Malaysians love food, and one of the many things that’s a staple in this country is non-other than seafood. No matter where you are, whether up north in Penang or down south in Johor, you’ll find classics and different iterations of beloved seafood dishes. Over here in the Klang Valley, we too, are spoiled for choice when it concerns seafood restaurants. And whether you’re looking for an upscale setting or something more low-key, we’ve got it all on our list.
1. Crab Meet by Tak Fook, Aman Suria
As its name suggests, Crab Meet specialises in all things crab and then some. Particularly drawn to mud crabs, you can have all the saucy staples you can think of — from barbecue and chilli to butter and salted egg, they’ve got them all and more. The best part of all, this establishment is probably one of the very few affordable places you can satisfy your cravings at.
Must-order: Hum Sup Crab (with a side of mantao buns), Crab Lala Meehoon, Salted Egg Crabs with Yam
Address: 20 & 22, Jalan BM 1/2, Taman Bukit Mayang Emas, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +6017 399 8839
2. The Lankan Crabs, Bangsar
A trip here will leave your tastebuds tantalised and have your mouth spreading the word about how flavourful every single dish at The Lankan Crabs is. The crabs here are fresh, and there are two options to go forth with: medium size order, which is made up of two crabs weighing between 400 to 500 grams each, or an XXL order — two crabs at a whopping 650 to 700 grams each. Don’t come here alone if you want to taste more than just one dish of the many authentic Sri Lankan recipes. There are three curries to choose from, and our personal favourite is the Jaffna.
Must-order: Negombo Crab, Jaffna Prawns, Chicken Biryani
Address: 4, Jalan Kemuja, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2201 0128
3. Ceylon Crab House, Bangsar
Tucked away inside Bangsar Shopping Centre, it’s easy to miss Ceylon Crab House if you don’t know what you’re looking for, but this is the place to go if you want to enjoy laid-back al fresco dining. Expect the usual Sri Lankan fare and a word of warning to those with a more bland palette: no holding back of spices here, which is just the way we like it. There’s even Sri Lankan beer to pair with your meal!
Must-order: Signature Sothi Crab, Devilled Chicken, Mutton Paal Poriyal
Address: Lot G1 Ground floor Bangsar Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2011 6882
4. Fatty Crab, Taman Megah
Talk about crabs, and the words Fatty Crab is sure to roll off someone’s tongue, and rightfully so, as this restaurant in Petaling Jaya has consistently served some of the best crab and seafood dishes for decades in the Klang Valley. There are 10 crab dishes to select from, and each one is sure to hit the spot. While you’re there, sample other seafood offerings, and you’d do well to time your visit as it can get pretty packed.
Must-order: Fiery Black Pepper Crab, Milky Melt Prawn, Chili Lala
Address: 2, Jalan SS 24/13, Taman Megah, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +603 7804 5758
5. ALIYAA, Damansara Heights
Another Sri Lankan spot that serves mouthwatering crab dishes and then some, ALIYAA is situated in the upscale neighbourhood of Damansara Heights. Dining here is truly a delight for the tastebuds, with each dish painstakingly cooked to absolute perfection. While every single order will take you on a wild culinary ride, a few from the menu are absolute must-tries, including main and dessert dishes. We promise, they weren’t awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for nothing!
Must-order: Jaffna Style Crab Meat, Negombo Tiger Prawns, Okra in Paal Curry, Sweet Appam
Address: No 48 G&M, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6017 883 3738
6. Mei Keng Fatt, Ampang
It’s not just residents of Ampang that love Mei Keng Fatt, but it’s safe to say that any KL-ite who is a true foodie has a soft spot for this seafood restaurant. Having been around for decades, it’s been able to do one thing that some restaurants just can’t —deliver consistent quality in their dishes. Find your usual crab and seafood options here, and for those who aren’t feeling creatures of the sea, give their other meat offerings a go.
Must-order: Wet Black Pepper Crab, Crispy Indonesian Chicken, Orange Peel Ostrich Meat
Address: No 1, Lorong Awan 6, Kuala Ampang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Contact: +603 4256 6491
7. South Sea Seafood, Shah Alam
Many have heard of South Sea; and if you haven’t, it’s probably because you’re already a loyal customer. Located near the Subang airport, this is the place to go for all things sea-food in this part of town! Slightly on the steeper side of pricing, many flock here for special occasions and group dinners.
The setting is airy and comfortable, making it the perfect place to spend the evening hacking away for some crab meat. If you really want to splurge on seafood, order some of their lobster dishes too!
Must-order: Stir Fried Crab, Creamy Butter Crab, Salted Egg Squid, Deep Fried Prawn, Sizzling Venison
Address: 229, Jalan Dua A, U 5, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor
Contact: +603 7846 5813
