Grilled fish or "Ikan Bakar" has long been a staple in Malaysian cuisine, often enjoyed with rice and a variety of side dishes. It is a popular choice due to its authentic flavors and the use of fresh ingredients such as fish, clams, and squid. Grilling over charcoal gives the fish a smoky aroma that cannot be achieved with frying or steaming, while accompanying sambals enhance the overall taste and make each bite memorable.

Every state in Malaysia has its own unique way of preparing grilled fish. On the East Coast, it is often served with tangy and spicy air asam, while in Sabah and Sarawak, simpler recipes preserve the fish’s natural flavors. In urban areas, modern concepts such as petai grilled fish, Thai-style grilled fish, and seafood buffets are gaining popularity. This diversity makes grilled fish not only a daily meal but also a favorite for family dinners, celebrations, and tourists seeking authentic local cuisine.

Special Grilled Fish

Grilled fish is a popular dish in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, referring to fish that is marinated and grilled, often served with special sambals.

Key Features of Grilled Fish:

• Fresh fish such as seabass, stingray, mackerel, tilapia, pomfret, or snapper.
• Marinades typically include turmeric, salt, garlic, chili, tamarind, sambal, or special spices.
• Grilling methods include direct charcoal grilling or wrapped in banana leaves to retain moisture and aroma.

How It Is Served:

Typically paired with condiments like sambal belacan, air asam, soy sambal, or in some restaurants, sambal petai. Most establishments offering grilled fish also provide other seafood options such as squid and clams.

Why People Love It:

• Delicious smoky flavor
• Rich, flavorful marinades
• Fish remains tender and juicy
• Healthy cooking with minimal oil

Top Grilled Fish Spots in Kuala Lumpur & Selangor

1. Ikan Bakar Jalan Bellamy – Seri Melaka Stall

Ikan Bakar Jalan Bellamy, especially the popular Seri Melaka stall, is well-known as a top spot featuring rows of vendors offering a wide variety of grilled seafood. Visitors can enjoy freshly grilled fish, chicken and squid prepared over open flames, making it a favourite destination for both locals and tourists. Besides its delicious selection of grilled seafood, the area also offers ample seating, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed dining experience for families and food lovers looking to enjoy authentic Malaysian grilled fish.

• Operating Hours: 11:00AM – 4:00PM
• Location: Stall No.1 Jalan Bellamy, 50460 Kuala Lumpur
• Nearest Bateriku: Bateriku Pudu

2. Ikan Bakar Semporna

Founded by a Sabah native, this restaurant specializes in grilled fish served with mango belacan sambal based on recipes from Negeri Di Bawah Bayu. Popular among Sabah residents in Kuala Lumpur as well as locals, it also offers set rice meals and has branches in Kepong and Shah Alam.

• Operating Hours: 12:00PM – 11:30PM
• Location: 10G, Jln Prima 7, Metro Prima, 52100 Kuala Lumpur
• Nearest Bateriku: Bateriku Kepong

3. Ikan Bakar Ampang

This restaurant offers a wide selection of fresh seafood, including fish, prawns, clams, squid, and cockles, replenished daily. The spacious premises include ample parking and restroom facilities. A unique feature is the ability for customers to leave their names on the wall, creating memorable dining experiences beyond just enjoying grilled fish.

• Operating Hours: 5:00PM – 12:00AM
• Location: Jln Ampang, Desa Pahlawan, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
• Nearest Bateriku: Bateriku Keramat

4. Zam Ikan Bakar

Zam Ikan Bakar features a self-service concept for grilled fish during the day, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, while full-service dining is offered in the evening from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The spacious venue spans three shop lots, providing ample seating and parking, ensuring a comfortable and organized experience for diners enjoying authentic Malaysian grilled fish.

• Operating Hours: 10:30AM – 11:00PM
• Location: LOT 4806-0-09, CBD Perdana 2, Cyberjaya
• Nearest Bateriku: Bateriku Cyberjaya

5. Wira Seafood

Here, diners can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood including clams, squid, crabs, and eels, as well as special Thai-style grilled meats. Hot dishes are also available, including popular options such as beef leg soup. This restaurant is ideal for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and special events, as it provides customized decorations to mark these occasions. It offers not only delicious grilled fish and fresh seafood but also a memorable dining experience for families and food lovers.

• Operating Hours: 2:30PM – 1:00AM
• Location: 18, Jalan SG 1/10, Taman Sri Gombak, Batu Caves
• Nearest Bateriku: Bateriku Kepong

6. IQAN Bakar

What sets IQAN BAKAR apart from other restaurants is its unique horseshoe crab cooked in kam heong style. They also offer a variety of rarely tried fish such as chicken fish, seven-star grouper, red kaci, banana grouper, and Japanese tofu as special additions. With its fresh seafood and signature grilled fish, IQAN BAKAR stands out as a popular destination for seafood lovers in Kuala Lumpur.

• Operating Hours: 12:00PM – 12:00AM
• Location: LOT 9, Cheras Batu 2½, Kuala Lumpur
• Nearest Bateriku: Bateriku Pudu

7. Pakdin Ikan Bakar

Pakdin Ikan Bakar is renowned for its wide variety of grilled fish, with its signature tangy air asam dipping sauce being the main attraction. Located near Masjid Negara, it is a popular choice, especially for diners looking for a satisfying meal after prayers. With fresh grilled fish and its special sauce, Pakdin Ikan Bakar delivers a complete and enjoyable dining experience.

• Operating Hours: 8:00AM – 3:30PM
• Location: Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur
• Nearest Bateriku: Bateriku Bangsar

8. Mat Teh Ikan Bakar

Offering affordable prices, Mat Teh Ikan Bakar serves grilled fish starting from as low as RM10. Its main dish is grilled mackerel, but diners can also opt for more complete set meals including side dishes. With pocket-friendly pricing and fresh grilled fish, Mat Teh Ikan Bakar is a popular choice for everyday dining or family meals.

• Operating Hours: 11:00AM – 4:00PM
• Location: Jalan Keramat, Kampung Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur
• Nearest Bateriku: Bateriku Keramat

9. Ana Ikan Bakar Petai

This restaurant is famous for its signature grilled fish with petai, a favourite among Malaysians. The rich and flavorful petai sambal served alongside the grilled fish makes every bite irresistible and delicious. With fresh grilled fish paired with the bold petai sauce, this restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers and fans of spicy local cuisine.

• Operating Hours: 5:00PM – 1:30AM
• Location: Jalan Raja Muda Musa, Kampung Baru
• Nearest Bateriku: Bateriku Bangsar

10. Ikan Bakar Malaya

The main attraction at Ikan Bakar Malaya is its special grilled paste sauce, unique to this restaurant. The distinct flavor of the sauce gives the grilled fish a taste that is hard to find elsewhere. With fresh grilled fish and its exclusive sauce, Ikan Bakar Malaya delivers a flavorful and satisfying dining experience for seafood enthusiasts.

• Operating Hours: 12:00PM – 10:30PM
• Location: Jalan AU2/1C, Kuala Lumpur
• Nearest Bateriku: Bateriku Keramat

11. Ikan Bakar Petai Banjir

This spot is a must-visit for petai lovers! Every dish, from fish to clams, is generously topped with rich petai sambal. For those who prefer not to have petai, alternative sambal options are also available. With fresh grilled fish and its distinctive petai sauce, this restaurant is a popular destination for fans of spicy local seafood.

• Operating Hours: 10:00AM – 4:00PM/ 5:00PM – 10:00PM
• Location: Jalan AU2/1C, Kuala Lumpur
• Nearest Bateriku: Bateriku Keramat

12. Aroma Ikan Bakar

This restaurant is famous for its grilled fish served with a special sauce prepared from a unique recipe. In addition to grilled fish, a variety of Thai-inspired dishes such as tom yum are also available. With stunning sea views, the restaurant provides a relaxing and serene atmosphere, making it a top destination for visitors looking to enjoy fresh seafood in a comfortable setting.

• Operating Hours: 4:30PM – 10:00PM
• Location: Jalan Jati, Jeram, Selangor
• Nearest Bateriku: Bateriku Kapar Klang

Grilled Fish: A Popular Choice Across Asia

Grilled fish is not only popular in Malaysia but also a staple dish across many Asian countries. In Indonesia, dishes like Ikan Bakar Jimbaran in Bali are famous for rich spice marinades and enticing smoky aroma. In Thailand, grilled fish is often served with a tangy, sweet-and-spicy lime-chili sauce, while in the Philippines, Inihaw na Isda is a beloved seaside delicacy.

Each country adds its unique touch through spices, sauces, or grilling techniques making grilled fish a dish that showcases the diverse flavors of Asia. This diversity highlights the importance of grilled fish in local food culture. Whether enjoyed in fine dining restaurants, roadside stalls, or with scenic ocean views, grilled fish remains a top choice due to its freshness, natural fish flavors, and smoky aroma from charcoal or wood fires. Grilled fish is more than just a meal it is a symbol of culinary tradition and creativity across Asia.