We've always knew that Mak Tom's serves good nasi lemak in the morning, but until someone recommended us the ikan bakar we didn't realise it was such a popular lunch spot too. Fishes here are super fresh and grilled in banana leaf blankets...

Ah... nothing warms the cockles of the heart more than the wafting scent of grilling fish. It's barely 12pm and the crowds are already arriving in droves. Taking a cheeky peek on the grill, I spy mackerel, catfish and stingray nestled in banana leaf, riddled with spices. It's a pretty laid back operation. Grab a seat, choose your fish and then help yourself to the rice and other dishes at the back.

And in the flash, the fishes arrive. And let me tell you the fish here is super duper fresh. The stingray flaked in white lusciousness in my fingers. Dipped in their killer air assam, I rekindled my infatuation with pari bakar. The kembung too is white-fleshed, moist with natural oils. The marinade is simple, turmeric, salt, chillies and lemongrass being the dominant spices. However with fish this fresh you hardly need much embellishment. I suck my fingers and reach out for more.

My absolute favourite is of course the ikan keli (catfish). It comes to the table still sizzling and I burnt a few fingers tearing into it eagerly. The ikan keli is soft, almost milky and falls in your hands with a sigh relinquishing its creamy goodness. For catfish fans out there I dare you to only eat one. I can sit here till the sun sets and work my maws over a mountain of this fish. Best thing about the ikan bakar here is that they have a light hand. It's not over-cooked or over-charred. It just imprints the spices into the flesh and leaves the insides tender.

"Slobber... grilled catfish... slobber..."

Besides the air assam, you can also order the sambal belacan and chilli kicap to add to your dipping pleasure. I've taken some vegetables to go with my fish and rice and though it's tasty enough, I fing the dishes a little on the salty side.

By this time there are people jostling for seats and waiting around, precious ikan bakar in hand. And here's the real kicker of the meal. The damage for 2 ikan keli, 1 ikan pari, 1 kembung + drinks, some rice and vegetables? A ridiculous, mind-boggling RM11. I still can't believe it. Apparently the keli is about RM2 and the pari is about RM3. Erm... one more ikan keli then...

This place is a real find. When the craving for ikan bakar hits, this is my recommendation for the new year (when pockets are a tad lighter from all the feasting and merry-making).

Opening times: Mon- Sat 7am- 3pm (fish starts grilling from 1130am onwards)
Cost: Less than RM5 per head

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