Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at Citta Mall: Restaurant review

This review is brought to you in part by Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

It’s been nearly eight years since Bubba Gump first landed in Malaysia, bringing its globally beloved range of shrimp, seafood and American-style soul food to our shores. We’ve enjoyed several visits to Bubba Gump’s first branch at The Curve in the past, but we’ve never checked out its subsequent outposts in Citta Mall and Sunway Pyramid. Boasting a crowd-pleasing menu that’s both diverse and distinctive, Bubba Gump’s call to return to its fishing-boat-themed setting – complete with memorabilia from the restaurant’s film inspiration, 1994’s Oscar-winning Forrest Gump – proved irresistible.

Starter

Meals at Bubba Gump can be memorably playful & action-packed – start with the Shrimp Mayan Salsa, which showcases a medley of chilled shrimp, cilantro, tomatoes, avocado, onions and chillies, ‘all shook up’ beside your table by a smiling server, for a salsa with perky, refreshing nuances, partnered with plenty of crunchy tortilla chips and a lusciously flavour-packed Far Out Dip that’s creamy with spinach, artichokes, roasted red peppers and Monterey Jack cheese. RM37.90.

Shrimp and more shrimp

Set your table sign to “Stop Forrest Stop” to signal your waiter to pop over and take your order: There’s no shortage of intriguing shrimp recipes at Bubba Gump, with specialities that range from the southern U.S. preparation of Cajun Shrimp in a spicy butter sauce with garlic toast (RM32.90) to an Asian-influenced Dynamite Shrimp that spotlights succulent ‘popcorn’ shrimp with a blend of Thai spices & a sweet glaze (RM29.90).

More than just shrimp

If you’re craving seafood beyond shrimp, cast your net on the Fisherman’s Catch, comprising not only golden shrimp but flash-fried calamari and breaded white fish, dusted with Cajun spices, served in a bucketful of fries with coleslaw & sauces (RM41.90). Other oceanic offerings include chipotle-crusted fish fillets, salmon and veggie skillets, & seafood pastas with mussels and clams.

Meaty offerings

Meat is available too – one of Bubba Gump’s top recommendations is the BBQ beef ribs, an encouragingly hearty platter of slow-roasted slabs of meat, perfect for sharing, paired with fries and coleslaw (RM45.90/RM69.90). You’ll also find everything from southern fried chicken to grilled leg of lamb for red-blooded carnivores.

We love Bubba Gump’s pear and berry salad, a mix of fresh greens with charbroiled chicken, strawberries, pears and glazed pecans, tossed with raspberry vinaigrette, topped with feta cheese – a substantial serving with beautifully balanced flavours (RM30.90).

Desserts

It’s wholesome enough so you can indulge in a sweet treat at the finish line – the Alabama Mud Pie, layered with chocolate and vanilla ice cream with ribbons of caramel and chunks of Snickers, crowned with chocolate syrup, whipped cream and crispy peanuts (RM22.90).

Beverages

Bubba Gump’s beverages are lively, served in totally thirst-quenching portions – you’ll find everything from Fun Coolers and Glass Combos that you can take home to smoothies and sparklers, in varieties like a Strawberry Mango Chiller (RM26.90; combining frozen lemonade with mango and & strawberry swirls) and Chocolate Root Beer Float (RM26.90; with fresh milk, chocolate syrup, vanilla yoghurt and root beer).

If you like smooth, premium Margaritas, those are worth trying too, also finished with flair by the table, helping to ensure a terrific time for family and friends. Many thanks to Bubba Gump for having us back.