Ucu Talapia Terbang & Kaklong Rock Kitchen (Jalan Bani)

(A video of my dining experience at Ucu Talapia Terbang & Kaklong Rock Kitchen, featuring traditional Malay dishes and an open-air setting).

While searching online for eateries near Nava’s Zen, Ucu Talapia Terbang & Kaklong Rock Kitchen caught my attention. The menu, featuring Malay dishes I was eager to try, sealed the deal. Located just five minutes away, the ample parking made the visit hassle-free. Arriving at around 11:30 a.m. as the first two customers, I was immediately drawn to the open-air dining area.

The setup, surrounded by lush greenery, felt like a little slice of nature. As a nature lover, I found it soothing and calming, especially with the cool weather after several days of rain. Ordering at the counter, where the menu is displayed, was effortless. We were also informed to help ourselves to the ulam (raw salad), crackers, and the sweet porridge of the day - green bean porridge. A sign reminded diners of the self-service policy from their seats.

The first dish to arrive was the fried tempeh - simple yet impactful. As a tempeh fan, these crispy batons were a delightful start (TEMPEH OREK RECIPE).

Then came the mains. My choice, cencaru sumbat (torpedo scad), generously stuffed with sambal, was a revelation. Piping hot and fresh, the fish was tender and perfectly spiced, making it the highlight of my meal. The accompanying rice and soup paled in comparison - I was far too captivated by the cencaru sumbat itself.

My other half opted for the ikan bawal goreng (fried pomfret) set. While he found it enjoyable, the crispy fish (MALAY STYLE TURMERIC FISH RECIPE) paired decently with rice, but the sambal lacked the heat he expected. Still, the ulam and crackers rounded out our meal, delivering a truly traditional Malay dining experience.

The sweet ending? The green bean porridge. Creamy without being overly sweet, it had a subtle coconut oil flavor, likely from long-simmered coconut milk - a detail I appreciated.

Ucu Talapia Terbang & Kaklong Rock Kitchen exudes the charm of unpretentious Malay eateries. Its natural setting, nostalgic flavors, and humble service evoke a sense of stepping back in time. Prices are reasonable and aligned with current trends, making it an affordable choice for those seeking authentic Malay cuisine.

(Ms. Nava, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava’s Zen at 58. She has 22 years of experience as a former lecturer, including with Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program. Ms. Nava is also a passionate foodie who loves discovering eateries. For Ms. Nava, food brings people together, and sharing her Zen dining experiences celebrates this connection with others).