If you’re a fan of bold, spicy broths and tender fish soaked in layers of flavour, you’ll want to mark Fish With You on your food map. Originally from China and now with over 2,500 outlets worldwide, this fast-casual sauerkraut fish chain has brought its fiery charm to Kepong, opening its second Malaysian outlet following the first in Starling Mall.
We dropped by the new Kepong branch recently to sample what makes this brand the world’s largest Chinese Sauerkraut Fish restaurant chain—and came away impressed, and just a little addicted to the numbing spice.
Signature Hot-Oil Suancai Fish
This is the undisputed star of the show. A bubbling pot arrives filled with tender fish slices swimming in a bright, oil-slicked broth enriched with pickled mustard greens (suancai). The fish was wonderfully soft, absorbing the sour-spicy soup beautifully, while the suancai added a tangy kick that danced on the tongue. But what sealed it was the hot oil poured tableside—an aromatic finish that delivered just enough heat without overwhelming the palate. The free-flow of white and black rice helped mellow the spice, and we found ourself going back for more than one bowl.
Pork Sliced Simmered in Classic Aromatic Spicy Soup
This dish was a warm, comforting surprise. The pork slices were silky and tender, coated in a deep red, sichuan-style broth rich with chilli oil and mala spices. It’s spicy, yes—but in a way that builds slowly. The broth had a lovely depth and was great for dipping your rice in. Definitely a dish for those who love bold flavours without losing balance.
Claypot Grilled Brinjal
If you’re looking for a veggie dish that doesn’t play second fiddle, this is it. The eggplant came in a sizzling claypot, soaked in a savoury-sweet soy-based sauce with garlic and minced meat. The eggplant was melt-in-your-mouth tender, its smokiness enhanced by the claypot’s heat. It’s one of those dishes that makes you forget you’re eating vegetables.
Claypot Stir Fry Chilli Pork
Think stir-fry but supercharged with aroma. The pork was stir-fried with a generous amount of chopped green and red chillies, garlic, and spring onions. Each bite had a smoky wok hei and a solid spicy kick—perfect with black rice. It was fragrant, fiery, and a definite must-order for those who love dry-style spicy stir-fries.
Pork Skewer
Simple but well-executed. These skewers were juicy, slightly charred, and seasoned with a sprinkle of cumin and chilli powder, reminiscent of classic Chinese street BBQ. It’s a great side dish to nibble on while waiting for your suancai fish to cool slightly.
“Fish With You” is more than just a trendy name—it’s a full-blown experience for spice and sour lovers. The restaurant stays true to its Chinese roots while adapting beautifully to Malaysian diners who enjoy robust flavours. The free-flow rice is a bonus, making the heat and spice far more manageable.
Whether you’re a suancai fish fan or a first-timer, this is one dining stop worth braving the heat (and the queue) for.
