A taste of Indonesia’s finest at Dancing Fish, Bangsar

Situated in Bangsar Shopping Centre, Dancing Fish’s reputation has spread far and wide among urban dwellers as one of the best places in KL to sample delicious and authentic Malay-Indo cuisine. At this establishment, expect an extensive list of Indonesian dishes that go beyond the usual ayam penyet or nasi padang variety normally found in other eateries.

Dancing Fish’s Mother Nature-themed décor is simple and understated, utilising brown tones to create an earthy atmosphere conducive for a relaxing meal. The waiting staff consists mostly of employees who have worked with the restaurant since the its founding, so you will definitely be experiencing prompt and attentive service here.

You won’t go wrong with a moreish appetiser such as the emping melinjo. Made from crushed nuts, the crackers’ bittersweet taste is balanced with a serving of zesty sambal terasi. The sambal terasi (a must-try signature of the restaurant) is definitely memorable. Freshly pounded with the pestle and mortar, the sambal is then drizzled with lime juice for a zesty finish. Do take note that while its taste may seem sweet at the beginning, the sambal’s fiery bite will reveal itself further as you indulge further. You have been warned.

Another appetiser that deserves special mention at Dancing Fish is its mixed grill platter. Mixed together in one large plate are charcoal-grilled calamari pieces, chicken satay skewers, tempeh (an original Indonesian dish made from soybean) and starfruit salad. From the platter, this writer loved the charcoal-grilled calamari. The charred texture of the calamari and the caramel-like sweetness of the kicap marinade harmonised wonderfully on the palate.

Coming at a close second is the starfruit salad, a fiery and sour salad sprinkled with bits of ikan masin for added flavour. The chicken satay is commendable as well; its flavours are noticeably sweeter than its smokier Malaysian counterparts. In comparison to the above three dishes, the mildness of the tempeh provides a nice balance to the entire platter.

For meat lovers, do sample the buntut belado enak (Australian oxtail marinated and braised in aromatic herbs and spices). The meat is marinated for a long time and is barbequed over charcoal embers to intensify the flavours to a smokier depth. To balance the strong flavours, a non-spicy chilli salad is served next.

A must-try here is the restaurant’s signature ‘dancing fish’. Fresh from the tank, the nila fish is deep fried until it is golden brown and presented on a plate as if it is gracefully dancing. Served with sambal terasi and kicap, the fish retains a juicy texture and the crispiness from the deep-fry process enable the bone to be eaten as well. It is best eaten with the restaurant’s nasi kuning berempah for a hearty meal.

An ingredient long beloved in the Malay Archipelago for its texture, the pucuk paku (young shoots of a local jungle fern) makes an appearance in Dancing Fish’s menu in the form of a curry. Cooked with turmeric, coconut milk and spices, the gulai is perfect with steaming and fragrant white rice. If you wish to refill your white rice, simply stop any of the waiters walking about the restaurant and have your plate filled up.

For a sweet ending, go for the restaurant’s handmade tropical fruit gelato. Made from fresh fruits without any artificial flavouring, milk or cream, the selections of gelato rotate on availability from durian, lychee, banana, strawberry and coconut. The lemongrass jelly with pop pops (spheres filled with pure mango juice) is also a lovely chilled dessert to refresh the palate.

Dancing Fish, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Bukit Bandaraya, 59000 Kuala Lumpur; Tel: +603 2095 6663