Steamed fish head isn’t something Jien and I eat regularly because we aren’t fans of fresh water fish, especially if it has a muddy taste or scent. Big Tree Lin Kee Steamed Fish Head in Taman Connaught is a recommendation from our friend Wilson, who insists the food will not disappoint.
Big Tree Lin Kee Steamed Fish Head
He brought us to Big Tree Lin Kee last week and ordered a feast of steamed “sung yi” fish head with spicy bean paste and also the classic steamed fish head with soy sauce and Chinese rice wine. On top of two rather large fish heads, we also shared a portion of house special seafood tofu, claypot pork belly with salted fish and a simple stir-fried spinach.
Big Tree Lin Kee is located in a housing area in Taman Connaught where parking can be an issue during peak hours. It’s best to get there slightly before noon to secure a parking spot and table. This hidden gem in Cheras is filled with regulars tucking into their orders of steamed fish head with rice.
Soy Sauce Steamed Fish Head
Service is relatively friendly and food is quick to arrive; we got our food within 15 minutes. I can’t decide which is better between the two cooking styles for Big Tree Lin Kee’s steamed fish head. The soy sauce version (RM32) is light with a good kick from the julienned ginger, while the spicy bean paste version (RM32) is sweet, savoury and robust.
Spicy Bean Paste Steamed Fish Head
Robustly flavoured with plenty of meat from the fish
I like that there is little or no muddy taste in the fish so it was pleasant to eat overall. There was also plenty of meat on the head so if you’re not big on eating eyeballs, lips and cheek, fret not. You can eat the flesh as there’s plenty to go around.
Seafood tofu
Stir-fried Spinach (RM11 – small)
The seafood tofu (RM15 – small) is good stuff, with bits of water chestnuts for added crunch and sweetness. This goes well with a bit of mayo and chilli dipping sauce. We didn’t care much for the claypot pork belly with salted fish (RM15 – small) as it lacked char and caramelisation so the skin of the pork belly was a tad chewy.
Claypot pork belly with salted fish
This lacked char and caramelisation overall.
Since we dined on a weekday, their signature coconut chicken soup wasn’t available so I’ll have to revisit them again on a weekend to try it for myself. Prices are reasonable and portions are generous. Our bill came up to slightly over RM100 for the amount we ordered.
Overall, I enjoyed the food at Big Tree Lin Kee – even more than I did for the steamed fish head at Chan Sow Lin. I’m not sure if these two shops are affiliated but now that I’ve tried Big Tree Lin Kee, I’ll return for sure.
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Ambiance: 5.5/10
Price: 7/10
Food: 7.5/10 (non halal)
Verdict: The steamed fish head is good stuff. Skip the claypot pork belly though.
Located in a housing estate in Taman Connaught
Big Tree Lin Kee Chan Sow Lin Steamed Fish Head 大树头连记蒸鱼头
87, Jalan Waras 3,
Taman Connaught,
56000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 017-616 1823
Business hours: 10.30am till 3pm
(closed Monday)
1 comment
This reminds me that it’s been far too long since I last had something like this. Steamed fish head!