Gourmands residing in the neighborhood of Tanjung Bungah will not be new to the name- Hai Wei Seafood Restaurant. The well-established Chinese restaurant was previously housed under a low-cost flat in the vicinity but has since moved to Precinct 10. The place is known to churn out some of the best Claypot Crab Rice and Seafood dishes. The new place at Precinct 10 is huge and could easily accommodate more than 25 tables (a mix of big and small ones). The menu is pretty huge, with familiar Chinese stir-fry dishes suitable for both budget-watchers or those with deep-pockets. Though regular patrons would like to re-visit their favorite restaurant but the lackluster service tells them otherwise. The serving speed on our visit was extremely slow and many could not wait for their turn and eventually left. Fortunately, the food quality did manage to compromise the dissatisfaction....
Claypot Crab Rice (Rm 102/ by weight and market price)
Cincalok Squid (Rm 15/ small)
Hainanese Spring Rolls (Rm 10 for 2)
Qing Long Vegetable with Bean Sprouts (Rm 10/ small)
To savor the Claypot Crab Rice, you will need to pre-book or make your reservations prior to the visit. The signature Claypot Crab Rice is one of the most-ordered dishes at Hai Wei Seafood- seasoned fried rice served with baked Mud Crabs as well as traces of Salted Egg Yolk and Lap Cheong (Chinese Sausage). The flavors were bold with a tinge of sweetness; the delightful charred aroma was present but we would prefer it to be bolder. The deep fried Shallots and Spring Onions increased the depth but it lacked the 'wow' factor. It was alright but definitely can be better.
Another notable dish we had was Cincalok Squid- expertly cooked resilient Squid with crunchy winged Beans in Cincalok (fermented Shrimp paste). The fragrance was alluring and the flavors were lip-smacking; a dish best spooned over rice. The Hainanese Spring Rolls on the other hand, were below par. The dish did not leave us with a deep impression, the flavors were weak and the texture was not as amazing as we would have hoped.
Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Additional Information:
Address: No. 10-B-03, Precinct 10, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, 10470, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.
Business Hours: 11:30 am to 3 pm, 5:30 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
Contact Number: 6012- 566 8885