Lad & Dad at KL’s Wisma Cosway
Malaysia isn’t exactly known as a fish and chip destination. The locals vibe more with ayam goreng, extra pedas. But don’t let this stop you from exploring beyond the frozen section of your go-to grocer to enjoy the dish, just the way they do in England.
If you’re short on time, no London trips on the cards, there’s Lad & Dad over at Wisma Cosway. This new chippy in KL serves battered haddock or perch with golden chips and legit British fixings that might earn itself that ‘proper English’ stamp.
A new chippy in Wisma Cosway
Wisma Cosway has become a not-so-secret hub for food in recent days. Joining the lineup of eateries under its roof is Lad & Dad.
The fish and chip joint has humble hawker roots. In 2015, the chirpy Keith and his dad began serving the fried duo from a hawker centre in Singapore before opening their first standalone restaurant. They now run three chippies, as well as their latest one in Malaysia.
 
Image credit: @ladanddad.kl via Instagram
The 40-seater outpost is tucked at a quieter corner of Wisma Cosway, but it’s no bystander to the bustle of workers during lunchtime. The chippy opts for a retro, diner look that complements their take on the quintessential, no-frills comfort food in England.
What to order at Lad & Dad
Currently in its soft-launch phase, Lad & Dad has two kinds of blistered fish to pair with an array of sauces, from the classic tartar to the KL-exclusive sambal aioli crafted with the locals’ love of spice in mind. But everything is fully customisable.
Have your pick of the regionally-sourced Perch (RM29.90) or premium Haddock (RM51.90) from Norway. Each order of a large fillet, weighing around 150gm, is served as a set. You get battered thin-cut fries or original thick-cut chips, and two condiments of your choice.
The fishes
The freshwater perch will be familiar to fish-and-chip enthusiasts. At Lad & Dad, the deep-fried, boomerang-shaped – albeit thicker than this – fillet remains succulent even though well-encased in a crisp, airy batter that comprises seven different herbs and spices. The gnarly crust practically shatters under the stab of a fork.
The price of the haddock may not be for everyone, but considering that quality haddock from Norway is used, it is an option worth mulling over. Keith shared with us that our neighbours in Singapore have to fork out around SGD25 for the same fish option.
The haddock is firm yet flaky, creamy, silky, and Omega-3-rich. It holds its fresh flavour and texture against the deep-fried batter. A squeeze of lemon over the hunky fish helps to bring out its flavours even more.
The condiments
While condiments aren’t usually the main stars of a meal, the ones at Lad & Dad help carry each fish forward in flavours.
There are the chippy classics, the tartar and the curry. The latter is a British take on curry that tastes similar to Japanese curry. Then there are the spicy options for Malaysians: the spicy tartar and the sambal aioli, which will give each bite of fish a nice kick.
The curry and spicy tartar sauces.
The fries will act as vehicles for the sauces. They are on the saltier side, like how they’re typically enjoyed in England with good lashings of salt and tangy malt vinegar – not Sarson’s here, instead Heinz, but it does the job if you’re after traditional English flavours.
The sides
The sides are limited, but they hold their own.
The mushy peas are a must. This fish-and-chip classic is well-seasoned, with bits of pea left intact to keep it from becoming baby food. The purple slaw (RM13.90) is briny and refreshing, and a side that you’ll have to order separately from the fish and chips sets. But it’ll be a nice change of colour from the sea of golden-brown on your plate.
A new chippy in KL, Lad & Dad
Crisp fish, straight-cut chips, and all the authentic British fixings you could want – Lad & Dad delivers a proper taste of London to KL. It’s another spot in the city to check out when the cravings for the fried pairing hit.
Address: Lot G-30, Ground Floor, Cosway Guesthouse, 88, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-2.30pm & 5pm-8pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: Lad & Dad Instagram
More food recommendations:
- Viral roadside stall for fish & chips in Kajang
- Southern Rock Seafood, British fish & chips and fresh oysters in KL
- Comfort Japanese food near Mid Valley Megamall
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia
Photography by Janet, Xinyee.