Bali Hai Tim Sum / Seafood market – Gurney Drive.

2nd night in Penang, fine weather, hungry tummy and thanks to a Penangite’s recommendation, we landed in this famous dinner hangout. Indeed, this place was almost full when we arrived but thankfully, the wait for food wasn’t that long. Parking was also effortless, thanks to an official attendant who was very efficient. This place seriously reminds me of KL’s Pantai Seafood Centre. The decos, fish tanks and the arrangements were pretty much identical.

First came our drinks, an apple juice and a fresh coconut followed by a plate of stir-fried venison with ginger and spring onion. Widely available in KL, this dish went well with our rice and has always been one of my firm favourites as the ginger and spring onion work wonders in “re-setting” my digestive system.

Next came our Lo Hon Chai, a common order during family dinners to fulfil the vegetable quota, to bring balance to our orders often filled with meaty dishes. At Bali Hai, Lo Hon Chai is served with cauliflower, mushrooms, ginkgo nuts, abalone mushrooms, dried fungus, water chestnuts and various types of tofu skins. The vegetables were fresh and not overcooked, lending it a nice texture and taste with minimal monosodium glutamate.

We ordered 3 mud crabs, done salted egg yolk style – my current favourite. The ones here are rather different, less oily while the crab appears to be dipped in batter with curry leaves and deep-fried. Thankfully, the waiter assured me that it was my order. This dish was superbly done. Rich in flavour and flesh, I didn’t just enjoy sucking the flesh off the shells but also, licking almost every inch of the shell and of course, my fingers towards the end of the meal. I’m so hungry now…..

The bill was as follows:

1) Coconut – RM 4
2) Apple Juice – RM 2.80
3) Crabs – RM 65.00
4) Venison – RM 15
5) Vegetables – RM 15
6) Rice (1 bowl) – RM 1
7) Govt tax – RM 5.14
8) Service tax – RM 5.14

Total – RM 113.08
Tummy rating - 8.9/10