Crabs at Tanjung Tokong, Penang

Of all the places I've eaten crabs, nothing beats the sweetness of the crabs in Tanjong Tokong, Penang. It's the taste that makes you crave. And almost always, the aftermath of eating seafood here is never pretty:The restaurant situated on Tanjung Tokong bay next to a Tua Peh Kong Temple is no stranger to the locals and history buffs alike - reason being that the age old temple used to be a meeting place for one of the famed Chinese gangs Ghee Hin/Hai San. Well, I may not be a pro with the history in that area, I'm only writing what one of my uncles told me years ago. But as you drive, you'll be welcomed by a the temple's big gate:

This eatery has a name but the locals wouldn't know it by it's fancy, albeit misguided, Anglo-fied name, Sea Pearl Lagoon Cafe, it's just Hai Choo Hooi to most of them really.
And I MUST eat their seafood whenever I am back in Penang. There is really only two things that I really like here - their coal-baked crabs and salt-baked prawns. They do have other methods of prep for these shellfish as well as other seafood. But those two are the ONLY dishes worth their salt, in my humble opinion.









Ambiance wise, don't expect any fine-dining finesse. Someone once asked me about the interior decor of the place and I said "What interior decor?". It's al-fresco, Penang-style, with metal stools and metal table under huge rain trees and a salty breeze from the sea. Your waiters/waitress are probably the first generation owners of this place, hurriedly clearing the empty shells, bowls and spills off tables so the next customer can be entertained - the cycle then repeats itself. Nothing fancy but location wise is charmingly idyllic, none the less.

But back to the star attraction, there is something about the taste of the crab's flesh in this eatery. It's the method of preparation which is just a simple baking procedure over hot coals, probably. The sweetness of the crab's flesh and the smoky undertone of its flavor is unlike any other I've tasted. As you can see, there is nothing fancy with these crabs.


Black burned bits, salty sweet flesh and oozing with crab roe you must lick and suck to savor all its goodness - simple and yet delightful. The prawns are baked in salt on top of charcoal as well, which imparts its flesh with a smoky sweetness.Sigh, I'm drooling just thinking about it. The aftermath of such a delectable affair is never pretty but it is necessary. How else do you leave your mark of victor after tackling such a delectable meal? You're not allowed to throw the shells off the balcony anyway.

Eating is my family's past time, as it is for many other Malaysian families as well. Food is the glue that keeps us together and united. Seafood in Tanjong Tokong is my family's annual pilgrimage. I just thought I'd share it with you guys. I do highly recommend you to try their crabs and shrimps, coal-baked, if you're ever in Penang (address below), it's one of those few places in Penang where you can eat great seafood for a pretty good price - RM48/kg for crabs. Okay, okay, maybe it's not very "cheap" to the locals but paying for quality is fair game. :)


Contact Info: Sea Pearl Lagoon Cafe, Penang
Address (because I want you all to go):
338 MK 18, Tanjung Tokong,
Penang 10470.
Malaysia
Phone: +60 4 899 0375
Neighbourhood: Northern Coast