Thiam Hock
Whenever we have friends over, we like to bring them to Thiam Hock, one of our favorite Chinese restaurant for their reputedly best “Curry Fish Head” in the whole of Brunei.
Not only is their curry fish head tasty, it is their Chinese-influenced decor which makes this small restaurant stands out from the bigger Chinese restaurants in town. To me, even the myriad of myths and stories revolving around the gangster-like owner and the altar of Buddhist Gods from Thailand (as I was told) lend romance to this place.
Unreliable sources said that this place has been around for decades where it began business as a simple kopi tiam serving mostly contractors. The owner then reportedly made offerings to the a certain Buddhist God in Thailand, which I was told was famous for fulfilling wishes, and his business increased tenfold. Hence one of the few Chinese places around town that sported a different Buddhist God.
Now, this place is like an elegant antique store with all kinds of bric a brac lining up its walls. In fact, there are times when I am tempted to ask if their decorative items are for sale. Besides, nowhere else will you find a restaurant with a fish aquarium in the bathroom (Lilian Too is definitely not his Feng Shui Master).
Foodwise, they are excellent. Their curry fish head is a definite must, although there were times when the flesh was a tad too tough (old fish has to be used for this dish as my fish-lover of a hubby clarified) but it’s usually done to perfection and fast. They have other exceptional dishes too and their prices are reasonable.
On our last visit, we saw that they are opening another section on the top floor which is just as well as this is another popular place in Bandar.
Last note :
- Stories narrated are not meant to offend anyone and corrections are most welcome
- Some Picture Credits : Sis Jacq
nice to know we have active food bloggers too in Brunei !Keep it up ! probably we share quite similar dishes ?
toniXe, oh there are a LOT of active food bloggers in Brunei with super reviews and pictures too, you should check them out
nice place. the boss is from kl. my mom always chat wit the boss when we’re there cos she’s from kl as well. tis place has been around for very long as u said, prob 20 yrs or more even. business getting better and food’s good esp the curry fish.
i go there very often and i highly recommend their Sizzling Dear Meat and Sizzling Tofu. Their Asam Sliced Fish is quite nice too and the portion is a lot if you order the portion for 1 person.
geeky69, I love their curry fish head!
Hunnie, hmm why didn’t I ever thought of deer meat? It’s actually one of my favorite dish but have never actually ordered one at Thiam Hock. Will definitely do do so next time, thanks