Penang - Seafood dinners in Penang usually promise freshness, flavour, and unforgettable meals — especially at places known for their wide variety of live seafood. Donny and I arrived with high expectations, excited for a feast after hearing so much about their offerings.
With tanks full of lobsters, crabs, and fish, Dehappy Seafood Restaurant certainly looked the part.
We decided to begin with two 500g crabs, each cooked in a different style: Singapore chilli crab and black pepper crab. Unfortunately, this was where the evening started to drift off-course. The supposed Singapore chilli crab tasted nothing like the signature flavour we know so well. Instead of the familiar sweet–spicy–tangy blend, the dish was overwhelmed by garlic. Donny and I both agreed it should have been named garlic chilli crab instead — the essence of Singapore chilli crab simply wasn’t there.
The pepper crab, priced like the chilli crab at RM18 per 100g, also fell short. A good pepper crab should have an assertive punch of black pepper, fragrant and fiery. But this version lacked that boldness, tasting surprisingly mild. On the bright side, the crabs themselves were extremely fresh, firm, and naturally sweet — a saving grace that reminded us of the potential the dishes could have had.
Next came the highlight of the evening: an 800g rainbow grouper, costing RM20 per 100g. Thankfully, this dish redeemed the meal somewhat. The fish was succulent, steamed perfectly, and paired with a sauce that complemented it well without overpowering its natural flavour. Presented on a burner, the dish stayed warm throughout, allowing us to enjoy every bite at its best texture.
We also ordered lala clams cooked with ginger and spring onion, a classic preparation that’s usually hard to go wrong with. While the clams were fresh, the dish didn’t stand out — pleasant but not memorable.
As we finished our meal, we couldn’t help reflecting on how Google ratings and online reviews often paint a different picture from reality. While many praised Dehappy Seafood Restaurant, our experience felt underwhelming, especially given the premium pricing. The ingredients were undeniably fresh, but the execution of key dishes — particularly the crabs which left much to be desired.
In a food paradise like Penang, where flavours are vibrant and competition is high, Dehappy’s dinner fell short of expectations. Fresh seafood alone isn’t enough; it’s the mastery of the cooking that truly makes the meal. Unfortunately, that was missing tonight.
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