Monday, November 11, 2024

Nasi Ulam Ikan Bakar - Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam

Nasi Ulam Ikan Bakar - Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam signboard
At nearly 12:15 pm on a Sunday, Nasi Ulam Ikan Bakar was already bustling with customers. The first task was securing a table, followed by a walk to the food display. It’s a self-service setup, and with many choices, we had trouble deciding what to try, especially with others packing up their orders too. 

Prepared lunch dishes in nasi ulam ikan bakar jalan kebun

Traditional lunch dishes in a Malay eatery, on display


Having read that the must-try dish at Nasi Ulam Ikan Bakar is the grilled fish, we decided on Ikan Bakar Bakar/Grilled Black Pomfret (ASAM PEDAS IKAN BAWAL), grilled over an open flame, served with two types of sambal. After grabbing the fish and sambal, we moved to the section where the prepared dishes were, and I loved how the rice and sides were served on plates lined with brown paper. It was a simple yet thoughtful touch.

Varietes of raw salad with dips in a Malay restaurant
As we sat down to eat, the staff came by to take our drink orders. I opted for warm water, while my husband chose sugarless warm lime juice. The food didn’t disappoint. The sambal atop of the fish added a rich, authentic flavor, and the fish itself was fresh, soft, and tender. Honestly, the dips weren’t even necessary - the sambal was so good on its own.

Grilled fish with two spicy dips for lunch in a Malay restaurant
We also enjoyed the Masak Lemak Telur (egg cooked in Malay-style turmeric coconut milk stew) and the ulam (Malay-style raw vegetable salad) with a bean sprout and cockle salad that was a first for me (KERABU TAUGEH: VEG & NON-VEGETARIAN). The total bill came to RM26.00.
Malay traditional dishes with rice atop brown paper and plate for lunch for lunch atop

Zen Dining, Zen Insights

There’s something magical about these humble Malay eateries. Stepping in feels like stepping back in time, into an era where life was simple and unpretentious. The warmth of the customers and staff, their unselfish smiles and soft-spoken manners, left a lasting impression.

 

Even after finishing our meal, I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to stay and soak in the atmosphere, appreciating how kind and welcoming Malaysians can be. As the only Indians in the restaurant, we never once felt out of place. Leaving Nasi Ulam Ikan Bakar felt sentimental, like I was saying goodbye to something special.


In the rush of urban life, it's truly worth to spot an eatery a place like this. An eatery that offers not just delicious food but also a sense of connection to a simpler, more genuine way of living. It’s a refreshing contrast to the constant pursuit of success and achievement that often dominates city life, and a reminder of the joys of humble, authentic experiences. 



"Ms. Nava, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava’s Zen at 58. She has 22 years of experience as a former lecturer, including with Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program. Ms. Nava is also a passionate foodie who loves discovering eateries. For Ms. Nava, food brings people together, and sharing her Zen dining experiences celebrates this connection with others".

 

 

 

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