Seafood addicts can now make a beeline for Ben's Independent Grocer in Publika, where Shucked Oyster & Seafood Bar opened this month.
Mollusks, crustaceans & finny friends here are supplied by Bangsar's Southern Rock Seafood, which secures fresh produce from Australia, New Zealand & Europe.
A natural progression: The BIG Group has outlets dedicated to vegetables, pork, steaks & more, so it's no surprise that seafood now has its own set-up too.
Snatch a seat at this supermarket counter while Shuck's friendly crew shucks your oysters.
Coramandel (North Island, NZ, RM21 for three) & Tasmanian Prime (Australia, RM24 for three), a terrific tasting plate, flooded with luscious brininess. Dutch Creuses & French Fines de Claires are also available, dependent on what's been flown in.
But oysters tell less than half the tale here at Shucked. For the full experience, dip into delights like this piping-hot prawn bisque, partnered with bread & mustard.
Our favorite platter at Shucked comprises the Aussie smoked ocean trout (RM25), served simply with bread & butter. The fruits of the sea seldom seem sweeter than this.
Dutch herring (RM15), meant maybe to evoke memories of eating Amsterdam's street stall fish.
Salmon gravlax (RM20). Good enough, but not as greatly satisfying as the ocean trout.
A shooter of shrimp (RM10). Positive news: no service charge imposed at Shucked.
Boston Bay mussels (RM32 for 400 grams), cooked live. Beautiful, as juicy as it gets.
North Sea prawns (RM25 1/2 pint). Fab finger food, though there's nowhere here for hand rinses.
Seafood like this deserves some sparkling or white for maximum enjoyment.
Shucked Seafood & Oyster Bar,
Ben's Independent Grocer, Publika, Solaris Dutamas, Kuala Lumpur.
