We planned a trip here at Pekan Nanas to try Tao Yuan's legendary grilled stingray (which we missed the last visit). During our previous visit, we arrived at 6:30pm but Tao Yuan's famous grilled stingray was already sold out :-( This time we arrived at 4:30pm, 30 minutes before opening time ;-D
Customers were already reporting at the standing chiller in front of the griddle at Tao Yuan (just before 5:00pm opening time).
In the chiller is the catch of the day. The fresh fish, crabs, prawns and shell fish which the boss personally selects from his supplier at the nearby Pontian fish market.
The whole evening we were there from opening for business till we leave after our dinner, the friendly boss was busy, dancing with glee behind the sizzling griddle.
It was obvious that he was having a great time dishing out plate after plate of sambal grilled fish, crabs, prawns and shell fish to appreciative, waiting customers. Many were regulars.
It was a very busy Thursday evening (or a typical day at Tao Yuan).
The boss slathered a thick blanket of smothering house made sambal chili on the fish.
Our grilled stingray finally arrived. Look at that gorgeous golden brown crisp on the outside :-D
The thick slab of white flesh was tender and juicy. The soft skin with a slight crisp was heavily coated with Tao Yuan's signature sambal chili which was savoury spicy sweet - all well balanced. It was not as spicy hot as it's fiery looks suggest. The fish had just the right amount of greasiness.
This dip was surprisingly refreshing as it was made with fresh crunchy ingredients, mainly onions, garlic, chili and squeezed lime. It went really well with the grilled stingray, especially with the white meat adding a touch of sourish sweetness to the robust flavours.
We also had a plate of squid grilled with sambal chili, petai (stinky beans) and lady fingers. Everything was cooked perfectly. The squid was particularly memorable as it was oh.. so.. fresh, tender and juicy.
Here are a couple of other popular dishes (ordered by other customers) which I hope to come back for.
Tao Yuan's famous signature flower crab.
The la la shell fish is a hot item whenever it is available.
Tao Yuan also serves very good steam fish and asam pedas fish, which we enjoyed during our previous visit.
Read about my first visit to Tao Yuan ^ click
->> Sin Tao Yuan's grilled seafood is worth the hour long leisurely drive to Pekan Nanas (from JB). Best to call ahead and book your seafood so that you are sure to get what you want. Fresh seafood, lovely sambal chili, masterful chef, everything is good here :-D
This restaurant has moved and has a new name. Another restaurant using the old name operates at the old premises.
Restaurant name: Sin Tao Yuan Grill Fish 兴桃源铁板烧鱼
Address: Junction of Lorong B-1 and B-6, Pekan Nanas, 81300 Johor, Malaysia
GPS: 1.509340, 103.511949 / 1°30'33.6"N 103°30'43.0"E
Hours: Tue to Fri 5:00pm to 9:00pm | Sat & Sun 3:00pm to 10:00pm (closed on Mon)
Tel: 012-765 1335 (call beforehand to book your stingray)
Non Halal
Date visited: 1 Aug 2015, 19 Nov 2015, 7 May 2016
You should try Tip Top Ikan Bakar at the Tepian Tebrau near Thistle / McD Nong Chik. It's getting more expensive though... This used to be my personal favourite.
ReplyDeleteAnother one is Ayong, situated at Tepian Tebrau too - one of my friends frequents this place.
Try em both :)
Thank you :-D Shall try them soon :-D
DeleteDear, tao yuan grill fish has been closed its stall. Came here after a walk @ Gunung Pulai. 😦
ReplyDeleteThey've moved to a new kopitiam "興桃圆" very near to the old one. Turn right at the T junction just before you reach the old location, it's about 100m on your RHS after you make the turn.
ReplyDeleteBusiness was relatively slack at evening time, perhaps their customers aren't sure about the new location yet.
Grilled stingray and sotong with petai were excellent.
(Joe)
Thank you Joe, I have updated the post with the new address. Appreciate much.
DeleteI wait to around 1 hr,and saw people came behind me than can get order earlier than me,i feel like unfair to me,then i go and ask the boss regarding my order,he said just follow to start to cook my order together with grill fish those was order begin......finally i cancelled my order and left,he was make me down......
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