Santapan Borneo @ Jalan Tropicana Utara, P.J
Santapan Borneo, which is defined as a more wallet friendly substitute of Hai Kah Lang on the “trusty” (;-_-) XHS. Thank you hubby for still have faith on my suggestions after this not-so-impressive recommendation. ◑.◑
Located in an unlike place under the transmission towers, without any visible signage from outside. Just walk down the path and you will be lead to a charming garden like the below photos.
Lush greenery, gravel pathways, and charming garden details—complete with deer statues, shady gazebos and patio swing.
Walked further into an open space dining area with simple wooden tables and stools.
The air conditioned private room.
Santapan Borneo’s menu features a variety of wild-caught seafood such as 7 Star Grouper, Tiger Prawns, squids and clams, flown from the Sabah. The noodles is served with a choices of either clear or curry soup.
Hotpot is available during dinner time.
Fish Of The Day (RM16.90)
Topped with chopped spring onion, coriander, julliened ginger and fried garlic bits, the clear soup that Sam opted for was lightly seasoned to let the natural sweetness of the seafood to shine through, with tomato wedges to provide a mild tanginess to the broth. Those generous portion of Grouper Fish (I assumed) slices were fresh and flaky, perfectly cooked to a tender finish. It’s the kind of bowl that surprises you in the best way—simple, but soul comforting.
7 Star Grouper Slice Noodle (RM25.90)
Hubby opted for the same clear soup, the prized species of Grouper – 7 Star Grouper Fish slices were firmed but more delicate and tender.
Mixed Seafood Noodles (RM28.90) in Curry Soup (+ RM2.00)
For the sake of trying both soup bases, I regretted immediate after my initial sip of the curry broth. The broth was rather thick and spicy, tasted predominantly of curry powder and spices which wasn’t my preferable flavour. >_<
The noodles came with grouper fish slices (with thick skin), prawn, clams, squids and fried stuffed bean curd roll.
Verdict: The clear soup was delightful and the seafood were fresh especially the fishes. The prices are comparable with Hai Kah Lang but not really more economical. Revisit? I would prefer the Hai Kah Lang which has a more comfortable dining environment. 😛
Santapan Borneo
Jalan Tropicana Utara, Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: 012-606 9103
Operating hours: Fri to Sunday: 11.00am to 9.00pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554944722997
With the prices between the two comparable, I take it that you prefer Hai Kah Lang’s taste and dining comfort then. P/S: Based on the prices of grouper, it is highly unlikely that the fish of the day (which was cheaper) was grouper (+ I don’t see the skin which is usually thick for grouper, maybe snapper?).
Kris, HKL definitely wins hands down! I can’t differentiate the fish species after they are cooked because some of them look similar.