By Olivia Miwil
olivia@nst.com.my
SEAFOOD at a row of open-air stalls in the city centre is attracting large crowds because the food here is cheaper and fresher than other seafood restaurants.
Known as Todak Waterfront because of a roundabout with a replica of a swordfish nearby, the stalls are popular with locals and tourists.
Indonesian stall worker Mang, 25, said the prices at Todak Waterfront were about twice lower compared with restaurants most tour companies bring their guests to.
“The alfresco concept at Todak Waterfront, which fronts the South China Sea and offers sunset views, helps attract more patrons.”
Mang, who speaks Mandarin, said their reputation has grown by word of mouth and via social media over the years.
By day, the centre is a parking lot. It closes from 4pm until midnight for the stall operators to run their businesses with City Hall’s consent.
“The seafood is acquired from local markets and is prepared by chefs who have worked in the Chinese seafood restaurants across the state.
They also prepare various types of cuisine, including a three-flavoured sauce meals, Nyonya-style, steamed and grilled dishes, among others.”
Mang said a popular item at many of the stalls is lobster, priced at RM170 per kg compared with RM400 at restaurants.
Other items were cockles (RM20 per kg), flower prawns (RM70 per kg), squid (RM40 per kg), crabs (RM35 per kg) and fish — snappers, barramundi, trevally and garoupa (from RM35 to RM70 per kg).
Cleanliness is a key concern at Todak Waterfront. Mang said they clean up the area before it opens and when they close at night.
“Enforcement personnel from City Hall inspect cleanliness at night,” he said, adding that it was different for restaurants, as patrons were spared the weather conditions, such as strong winds and rain, that could spoil the night for diners.
“But it is still up to customers whether they are comfortable with the ambience.”
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