Kuching Food

My MAS flight from Kuching to Miri was delayed for over an hour and since it was nearing noon time; I thought I might as well grab some lunch before my flight and headed for the restaurant located on the ground floor at one one of the building.

I love curries and so I ordered their “Curry Ramen” which is basically curry noodles. It arrived and my first mouthful was to be my last as it was the saltest thing I had ever tasted in my life! I cannot believe anyone can eat anything as salty as this and I went to the counter to speak with the manager or whoever was in charge but no one seems to be in charge nor is concerned about the saltness of the food saying that it’s “biasa” - just normal lah! Problem’s with the fussy customer lah!

Anyway I have a long day ahead and I’m not gonna get myself flustered over a plate of noodles, left it and I went up to the first floor to grab a muffin and coffee instead. So if you like very salty food (and do not suffer from hypertension) - you know where to go in Kuching to elevate your blood sodium level! Whatever.

People who think that beautiful looking fishes should be left alone swimming in the seas instead of ending up on the dining plate are going to squirm over this …

Pretty in pink and eating one would tickle you pink …

While I was photographing the parrot fish, the fish monger (seeing how appreciative I am about fine fishes) ‘fished’ out another even more striking looking fish for my ‘photo shoot’ – it’s a red/pink Star Garoupa or Rainbow Fish.

Because of its attractive appearance – like an art piece, it’s a popular restaurant dish as it tastes even better than it looks! Actually the red/pink colour loses its colour saturation when steamed. There are several species of this Star Garoupa with the higly prized ‘7 Star Garoupa’ commanding the premium price – especially the live ones you see in the fish tanks. You would want to eat slowly and savour its delicate taste and flavour. Yummy.

Head shots of a Star Garoupa headed for the dining table.

I think it’s a shame to just enjoy looking at such a pretty fish and not enjoy its even more delicious and succulent flesh … one man’s fish is certainly another person’s poison! But I bet they would be over the rainbow once they have a piece of Rainbow Fish in their mouth! Peace man!

A parrotfish in Kuching - destined to end up on a restaurant table.

My other half loves to cook and bake; and I simply love to eat – which makes for a balanced marriage. She stays slim while I get more ‘prosperous’.

Anyway I accompanied her on Saturday afternoon to one of her frequented places for fresh and wholesale priced seafood supplies. She directed and I drove – which makes for a pleasant journey (it does not work so well when I directed and she drove!).

We got there and while she checked out what is fresh to buy, I checked out the various types of fish available that day for a photo op. Noticing my curiosity one of the fishmonger ‘fished’ out an interesting looking fish for me to photography. It turned out to be a parrotfish (he called it ‘eng-ko’ hoo in hokkien).

Parrotfish are named for their oral dentition; their numerous teeth are arranged in a tightly packed mosaic on the external surface of the jaw bones, forming a parrot-like beak which is used to rasp algae from coral and other rocky substrates. It’s mouth/lips actually reminded me of some people I know! Ooops! Anyway, there are many different species of parrotfish and all them equally delicious to eat and they command a premium price – around RM40/- per kilo.

We ended up buying some squids, a garoupa and a seabass, and we had an enjoyable seafood dinner. Anyway I hope you enjoy the parrotfish photos.