SETTING

The restaurant is located on the third floor of Bangsar Shopping Centre, with an interior that’s dimly lit and wooden wall installations that hint at the Malay-Indonesian vibe the restaurant is conveying. Upbeat jazz music plays in the background, lots of neutral tones with a wall decorated with various colours of batik cloths and a shelf full of crackers and spices are on display. Intimate yet lively with a homely atmosphere, the restaurant is a perfect choice for family gatherings, birthdays and dates.

FOOD

Guests are typically greeted with the emping with sambal terasi, a crispy appetiser made from nutty and slightly bitter-tasting melinjo nuts.

Then, it’s show time with the main star of the restaurant – the Instagram-able titular dancing fish (nila goreng). The dish is an aesthetic display of a twisted fish that’s deep-fried to perfection. Guests can opt for different accompaniments such as the sambal terasi and kicap, masam kedongdong pedas, mango kerabu, belimbing salad or tangy acar to team up with the fresh and crunchy fish. Presentation is quite the treat, as you can see the delight on the guests’ faces as the attendants walk towards them with a large plate of the dancing fish in hand. After you’ve grabbed your shares of photographs, the attendants will offer to have the fish cut for you for easy consumption.

Another meat dish not-to-be-missed is the bebek goreng Bali (crispy duck). Crispy on the outside and succulent within, the flavourful taste of the meat is a product of the restaurant’s special mix of Balinese herbs and spices marinating the duck for 24 hours. Served with their chilli sauce (the perfect sharp and spicy complement to the herb-laden duck), guests can choose between half or whole duck, which can of course be chopped upon request. This is also generous in serving so it is ideal that you share with another guest or two.

Follow that with the seafood in coconut soup, a spicy-sour broth with generous amounts of fresh tiger prawns, calamari, mussels and fish housed in a young coconut juice stock. It’s exquisite and addictive. All guests are served with unlimited rice, although individual meals and kids meals are also available on the menu. The menu is perhaps one of the region’s best, and hints at homemade goodness.

Dancing Fish’s signature desserts are the refreshing ice kacang and cendol, but opt for the caramelised bananas with palm sugar and ice cream if you wish for something different to complete your meal.

DRINKS

Apart from the extensive wine list with lavish offerings from many wine countries, a mocktail section is specially created for diners to pair with certain dishes. It’s interesting to note that their wines are categorised based on what patrons seek, such as Floral & Fruity, Pink & Fun, Soft & Spicy, Ripe & Luscious and Fresh & Zesty. Only the house wines, which are the Astica chardonnay and Astica Merlot Malbec (both from Argentina) are sold by the glass for RM20, but the rest of the wines are sold by the bottle.

SERVICE

Reservations are made prior to visit, but the attendants were efficient in setting up space and showing us to our table. Warm smiles and greetings all around. The crew here is friendly and attentive, on top of being exceptional at advising on pairings and what food to try depending on your tastes. They also offer great suggestions for wine pairings for the dishes you order. Outstanding hospitality indeed.

PRICE

For two house wines, water, rice, three signature dishes and dessert, the bill comes to RM202. For two people with a healthy appetite, this is very reasonable considering the portions served. This restaurant is perfect for friends and family to gather for a wonderful meal, especially with the delicious menu that’s meant to be shared. Dancing Fish also offers set lunches and afternoon delights (with the ayam goring platter and daging rending platter with the teh tarik and kopi), from 3pm to 6pm daily at a space away but close to the main restaurant.