With the usual haunts often bustling these days, why not grab the opportunity to explore new makan places while you can?
If you’re looking to satiate your appetite without rubbing elbows with crowds, check out this great seafood eatery located in PJ Old Town.
A relative newcomer, December Grill Fish has already garnered substantial attention from local gastronomists.
Situated in the quiet neighbourhood of PJS 4, this Hakka family-run restaurant occupies a residential lot and is only open in the evenings – which makes sense, of course, since not many people eat grilled fish in the middle of the afternoon!
Despite its relatively small size, this is a homely place, offering a cozy dining atmosphere that’s perfect for get-togethers with family or friends.
Service here is relatively fast, too, with orders coming out of the kitchen almost as quickly as you place them. That said, servings of grilled fish justifiably take some time to prepare.
With “grill fish” in its name, one must definitely place an order of December’s specialty, the Portuguese Pari Fish.
The grilled stingray has a firm and slightly chewy texture, with a mild and subtly sweet flavour that pairs well with the tangy, savoury paste.
The gravy itself is a delight to savour, complex and satisfying with enough spiciness to give it a kick.
Be sure to squeeze the provided calamansi lime over the fish to add a fruity tang to the already flavourful dish!
Also on the restaurant’s list of signature dishes is the Nyonya Style Seafood, a spicy offering consisting of squid, clams and prawns.
It features a classic Peranakan blend of Chinese and Malay flavours, resulting in a tantalising seafood fiesta.
This dish has much going for it, especially in terms of portion size: there will be plenty to go around, for sure!
It helps that the seafood is tender and juicy, complemented by a paste that’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. This is one to enjoy with piping hot rice!
Don’t call it a day with the seafood just yet – why not try the curiously named Grilled Chicken Fish? Yes, you read that correctly.
Chicken fish is literally called “ikan ayam” in Malay, its formal English name being “unicorn leatherjacket”.
Served with a marinade of turmeric and lemongrass, the fish is grilled to crispy perfection, the flesh cooked through; firm and slightly chewy, with a delicately sweet flavour.
Whether or not it tastes like chicken is up to you!
Speaking of chicken, meat lovers would be remiss if they missed out on ordering the Original Nam Yu Chicken.
Taking cues from Cantonese cuisine, this dish is coated in a spicy and flavourful marinade that gives it a unique umami flavour.
The crispy and golden-brown outer layer – a precursor to the juicy, tender meat within – is worth enjoying on its own.
And with the chicken comes the egg: no meal could go wrong with a serving of shrimp omelette!
Fluffy eggs and tender crustaceans equal a savoury, satisfying dish redolent with eggy goodness and a mildly sweet, briny flavour.
Finally, whether as a snack, appetiser or side dish, the pork lobak is also worth a place on the table.
These delicious rolls of meat are deep fried until crispy on the outside, while the inside remains tender and juicy. Be sure to enjoy it with the accompanying chilli sauce.
Overall, with prices reasonable by PJ standards, December Grill Fish is a must-visit for any foodie worth their salt.
December Grill Fish (non-halal)
45, Jalan Penchala, PJS 4,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Business hours: 5.20pm-11pm (closed on Mondays)
Contact: 014-962 0425