Review: Crazy Fish at Solaris Mont Kiara

KL’s most distinctive new restaurant so far this year is scarcely two weeks old, but it’s become a hotbed for Korean expats seeking fresh seafood flown in from their home nation & served in ways that some Malaysians may not be prepared to stomach.

Crazy Fish’s tanks are flooded with all manner of creatures, brought in weekly by friendly couple Albert & Anne Kim, who’ve lived in Malaysia for three years. The outlet caters to Koreans in KL who miss the fish markets of Seoul & Busan; the strategy’s proving successful _ we’ve visited Crazy Fish twice & were the only Malaysians both times (but that should change very soon).

Sannakji

The highlight for many patrons might be ‘sannakji,’ a small octopus that’s plucked out live from the water …

… before being swiftly slain, sliced & served with sesame oil within less than a minute …

… with the severed tentacles still squirming & slithering on the plate, thanks to twitching from residual nerve activity.

Suction cups on some pieces might stick to your tongue. Gooey-chewy; only RM30, reflective of Crazy Fish’s crazy-fair prices.
June Update: Crazy Fish’s stock of smaller-sized octopus is currently erratic; it often only carries larger octopus, which might cost RM45 per serving.

A video speaks ten thousand words: Watch the writhing & wriggling in this twenty-second clip shot at Crazy Fish.

Gaebul

More to Crazy Fish’s ‘hoe’ raw food culture. Also seemingly alive when served (but not, in reality): Gaebul, or ‘urechis unicinctus,’ a marine spoon worm that’s commonly nicknamed ‘penis fish’ for obvious reasons.

It’s another moving attraction, with some of the slimy, chopped-up pieces appearing to ‘breathe’ on the plate. RM20. An acquired taste; if you generally like offal, you’d probably be better disposed to enjoy this.

Sea Squirts

Sea squirts? Also known as ‘sea pineapples,’ another uncommon offering in KL. RM25 per serving.

Some claim this stinks of ammonia, others say it reeks of iodine. Think of it as an oyster, but with a more pungent brininess.

Sea Snails

Massive Korean sea snails are available too; a mega-serving that four can safely share costs RM35.

Soft, squishy blobs, with a bit of a boiled texture & the flavour of the ocean somewhat intact. More heft to this than escargot.

Sashimi

Sea Cucumber

Other outlets serve sea cucumber, but Crazy Fish is the rare one that offers it sashimi-style, chewier & brinier than the norm.

Flathead Mullet

For folks who seek safe choices: Flathead mullet sashimi for RM29 (halibut, rock fish & flounder are available at higher prices).

Halibut

Halibut’s reasonably enjoyable, with a pleasant chewiness & crunchiness in parts.

Final Thoughts on Crazy Fish

Wrapping up with our top tip: Try heading to Crazy Fish on Thursday (that’s when the fresh seafood arrives) or Friday, since some of the seafood might no longer be available once the weekend strikes. The restaurant remains open until 2 a.m. everyday.
May 20 Update: See here for Crazy Fish’s cooked dishes.