In the lead-up to the unveiling of the full restaurant selection for the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2024, the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand awards have already created a buzz. Among the stellar establishments recognized is the much-lauded Dancing Fish, a Malay-Indo Cuisines gem nestled in the heart of Bangsar Shopping Center. Celebrating its second consecutive year of receiving the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand awards, Dancing Fish is proving that its commitment to culinary excellence is unwavering.
Signature Dishes that Dazzle: A Gastronomic Journey
In our recent visit to Dancing Fish, we embarked on a culinary adventure, savoring the restaurant’s signature dishes that have earned them the Bib Gourmand accolade. The journey began with the tantalizing Appetiser Platter, an ensemble featuring charcoal-grilled Chicken Satay, hearty Peeps Goreng Sambal Match, refreshing Salad Mangga Mangga, and irresistible Cumi-Cumi Goreng.
– Chicken Satay: The skewers were perfectly grilled, offering a smoky flavor that complemented the tender chicken. The accompanying sauce added a delightful balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
– Peeps Goreng Sambal Match: A delightful combination of crispy peeps with a spicy sambal match, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
– Salad Mangga Mangga: The freshness of mango in this salad was invigorating, providing a perfect palate cleanser between the richer dishes.
– Cumi-Cumi Goreng: The deep-fried calamari was golden and crispy, with a tender interior. A delightful treat for seafood lovers.
The other dish star was the Soft Shell Crab Kerabu Asam Laksa, a harmonious marriage of deep-fried soft shell crab, vibrant pomegranate crunch, fresh herbs, and vegetables. The combination of crispy soft shell crab and the vibrant crunch of pomegranate, along with the freshness of herbs and vegetables, created a symphony of flavors.
Moving on to the main event, Dancing Fish showcased its eponymous masterpiece—a deep-fried Ikan Nila, golden and crispy, fresh from the tank. The elegant presentation mimicking the fish’s graceful movements added an artistic touch to the dining experience. The fish was deep-fried to golden crispy perfection, allowing diners to savor every bit, even down to the crunch of the bones. The presentation reflected the grace of its namesake.
Diners can relish every aspect of the fish, from its crispy exterior to the delicate crunch of the bones. The dish is complemented by three delightful side options of Sambal Dabu Abu: The traditional salsa sauce from Manado, Indonesia, added a spicy kick that enhanced the overall flavor profile of the dish, Mango Kerabu: The homemade salsa sauce made of young mango and fresh herbs provided a refreshing and tangy contrast to the richness of the fish and/or Sambal Kedondong: The Javanese tangy chili paste with ambarella fruit offered a unique and zesty flavor that complemented the Dancing Fish perfectly.
Another piscatorial delight we indulged in was the Cabe Taucu Pedas—Ikan Seabass served with a fiery combination of deep-fried dried chili, bean paste, coriander seed, peanuts, garlic, and spring onion. The grilled Seabass was elevated with the fiery blend of spices, providing a perfect balance of spiciness and depth that enhanced the natural flavors of the fish.
For those craving a land-based culinary adventure, Dancing Fish did not disappoint. The Percik Merah with Rujak Sauce featured succulently marinated chicken in a blend of signature red percik sauces, aromatic herbs, and spices, served with their house raja sauce. The chicken, marinated to perfection, showcased the restaurant’s expertise in combining flavors. The rujak sauce added a sweet and savory dimension to the dish.
Meanwhile, the Lamb Shank Bakar with Rendang Gravy showcased tender, succulent lamb shank, expertly grilled and topped with aromatic and rich coconut gravy. The lamb shank was grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky flavor that paired seamlessly with the aromatic rendang gravy.
To ensure a well-rounded meal, we also sampled the Kailan with Garlic, Mushroom, and Lily Bulb, a delightful blend of fresh young Hong Kong Kailan wok-fried with garlic, mushrooms, and crunchy lily bulb, providing a satisfying balance to the palate.
A Sweet Symphony to End: Dessert Delights
No culinary journey is complete without a sweet note, and Dancing Fish did not disappoint. We capped off our dining experience with the delectable Coconut Panna Cotta with Golden Nangka Goreng and the iconic Ice Kacang, offering a perfect conclusion to an exquisite meal.
– Coconut Panna Cotta with Golden Nangka Goreng: The creamy coconut panna cotta paired harmoniously with the golden nangka goreng, creating a luscious and tropical dessert.
– Ice Kacang: A classic Malaysian treat, the ice kacang was a refreshing and delightful way to conclude the meal, with its medley of shaved ice, sweet syrups, and assorted toppings.
A Culinary Gem Worth Every Accolade
Dancing Fish has once again proven why it deserves the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand awards for two consecutive years. The restaurant’s commitment to delivering an unparalleled dining experience through its flavorful and artfully presented dishes is truly commendable. Each dish we sampled showcased the culinary expertise and dedication to quality that sets Dancing Fish apart. For those seeking a taste of Malay-Indo culinary excellence, Dancing Fish at Bangsar Shopping Center is a must-visit.
To explore their menu and plan your visit, check out their website at https://dancingfish.asia/.
