#JOM! REVIEW: Citarasa Mona Ikan Bakar KomaLaut, Perlis

Tucked away from the madding crowd of the busy Kuala Perlis Jetty, KomaLaut is a well-kept secret that offers much more than just a spread of freshly caught seafood.

KomaLaut is strategically located within a pristine mangrove area. Pictures by Alan Teh Leam Seng.
KomaLaut is strategically located within a pristine mangrove area. Pictures by Alan Teh Leam Seng.

JUST a stone's throw away from the bustling Kuala Perlis Jetty - the gateway to Langkawi Islands is the Kompleks Makanan Laut.

More popularly known by its simplified KomaLaut calling, this massive complex was officially declared open by the Perlis Raja exactly a decade ago.

It becomes a venue for seafood lovers, locals and out-of-towners, to savour the state's bountiful marine resource while enjoying the view of Mahsuri's legendary home looming in the distant horizon.

KomaLaut offers fresh and relatively affordable seafood selections amidst a spacious setting not usually found in other dining outlets within the vicinity.

Citarasa Mona Ikan Bakar is a popular dining outlet at KomaLaut.
Citarasa Mona Ikan Bakar is a popular dining outlet at KomaLaut.

EAT

Strategically located right by the entrance is Citarasa Mona Ikan Bakar which is considered as one of the most popular dining outlets in the complex.

The outlet is favoured for its many unique culinary creations and cost-effective packages for larger dine-in crowds.

Reasonably priced according to weight, prized food fish including siakap, kerapu, terubuk and ikan pari are attractively arranged on the crushed ice bed together with freshly harvested shellfish, squids and crustaceans like crabs, prawns and king crabs.

Fortunately, the knowledgeable staff are at hand to provide useful tips and give practical suggestions.

Once selected, the items are immediately sent to the kitchen while customers are given numbered table markers to ensure that the prepared dishes reach the respective tables promptly.

Using a combination of premium spices and fresh local produce, the chefs lean heavily on cooking techniques inherited from their mothers and grandmothers to whip up authentic traditional fare like ikan bakar sambal pedas.

Together with their vast experiences, they come up with tantalising modern takes such as salted egg yolk prawns to attract the younger crowd.

As waiting time may extend slightly during peak dining hours, guests can use the opportunity to venture to the nearby mangrove boardwalk, which is both fascinating as well as educational.

Enjoy a delightful seafood spread at Citarasa Mona Ikan Bakar.
Enjoy a delightful seafood spread at Citarasa Mona Ikan Bakar.

PICK

At first glance, the eye-catching presentation and mouth-watering aroma lead the long list of outstanding attributes that set the choices here at Citarasa Mona Ikan Bakar apart from the competition.

Delightfully presented on a large platter, the sambal sauce drenched siakap is grilled to perfection with a generous topping of fresh crunchy petai.

This deliciously smoky profusion is the perfect starter to a truly memorable culinary journey here at Citarasa Mona Ikan Bakar.

While grilling over hot coals is the preferred cooking method for seafood, diners also have the option of having their selections steamed in light but flavourful broth with a zesty lime touch. This cooking technique is however more suitable for freshly caught fish.

Not to be missed is the metarang that is stir fried with ginger. Thanks to the coast's varieties of edible shellfish, these tender angel wing clams still have the saltiness of the sea in each bite.

Equally popular shellfish types like kepah, lala and siput buloh can also be prepared in simmering coconut milk broth.

Perfectly steamed siakap in light but flavourful broth with a zesty lime touch.
Perfectly steamed siakap in light but flavourful broth with a zesty lime touch.

MOOD

Setting the mood at Citarasa Mona Ikan Bakar is a quaint mural-filled corner complete with plush toys in the form of cute marine animals for customers to pose for memorable photographs before adjourning to the fresh seafood display area to make their selections.

On a bigger picture, KomaLaut offers a relaxing ambience, thanks to the surrounding mangrove trees together with the sounds of waves crashing onto the nearby shoreline and sight of kingfishers darting about looking for their evening meal.

As twilight approaches, the sky above Kuala Perlis is bathed in a multitude of stunning hues as Mother Nature puts on a light show that makes the evening extra special.

PAY

Basic selections start from RM5 while popular group set meals begin from RM70.

The knowledgeable and friendly serve staff are always at hand to assist.
The knowledgeable and friendly serve staff are always at hand to assist.

VERDICTS

SERVICE Polite and efficient. However, please note that waiting time can be a challenge if you come with an empty stomach.

I SAY Definitely must try!

FAST FACTS

CITARASA MONA IKAN BAKAR

GM 3, Kompleks Makanan Laut (KomaLaut),

02000 Kuala Perlis, Perlis.

TEL 010-400 6955

HOURS Daily 5pm - 10.30pm except Monday

Order ikan bakar at discounted prices with foodpanda Voucher.

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