Benson Seafood Centre — Restaurant in Sarawak

I decided to skip the usual seafood at Topspot Food Court and try an authentic seafood restaurant, Benson Seafood, located at the end of the same street as Chong Choon Café. It turned out to be a decision well worth making.

The seafood here is incredibly fresh. The squid I ordered was tender and slightly firm, maintaining a pleasant chewiness without being rubbery. It had no fishy odor, a sign of its freshness. I opted for the fried version, which was coated in a salted duck egg batter. This crispy coating offered a rich, savory depth, imparting a creamy, umami flavor that complemented the natural sweetness of the squid.

The next dish I ordered was Sweet and Sour Fish. The sliced fish was fried to a golden crisp and served with a vibrant sweet and sour sauce. The dish offered a delightful balance of sweetness, tanginess, and savory umami, creating a satisfyingly delicious Chinese seafood experience. Again, the fish was fresh, with no fishy odor.

The restaurant is divided into an air-conditioned room and an open area without air conditioning. Housed in a warehouse converted into a proper dining space, it sits next to a pier where fishing trawlers dock during the day to offload their catch. The setting offers a beautiful, serene view of the river stretching towards both ends.

Prices are quite affordable, and the main chef is also the owner of the restaurant. If you're looking for seafood prepared in a traditional Chinese cooking style with decent, authentic flavors, this is the place for you. The restaurant is Muslim-friendly, as no pork is served.

I would rate this place a 5 for its scenic location by the river and pier, a 4 for the taste, and a 5 for its affordability. In summary, Benson Seafood deserves a solid 5 out of 5.

If you enjoyed this review, hit the like button and follow me for more food adventures as I travel...

If I want to bring someone for authentic Chinese food in Kuching, it has to be 'Benson's Seafood'. Running for more than a whopping 30 YEARS, I was introduced to this hidden gem by a local Kuchingite. Since then, I haven't turned back.

Located nearby the Kuching Waterfront Area next to the serene Sarawak River, this family-run business is tucked in a most rustic and picturesque place. Fishermen who steer their boats all the way in from the deep seas lay anchor there. Surrounded by aged colonial buildings and being caressed by the breeze constantly, it gives a very surreal feeling.

Don't be deceived by the dilapidated signboards of Benson's Seafood - glaringly obvious, it actually, to me, enhances the rustic feel and the authenticity of the place. The chefs have never changed since day 1 of its opening. You can imagine the maturity and strength in the cuisine served with all the years of experience.

Despite being slightly on the pricier side, the food is amazing. Pork meat is not served at all, and Malay staff are involved in the team. Fish served is fresh, and really well prepared. Sarawak's 'Mali-Chai with Egg' and 'Midin', complemented by their very own Chilli paste makes the experience so palatable.

Every time I come to Kuching, Benson's is certainly a must go for me when it comes to Sarawak's version of authentic...

OK. Likely not here again. The midin belacan is great. The sotong cili wasn't the real fresh squid, but the type used in rojak sotong😓. The ginger steam garoupa fish not to our liking. The fish look darker than the usual steamed fish at other restaurants and tasted too much sesame oil. The iced lemon tea rather tasteless. The restaurant was quite full. May be their cooking needs getting used to. Waited more than 45 minutes for our food, maybe not enough cooks. Unlike at Top Spot where you get your...