For roughly £4, this meal was operating in a price bracket where they could have served the crab alive and I’d still have considered it reasonable value.
Kam Heong is a Malaysian stir-fry style typically built around curry leaves, garlic, butter, and spices. Bistro 88’s version leaned towards the milder end of the spectrum, korma level spice, despite the 2 chilli’s on the menu.
It was however, creamy and excellent poured over the rice.
The crab itself was delicious. I was given a pair of latex gloves and a nutcracker, I set about dismantling the crab with such enthusiasm that I likely contributed more debris to the local area than the entire Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation of 1963.
Thankfully, the reward justified the effort. The meat was sweet, fresh, and plentiful. Receiving three whole crabs at this price is a steal.
The staff were friendly and welcoming throughout. The view overlooks Sandakan Harbour and a naval dockyard – not exactly pleasant but by sandakan standards pretty good.
At higher prices I’d probably have a few complaints. At £4, however, criticism starts to feel both unreasonable and slightly ungrateful.
Food: 7/10
Atmosphere: 5/10
Value: 10/10
Final Cool Curries Score: 7.33/10
Curry Bible Verdict: Mild on spice, massive on value, and messy enough to require both gloves and emotional commitment.
