East Coast BBQ was my favorite no-nonsense grilled seafood spot and some of the best grilled seafood in Penang.
Whenever I was working in KL, I would head here to enjoy some hawker food at Sungai Pinang Food Court.
The East Coast BBQ stall, offering a variety of fresh seafood and grilled delights.
What drew us here wasn’t hype or Instagram-worthy plating—it was the promise of super fresh, freshly caught seafood.
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Fresh Seafood at East Coast BBQ
Fresh seafood at East Coast BBQ, perfect for a flavourful coastal feast.
East Coast BBQ stands out from the countless Penang seafood stalls because of its sheer variety.
The entire display on ice on a sampan is enough to whet your appetite.
From shellfish like lala and scallops to cuttlefish, jumbo prawns on skewers, black pomfret, and seabass, the options are endless.
Beyond fish, there are vegetables and surprises like Shishamo, all waiting to be grilled.
For us, who love to pick seafood by how fresh it looks rather than by name alone, this place is a dream.
Jumbo Prawns
Grilled prawn skewers sizzling at East Coast BBQ, a favourite for seafood lovers.
Our first pick was the jumbo prawns. Skewered and perfectly charred over the grill, the shells were smoky and crisp while the flesh stayed juicy and sweet.
Smoky, Juicy, and Perfectly Grilled
No over-the-top sauces—just a simple salt grill that let the prawns shine.
Not that we’re old, but we’ve started counting cholesterol and decided not to reach for seconds.
These prawns are a must-try if you’re hunting for BBQ seafood that really delivers on flavor.
Grilled Fish
Charcoal-grilled fish at East Coast BBQ, capturing the authentic taste of the east coast.
Next came the grilled fish. On this visit, we went with black pomfret, priced at RM53—it looked the freshest, and East Coast BBQ didn’t disappoint.
The fish was split into two, and we chose garlic sauce instead of spicy sambal or kam heong.
The skin had that slight crisp from the grill, and the flesh flaked apart effortlessly.
Even with minimal seasoning, the natural flavor of the fish was the star.
Signature Grilled Stingray
Savour the signature grilled stingray at East Coast BBQ, a coastal Malaysian specialty.
The signature grilled stingray is slathered in a spicy sambal that brings bold, smoky flavors to the dish.
We tried it before, and the heat from the sambal really packs a punch.
For the freshest catch at that price, it was an absolute steal.
It reminded me that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying when it comes to grilled seafood in Penang.
BBQ Brinjal
Grilled brinjal at East Coast BBQ, a smoky and flavourful vegetarian option.
One of our absolute favorites was the BBQ brinjal, priced at RM20—another good deal considering the freshness and quality.
It might seem humble compared to seafood, but here it’s elevated by the topping: finely chopped garlic, scallions, and loaded with lard oil.
The brinjal is split, grilled until tender, and covered in that fragrant, oily, garlicky mix that almost steals the show from the seafood.
Every bite had a soft, silky texture and punchy flavor, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine ordering it any other way.
Other Dishes at East Coast BBQ
Over the years, we’ve tried plenty of dishes here.
The cuttlefish was tender on the inside, a definite win.
I’ve had many meals where cuttlefish turned out raw or rubbery, but the restaurant gets it right every time.
I once ordered the fried lala, but didn’t enjoy it.
The shellfish was fresh, yet the curry powder sauce lacked depth.
Moments like this make the wins even sweeter, like the first bite of scallops. Big, garlicky, perfectly grilled, they practically melted in your mouth with a subtle hint of the sea.
After that, we narrowed down to our firm favourites:
- Skewered jumbo prawns grilled with salt
- Grilled whole fish
- Brinjal with garlic
This winning combo has become our go-to order every time.
By the end of the meal, we were completely stuffed, yet everything we ordered felt worth it.
And we want to come back again to eat.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
What makes East Coast BBQ truly appealing is how accessible it is.
It’s casual dining at a food court, yet the seafood rivals some of the pricier restaurants in town.
Almost every table orders something from their stall, which guarantees freshness.
You know that it’s coming straight off the grill.
No wonder this is one of the most talked-about Penang seafood stalls for locals who appreciate quality over frills.
Sungai Pinang Food Court
If you’re a local or a foodie looking for honest, flavorful grilled seafood in Penang, East Coast BBQ is worth the trip.
It’s not fancy, it’s not a tourist trap, but it nails what matters: fresh ingredients and a few signature dishes that keep you coming back.
For us, that means brinjal dripping with garlic and lard oil, prawns smoky and sweet, and fish picked for peak freshness.
East Coast BBQ
Astaka Sungai Pinang (Sungai Pinang Food Court)
560, Lebuh Sungai Pinang, 10300 Jelutong, Penang
Blog Disclosure: This blog is written independently. No compensation, free meals, payments, or services have been received from any featured establishments. All reviews are based on the editor’s personal visits with friends while exploring Penang.
