22 BS River Seafood Restaurant 22 河海鲜楼 @ Bagan Samak, Bandar Baharu, Kedah.

Bagan Samak (a short drive from Bandar Baharu toll/ approximately an hour from Penang island) is known for its Seafood restaurants and the availability of fresh water fishes. 22 BS River Seafood Restaurant 22 河海鲜楼 is one of the latest additions to the Bagan Samak restaurant scene. Opened in early 2022, 22 BS River Seafood Restaurant occupies a big corner lot on the main road. The menu has a little Thai influence but generally, the dishes are Chinese stir fries that most Malaysians are familiar with. The highlight of this place is of course- the Seafood as well as the fresh water fishes. Save for the bothersome infestation of houseflies around the neighborhood; it is safe to say that everyone in our family enjoyed the food here. 

Dragon Door Fresh Water Food (龙门河鲜餐馆) @ Bagan Samak, Kedah.

Claimed to be the first restaurant in Bagan Samak, Dragon Door Fresh Water Food was established in 1994 serving homey-unpretentious home-cooked dishes specializing in river food but with the recent expansion of the neighborhood, many new competitors have sprung up; Dragon Door has since been left behind. The pioneer offers a big menu, focusing primarily on Chinese delights but the river food variety paled when comparison to its competitors. Also, we thought the taste did not shine either. This maybe one of the options if you wish to dine-in at a quiet restaurant sans the clamoring crowd.

Ng Hang Kee Fresh Water Food (黄汉期河鲜) @ Bagan Samak, Bandar Baharu, Kedah.

Ng Hang Kee Fresh Water Food is probably the most unappealing restaurants at Bagan Samak, Bandar Baharu (the village known for dishing out inexpensive and fresh river food), but it is probably the most attractive for budget-watchers. Located at one end of the village (right next to a field), Ng Hang Kee is a long established restaurant with simple, straight-forward setting (with no air-conditioner)... just like any other Zhu Char places. The menu is however, smaller compared to other restaurants in the vicinity. No clear menu will be given but the experienced server will recommend the freshest catch available. The place is good for a casual and inexpensive meal but as far as variety is concerned, this place might not be the best option.

Sloam Mit Thai Restaurant (门楼正宗泰式冷气河海鲜) @ Bagan Samak, Kedah.

We made another trip to Bagan Samak recently (my previous entry about Bagan Samak can be found here), a village at the border of Penang and Kedah states. The place is home to some of the best fresh water produces and one would be spoilt for choices. With more than 7 restaurants in the village, choosing one is one of the toughest decisions ever. We wanted something new for this round and hence, made our way to Sloam Mit Thai Restaurant. The restaurant has a huge facade with ample parking space; the menu consists of a vast Thai-influenced selection. Prices are reasonably friendly depending on your orders. 

Direction to Bagan Samak: Take North-South Plus Highway from Autocity-route, keep driving and exit Bandar Baharu toll. Once out of the toll, pick the first left turning (T junction with a traffic light), drive for a couple of minutes and you will find the entrance to Bagan Samak village. Follow the long and winding road and you will arrive in no time. 

Kang Fresh Water Food (阿江中泰河海鲜) @ Bagan Samak, Kedah.

While the nearest sea can be found at Penang, the island lacks of river. The nearest place for gourmands to explore fresh river produce would be the neighboring state- Kedah. Approximately 45 minute-drive from Penang will land you at Bagan Samak, a sleepy town next to Nibong Tebal (at the border of Penang and Kedah). The streets are not well-maintained, so do expect a bumpy ride on your journey there. There are quite a number of Seafood restaurants at Bagan Samak but we tried our luck at Kang's (also a recommendation by our friend). Kang is not easily noticeable from the entrance (to the town) but requires a few minute-drive; we were guided by the huge signage along the road. There are ample parking spaces right in front of the restaurant; from far, it is a casual dining establishment but the heat intolerant would be glad that the restaurant does have a large air-conditioned room. The place is spacious with high seating capacity; walk to the end of the restaurant and you will find plenty of fresh river produce caged in the fish tanks. They may not have a very big menu but they ace in terms of freshness.