Lala Chong Seafood Restaurant (Kayu Ara)

Come for a scrumptious seafood feast that's guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's face. The Crabs (from RM88 per kg) are a must-try, with the Kam Heong and Butter being the crowd-favourite styles. Don't forget an order of Fried Mantao (RM4) with this to mop up all the sauce! Other yummy plates to share are the Steamed Talapia (from RM40) and the Clams In Superior Soup (from RM20). Pro tip: Order some Satay (from RM1.50) from the stall at the entrance to snack on before the main event.
Photo by Burppler Thokoh Makan

Crabs were super huge and super-satisfying. We ordered two crabs (RM88/kg)  to feed five. The kam heong sauce was fragrant - we detected the addition of bunga kantan, which really elevated the dish. The sauce goes well with rice.

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Clams though small, were succulent and fresh - which is key for a good lala soup. We loved the ginger and peppery highlights of the soup.

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Fish was fresh and cooked just nice, so flesh was tender. The broth is light and healthy with the perfect balance of sourness, savoury and sweetness.

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One of the best things to do on a Friday night in my opinion includes eating this plate of sweet sour crab with a side of buns to dip it with. I generally don’t really use my hands to eat but this required me to wash my hands in order to savour this completely. I am dreaming of it already 😍

Tuck into fresh seafood flavoured with precision at this restaurant deep within the older parts of Kayu Ara. The outdoor space is sprawling with red-clothed round tables, all the better to fit you and a group of friends on a busy weekend. Come for the Special La La Soup (clams in superior soup, RM18), the shellfish is often cited for juicy flesh while the soup is redolent of spicy ginger. Try also the Stir-Fried Green Dragon With Cuttlefish (RM15). The seasonally available vegetable resembles leek, and its sweet aftertaste pairs well with the savoury dried rolls of cuttlefish. When you're done with those, get your hands dirty with the Chilli Crabs (from RM40), doused in a finger-licking sauce that's best mopped up with some Deep-Fried Mantou (RM10 for six). We can't think of anything better to go with the messy seafood feast than cold beer, so order a round (from RM8 a bottle)!
Avg price per person: RM25
Recommended for: 8-12 pax
Photo by Burppler Nicholas Wong