Anyone up for some fresh seafood in Kuala Lumpur? If heading for the coast is too time-consuming and inconvenient, then this is the place for you in Kuala Lumpur: Unique Seafood is 15 minutes from the city centre by cab and you’ll find more than a hundred fish tanks filled with fresh seafood imported from all over the world, including some rather unique specimens. From abalone and geoduck, to snow crabs, Japanese snails and Scotland clams, dining here is as much a learning experience as it is a food journey. (Concerned about sustainability? Though this site is focused on Australian seafood, it can be a good starting point.)

Gazing at your future meal might get some queasy but it doesn't get fresher than this.

Located in Section 13 in Petaling Jaya, this restaurant is hard to miss on the main road with the rows of cars parked outside and its bright-lit exterior. More functional than anything else, the interior resembles a large dining hall of circular tables with the trademark rotating trays you’ll find in many Chinese restaurants.

Geoduck. Did someone say unique?

The lure here is the floor to ceiling live seafood section where you’ll be selecting your meal from. Once you’ve decided how adventurous your taste buds are and how light you want to make your wallet, leave it to the pros at the cleaning station to slaughter and ready your  meal. You’ll be charged two bills at the end of your night, one from the live seafood section and the other from the kitchen for the cooking. Eating here doesn’t have to be expensive (though it sure could be), with a large variety of seafood on offer.

Drunken prawns come with a tangy broth that flavours fried rice perfectly.

The selection of fresh fish, shellfish, crabs, lobsters, snails and oysters might seem intimidating at first, which is why the restaurant lists some of its specialties. If you really want to splurge on one of the pricier options, share the Alaskan king crab with salted egg yolk or the Californian geoduck (168 ringgit) with friends to offset the cost. Each dish is certainly large enough for a group but if bang for the buck is what you’re looking for, then the drunken prawns, Japenese snails or kam heong la-la (clams cooked in dried chilli and dried prawns) at 36 ringgit might do it for you.

Keeping it simple: steamed fish in soy sauce.

Dining here is likely to set you back around 40 to 60 ringgit a meal per person, but the experience is well worth it. Unique Seafood is most popular with groups, so round up a few fellow travellers if you can before coming here. Staff are efficient and helpful, and can offer suggestions within your budget range.

You may be more fascinated with your food alive then on a plate.

Even though there aren’t specific facilities for children, they will certainly be kept entertained by the rows of sea creatures on display. If your group includes vegetarians, as long as their eyes can withstand the surrounds, a good variety of vegetarian dishes are on offer, including asian kailan, bok choy and asparagus. Try the stir fried kailan with fungus in Chinese wine, for instance, or the “luo han” mixed vegetables treasure.

Made in a yam crust, the "luo han" is a unique dish for vegetarian diners.

You’ll also find century eggs here, even though they’re not listed on the menu — ask the staff for a portion.

Unique Seafood 23
Lot 9B-3, Jalan Kemajuan,
Section 13, Petaling Jaya.
T: (03) 7960 2088
F: (03) 7960 2099
www.unique-seafood.com.my
Open daily 11:45-14:30, 18:00-22:30 

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