Pitcher Perfect

7 April 2011 – Belanga means ‘pitcher’ in Malay. Belanga Café is one of the better-run Malay food franchises in Kuala Lumpur and my first try at the SStwo Mall outlet proved it was, for the large part, a worthy Malaysian chain, bar some operational issues. 

Ice Teller. The things that look like frogs' eggs are basil seeds selasih.

Nasi Tumpang.

Nasi Dagang and ikan tongkol.

Nasi Kerabu and ayam perchik.

Kit and I shared the Nasi Tumpang which came rolled in a paper cone. Patrons can choose from either fish or prawn. I took the former, which turned out to be a piece of ikan tongkol or tuna. It was hard and overdone, but the rice was really nice, moist and squashy as the rice in this dish should be. There was also sambal, fried anchovies and a bit of fried egg for RM6.50. 

I really like the brown rice of the East Coast, so I ordered Nasi Dagang (RM12.90), which is unpolished rice with vegetable pickles (acar) and a big slice of ikan tongkol, which unfortunately was also overdone. The flavour was very good though, and the pickles were excellent: crisp, sweet and sour and very fresh. 

Kit likes ayam perchik so I ordered him Nasi Kerabu Ayam Perchik (RM13.90). Nasi Kerabu is white rice which is steamed with a variety of traditional Malay herbs, all sliced thinly or shredded up finely. The taste is very raw, and natural, but it is an acquired one. Belanga Café uses saffron rice instead of white, and serves the julienned herbs and vegetables on the side, with salted egg and fish crackers. The ayam perchik was pretty authentic sauce-wise, but again, the chicken was overdone. 

We rounded the meal off with Ice Teller (RM6.90) which is a glorified, pimped up ice kacang, using coconut flesh, palm fruit, jackfruit and sago instead of the usual cream corn and red beans. 

I was heartened that the waiter/manager who attended to me asked if the food was alright, like he really cared. He also listened attentively and was apologetic about the over-cooked meats. Truly, you cannot beat a Malay for making you feel you are important and listened to! 

Belanga Café

G48 Ground Floor

SStwo Mall

SS2/72 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor