Hawk & Fish at TTDI: Restaurant Review

A new claypot bak kut teh specialist has sprung up in a surprising location: Hawk & Fish, which has chosen Taman Tun Dr Ismail for its base.

Ancestral Bak Kut Teh

Hawk & Fish is where the results rate reasonably for both the herbal, soupy ‘Ancestral Original Bak Kut Teh’ & its dry, sweet-savoury counterpart – neither is very intense in flavour, but they’re probably punchy enough to please. RM15 nett each for fairly hearty portions with plenty of tender pork belly & ribs. Rainy-evening soul food, finally available in this neighbourhood.

An Acquired Smell

Rice wine chicken broth (RM15), a bit more of a love-it-or-loathe-it proposition, thanks to its tell-tale fermented flavour. These Chinese favourites are personally prepared by Uncle Chee, a reticent chef whose image is emblazoned on Hawk & Fish’s wall.

Crispy Battered Fish

We’re not sure what the ‘Hawk’ in this restaurant’s name is all about, but the ‘Fish’ is explained by its other speciality – beer-battered fish & chips, constructed with a choice of dory (RM20 nett) or red snapper (RM30; sufficiently fresh & fleshy, with a crisp batter that’s not too heavy, not incredibly light). Hawk & Fish is located under The Pound pub & seems to share the same management; customers here can order The Pound’s grub, including a huge plate of hot-&-crunchy tater tots (RM12).