Food@Melaka – Western Seafood at Simply Fish

February 12th, 2007

Personally, I’m quite particular (or choosy) about fish dishes. On top of my choosey list is my objection on fresh water fish. I hardly eat fresh water fish dishes. Even when I come across it in dining table, I will either take only a bite or don’t take it at all Undeniably, fresh water fish doesn’t taste as nice as oceanic catches.

Due to my choosiness in fishes, it’s quite hard for me to find a seafood restaurant that I enjoy. In terms of western seafood cooking, I like the Manhattan Fish Market, which has plenty of branches in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya.

Currently, there’s no Manhattan Fish Market in Melaka; but, there’s a smalls-scale alternative – Simply Fish at Melaka Raya.

Simply Fish

The first time I came across Simply Fish restaurant, was at least 3 years ago. To date, my girlfriend and I have been dining there a couple of times, as we did enjoy the meals there 3 years ago, and still do now.

Mainly Fish

As the restaurant’s name suggests, Simply Fish’s menu is mainly made up of fish dishes. Comparing to Manhattan Fish Market, Simply Fish doesn’t offer as much varieties of cooking style and dishes. But, the menu items offered are all satisfyingly tasted.

My all time favorite at Simply Fish is the Ocean Supreme, which is a seafood platter of prawns, sliced fish, deep fried squids, French fries, and rice. Ocean Supreme comes with 2 choices of portion – small for 1 person and big for 2 persons.

Ocean Supreme for 2 persons

Some people might find the portion of small Ocean Supreme to be over-sized for 1 person consumption. Personally, I find it just nice.

However, I think Simply Fish should reconsider their supply of prawns. Frankly, the prawns served have never given me a truly enjoying experience. Personally, I don’t find them fresh enough, or I’m too choosey being flattered with fresh catches at home.

In terms of dish of purely fish, I prefer the Marina Fish. The cooking style is conventional, and it’s just nice for a non-adventurous taste bud exercise. Due to the mayonnaise topping, the Marina Fish has mild sour taste.

If you would like to try a spicy dish, Fire Bites is for you. In most of the western restaurants, spicy dishes are not really hot enough; some are too mild in fact. However, the Fire Bites at Simply Fish is localized with Malaysian’s style of spiciness, and it tasted adequately hot.

Of course, that’s not all about the fish dishes. There are also other choices like Pan Grilled Cod Fish and the traditional Fish and Chips. Based on my previous experience, the Pan Grilled Cod Fish served was quite filling; but personally, I don’t really like to have sourly mayonnaise on top of the grilled meat.

For oyster lovers, there are also a few oyster dishes for you. I’ve tried the Fried Oyster before. For the price I paid, the oysters served were decently big. Just top a little bit of pepper on the fried oyster, and go ahead enjoying your meal.

However, not everyone enjoys oyster though, especially the big ones. It takes skills in serving the big oysters, as they will be tasted yucky if served excessively juicy. The fried oysters at Simply Fish are satisfyingly edible, but not the best I’ve tried though.

For your information, the cheese oyster at Jogoya Starhill has given me a positively memorable experience.

Fair Pricing

For the types of dishes served, the menu items are fairly priced. Though not considered cheap, but they are within acceptable range for a western seafood meal. Usually, my girlfriend and I are billed for about RM50 there.

Dining Environment

Simply Fish is offering 2 types of dining areas – air-conditioned non-smoking area, and open air area for smokers.

In general, the dining environment is clean and comfortable. They have friendly waitresses too. Quite a few times, I was also being asked for comments after having my meal.

Not a Supper Place

Simply Fish is not a place for late supper though. Once, I went there at 10.30pm, and the restaurant was closing.

No Credit Card Terminal

Contrary to general belief that air-conditioned restaurants should accept credit card, but this is an exception at Simply Fish. I still remember once, that I didn’t have sufficient cash in my wallet, but went into Simply Fish anyway, thinking of paying the bill with credit card. But, guess what, I was told that they don’t provide credit card facility hehe. Luckily there’s a Maybank just opposite the restaurant.

Halal?

I have no idea if Simply Fish is certified as Halal restaurant. However, all I’m sure, it’s a pork-free restaurant. There’s Malay waitress, and I easily see some Malays dining at Simply Fish as well.

Location

OK, now the usual question – “Where is Simply Fish located?”

Simply Fish is located at Jalan Melaka Raya 1. Coming from Ujong Pasir, Jalan Melaka Raya 1 is the last left turning street of Jalan Merdeka. At the corner, you will see Affin Bank. Besides, Simply Fish is also opposite the Maybank of Melaka Raya.

By the way, Jason Lioh also wanted to blog about this restaurant, but too bad he lost the batch of photos.

Related Previous Posts

• Food@Melaka – Yong Tau Foo at Malim Jaya
• Food@Melaka – Cosmo Noodle Bar at Melaka Raya
• Food@Melaka – Italian Foods at Coconut House
• The Scenes of Fishing Village at Muara Sungai Duyung
• Food@Melaka - Dutch Harbour Cafe

Entry Filed under: Foods

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