviously it had passed her taste test.

As odd as it may sound, the Salted Egg Tofu was the day's show-stealer at this no-frills seafood resto. Both adults and kids tussled over the tasty pieces which had egg tofu speckled with chopped carrot, spring onion and wood ear fungus deep-fried in a light, moist coating of crumbly salted egg. A dish worth returning for.

The unassuming looking Signature Claypot Steamed Snapper (RM18-small, RM25-medium, RM28-large) is a notable choice when you dine here. Our order came sizzling hot to the table with the aroma of Chinese wine wafting up to leave us drooling. Sweetish sliced onion, fresh coriander and light soya sauce enhanced the inherent sweetness of the fish. Scrumptious!

We also like the well-rounded, slightly caramelised tangy-savoury notes that fully suffused the Assam Prawns (RM18). Very appetising indeed.

Its closest rival has to be Sambal Petai Squid (RM18), a speciality that calls for plain rice to capture the resultant bright, zingy heat and strong accents. The chunky pieces of squid coupled with the crunchy okra and stinkbeans were delightful especially for those of us who relished such robustly flavoured offerings.

Ocean Seafood also serves crabs prepared in a variety of ways including White Pepper Ginger Scallion Crabs. The white pepper overtone was surprisingly assertive, augmented by the warm biting nuance of ginger. Certain preparations such as steamed with egg, stir-fried with dried chilli or salted egg would require an additional charge. The resto sometimes run special promotional packages with crabs so it's best to call ahead prior to your visit.

Tiny silver fish lent crunch to our dish of Scallops with Sweet Beans in XO Sauce (RM18). After the surfeit of seafood, the toothsome beans were partaken with much enthusiasm.

Although the resto wasn't air-conditioned, the ceiling fans are adequate enough to keep the heat at bay. We reckon evenings should be slightly cooler. From the number of tables and chairs set aside, this second branch of Ocean Seafood is slowly but surely drawing in its own following after the success of its original brethen in Puchong.

For reservations, call OCEAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, tel:  016-245 1369, 010-221 0188, 012-220 8898 or 012-381 5703. Address: No.2, Jalan Anggerik Vanilla 31/AF, Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, Selangor

HEAR YE, HEAR YE...LEND ME YOUR VOTES

 

Hear ye, hear ye! The good folks from Saleduck has nominated me for the inaugural Food Blogger Award. Wow! I'm tickled but heck, it's an opportunity I can't refuse. I guess there's always a first time for everything right?

A screenshot of the voting page in Saleduck

Now, it seems the blogger who gets the most votes wins. I'm up against some really heavyweights (no pun intended) yo! If you've enjoyed reading my blogposts, I'd love your support. Go to the Saleduck webpage where YOU can vote for me...or other food bloggers of your choice. LOL...all's fair in love and online voting!

Thank you in advance for your support! Have a good week ahead.

SOUPY SERVINGS OF MR FISH FISHHEAD NOODLE

Only the Chinese wouldn't bat an eyelid at eating fish head - something most people may consider weird and bizarre. Hence it should come as no surprise eateries specialising in fish head noodles should thrive in our local food scene. 

 

 

One such restaurant is Mr Fish Fishhead Noodle Restaurant in Damansara Kim, where discerning fish head noodle fans will readily stumped up for a taste of the Fried Tiger Grouper Fish Head Noodles (seasonal price). During our visit, we tried the equally agreeable Fried Barramundi Fish Head in Traditional Milky Soup (top pix, RM11.90). Tomato wedges, strips of salted vege (hum choi) and ginger piled on the nuances and textural interest to the soupy ensemble.  

Opened in December 2014, owner Khoo Yong Hian revealed his shop features his mom-in-law's fish noodles, fish paste and rojak sauce recipes. Fresh fish supply is trucked down from Butterworth so as far as premium fish heads go, the variety changes depending on market availability.

While waiting for your fishhead noodles to arrive, try some of the side dishes available. The chunks of local fruit and shards of fried cracker tossed in dark, sticky har kou (prawn paste) dressing and sprinkled with crushed peanuts and sesame seeds for its Rojak passed muster. Personally I'd like more savoury depth to the sauce which means adding more belacan to the equation.

Despite my disinclination towards soup and porridge, the clear sweetness from the house speciality of Teochew Porridge with Grouper Fish Fillet (RM15.90) won me over. Simple and basic, you can't really go too far wrong with this humble dish.

The one speciality worth returning for is Chicken Karaage (RM12.90). Made from succulent boneless chicken thigh meat, the crisply battered balls were delightful and came close to rivalling those found at Japanese restos.

Lightly creamy with piquant spice accents, the curry broth from the Fried Norway Salmon Fishhead in Curry (RM12.90) was better than we had anticipated. Fried minced garlic and long beans gave the noodle additional flair so it got the thumbs up from our dining party.

Purists who prefer to eschew milk in their fishhead noodles should find ample succour in the Fried Grouper Fish Fillet in Traditional Clear Soup (RM15.90). You can also add fish paste and fish blubber at extra charge. Our main pet peeve here is the lukewarm broth which failed to amplify the inherent sweetness of the fish. 

We weren't too big on the Crispy Prawn Fritter (RM5.90–3 pcs, RM8.90–5 pcs) either as I'm too spoiled by good homemade versions. The ones served at the resto were hard and dry instead of being light, airy and pouffy crisp.

  

For those who crave for rice, fret not. Sample the Curry Fish Fillet Rice (RM16.90) with a choice of different fishes available. It tastes similar to the curry broth we had earlier but the owner told us it was a different recipe. Also additional ingredients such as fish maw, fish paste and spinach can be ordered separately starting from RM6 onwards.

Ambiance-wise, the pragmatically furnished resto is air-conditioned so you can dine in comfort. Several wall murals rendered by a local artist give the place a cheery, casual feel. 

For reservations, call Mr Fish Fishhead Noodle Restaurant, tel: 012-883 1698 (Maggie) or 012-602 9878 (Khoo). Address: 45, Jalan SS20/11, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya Selangor. Business hours: Daily 9.30am-3.30pm; 5.30pm- 9pm except on Tuesday.