Nestled in the heart of Seremban at 1814 & 1816, Jalan Haruan 2, Restoran BSBH 包山包海 is a celebrated destination for Hakka cuisine lovers. Seremban, where approximately 65% of the Chinese population are Hakka descendants, boasts some of the most authentic Hakka flavors in Malaysia, and BSBH has become a culinary landmark for locals and tourists alike. During our visit, we indulged in an array of their signature dishes, each showcasing the robust and heartwarming flavors synonymous with Hakka heritage.
The Dishes We Tried
1. Rice with Lardy
A quintessential comfort dish, the Rice with Lardy featured steaming white rice drizzled with aromatic pork lard and topped with crispy lard bits. The simplicity of the dish highlighted the rich, smoky flavors of the rendered lard, creating a decadent experience with every spoonful. It’s a humble yet deeply satisfying dish.
2. Abacus
A traditional Hakka specialty, Abacus consists of yam “seeds” (similar to gnocchi) stir-fried with minced pork, dried shrimp, and mushrooms. The chewy yam pieces paired wonderfully with the savory and slightly umami-packed seasoning, making it a delightful dish for those who love hearty flavors.
3. Stew Pork Belly with Yam
Tender pork belly layers were braised with soft, buttery slices of yam, resulting in a dish that melts in your mouth. The savory and slightly sweet gravy infused the pork and yam with incredible depth, making this a standout dish.
4. Stew Pork Belly with Fungus
This dish offered a different twist to braised pork belly, with the inclusion of wood ear fungus. The fungus added a crunchy texture that contrasted well with the tender pork, while the rich, aromatic soy-based gravy tied everything together beautifully.
5. Private Cooking Ginger Duck
A Hakka specialty, this dish featured duck cooked with a generous amount of ginger, garlic, and scallions. The ginger lent a warming spiciness that complemented the earthy flavors of the duck. It was hearty and satisfying, perfect for a comforting meal.
6. Fried Hong Kong Lettuce
The simplicity of this dish was its charm. Crisp lettuce leaves were stir-fried with garlic, retaining their vibrant color and freshness. A light seasoning of soy sauce allowed the natural flavors of the vegetable to shine.
7. Hakka Stir-Fried King
This dish was a medley of noodles, eggs, and salted fish, stir-fried together with aromatic spices. The bold, umami-packed flavors made this a favorite, especially for those who enjoy the signature saltiness and fragrance of salted fish.
8. Fried Long Bean with Ikan Bilis and Diced Tofu
Crunchy long beans were stir-fried with crispy anchovies and diced tofu, resulting in a dish that was both savory and slightly nutty. The contrasting textures and the touch of saltiness from the ikan bilis made it a delightful side.
9. Lei Cha Ice Cream
To round off the meal, we tried their Lei Cha Ice Cream, a creative take on the traditional Hakka thunder tea rice. This dessert transformed the herbal, earthy flavors of Lei Cha into a creamy, refreshing ice cream, a surprising yet pleasant ending to the meal.
Restoran BSBH lives up to its reputation as a bastion of Hakka culinary traditions in Seremban. Each dish we tried reflected the authentic flavors and meticulous cooking techniques passed down through generations. Whether you’re a local looking to reconnect with heritage flavors or a tourist seeking an unforgettable culinary experience, BSBH is a must-visit.
