We are back at Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant with the folks for another family meal. They couldn’t stop craving that super shiok sambal stingray. I kept my promise to bring them back for dinner since Mum wanted to catch the sunset.
Ever since Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, she seems to be making up for lost time. I’ve been trying my best to fulfil her wishes too. After all, how many more years do our folks have left? This episode brought us all closer together as we hang out more often. So if you haven’t had a meal with your folks for a while, now’s the time!
If you read my earlier blog post about Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant, you’ll agree it’s the perfect spot for meal gatherings. Whether for small or big groups, they can accommodate you as long as you make prior reservations.
Making Reservations at Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant
I called the restaurant to make a reservation for dinner on Thursday, thinking dinner time would be busy. We arrived before 6pm and were the only customers there. But as time passed 6.30pm and beyond, more diners started streaming in.
If you plan to come here for dinner on weekdays after 6.30pm, it’s better to call ahead for reservations. You wouldn’t want to risk going all the way there – it’s quite out of the way – only to find no tables available, especially with a big group. Plus, zi char places in Singapore fill up fast during peak hours.
This time round, we ordered some favourite dishes from our last meal and added new ones to try.
Star Dishes That Keep Us Coming Back
Egg Soft Shell Crab – The Absolute Winner
Yet again, this is the star of the meal. I love how they manage to fry the soft shell crab pieces to such crispness without them oozing oil when you bite in. Every piece gets thoroughly coated with that salted egg yolk. Every piece that pops into your mouth is pure bliss.
The technique here is spot on. Most places either overcook the crab or go light on the salted egg. Not here. They’ve nailed the balance perfectly.
Sambal Stingray – Large Portion This Time
We ordered the large portion this time because the small one wasn’t enough last time. Like our previous visit, it’s still a beautifully executed dish. That sambal is just so piquant and delicious. I’m sure any other seafood cooked in the same style would taste equally good, to be honest.
Fried You Tiao with Squid Paste
Another of my favourite dishes. Every piece of that you tiao is just so crispy and crunchy.
The Supporting Cast
Prawn Paste Chicken Mid-Wings
Decent prawn paste chicken mid-wings. Crispy on the outside and moist on the inside with a nice hint of prawn paste. Nothing revolutionary, but solid comfort food that does the job.
Trio Mushrooms and Fried Tofu
Everyone loved this dish. The tofu was nicely fried on the outside, giving you that crispy crust on the exterior whilst the inside remains smooth and soft. The sauce is flavoursome without being too salty or oily. This was definitely a crowd-pleaser.
Fu Yong Omelette
This had prawns, mushrooms and vegetables. It’s a standard dish that tastes as good as any other zi char stall’s. It’s one of those usual egg dishes that we always enjoy. Sometimes you just want that familiar comfort.
Curry Fish Head – Room for Improvement
We didn’t ask the restaurant what fish they use, but looking at what was served, we assumed it was Ang Go Li or Sea Bream – most commonly used for curry fish head. For this $25 portion, there’s only half a fish head. But it’s good enough for 4-5 people to share if you order other dishes too.
The fish was fresh and didn’t taste fishy at all. The meat was firm and pretty meaty too. I just wished the curry sauce was thicker and more robust. It was a little too watery – you could almost slurp it up like soup. In the claypot, there were also brinjal, tomato, onions and okra.
The Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant Experience
And this pretty much sums up our second meal so far at Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant which is probably one of our favourite seafood and zi char places now. $157 after service charge and GST for 5 persons including steamed white rice, drinks and a chendol, I would say it’s quite reasonable. Plus we are eating comfortably in an airconditioned environment with a view of the Johor Straits too, the whole experience is just awesome.
However, the setting sun was pretty much covered by R&F Princess Cove on the opposite side so while it wasn’t the best shot for photography, the overall ambience was still nice. Being by the waterfront when it’s not too sunny and hot plus a great view, not too bad still.
By the way, they accept CDC vouchers! So if you haven’t used up your vouchers, come with your family and enjoy a seafood meal by the sea!
Final Thoughts
Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant has earned its spot as one of our go-to seafood and zi char joints. The location works for special occasions, the food delivers on flavour, and the portions satisfy hungry families.
Would we go back again? Absolutely. That salted egg soft shell crab alone is worth the trip. Plus, Mum’s already asking when we’re returning for more of that sambal stingray (haha!). When the folks are happy, everyone’s happy.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your table, bring the family, and prepare for a proper feast! 😉