When it comes to Western food, the first dish that comes to my mind, as well as many other Malaysians’, is fish and chips. This quintessentially British dish is a staple in many former colonies, including Malaysia.
On the surface, fish and chips appear to be a straightforward dish to prepare. In fact, if I walked into a supermarket right now, I could probably find a pre-battered fish fillet in the frozen food aisle. However, knowing how to make it and knowing how to make it good are two different things.
The better Batter
If you love a good fish and chips like I do, a new fish and chips place has opened up in town. Surprisingly, it is not British-owned, but Aussie. So, come along with me to The Batter Fish and Chips, where the fish and chips are truly better.
While this may be The Batter’s maiden outlet in Malaysia, it isn’t its first ever restaurant. You see, The Batter actually has a chain of restaurants in the Land Down Under. This just happens to be the first outlet established outside Australia.
From the Land Down Under
But why set up here in the first place? I was curious, so I decided to chat up the family owning the place. Margaret, the family matriarch, said that she has actually been cooking fish and chips for the past 16 years.
“My husband came up with the idea of opening a restaurant one day,” she said. “I thought it was too big a challenge at the time.” Eventually, she gave in and they started a takeaway place, which eventually evolved into a fish and chip shop.
As to why they decided to open their first international outlet here in Malaysia, it so happened that they fell in love with the country during a vacation. Daniel, Margaret’s son, said to me, “We wanted to bring our passion for fish and chips from Australia to Malaysia to share it with the people of Malaysia.”
What’s that I feel? Patriotic pride? Jokes aside, The Batter has been around for the past 11 years. Thus, you can bet that the fish and chips here must be good. Otherwise, why would people keep coming back for more?
A pretty huge platter
If you’re visiting for the first time with your family, might I suggest you try the Family Meal? For RM62, you get six pieces of fish fillet, a mountain of chips and one choice of sides. For a platter as large as this, the price is reasonable and the portions generous.
A meal for one
However, I am just but a man! So I just settled for the humble Fish N’ Chips. Sure enough, the batter was super light, with a crispy texture. There was an audible crunch with every bite I took, so I could tell no expense was spared with the batter.
Double the crunch
Speaking of crunch, The Batter also serves Panko Crumbed Fish N’ Chips. What’s Panko? You know the crunchy bits you can find on fried shrimp and tonkatsu at Japanese places. That’s Panko. Needless to say, this dish will give your jaws a thorough workout.
Now for something different
If you’re not fond of seafood, worry not. I found that their Chicken Schnitzel was pretty satisfactory as well. The chicken was juicy, but it was the fries which left me addicted. Thick, hot and golden, it’s best to enjoy them with a thick dip of tartar sauce.
Worth checking out?
I used to love fish and chips as a child, with the interest waning with age. However, now that I know where to get amazing fish and chips, perhaps it’s time I reignite that love affair once more. And should I ever visit Australia, I think I know where to go for a good meal now.
The Batter Fish and Chips KL
Address: 24, Jalan 4/62a, Bandar Menjalara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11.30 am – 3 pm, 4 pm – 9.30 pm Mon – Thurs | 12 pm – 10 pm Fri-Sun | Closed on Wed
Contact: 03-6263 6857
Halal Status: Pork-free
You should also check out: Why this M’sian left Australia after 11 years to open his own donut shop in Taman Paramount
