Oysters, mussels, prawns, fish, clams, squid – in fact ocean treats of all sorts, taste best when they are fresh. – Crucial factor, which has also indirectly reflected the lack of fresh seafood dining options in Kuala Lumpur. This topic went into a casual conversation between 2 friends, and in no time, led to the born of BAIT Bangsar KL, in 2012.
Situated along the bustling Jalan Telawi 3 with Bangsar Village just right across, BAIT prides itself for serving the freshest seafood delicacies possible, along with gourmet food, speciality cocktails and carefully selected wine range.
Apart from being an original seafood restaurant, BAIT is also one of the very first bars in KL to serve fresh, plump oysters. If oysters is your thing, do share a dozen or so of this with your friends when you are here.
For savouries, BAIT latest menu showcases continued appreciation of what fresh seafood can taste like when done right. Whether you are here for Risotto Barramundi, Bacalo Fish Stew, Seafood Bouillabaisse, Seafood Alio-olio, Squid Ink Pasta, Alaska King Crab Carbonara, Salmon Confit or Seafood Jambalaya, BAIT will not disappoint.
All this thanks to the talented kitchen team led by experienced Group Executive Chef Logan Terence Lopez – ‘magician’ in the kitchen with the know-how in turning quality ingredients into wonderful dishes.
Stuffed Squid RM28
Chef Logan places high respect to each type of cuisine, hence fancy modern fusion dishes or similar do not come into play. Mediterranean flavours takes the limelight in BAIT; Spanish, French and Italian favourites to be particular.
Kick started our dinner with paella rice, creamy cheese stuffed squid ragout in smoked paprika sauce that is bound to impress.
Pan Fried Foie Gras RM38
Next, 40gm of delicate, smooth and buttery goodness of pan fried Foie Gras, finished with port wine glaze. Huge love to the homemade petit brioche loaf served by the side! It is topped with blueberry marmalade for sweetness, and shredded lettuce for refreshing crunch in between fluffy soft munch.
Fregula Vongole RM29
Spaghetti alle Vongule is easily come by in KL but for Fregula Vongole, definitely not. Spot those barley-like mini balls. They are Fregola, a type of Sardinian pasta. Cooked together with white wines, tomatoes and cherrystone clams – the ingredient that adds beautiful, fresh briny flavours to the broth.
Wagyu Bone Marrow RM35
First try on Wagyu Bone Marrow, and found it very interesting. The core of this dish lies in the center of the bone – the jelly-like beef bone marrow. Scoop up and savour it just on its own; or spread over crispy crostini; or enjoy with parsnip puree, red wine reduction, and onion marmalade.
Bait’s Fish & Chips RM49
Beer battered New Zealand Blue Cod fish fillet sits atop sweet potato chips, sided with flinders mix salad, remoulade dip and grilled lemon. Looks tempting, tastes as good too! Can also opt for Australian Mulloway. Extra marks given to the idea of adding fresh watercress in the salad.
Seafood Jambalaya RM119 (2-3 pax)
One pot rice-dish that is traditionally made from rice, meat and vegetables. BAIT’s version is layering up with more seafood delights, cooking together jumbo king prawns, mussels, clams, okra, celery, beef chorizo and long grain rice in rich, tomato-ish broth. So tasty, don’t mind adding this comfort food to our dinner rotation.
Bacon & Clams Pasta RM52
Looking at Bacon & Clams pasta with the price RM52 stated on BAIT menu gave us a first thought “Ouu that’s a bit expensive”. But no longer felt so when the dish arrived. Portion is huge, having fettuccine cooked in chilli oil with fresh ASARI Japanese clams, smoked duck bacon bits, mushrooms and fresh parsley. Enough for 2-3 persons sharing.
They are really generous with the amount of clams. No joke, really A LOT of clams. And of course, we tucked in happily. Lol.
Panna Cotta RM19
Yes, dessert to end the meal sweet. Tried Panna Cotta and Baba Rum, both are finely crafted. As usual, Summerkid likes the Panna Cotta – jiggly, milky, silky-smooth texture, further complimented with tangy-sweet frozen raspberry coulis and apple compote.
Baba Rum RM19
Baba Rum! Please give this a try if you love rum-infused dessert! Mini yeast cakes soaked in rum, balanced up with hints of sweetness from candied fruits.
Snoopy Martini RM25, Dirty Martini RM25, Whisky Sour RM28, Pimms Classic RM28 – liquid accompaniment to go with our fabulous dinner.
Overall review: We really like this restaurant. Food is so good with well-balanced flavours, especially Seafood Jambalaya, Bacon & Clams Pasta, and Fregula Vongole. Such a blissful dinner and shame to say, we should have discovered this noteworthy place earlier. Highly recommended.
BAIT KL Bangsar
Address:
(*Opposite Bangsar Village)
65 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Opening Hours:
Mon – Fri (4PM – 12.30midnight)
Sat – Sun (3PM – 12.30midnight)
Contact: 03-2201 8187
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baitkl/
