One of the best ways to enjoy a good juicy fish is by steaming it because unlike deep-frying or grilling, steaming preserves the fish’s texture and flavor as well as the overall nutritional value of the food. You can relish the freshness of the fish while enjoying savouriness when it's topped with a favorable soy sauce or bean paste! Check out the list below for a taste of this comfort delight!

#1 Restoran De Maw

Nestled somewhere between Petronas and Menara PGRM in Jalan Pudu Ulu, this hidden gem is known for its shark fin varieties and seafood dishes. Steamed fish are among the must-have food items on the table. Depending on your choice (groupers, pomfret, carp, or tilapia) found on the menu, each fish is cooked in various styles, from Hong Kong style to traditional bean paste sauce.

Address: 18, Jalan Pudu Ulu, Taman Pertama, 55300 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 6–10:30 pm(daily)
Contact: 03-9285 7833 | Facebook

#2 In Colonial Restaurant

Beautifully enchanting customers in a wooden block, from afar it looks as if tofu overwhelms the sea groupers fillet but as a matter of fact it is actually the other way around. The sea groupers fillet and tofu combined with spicy red chili are steamed all together until it is perfectly cooked. Taste a tad spicy but definitely manageable and aftertaste-wise – beyond indescribable, because it is just that delicious. The white fish fillet crowds the top of the tofu, very generous of the chef one must say. 

Address: Lot G13, The Intermark, 348, Jln Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 10 am - 10 pm
Contact: +6012-784 9033 | Facebook

#3 Thim Kee @ Pudu

For nearly three decades, Thim Kee has been dishing out their best-selling tilapia fish served with bean paste sauce. The sauce is deliciously thick, while the taste is sweet and savory enough to enhance the freshness of the fish. If you have room for more than one fish, do order both steamed and deep-fried versions for that ultimate tasty tilapia experience!

Address: Jalan 1/77C, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 11 am–3 pm(Sun closed)
Contact: +6016-355 0418 

#4 Chong Yen Steam Fish Head Food Stall

Sometimes good food can be found in the least expected place. That honor goes to Chong Yen Steam Fish Head Food Stall. Tucked within the old industrial area of Chan Sow Lin, this restaurant is reputed for serving one of the best-steamed fish in KL. There are two types of cooking methods you can choose from: steamed fish with garlic and garlic or with bean paste sauce. The fish is freshly prepared daily and complements well with a plate of rice and while you’re at it, don’t forget to top up with fish maw as a side dish!

Address: 4, No.22-24, Jalan 2/89c, Off, Jalan Chan Sow Lin, 55200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 11 am–4 pm(Sun closed)
Contact: +6012-231 8129 | Facebook

#5 Big Tree Lin Kee @ Taman Connaught

This restaurant is no stranger to some of the best lip-smacking steamed fish heads you’ve ever tasted in the KL area. Their steamed fish heads are cooked in various styles using fresh “soong yee” (carp fish). There’s the ginger sauce, soya sauce, bean paste sauce, “cheong cheng” (sweet and spicy sauce), and even tom yam sauce to cater to different taste buds - flavorful enough without overpowering the freshness of the fish!

Address: 87, Jalan Waras 3, Taman Connaught, 56000 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 10:30 am–3 pm(Mon closed)
Contact: +6017-616 1823 | Facebook

#6 Cheras Flats Steamed Fish Head

Here’s another gem of great-tasting steamed fish head, located at Cheras. The fish head is steamed to juicy perfection, and topped with the available sauce of your choice (ginger, bean paste, etc.) The steamed fish heads are especially halved to allow the cooking ingredients to absorb the flavor, which results in an appetizing and savory taste!

Address: Block 4, Flat Sri Pulau Pinang, Jln Ikan Emas, Taman Tenaga, 56000 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 10:30 am–3 pm(Tues closed)
Contact: +6016-233 8386 

#7 Mun Kee Steam Fish Head @ Happy Garden

The situated area of this restaurant couldn’t be more truthful enough. With names like 'Taman Gembira' (Happy Garden) and 'Jalan Lazat' (Delicious Street), Mun Kee certainly delivers tasty steamed fish heads that put a smile on your face. Even the gravy version is just as delectable, with the choice of Nyonya, black bean, sambal sauce, and chopped ginger style.

Address: 4926A, Jalan Seladang, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 10 am–10 pm(daily)
Contact: 03-9223 3091