Malaysian Eateries that We've Missed!

Lying in bed while turning Sadia down for the night, my husband and I would usually engage in conversations that range from the serious to the most trivial. Nowadays however, the topic of choice veers heavily towards food - or more specifically Malaysian food. Our food confessions would ALWAYS start like this: "Tiba-tiba teringat XXX (insert favourite eatery)" (Translation: "Suddenly I remember...")

Being in the Netherlands since September last year (excluding the short trip we conveniently took for Raya), we have to survive on local staples like patats (french fries), apple-filled pastries, doners and turkish pizza. That, or we end up cooking at home our favourite dishes and FINALLY trying out new recipes on the stoves or the oven.

In Malaysia, you are spoilt for selection of the array of delicacies to pick and choose from. You can just walk down from your apartment complex or out the frontdoor of your house to the nearest stall selling hot nasi lemak and a diverse choice of kuehs. Or, you can just drive off to your favourite mamak restaurant to enjoy the crispy planta-rich roti canai with your favourite all-time winner of a beverage - nescafe tarik, teh tarik, teh O, etc.

As such, to satiate my food cravings for all ingredients and condiments 'Malaysiana', I hereby reveal the Top Twelve (12) food establishments that we have missed since we alighted on foreign soil:

However, before I proceed further, I'd like to forewarn the exclusion of Starbucks from the list since it's a widely known fact that Starbucks is my proverbial lifeline. :] Also, the fast-food joints - McD, A&W, PizzaHut, Domino's, KFC, Shakey's, Burger King - are a given owing to their Scrumptious, Quick Service and not to mention, Halal appeal.

1) Warung Mak Bedah, Ampang
Situated across from the Petronas Super Station which houses, amongst others McD and Lecka Lecka and a stone's throw away from Ampang Point/Jalan Memanda shopping area, this warung (or small family-owned outdoor restaurant) never disappoints our hearty appetite, nor does it burn a hole in our pocket. Great and affordable line-up of food greets you like clockwork and the amiable Makcik Bedah and her efficient crew are always ready to serve you the moment you waltz into their humble food-shack. Open from 7 am to 5 pm on Monday till Saturday, the place is even a hit with the expat kids studying in the nearby international school! It is almost always packed to the brim during lunch hours.
Hits The Spot: Karipap, Seri Muka, Nasi Goreng Pedas, Ayam Goreng Rempah, Lala Masak Cili, Teh Tarik Halia.

2) San Francisco Coffee Cafe, KLCC
Without fail, we often find our way here on either Saturday or Sunday morning for breakfast. Especially when we get sick of the usual roti canai and nasi lemak fare for brekkie. Time-wise, the earlier, the better - in order to avoid the massive shopping crowd that throng the mall when the regular shops open at 10am. On the weekends, it open slightly later at 7:30 am compared to 7 am on the weekdays. Unlike the yuppies filling up the tables talking shop on the weekdays, I love the quiet ambience on a Sunday morning in KLCC, savoring my brewed cuppa with loved ones and perusing through the compact editions of The Star and NST.
Hits The Spot: Onion Bagel with Cream Cheese, Big Sugared Donut, Cappucino, Americano, Freshly-Squeezed OJ.

3) Restoran Insaf, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman
We like to traipse our way to the traditional shopping hub that is Jalan TAR early in the morning for the same reason we sit down for breakfast early in KLCC's SF - to avoid the multitude of eager shoppers. And after dispensing our cash on some chiffon, cool cotton or silk, we make our way to Insaf for arguably the best roti canai we've tasted this side of the Klang Valley. It's crispy on the outside but soft and pliable in the inside. Most importantly, it's not oily - oh well, make that less oily than other RC I've bitten into. Down it with their frothy nescafe tarik with just the right hint of evaporated milk and sugar, you're instantly in Mamak heaven!
Other Honorable Mentions: Nasi Beriyani Ayam Madu, Kurma Ayam, Murtabak Ayam, Murtabak Daging, Mango Lassi.

4) Restoran Ampang Yong Tau Foo, Ampang
Located in one of the row of shophouses in the shopping enclave of Ampang Point, this eatery might easily turn off those who expect proper table setting - table cloth, napkins - decorative knickknacks hanging on the wall and the overall cozy ambiance well-suited for a restaurant. But don't let the superficial flaws get in the way of relishing Ampang's famous halal yong tau foo joint. The fast service - taking order and food preparation, hard-working waitresses (no waiters!), and value-for-money factor are some of the extra incentives to eat here. Or, you can always bring your various yong tau foo 'stuffings' - fishballs, fritters, okra, bittergourd - home in sturdy plastic bags and containers.
Other Honorable Mentions: Yummy Chicken Wings (A Must-Try!), Chilli Ikan Kembong (Indian Mackerel), Soya Bean Drink.

5) Restoran Mahboob, Bangsar
We were introduced to Mahboob by my Aunty Bae, who had served us on a few occasions, the famous delectable nasi beriyani in her home. Mahboob's nasi beriyani is by far mouth-watering delicious, cooked to perfection with spices and ghee, to create beriyani rice that are so soft and fine that it's bound to dissolve inside your mouth. With our favourite accompaniments of ayam madu or ayam masala, we are always fully satisfied customers by the time we leave.
Other Honorable Mentions: Roti Canai, Roti Bawang, Murtabak Daging, Nescafe Tarik, Teh Tarik.

6) Uncle Lim's, Ikano Center
The Kopitiam's culture has regained popularity, thanks in part to the pioneering geniuis, Uncle Lim's which fuses traditional fares (like charcoal-toasted bread slathered with homemade 'kaya' (jam made from coconut milk and eggs) and butter, and 'Kopi Kau' (literally Thick Coffee)) with modern, copacetic surroundings. This type of comfort food appeals to the masses by bringing them together to enjoy simple, affordable grub minus the suffocating pretense of expensive, worldly cafes. By the way, we love the kaya toasts immensely with a side order of half-boiled eggs and Kopi Cham Ais (iced coffee mixed with tea!).
Other Honorable Mentions: Nasi Lemak (Chicken), Chicken Porridge, Otak-Otak.

7) Kluang Station in Ikano Center or Tesco Ampang
Following closely on Uncle Lim's heels is Kluang Station which was eponymously named after the famous roasted coffee from Kluang in Malaysia's state of Johor. Besides its decadent aromatic coffee drinks, it also serves the familiar toasted bread or bun with kaya and butter and hardboiled eggs. For us, it's their killer Cham Ais that draws our patronage every single time. The harmonious blend of their signature coffee with equal part tea and condensed/evaporated milk delivers its caffeine kick to our morning languor or rejuvenates us from those long mall strolls. And of course, you HAVE to try their generous portion of Fried Chicken Thigh. It's marinaded in a flavorsome spicy concoction in order to churn out a crispy golden texture on the outside and juicy tender flesh inside. A Winner!
Slight Hiccups: If you come too early in the morning, some items on the menu may not yet be available for consumption. Probably, they have since rectified this 'delayed gratification' problem (have they?). Also, my cellphone went missing after eating at their Tesco Ampang branch so I have vowed not to return to that particular store...well, maybe until we return ;)

8) Madam Kwan's, KLCC
Some rave reviews on the Net describe it as a 'Kopitiam' but I beg to differ. I think it's too posh a setting to be called a Kopitiam. Save for the alfresco 'deck' overlooking the mall's walkway, its interiors have a 'Peranakan' feel with understated teak trimmings. A favourite amongst both the locals and foreigners since its opening, this Madam Kwan branch (others are in Bangsar and Mid-Valley) is still going on strong, considering the high turnover of shops due to the expensive rental space of KLCC. Our grub of choice would predictably be Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice) served with tiny flakes of anchovies on top a heapful serving of fragrant rice. My only gripe concerns the service - sometimes the waiter 'discriminates' on which patrons he or she wants to serve. Probably the sweeping generalisation that foreigners tip has to do with this tacit selection.
Other Honorable Mentions: Nasi Bojari (Yellow-colored rice with condiments such as half hard boiled eggs, cucumbers, assam prawns, beef rendang and deep fried chicken drumsticks), Nasi Lemak, Cantonese noodle, Hokkien fried noodle, Sago Gula Melaka, Fried Bananas with Ice-cream.

9) Little Penang Kafe in Mid-Valley, KLCC or The Curve
Another household favourite - referring to my old family as well as my new family. Since the first store opened in Mid-Valley at the beginning of the new millennium (somewhere thereabouts), the whole family would congregate for a delicious bite on the weekends. After I became a Mrs, we in turn would frequent the one in KLCC owing mostly to its proximity factor. However, like some long-standing restaurants, the quality and flavour of some food have slightly waned. Hopefully, the owners will realise this carelessness and continue serving great Penang hawkerfood to its loyal clients.
Hits The Spot: Lam Mee (favourite!), Mee Kari (Mama's favourite), Rojak Buah (all-time favourite), Nasi Lemak Penang (yummy sambal fish), Penang Lobak, Red Ruby dessert.

10) Cozy Corner Restaurant in G.E. (Great Eastern) Mall
When we don't feel like cooking, the nearest choice of great food at speedy service is Cozy Corner. An offshoot of the original, evergreen Cozy Corner of Ampang Park, the restaurant's open-air ambience is both inviting and relaxing. The expansive booth seats, which overlook Jalan Ampang below, are our preferred vantage point for dining. The all-women operation (with the exception of the cook) might contribute to Cozy's efficiency and bustling success.
Hits The Spot: Cantonese noodle, Nasi Goreng Ikan Masin (Salted Fish Fried Rice), Broccoli Spears in Cream Sauce, Battered Squid with Lemon Sauce, Iced Jasmine Tea, Fresh Mango Juice.

11) Mark's Assam Laksa in 1 Utama
If my memory serves me correctly, we discovered Mark's during one of our dating excursions. As the name suggests, the Assam Laksa is a succulent recipe to be reckoned with. It comes with a generous portion of bite-size 'ikan kembung' hidden underneath the thick fishy gravy. The gravy in turn has that extra spicy 'zing' without being too overpowering. As my husband puts it, Mark's is the best assam laksa he has so far eaten. Yet, with the increasing cost of living, they have skimped on the 'ikan kembung' bits available on each bowl of Assam Laksa.
Other Honorable Mentions: Nasi Beriyani with Ayam Rendang (Must-Try!), Nasi Lemak, Soursop Dessert and Drink.

12) Dusit Villa, Ampang Point area
My husband brought me to this Thai haven shortly after I'd settled into our 'love-nest'. Trivia time : this long-established restaurant had even been featured in one of Malay local dramas (hopefully they didn't drink the the predictable orange juice - hehe). Celebrity aside, the restaurant boasts a myriad of Thai or Thai-infused gastronomical delights that are prepared according to the spice quotient requested by the patron. We highly recommend downing Lime-flavoured Barley drink, a nice contrast to your hot, scrumptious dishes. Price-wise, it's quite inexpensive compared to other upscale Thai fusion places like Tamarind Hill.
Hits The Spot: Pad kaphrao (beef stir fried with Thai Holy basil), Tod Man Pla (deep-fried fishcake), Pad Thai (pan-fried rice noodles), green-curry chicken (Hot,hot!), batter-fried squid, glutinous rice (pulut) with mango slices and cocounut milk sauce.

Now that I have listed the eateries we are hankering for back home, my mouth salivates and my stomach grumbles. In the mean time, home-made nasi lemak, nasi ayam, bubur kacang, laksa sarawak, Kopi Cham would satisfy this indiscriminating palate!