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This isn’t me stereotyping, instead, it’s me making a statement as an Indian myself. As an Indian in Malaysia, when you visit a Chinese seafood restaurant for one of those “big family dinners”, chances are, we’ve probably had the same menu.
There’s a fish item, probably assam or sweet & sour, a vege, omelette, tofu and a chicken dish as well. Tell me, am I in the ballpark? So, imagine my surprise when a restaurant I’ve been visiting for ages went viral for dishes I’ve never even heard of!
61 Seafood Restaurant in Kajang went viral back in Nov 2022 thanks to influencer, Jenn Chia, who posted a video of the restaurant. In her video, she claimed that this humble restaurant had one of Malaysia’s best fish soups and clay pot fish!
During my next casual visit to the restaurant, I was surprised to see it packed with people even queuing up with their families. After many months of disappointment, I finally got a place in the restaurant, eager to try the dishes Jenn Chia recommended.
What I tried at 61 Seafood Restaurant
My order was a mixture of dishes I’d usually not try while maintaining some of the classics. My order consisted of the 3 Wine Claypot Fish Soup (RM70), Signature Claypot Fish Rice (RM60), Assam Fish (RM55) and the ever-classic Omelette with Onions (RM15).
Now, technically, this was my 2nd time trying the 3 Wine Claypot Fish Soup and I was mildly disappointed as compared to when I first tried it. During my first trial, I got the hype as the soup was extremely flavourful and the fish was melting in my mouth. The soup had a multitude of ingredients in it that gave its fragrance and flavour such as the goji berry, chestnut and cabbage. However, during my recent visit, while the flavours were still there, the soup fell to the sweeter side and it also lacked the tender fish meat.
Galah Gala Seafood Restaurant serves halal sang har noodles & other Chinese-style seafood dishes
Next was the signature Claypot Fish Rice which actually comes in a set with the soup. Now, this dish still maintained the taste from when I first tried it, thankfully! Claypot rice dishes have a tendency to be salty at times and can be off-putting which was not the case for this dish. The sweetness of the fish perfectly complemented the saltiness of the rice. This dish is also perfect for those with a low spice tolerance but still want flavourful dishes.
The Assam Fish, a timeless dish I have savoured since childhood, has consistently maintained its delicious flavour throughout the years. The rich and creaminess of the sauce is just perfect and never overpowering. Having this fish with plain white rice could guarantee you a temporary moment in heaven. (Is it clear that I have my biases?)
Final thoughts
All in all, post the viral effect, 61 Seafood Restaurant has still maintained its taste for MOST of its dishes despite the slight hike in prices, but hey, that’s inflation. Is it worth the drive to Kajang?
Definitely! The area surrounding the restaurant might seem a little sketchy but it’s worth it if you get the yummy dishes in the restaurant. Let this be a reminder for all those families having their same old, boring dinner every day that it’s OKAY to stray from your routine orders every once in a while.
Pro tip: Despite the popularity of the restaurant, they only accept cashless payment for orders below RM50, so have your wads of cash ready.
Expected damage: RM40 to RM50 per pax
Hon Kee Porridge: Serving fresh raw fish porridge in Petaling Street since 1949
