Towards one end of Jalan Keris, in Taman Sri Tebrau (大马花园 / Dai Mah Garden) at an intersection with Jalan Rentaka, is Seng Steam Fish Restaurant (成蒸鱼与肉骨茶餐馆) that only locals will know. The restaurant is popular for its signature steamed fish dishes and bak kut teh (pork ribs soup) among others. It may be a small zi char restaurant, but never judge it by its look, it is the tastes of the food that counts.
The restaurant’s main menu, with 14 of its recommended dishes, is mounted on one wall. Most of the dishes are of steamed or fried fish and seafood. There are also pork meat roll, bak kut teh, dong po pork belly meat (东坡肉), braised beancurd, stir-fried vegetables, chicken and other dishes that are not shown.
The most popular dishes of Seng Steam Fish are their signature deep-fried fish (炸鱼), bak kut teh (肉骨茶), qing long cai (青龙菜) and a platter dish of pickled Chinese mustard (梅菜), braised beancurd and dong po meat (东坡肉) in small servings — we aimed for most of the best-sellers on the first visit.
Their signature deep-fried fish (炸鱼) — No. 1 on the menu — uses any fish available for the day and is de-boned and fried till crispy. The chunky fillet is served in Thai-style sweet-spicy sauce and topped with mayonnaise. After finishing the meat, the crispy skin at the bottom is the best part of the whole dish. This dish is a must to go for.
The small-size bak kut teh (肉骨茶) has 4 pieces of short ribs in a claypot of light-herbal dark broth garnished with coriander. It is truly pork ribs soup without adding other ingredients typical of Malaysian-style bak kut teh. The meaty pork ribs are very tender and the broth is flavourful. Really delicious.
The stir-fried qing long cai (青龙菜), also known as Chinese garlic chives or royale chives, with garlic has natural and pleasant sweet-savoury taste. It is non-oily and definitely a healthier option.
Seng Steam Fish is always crowded on weekends and during lunch time on weekdays and most of their popular dishes may sold out before mid-day — aim to be there earlier rather than around lunch time.
Address:
100, Jalan Keris, Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
9am to 2pm (Sunday starts at 8:30am) | Closed on Monday
How to Get There:
From JB Sentral, take BAS.MY J11 / J15 / J20 / J22 to Crystal Crown Hotel or CT1 to Jalan Keris. Read: JB Bus: To Taman Pelangi & Dai Mah Garden.
Nearby:
More @ Taman Sri Tebrau:
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