‘Patin’ or silver catfish is the most-talkedabout freshwater fish in the east coast.
A visit to Pahang is never complete without tasting the savoury dishes prepared with the popular fish. RAJA NORAIN HIDAYAH RAJA ABDUL AZIZ shares the best recommended ‘patin’ dishes at top eateries in the state:
1. AKOB PATIN HOUSE
The number of branches owned by the restaurant in Kuantan, including in Putra Square, Indera Mahkota and Jalan Mahkota, is proof that business has been good. The restaurant offers crowd-favourite “ikan patin masak tempoyak” (“patin” in fermented durian paste) prepared from fish reared in cages in Sungai Pahang, and the high-quality wild “patin buah”.
The specialty of the “patin buah” fish is that its flesh is solid and does not become mushy when cooked. The fish is tasty, especially the head. Its meat is savoury and tender to the bite.
To ensure the durian paste smell is preserved, the owner uses only a small amount of turmeric powder.
Location: A2, Capitol Square, Lorong Hj Abdul Rahman 1, 25200 Kuantan.
Opening hours: 8am to 11pm
2. RESTORAN
JAMAN TORY RESEPI
The restaurant’s catchy slogan “Poh Paleh Sedak Weh”, which means superior or the best in Pahang dialect should entice curious customers to walk into the premises to check out what’s in store.
The most sought-after menu is “patin grilled in fermented durian paste”. The fish is coated with juicy “patin” sauce, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in aluminium foils.
The restaurant also offers the “patin” steam recipe, drizzled with soya sauce and eaten with white rice.
Besides “patin” offerings, the premises provides more than 20 dishes. Among the popular ones are “Juara Char Kuetiau”, “daging masak lemak cili api” and “ayam kampung sup”.
Location: A15, Jalan IM 2/3, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan.
Opening Hours: 12pm to 1am
3. RESTORAN MABIQ
MABIQ or Maahad Tahfiz Bahasa & Ilmu Al-Quran restaurant initially opened with the aim to provide affordable meals to students of religious schools.
However, as time passed, the premises gained in popularity. Among the top dishes include “patin pais tempoyak”, which is prepared using thick, rich and creamy “tempoyak” paste and wrapped in banana leaves. It is cooked over the fire before served hot to customers.
Priced between RM9 and RM11 each depending on size, the “patin” menu is certainly value for money.
Location: Lot 29738, Kampung Peramu, Tanjung Lumpur, 26060 Kuantan.
Opening hours: 11am to 4pm
4. PATIN CLAYPOT
One would be tempted by the aromatic smell of spicy fermented durian paste gravy in claypot served with white rice.
Compared with other places that serve “tempoyak” dishes in a bowl, this restaurant wants customers to enjoy the fish while it is boiling hot.
Customers who do not want to eat “patin” cooked with fermented durian paste can choose other dishes, including chili-fried “patin” and mouth-watering recipes that use freshwater fish as the main ingredient.
Location: No. 62 Persiaran 1, Damai Court, 28000 Temerloh.
Opening hours: 11am to 6pm
5. GO’BANG MAJU PATIN
TEMPOYAK
The restaurant can be described as the “patin landmark” of Temerloh as most visitors to the town will never miss an opportunity to savour “ikan patin” dishes.
Its uniqueness is that the owner uses “tempoyak” from high-quality durians to ensure its authentic taste.
Customers can enjoy five patin-based recipes here, namely “patin” cooked in fermented durian paste, grilled in fermented durian paste, cooked with “air asam” (sour sauce), “asam pedas” dishes and fried “patin”.
Location: Jalan Triang, 28000 Temerloh.
Opening hours: 11am to 10pm
6. KANCIL RAJA PATIN
This restaurant facing Sungai Pahang is a top choice in Temerloh as customers can enjoy ikan “patin” meals with a view.
The top-choice menu has to be “pais patin”, which is cooked using 13 types of herbs and “ulam” (salad). It has been described as a secret family recipe.
The tasty and fermented durian paste served at the premises has made the outlet a household name. Celebrities are among its loyal customers.
The newly introduced “patin penyet” dish, comprising a fried “patin”, “tempeh” and “sambal belacan” offered at RM7 each, is another crowd-puller, especially for those who do not prefer “patin” dishes with gravy.
Location: No. 54, C119, Kampung Bangau, 28000 Temerloh.
Opening hours: 11am to 5pm
7. PATIN PAK USOP
Located at the Temerloh Municipal Council outlet, the premises is among the first in the district to offer “patin” dishes prepared from fermented durian paste.
“Gulai patin tempoyak” is the most popular dish as it is prepared based on a family recipe that is handed down from generations.
Usually, the owner will cook 80kg of “patin” fish a day in two woks.
The first wok will be emptied within one hour, while the second will last less than two hours.
Location: B12, Arked MPT, Lurah Semantan, 28000 Temerloh.
Opening hours: 12pm to 5pm
8. RESTORAN IMA
Despite making headlines for the wrong reason after a whopping bill that went viral several years ago, the premises continues to receive a steady stream of customers.
Many describe the charges as reasonable and the prices of “patin” dishes will not exceed a certain limit due to stiff competition.
The outlet offers menus prepared from freshwater fish.
It has a strong following for “patin” cooked in fermented durian paste and grilled in fermented durian.
Location: No. 11, Jalan Sudirman 2, 28000 Temerloh.
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm