We literally put our brains on the table, tossing for a restaurant idea on New Year’s Day. Mom dukes didn’t want to hit that kitchen, so she is keeping the pots and pans where they don’t belong. Pantai Seafood Petaling Jaya is a course of action the brotherman revealed. It is tucked away considerably in Kampung Sungai Kayu Ara for better or for worse. The idea of a seafood restaurant in PJ seems far fetched as the distance between us and any legitimate sea town freshness is vast. Principally, you would have Klang, but that is a different adventure for you bubble blisters.
The Initial Seafood Experience
All parties on board voted for the brotherman to execute travel plans. His lady friend appeared at the gate as we were getting into the car, punctual as a puppy waiting to be fed. He dropped me, the old man and mom dukes at the doorstep of the restaurant. Optimally, we royaled our way through the main aisle and waited to be seated. Mom dukes sang her name to the sea urchins. They seated us and the menus and peanuts appeared all around. These folks had been here a few times. Time to explore.
Undoubtedly, the star attraction (aquarium) forged an incredible wall of blue, with myriad sea animals swimming about. The silver snappers glistened against the bright fluorescents and the gold Pomfrets begged not to be gutted. However, it all offered tranquility, especially the sound of running water. After a few shots, I made my way back to the table. Everyone tossed menus around for the order. Principally, I had to rely on those who had been here before. I let the brotherman take the lead, as his Petaling Jaya seafood tentacles served him well.
Although all of this seafood experience is different from the ones I experienced in Peru, where I spent the past two years, catering to everyone’s tastebuds is a delicate skill. So, understanding where everyone is coming from food-wise is direly important. Consequently, he proposed the steamed/ fried fish, the Thai style/ mango chicken (apparently a hit), sweet sour pork (for me as I have been craving the real deal) and a vegetarian claypot for the lady friend (her family practices vegetarianism on the 1st).
The Pantai Seafood Dishes
Evidently, the orders took a millennia to appear at the table due to the full capacity. People waited around as the seats to people ratio is what you would expect on New Year’s. The vegetarian claypot arrived first, wafting the aromas of clay cooked tofu in thick vegetarian mushroom sauce. The wood ear mushrooms provided the complimentary textures that you would expect. Generally, a potent punch of complex flavors.
Next on the arrivals, the Thai style/ mango chicken. Conflictingly, I have heard variations to what this dish is called. In Malaysia, this is generally Thai style as it provides the combination of sweet, savory, spicy and sour that you would expect. As far as this goes, there is a matter of personal preference when it comes to sweet. I however felt that the sweet element overpowered the dish a tad bit. Furthermore, a strange after taste lingered. The brotherman and I tried to ascertain what it was and came to the conclusion that there was an excess of baking soda used in the frying process. Having said that, I would still order this dish again.
Everyone agreed about the mediocrity of the last two dishes. Being fans of the no longer existing Sam You restaurant, which indeed served both these dishes to immaculate perfection, I requested them just to reminisce my young adulthood. However, they disappointed. The over-fried fish coated in soy sauce claiming to be a half-assed representation of simplicity drove home a strong point of not coming back here, especially for the fried stuff. The sweet sour pork, also over-fried, mere attempted to supplement the other dishes and not to shine on its own.
The Conclusion
Well, honestly, I guess all the hype about this spot is when you go in big. For the lobsters, the crabs, the pork legs, the ribs etc. But in my opinion, I still believe the smallest detail counts. You want to satisfy the range of clientele, not only your high bidders. Having said that, the wall of tranquility was still an important display of luxury. After settling the bill, the brotherman and his lady friend, Mom dukes, the old man and I stood in a reserved silence and watched nature displayed in captivity.
