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.
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.
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.
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.
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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