Driving through the neighbourhood, you can’t miss it. A bold signboard shouting “Pondok Ketam” painted in black and yellow will confirm that you have arrived at the right place.
An offshoot of the Bangi-based restaurant Ketam Viral, Pondok Ketam works to be a midpoint for those living in this neck of the woods, in areas like Shah Alam, Subang and Damansara.
FMT Lifestyle had the opportunity to swing by the newly launched eatery, which opened in November.
Ordering at Pondok Ketam is a straightforward process. They have a two-sided elaborate menu with a list of all that they offer, but more importantly, the prices of their seafood dishes are set and therefore do not fluctuate according to the going rate in the market.
For appetisers, try the Flower Tofu which is packed with prawns and all things savoury. It’s great for those who enjoy the contrast of textures from its crispy exterior and chewy interior. The Housemade Mantou is also great for soaking up the sauces of your main dishes.
Meanwhile, their Indonesian mud crabs, known for its delicate sweet flavour and juicy flesh, are flown in from Indonesia to Kuala Lumpur every single day!
A regular order of crab here weighs around 350g per piece. The medium order weighs roughly 550g per piece, while it is 750g for the XXL order.
Share the Singapore Chilli Crab with its luscious sweet and spicy sauce, with a big group of friends. Prepared stir fried, this dish carries the smoky wok hei taste that is rather tantalising.
The Kam Heong Crab and Chilli Crab dishes are pretty tasty too. The Kam Heong Crab stands out with its strong belacan-like flavour from the dry shrimps and spices used in the sauce that coat the crab.
This FMT reviewer also enjoyed the stronger flavours of tomato in the Chilli Crab, which gave it a pleasant sweet and sour flavour.
There is also so much more at Pondok Ketam than the delicious crabs its name alludes to. This eatery also serves fish, mussels, prawns of the udang galah and udang harimau variety, squid and even chicken.
For many Malaysians, feasting on juicy crabs is often associated with celebrations, but don’t let that stop you from swinging by Pondok Ketam for lunch.
The restaurant also offers an affordable lunch set for those looking for a quick bite, rather than a banquet of sorts. Each lunch set comes with a glass of Teh-O, and is available from 11.30am to 2pm on weekdays, catering specifically to lone customers.
The set includes the Nasi Buttermilk Chicken (RM18.50), Mee Sua Ikan Asam Pedas (RM18.50), and Mee Sua Ikan Laksa Siam (RM20.50).
Its take on some well-loved seafood dishes is refreshing as Pondok Ketam attempts to celebrate the best of both worlds in fusing the different flavours found in Malaysian culture.
You notice this more in their noodle dishes where they match the culturally Chinese Mee Sua noodles with the more traditional Malay style of laksa. The result? A very satisfying lunch for the lucky person who ordered the Mee Sua. Those who love spice and heat should opt for the Mee Sua Ikan Asam Pedas.
If you’re after something more traditional, the Cantonese Soy Ginger Siakap is a Chinese banquet staple that should never be enjoyed alone. Its familiar flavours make the steamed fish topped with blue pea so comforting.
And if you’re a fan of squid, the decadent Salted Egg Sotong is also worth taking notice of!
Follow Pondok Ketam on Instagram and Facebook.
Pondok Ketam
16, Jalan SS 3/5
Taman Universiti
47300 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Business hours:
11.30am–10pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Contact: 012–560 4435
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