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You know what they say about mending a broken heart: there are plenty of fish in the sea. I like mine served fresh, straight from the ocean and onto a bed of Japanese rice, with a little soy sauce and wasabi on the side. If that sounds like your kind of comfort food, Shinmatto Fish Market at Bangunan Mun Nang in Pudu is worth adding to your list.
Shinmatto has been getting quite a bit of attention lately, particularly among sashimi enthusiasts, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself waiting for a table. My little tip is to visit between 5pm and 6pm, when the crowd tends to be more manageable.
Once you arrive, the staff will give you a queue number. When it’s your turn, place your order at the kiosk, collect your table number and make yourself comfortable while they bring your food over.
What to order at Shinmatto
There’s a fair bit to choose from here, including fresh fish, clams, uni and prawns. Seasonal fish selections are also available, so do check with the staff to see what’s in stock. For our visit, we decided to stick to the regular menu.
We started with the Shinmatto Don (RM32), their signature bowl of hamachi, salmon and yuko tai sashimi served over steamed Japanese rice, with wasabi, pickled ginger, ebiko and a sprinkle of chopped turmeric leaves.
The first thing I noticed was how fresh the fish tasted. Each had its own character, although the yuko tai (sea bream) was probably my favourite of the three for its clean, delicate sweetness. The hamachi (yellowtail) had a little more flavour while remaining pleasantly clean, whereas the salmon was decent but didn’t quite stand out as much as the other cuts.
Surprisingly, I found myself paying just as much attention to the rice. It was soft, fluffy and nicely seasoned, to the point where I wouldn’t mind eating it on its own. The wasabi was also pleasant, without being too overpowering. Soy sauce and green tea are available free-flow at the self-service station, too.
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Next was the Tekka Ebi Don (RM33), which comes with raw akami (lean bluefin tuna) and amaebi (sweet shrimp). I’ll admit that I’m usually not too fond of lean tuna, as I sometimes find its fishiness a little distracting. I’m generally more inclined towards fatty tuna, so I wasn’t expecting much going into this bowl.
Well, I stand corrected. This was genuinely some of the best lean tuna I’ve tasted, even compared to a few more established sashimi restaurants I’ve visited (not naming names, soz). It had a lovely firm yet tender texture, was pleasantly juicy and carried just a subtle taste of the ocean without the fishiness I usually associate with it.
The amaebi was another favourite. Fatty, tender and naturally sweet, it was every bit as enjoyable as the sea bream from our first bowl. Between the two, I honestly had a hard time picking a favourite.
As for the portions, they’re not particularly generous, but considering the prices, I wouldn’t say they’re unreasonable either. Plus, there were much cheaper options than what we ordered. We were surprisingly comfortable after the meal, and my dining companion couldn’t even finish her rice, so it was enough for us.
Who is Shinmatto best for?
Sashimi lovers who enjoy fresh seafood without spending too much will appreciate the selection here. Just note that the dining area is rather compact, which might not be the most comfortable for older diners.
How to get there?
Driving is your best option, as there’s no convenient public transport nearby. Parking is available, but spaces can fill up quickly during peak hours.
Do we recommend Shinmatto?
I’d say it’s worth a visit if you’re in the mood for sashimi. The freshness was consistent across the bowls we tried, and the akami and amaebi were particularly memorable. I also like that there’s a selection of seasonal fish to look forward to, giving me a reason to see what’s available on another visit. It’s not a particularly fancy dining experience, but sometimes all you really want is a good bowl of fresh seafood and rice.
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