tâu kē 頭家 @ Taman Sea, P.J

tâu kē, means boss in Hokkien, is a restaurant nestled in commercial area of Taman Sea which specialises in Northern Peranakan/Nyonya cuisine.

 

The decoration of the restaurant definitely taken seriously which you can see from the moment you stepped into this place. The interior played heavily on the nostalgic feeling, from those assorted of rattan furniture, antique crock, ancient farming tools, plenty of round rattan wicker trays and basket adorning the walls, to the wall with slated wooden panels mimics our rustic Kampung House.

 

tâu kē’s full fledged menu featured an extensive selection of Nyonya dishes, from starters, mains to desserts. Starters choices included one of their must try items – Blanched Octopus (RM15), Loh Bak (RM12) and Nyonya Acar (RM15). The Signature Roasted Duck (pre-order 1 day in advance) served with assorted side dishes also another highlight in the menu (whole- RM85 & half – RM45). Nyonya Asam Pedas in seafood (prawns, stingray, grouper fillet or squid) priced from RM20-RM48. Dishes to be paired with rice such as Curry, Sambal Petai, Assam Tamarind Prawns, various chicken and pork dishes (Basil Chicken, Baked Spiced Chicken, Braised Pork Belly, Pork Rendang), vegetables, tofu and soups (Pork Stomach, Chai Boey) were in the list to tickle you taste bud. One can also choose to have individual meals priced from RM10.95-RM26.95, which the selections consisted of Nyonya Nasi Ulam with Baked Spiced Chicken, Purple Porridge with condiments, Fried Noodles, Roasted Pork Hokkien Prawn Noodles, Nyonya Assam Pedas (with rice), Butterfly Pea Nasi Lemak and etc.

Kopi O (Hot – RM3.95)

 

Ai Yu Dragon Fruit Soursop (RM7.95)

 

Fish Assam Pedas Set (set lunch-RM19.95)

Nyonya Assam Pedas served with rice and several side dishes.

Served in claypot, our Nyonya Assam Pedas came with generous portion of fried fish fillet, onion, lady finger, tomato and pineapple. The thick gravy was tangy, piquant and with good balance of sour and savory with umami notes. It was also very addictive that made us couldn’t resist to pile it more on our rice.

 

Side dishes included braised tofu, Nyonya Acar, halved salted egg and fish crackers.

 

Saito Fish Ball Noodles (RM16.95)

A princely portion of soup noodles with housemade Saito fish balls, beancurd sheet, fried fish balls, bean sprouts, lettuce and poached egg. The broth was rather mild in taste but the fried garlic and shallots imparted more flavour to it. The housemade Saito fish balls were quite a letdown, they had an unpleasant fishy taste in it. 

 

Pork Lard Prawn Popiah (RM10.95)

I was attracted by the “pork lard” and order this Popiah. However, to our dismay, it didn’t live up to our expectation. The Popiah skin was thick, wrapped with shredded pumpkin, cucumber, omelet and fried shallots. The filling was lack of oomph factor that appeal me and the sauce served along had a weird fishy taste that we’re not used to. 

 

♥Verdict: We really like the Assam Pedas and willing to give this place a second chance to try out more of their dishes such as the roasted duck, purple porridge and braised pork belly which are quite attractive to me.

 

tâu kē 頭家

47-G, Jalan SS 23/15, Taman Sea, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Tel: +6012-755 8810