I’ve been wanting to try the food at Thim Kee, but after more than five failed attempts (it was either closed or they were sold out for the day), I listed this place as a lost cause. rif has been here a few times with his colleagues and said the deep fried tilapia with fermented bean sauce is wicked stuff.
Humble setting
Thim Kee is basically a large shack at the corner of Jalan 1/77C that serves good tilapia fish – both steamed and fried. We ordered the deep fried version, along with a plate of fried egg and onions (RM5) and butter milk claypot squid (RM15).
Deep fried tilapia with bean sauce
To be honest, I cannot fathom how office workers can come here in their long sleeve shirts and tie during lunch hour. But I was dressed in shorts and singlet, so eating here wasn’t an issue for me. Upon being served, the tilapia (RM28) looked and smelt delicious. The bean sauce was savoury-sweet and garlicky, while the fish was incredibly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Crispy perfection
Butter milk claypot squid
I didn’t care much about the butter milk claypot squid – the gravy lacked curry leaves and cili padi, and I would have preferred the squid to be deep fried. Like the fish. The fried egg was pretty standard, so nothing to shout about there.
Fried egg
If only we had more people that afternoon, for I really wanted to try the chicken and steamed tilapia too. Will have to attempt another visit here soon! Our bill came up to RM55 for the above, inclusive of two plates of white rice. Pretty decent value, I feel.
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Ambiance: 3/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 6.5/10 (non halal)
Verdict: Thim Kee serves possibly the best deep fried tilapia I’ve eaten. Give it a try!
Thim Kee Steamed Fish
Jalan 1/77c, Off Jalan Pudu,
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-3986 3097
GPS Coordinates: N 3 08.256 E 101 42.777