Ikan Bakar Tampin
Ikan Bakar Tampin delivers an unapologetic, old-school backyard seafood feast. Locals flock here for the incredibly fresh catches and a killer house-made sambal that packs serious heat and sweet tang. Be prepared for potentially massive wait times during peak hours, but the smoky, meaty stingray and perfectly grilled crayfish make the patience entirely worth it. It is a no-frills, flavor-first institution in Century Garden.
The Insider Review
Forget fancy décor. Ikan Bakar Tampin operates on a pure, unpretentious backyard vibe. The focus here is strictly on the grill. Opening its doors from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays), this Century Garden staple draws a relentless evening crowd. Securing a table is just the first battle. Diners consistently report waiting anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour for food to arrive during peak weekend rushes.
The undisputed star of the menu is the house-made sambal. Diners unanimously praise its heavy-hitting flavor profile—a delicate balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that elevates everything it touches. You must order the BBQ Sambal Stingray. It arrives smoky, heavily charred, and packed with thick, meaty cuts. While one diner noted a slightly dry batch, the overwhelming consensus points to a highly satisfying, flavor-packed dish that pairs perfectly with their house chin cha lok.
Beyond the stingray, the seafood remains consistently fresh. The sotong (squid) earns high marks for its thick, non-rubbery texture. It shines whether drenched in that signature sambal or an assam sauce, though opinions on the assam's sourness level vary. Do not skip the crayfish. Simply grilled and naturally sweet, it stands out as a savory, reliable crowd-pleaser. Expect to pay roughly RM37 to RM60 per person. It is not the absolute cheapest street food in Johor Bahru, but it is undeniably worth the premium for the generous portions and high-quality ingredients.
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