I did mention in my blogpost the other day that I would have to stock up on the fish in my freezer as I was slowly running out of those that I had at that point in time and that was exactly what I did.
There was no ikan kembong but I managed to buy a few of these…
I am not sure what they are called – perhaps somebody can tell me?
I’ve eaten them before though, maybe at some chap fan (mixed rice) or nasi campur place and they were not too bad. Well, they were selling them at RM10.00 a kilo, same as the bak chik, so in actual fact, they were not expensive. We had finished all the bak chik that we had and I did not buy more as there was none available that morning at the stall.
My friend, Irene, in Kuching, said that she bought an or chio/ikan bawal hitam, black pomfret…
…at RM32.00 a kilo. It looks like these cost a bit less here in Sibu. I remember I used to pay around the same price, RM30.00, before but I guess it all depends on the season and the availability. That day, the boy sold the ones I picked to me at only RM28.00 a kilo.
I wanted to buy the small ones, one per meal, but they only had these big ones – one would be enough for two meals/one day so I had no choice and just bought these instead.
On my way home, I stopped by my neighbourhood fruit & vegetable shop in the next lane to buy some pineapples. A car had just pulled up at around that same time and out came two ladies who started carting basins of these…
…into the shop! Durian flowers!!! Of course I was delighted to see those and wasted no time at all in grabbing some to take home.
I bought RM3.00 worth and there was enough for two days – they’re so very cheap!!! That evening, my missus fried some with sambal hay bee (dried prawns)…
…and we enjoyed that so much!
I hear bua’ terbelus/buah engkala…
…is in season too, selling at RM10.00 a plate, some RM15.00 but I have not gone to the central market in town so I have not bought any.
I sure would not buy any of the buah dabai…
…also available right now. They are selling them at such ridiculous prices, RM60.00 a kilo or more!!! Usually, they would be sold at around RM20.00 a kilo, a bit more…or a bit less.
THE FISH & SEAFOOD STALL is located to the right of CCL FRESH MINI MARKET against the wall at that end of the block to the right of the Grand Wonderful Hotel (2.309601, 111.845163) along Jalan Pipit, off Jalan Dr Wong Soon Kai and SWEE HUNG (2.316161, 111.840441) is located along Jalan Ruby, in the block of shops on the right – next to a hair salon at the extreme end…and on the other end, to the left is the Kim Won Chinese Medical Store and Mini-supermarket.
...STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS! 
As myself is zero in fish name, I am unable to tell you. I have seen this fish in the market but never buy as I only buy those that are familiar with. Durian flowers, my favourite too. Best fried with sambal hay bee. Here at the Stutong Market, RM5 for a small basket, just enough for one meal. Luckily, I am not a fan of Dabai… 😊😊
We’re in the same boat then, dunno the names of most fish, just a few.
I had these before…maybe at the chap fan stalls or the Malay nasi campur but I never liked it as much as kembong
as it was always very bland, not sweet, not much taste.
I’ve eaten a few already, the ones I bought and they were very nice. Maybe those shops use the cheap ones,
frozen till like stone, sold in bulk at the supermarkets – those fish are usually not nice, never mind what fish.
I seldom see kembong at the stall…so I guess I shall buy more of these next time.
Yes, durian flowers aren’t cheap. So surprised to get so much for RM3.00 that day.
Makan puas-puas. Will not buy anymore as actually they do not digest too well,
must chew slowly and chew really really well. I love dabai, the very good, lemak ones
…but at that price, I can live without it, thank you very much.
I don’t know the name of the fish but I have bought it before. I am sure the prices of fish is cheaper at your place. I seldom buy fish these days but I am sure they are more expensive than before because I heard the women folks complaining.
I didn’t know that durian flowers can be eaten. Actually, I have seen durian flowers being sold here. The other two fruits I have not seen before.
Yes, I don’t think any West Malaysian eats durian flowers – more a Sarawak thing. If I am not wrong, it started around central Sarawak, where Sibu is. The other two fruits also could only be found here before but they have spread to the other parts of the state now. Same thing with the expensive upriver freshwater fish, the wang poo liao and all the rest – all from this area.
A cousin of mine, migrated to Australia, told me the name of the fish – something chio, related to the or chio or ikan bawal hitam. No wonder I thought there is a slight similarity in the taste, lighter, not so strong but I could tell quite clearly! Of course, this fish is not available there – she used to buy and eat when she was still living in Sarawak.
I am terrible with the names of fish. It’s something I must work on.
They keep telling me but the names would go in one ear and out the other ear. Somehow I just cannot remember! LOL!!!