KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 — Walk through the semi-covered patio complete with plenty of fans and potted tropical plants and you’ll find yourself at GalahGala, which occupies a space on the second level of TT Gardens, TTDI.
Founded in late 2022 by the team behind the PJ institution that is Green View Restaurant, GalahGala started as a pork-free and alcohol-free establishment before gaining halal certification late last year.
The menu here largely comprises classic Chinese seafood dishes that Green View came to be known for, including their signature sang har mee.
The restaurant’s name is a nod to this, referring to the giant freshwater prawns (udang galah) that feature in the iconic dish.
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Though there are pages upon pages of crabs, oysters, “live” fish, lobsters and a myriad of preparations for each, there is no mistaking that udang galah prepared with the Signature Sang Har Noodle is the catch of the lot.
You can choose between large (U3) for RM95 per prawn and extra large (U2) for RM158 per prawn; we went for two prawns to be shared between three people.
The ‘al fresco’ space leads to an indoor dining area on the right.
Look for the sign that’s somewhat cursive.
Let’s get something out of the way: halal Chinese food, especially when it’s not typical of Chinese Islamic cuisine like Lanzhou-style lamian — which has experienced incredible popularity here of late — is often met with disdain, or at the very least, raised eyebrows.
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The prevailing perception that it “can’t match up” is a viewpoint I’ve heard my friends and family express, and I felt it would be remiss of me not to address it.
It’s reductive and doesn’t hold true for a lot of dishes, and the signature sang har mee here is a testament to that. In between the uber-crispy fried noodles, the rich, heavy-on-the-prawn-roe sauce and the beautifully fresh and firm prawns, the dish more than matches up.
The sauce on the Sang Har Mee is rich with prawn roe.
In terms of what makes for excellent sang har mee, it checks off every box and more, sans cooking wine and all.
Also on the menu was the Signature Beancurd with Luffa Melon (RM25), which comprised smooth blocks of house-made egg tofu and luffa sections covered in an appropriately velvety sauce.
Signature Beancurd with Luffa Melon features smooth blocks of house-made egg beancurd and luffa covered in an appropriately velvety sauce
The luffa carried a slight sweetness, perking up what is a savoury dish overall.
Kam Heong Lala (RM30) was just a tad less satisfying, with the rather small portion of clams tasting mostly of cili padi and little else despite the appearance of curry leaves and dried shrimp.
Kam Heong Lala is all spice and not enough nuance.
Yuan Yang Kai Lan is executed masterfully here.
On the other hand, Yuan Yang Kai Lan (RM25) was executed perfectly, with stems and leaves. Dotted around were crispy bits of dried anchovies for added oomph, which complemented the crispy leaves and tender yet snappy stems.
For the Ramadan period, GalahGala is offering two Iftar sets at RM388 or RM488 per set for six people till April 30. Reservations are required.
GalahGala Seafood Restaurant
L-3-2, Level 1, TT Gardens, Bangunan Ahp, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur
Open daily, 11am-3pm, 5:30-10pm
Tel: 014-930 4513
Facebook:@galahgalaseafoodrestaurant
Instagram:@galahgala_seafoodrestaurant
*This is an independent review where the writer paid for the meal.
*Follow us on Instagram @eatdrinkmm for more food gems.
