Hai Kah Lang: A Seafood Noodle Haven Worth the Hype in Johor Bahru
Hey foodies and fellow wanderers! If you’re on the hunt for the best fish soup noodle in Malaysia, let me take you on a little adventure to Hai Kah Lang’s Johor Bahru branch. I recently swung by this Michelin Bib Gourmand gem, and oh boy, it was a seafood-soaked delight that left my taste buds dancing and my belly happily stuffed. Here’s my honest take on the experience, sprinkled with some practical tips to make your visit as smooth as their silky broth.
𓀛 A Fresh Catch of History
Hai Kah Lang, which translates to “People by the Sea” in Hokkien, started as a humble eatery in Taman Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, with a laser focus on serving the freshest seafood straight from the ocean. Founded by Steven Tan, this spot wasn’t some grand business plan—it was more of a lucky break turned passion project. The restaurant’s ethos? Ocean-to-plate goodness, sourcing wild-caught seafood daily from places like Sabah, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Since snagging the Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2022, Hai Kah Lang has exploded in popularity, expanding from its Cheras roots to multiple branches across Malaysia, including the buzzing Johor Bahru outpost I visited. It’s now a go-to for locals and travelers craving a taste of the sea.
My Experience: Big Portions, Bigger Flavors
Walking into the Johor Bahru branch at Taman Sentosa, I was hit with the vibe of a bustling seafood haven. The place is spacious—think roomy tables perfect for groups or solo diners like me who just want to sprawl out with a giant bowl of noodles. The star of the show? The fish soup noodle, hands down. I went for the Mixed Seafood Noodle (RM28.90), and let me tell you, the portion was massive—prawns, clams, squid, crab, and boneless grouper all swimming in a fragrant broth. The fish was so fresh I could practically taste the ocean, with that perfect tender bite that melts in your mouth.
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| Clam Noodle with milk |
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| Fish Noodle Soup |
We also sampled the soup three ways: the classic clear broth (infused with a hint of Huadiao wine), the creamy milk version, and the fiery tom yum. Each was a winner in its own right—the clear broth was light yet flavorful, the milk added a rich twist, and the tom yum brought a spicy kick that had me reaching for my iced tea. Pro tip: you can’t go wrong with any of these, so pick based on your mood!
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| Clam Clear Broth Soup Noodle |
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Tomato Fish Soup Noodle |
Then came the sides. The fried fish and squid? Crispy, golden perfection. The fish had a juicy interior wrapped in a crunchy coat, while the squid was bouncy and seasoned just right. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, these were the kind of snacks that make you wish you’d ordered extras. Honestly, everything screamed freshness, and the generous portions made it feel like a steal for the price.
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| Fried Fish |
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| Squid |
🍽 Dietary Options: What’s on the Table?
Good news for foodies with dietary preferences! Hai Kah Lang isn’t halal, as it’s pork-free but heavy on seafood cooked in traditional Chinese styles. Vegetarians and vegans, you’re out of luck—there’s no plant-based menu here. But if you’re a seafood lover, you’re in paradise. The Michelin Bib Gourmand nod speaks to its quality, and you can customize your bowl with options like clear soup or porridge to suit lighter diets. Just note: everything’s seafood-centric, so no meat alternatives either.
🌟 Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Arrive Early or Book Ahead: The Johor Bahru branch gets packed, especially on weekends. Aim for 8–9 AM to beat the crowd.
- Parking is a Puzzle: Taman Sentosa isn’t parking-friendly. Be prepared to circle or double-park—bring patience or opt for a Grab ride.
- Customize Your Bowl: Don’t sleep on the mix-and-match options. Pick your seafood, soup base, and noodle type (mee hoon, kway teow, etc.) for a personalized feast.
📌 Branch Addresses and Opening Hours
All Hai Kah Lang locations run daily from 8 AM to 5 PM:
- Cheras (Main Branch): 44, Jalan Kaskas 2, Taman Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur
- Johor Bahru: 173, Jalan Sutera, Taman Sentosa, 80150 Johor Bahru
- Petaling Jaya (Sea Park): 36, Jalan 21/12, Sea Park, Petaling Jaya
- Sri Petaling: [Specific address TBD—check social media]
- TRX (Jalan Imbi): 32 & 34, Jalan Utara, Off Jln Imbi, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
📣 Social Media and Delivery Links
Stay connected and order in (availability varies by branch):
- Google: Google Map & Review
- Facebook: Official Page
- Instagram: Official Account
- Delivery: Check Foodpanda, Deliveroo, or GrabFood—confirm with your local branch first!
📚What Others Are Saying
The internet’s buzzing about Hai Kah Lang. Customers rave about the “insanely fresh seafood” and “generous portions,” with many calling it the best fish soup noodle in Malaysia. Some love the clear broth’s subtle sweetness, while others can’t get enough of the tom yum kick. A few grumble about long queues and parking woes, but most agree the food’s worth it. One reviewer said, “The fried fish cake is a must—it’s like a flavor bomb!” Another noted, “Pricey for noodles, but the quality justifies it.”
🎯 Conclusion: A Seafood Lover’s Dream
Hai Kah Lang’s Johor Bahru branch delivered everything I’d hoped for: fresh, flavorful seafood in bowls big enough to share (though I didn’t!). Whether you’re a noodle nut or just craving a taste of the sea, this spot’s a winner. The Michelin Bib Gourmand title isn’t just hype—it’s a testament to their craft. Sure, parking’s a hassle and the wait can test your patience, but that first slurp of broth makes it all fade away. So, tell me—what’s your go-to seafood dish when you’re craving something special?
RATING | PERNILAIAN | 评分 | CUISINES | MAKANAN | 餐 |
🧡 5/5 | Chinese |
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PRICE | HARGA | 价格范围 | MEALS | MAKAN PADA | |
RM25-30 |
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Prices and availability may vary. Please check with the restaurant directly for the most up-to-date information.
