Airflown oysters. Fresh fish. Live lobsters. All add up to an amazing spread, writes Tan Bee Hong
YOU can’t miss it. Just a hop from Bangsar LRT station in Kuala Lumpur, the bright blue awning of Southern Rock Seafood is hard to miss. At one end is the fishmonger where you can buy fresh fish, oysters, live crabs and lobsters.
The restaurant is huge, with al fresco seating as well as the air-conditioned interior.
MOLLUSCS
Displayed on one counter are fresh oysters on beds of ice. Just pick and get them shucked. If you can’t decide, Kitchen Dozen Oysters (RM188) is a great way to sample variety. The oysters come from Ireland, France and Holland to Australia and New Zealand.
Of particular note are the Irish Gallegher Specials, grown in Donegal, where the clean, cool water results in plump, juicy oysters with a distinct flavour.
For oyster shooters (RM15 each), the oyster is left in a half shell, not drowned in the cocktail of tomato juice, tabasco and worchestershire sauce.
There’s a trio of appetisers not on the menu but do ask for Ponzu Soba Noodles and Barramundi, Smoked Salmon with Goat Cheese and Semi-Naked Cloudy Bay Diamond Shell Clam.
Scallop sashimi, with shoyu and wasabi, is also available.
BIG MUSSELS
On the menu, one item pops out. Laksa? Boston Bay blue mussels in Legendary Laksa (from RM56) sound irresistible and they are. I find myself scooping and literally drinking the mildly hot gravy which is scented and sweetened with the juices of the fat mussels. Served with bread, fried potato and red pepper mayonnaise.
Mussels in laksa gravy is also available with angel hair pasta (RM36). A perfect combination and so satisfying.
FISH IS FINE
If you prefer it milder, Cullen Skink (RM30) is a hearty, creamy Scottish soup bursting with the flavour of smoked haddock and leeks.
I’d be quite contented to have this and a plate of herring matjes (RM38). The mildly marinated herring is served with chopped onion and sundried tomato.
Southern Rock has an impressive list of fish dishes. Check the Catch Of The Day on the board for grilled fish. Your only problem is deciding what to order; unfortunately, the substantial portions discourage ordering two.
My favourite is alfonsino with arugula salad and smoked cod croquette and with pea puree (RM66). It runs head to head with the barramundi with squid ink pasta and pot roasted vegetables (RM88).
Sadly, the lemon sole a la meuniere (RM66) comes with a blanket of capers which does not do the delicate fish any favours. And do watch out for bones.
Southern Rock Seafood
WHERE: 32-34 Jalan Kemuja, off Jalan Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
TEL: 03-2856 2016 or 012-385 0266
OPENING HOURS: Daily 10am to 10pm
GETTING THERE: Behind Bangsar LRT station. Look out for blue awning
WHAT’S COOKING: Seafood
MUST TRY: Legendary Laksa
YOU’LL PAY: Weekday set lunch of seafood chowder and main course (RM28)
ATMOSPHERE: Pleasant
SERVICE: With a smile
OVERALL VERDICT: Go give it a try