A nearly ninety-minute drive from KL's city center, the seaside resort of Golden Palm Tree boasts this outdoor restaurant that brims with romantic charm.
On this cool, starless night, a salty breeze washes over Perahu's patrons in a serene, far-from-the-madding-crowd setting; the trip here might be a bit tiring, but it's worth making at least once to escape temporarily from our urban trappings.
Service is as classy as the ambiance, ensuring a meal that's comfortable & pleasant.
Seafood's the undisputed highlight here, well-executed in both Western & Malaysian recipes less expensive than expected. The Sup Ketam (RM20++) is packed with tender crab meat in a broth that's flavorful with spices without being fiery.
Sea bass with yuzu soy sauce, sesame seeds, crispy garlic chips & olive sesame oil (RM28++). The rare occasion when a fish dish deserves to be called "addictive."
Crustacean fit for a carnivore: Blue river prawn tandoori with Kashmiri onion pickle, mint chutney, papadum & briyani (RM68++).
Grilled barramundi with a tasty "pes-pes" marinade of coconut, lemongrass, dried chili, tamarind, shallots & candle nuts. RM52++ for 400 grams.
Local lobster, cooked with mixed herbs, garlic & butter. RM96++ for 400 grams.
Mussels, with coriander, chili, vinegar & fish sauce. RM12++ for 200 grams.
Plenty of fish in the sea & plenty too at Perahu: Patrons can choose from the likes of snapper, salmon, grouper & threadfin ...
... to squid, scallops & stingrays. There's even a small selection of meat specialties that include roast duck, tenderloin steak, lamb cutlets & ayam percik.
Perahu's clientele seems predominantly Muslim, but fortunately, South African wine is available by RM23++ glasses.
Cocktails are OK here: Sweet Palm (rum, green guava juice, monin coconut) & Dragon Martini (dragon fruit, vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice).
There's something of a mid-90s vibe to the music here. Think The Cranberries & Tori Amos.
Perahu,
Golden Palm Tree Resort & Spa,
67, Jalan Pantai Bagan Lalang, Sungai Pelek, Selangor.
Tel: 03-3182-3600
