Restoran LFF, OUG

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While editing the photos, the thought of the steamed fish head with preserved vegetables at Restoran LFF in OUG still makes me salivate. Hence why I started this post with an opening statement.

We checked out Restoran LFF with a friend of ours – he’s our regular lunch buddy as he shares similar taste and view as Jien and I. So it’s fun to eat together. Our little girls also tagged along as it was their school holiday week, and it allowed us to order more dishes to share.

I’ve been on the lookout for another steamed fish head (Soong fish) option around the area as I’m not a fan of the parking situation at . And Restoran LFF turned out to be a better (read: more delicious) option.

The steamed fish head with minced ginger (RM33) was quite good – I like how the ginger sauce is prepared here. Roughly blended so it’s more liquid but you still get the texture of the ginger inside. This helped offset any muddy flavour of the fish, which was fresh and meaty.

As delicious as this was, it was the steamed fish head with preserved vegetables (choy poh) that stole the show (RM33). I reckon I enjoyed this better because this cooking style is more unique and I love eating choy poh to begin with.

But I like how the sauce is sweet and savoury with a tangy crunch from the choy poh. Very appetising and ideal for kids too. Our little girls who usually enjoy the ginger steamed version liked this too, and they finished their white rice in a jiffy.

We also ordered the spinach in superior soup (RM15 – small, RM20 – large), which was cooked nicely. Restoran LFF adds a bit of dong guai into the broth so it’s sweet and slightly herbal. Definitely my kind of taste profile when it comes to this dish. It was mostly meant for our kids but I helped myself to two bowls.

The sizzling beancurd (RM20) may look simple but it was quite tasty. Most Chinese restaurants serve this but they often overlook the gravy base. Restoran LFF does a pretty good version of sizzling beancurd as the gravy is savoury and moderately thick with a decent amount of minced pork and spring onions.

Also tasty is the claypot eggplant with minced pork (RM20), which Jien cannot resist whenever he spots one on the menu. This one doesn’t pack much char but the brinjal is cooked till tender and they added a good amount of salted fish for umami.

We were the only ones at the restaurant so food arrived fairly quick. The lady boss is quite friendly and accommodating towards my poor command of Chinese. Our bill came up to RM144 for 5 pax (3 adults, 2 kids) including three bowls of rice and 3 herbal drinks (RM4 each).

I have to say – I enjoyed the food at Restoran LFF more than New Mun Kee and didn’t feel thirsty or uncomfortable after the meal (little or no MSG was used, I reckon). Worth checking this place out.

[Edit: 10 September 2024]

We’ve gone back to Restoran LFF several times after this visit as it has become our go-to spot for hearty family meals. The salted egg yolk squid is delicious stuff; nicely seasoned and evenly coated so each bite is addictive. I also tried the peanut braised ma yau, which is now one of my favourite cooking methods at LFF.

Prawns are also good here though you’ll have to call them in advance to check for availability. The Ming prawns (RM48 – small, RM68 – medium), steamed with egg white are sweet and plump. If you’re looking for something more decadent, go for the buttermilk prawns. LFF’s version is pretty good.

One of the dishes I wanted to try at LFF is the Thai-style fried pork knuckle (RM68) and while it was decent, the braised pork knuckle (RM68) was much better. The skin is soft and chewy while the meat is tender, and the gravy isn’t overly salty. I also liked their combination of aromatics (star anise, cinnamon stick, etc) in the cooking process.

There’s also sweet and sour pork (RM25) which is a classic done well, homemade pumpkin tofu (RM20), salted kampung chicken and spicy sauce tilapia.

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Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 7/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: Try the steamed fish head with choy poh. Their Chinese dishes are also pretty decent; more towards homecooked style.

Do you have a food recommendation? Tell us!

Restoran LFF 來發發海鮮飯店
Jalan Awan Hijau,
Taman Overseas Union,
58200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 012-266 8191
Business hours: 11am till 2.30pm, 5pm till 10.30pm
(closed Monday)