Restoran Api Api Ikan Bakar (RA0032309-P) — Restaurant in Perlis

We had dinner here. Food was pre-ordered and when we arrived, the food had already been served on the table.

Food ordered : deep-fried squids for 2, chilli squid for 2, grilled golden snapper (jenahak), chicken tom yum soup for 2 and vegetable soup for 2. (for 2 people - this is how to order, you have to mention how many people will eat the food) 6 plates of plain rice. 1 Ulam set (local salad)

Drinks ordered : iced Nescafe and iced coffee. Plain water is FOC.

Food review : deep-fried squids, the portion for two people was big. Taste wise, it was bland on its own. You have to dip in chilli sauce.

Chilli squids - the color was red but it was not hot. Look can be deceiving here.

Grilled golden snapper - it was already cold when we started eating so I didn't really enjoy it. Suggestion to owner : this dish must be served hot to customers.

Chicken tom yum soup - portion was adequate. There were vegetables such as carrot and cauliflower. Taste of tom yum was not hot enough. Also, the soup was cold.

Vegetable soup - the portion was big. However, it was not for vegetarians as there were strips of chicken added. Taste was on the bland side, and it was oily.

Ulam set was not fresh.

Price : RM130++

(+) points pre-order is allowed, so you don't have to wait long for food. plain water is FOC. ample parking space for customers. a lot of tables to cater for customers. staff were courteous. the restaurant is well lit.

(-) points pre-order is allowed, so you tend to get cold food when you arrive. This is because the food has been prepared earlier. taste of food in general is just OK. Not on the delicious side.

Will I return? Probably I have to hunt for...

We arrived around 7 PM on a weekday, so it wasn’t too crowded. The first counter staff clearly explained the ordering, seating, and pricing. Very friendly and informative (give that guy a raise!). Unfortunately, the seafood section staff came across as rude and arrogant.

We ordered the signature Perlis yellow sauce ikan bakar, butter prawns, fried flour-coated squid, and a jug of lychee watermelon juice. The ikan bakar was creamy from the sauce and sweet from the fresh sea bass, the butter prawns were a standout, while the squid was just average. The air asam for the fish and Thai sauce for the squid were disappointing.

At RM150, it’s fairly cheap for the amount of seafood, but there were hidden charges for sambal, ulam, and curry. I don’t mind paying but it would just be better if they informed customers upfront. The riverside view is beautiful, with fishing boats and even the Perlis Dragon Boat team rowing by at sunset. However, the seating area can get hot and humid despite the fans, so be prepared to sweat through your meal. Overall, it’s good value, but the experience didn’t quite meet expectations.

I can also make a shorter, sharper version that’s friendlier for quick Google review reading...

12/07/25 Dinner for two at Api Api Ikan Bakar and it was such a WOW experience☺️ • Sotong celup tepung– 4/5: Crispy, tasty, and ummppph not bad. • Ikan Pari Bakar – 4.5/5: Has that unique Perlis-style flavor, different from the usual, taste like ayam percik sauce. Worth trying. • Salted egg crab – 4.5/5: Crabs were so full of meat! The salted egg sauce was creamy and flavorful. It taste more yummilicious when someone special crack and peel it for u🫣🫣 • Kailan – This one made us laugh. Only noticed the little leaf worm after eating… if u look closely, u can see it in the picture 😂 Extra protein for the day! Maybe, why not hahahaha.. Fruit juice – Tasty, refreshing, and cheap!

Seafood overall was super fresh – you can taste the natural sweetness, juicy and tender. No fishy smell at all, really satisfying! The jetty view was beautiful and peaceful – really adds to the whole dining vibe. We even had Ah Boy the cat joining us for dinner, sitting by our table the whole time like little best companion. Total Spent: almost RM100, worthy...