Mak Tom D’Condo

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...

By Honey

Photography by FriedChillies

Posted on Sat, January 02, 2010 - 7:46:55 PM

4 Comments

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

Pros: Quite possibly the cheapest ikan bakar in town

Cons: Makeshift, crowded and hot... like most good eating places

Address: Opposite Prima Duta, Jalan Dutamas Raya, Formerly 1/38B off Jalan Segambut, Kuala Lumpur

Telephone:

salsa
January 13, 2010 4:36PM GMT

honey, have u heard about ikan bakar at jln belamin k.l?
i have'nt try it..bt frens said it is nice..guess u shud try once..=)

kitt
January 25, 2010 8:28PM GMT

ho yeah...this place is real..used to frequent it last time when i stay at dutaria nearby..

Honey Ahmad
January 27, 2010 10:29AM GMT

Hi Salsa... this might be a little late but yeah Jalan Belammy is pretty good for ikan bakar but this place is cheaper and better. Both places are worth a go

dvpro
March 09, 2010 4:25PM GMT

Hi, does anyone happen to have the GPS coordinate of this place. TIA.

You must be logged in to post comments

Sate Minang @ Pasar Malam Taman Melawati -- Indonesian : I used to frequent the pasar malam in Taman Melawati…

How-To Aid Digestion -- The Food Channel : Shiva from Indian Kitchen shares his knowledge on spices…

Hiestand Bakery -- Western : This little bakery is just the kind of place that is…

Cephalopod on Celluloid -- Food @ the Movies : I take great satisfaction in seeing a giant tentacled…

Alor Curry Mee -- Chinese (pork free) : “Okay, we only have an hour for dinner before we…

How-To Aid Digestion

1.10 mins

Simple steps to beat those tummy troubles

How-To Make the Perfect Burger

1.00 mins

So perfect you wouldn't believe it

Sexy Equipments by Electrolux

4.15 mins

A peek at the new products available soon at Electrolux

How-To Know Which Knife to Use

1.15 mins

It's important to know your knives

How-To Use A Coffee Press

1.00 mins

It's so easy with a coffee press

Alor Curry Mee -- “Okay, we only have an hour for dinner before we have to get back…

Hiestand Bakery -- This little bakery is just the kind of place that is packed with delicious…

Kak Laily Nasi Ayam Original -- It's hard to find halal nasi ayam hawkers that has been serving 'kai…

Bagan Lalang Seafood -- Bagan Lalang is a great place to relax, unwind, enjoy some fresh sea…

Kak Som -- You know the defining moment in Ratatouille? When Anton Ego the food…

Jarrod & Rawlins Dine for Charity -- News : Jarrod and Rawlins officially announced its charity…

Electrolux: A Glimpse of the Future -- New Launches : Electrolux kicked off the 2010 edition of their annual…

Meeting Laura Calder -- News : The sweet and lovely Laura Calder from AFC’s ‘French…

More Gastro News ›

The Last Polka Ice Cream -- Product Review : The one major gripe I have about good ice cream here…

Bialetti Moka Coffee Pot -- Product Review : Coffee drinks can be a bit expensive to have at cafés…

Maggi Goes Healthy with Atta Noodles -- Product Review : Maggi will be launching a new line of healthy instant…

More Gastro Stuff ›

Food, Trucks & Carts in New York -- Global Foodster : Sharing some experiences from the 4th Annual New York…

Durian Origami -- Design Delish : This project started when our new intern The Charlie…

Shuck and Suck ‘em -- Encounters : Shuckers ready? Suckers puckered? Grab an oyster. Loosen…

More Foodsters' Blog Entries ›

Craving for clam chowder : I've never been really satisfied… -- August 01, 2010 : 10:07 am

Tipping in restaurants for better service : I used to work in F&B;group.. the… -- August 01, 2010 : 10:05 am

Nasi Kerabu in KL/PJ : You can try Che Nah nasi kerabu,… -- August 01, 2010 : 09:55 am

Where is everybody? : we seem to get a lot more kemeriahness… -- July 25, 2010 : 07:01 pm

Kopi Luwak : -- July 22, 2010 : 07:12 pm