Sri Annamalai Unavagam: Sekyen 15, Shah Alam

Our visit to Sri Annamalai Unavagam was entirely unplanned, driven by a spontaneous decision about where to have lunch while we were just five minutes away from Shah Alam’s Seksyen 15. This humble stall had previously caught my attention on TikTok, known for its much-talked-about vegetarian set meal, priced at RM6.99 - a clever psychological pricing strategy just under RM7.

Located within the Medan Selera food court, the stall operates in a casual, no-frills setting. We arrived at 11:15 AM, finding the place relatively quiet with only a handful of customers. This allowed us to enjoy a calm dining atmosphere and prompt service. The spread of authentic dishes was undeniably tempting, with various curries displayed in sizeable claypots catching our eye (CLAYPOT EGGPLANT VEGETARIAN CURRY).

I opted for mutton varuval and cabbage turmeric stir-fry, while my husband chose fried fish topped with sambal (THE BEST PICKLED FISH) the same cabbage turmeric, and a generous drizzle of mutton curry over his rice. Complimentary jeera (cumin) water was also available, which rounded out our meal.

The Mutton Varuval, with its tender, bite-sized pieces and mildly spiced masala, was enjoyable. The cabbage turmeric stir-fry, prepared with simple ingredients, provided a comforting balance to the meal (EASY MUTTON CURRY WITH TURMERIC CABBAGE). While the fried fish didn’t stand out, the sambal on top offered a mildly spicy flavor that complemented the dish. The mutton curry, though not exceptional, was acceptable and added moisture to the rice.

Midway through our meal, one drawback became apparent - the noticeable amount of oil on our plates. While the flavors were satisfying, the excess oil was off-putting. Personally, I left most of the rice untouched, focusing instead on the cabbage and mutton.

 

Zen Dining, Zen Insights

Customer Service

Pleasant and welcoming, creating a positive dining experience.

 

Presentation

Food was neatly displayed, adding to its visual appeal.

Taste and Value

Flavors were generally satisfying, with the bill coming to RM22.00. Whether this is considered affordable may vary depending on individual perspectives.

Overall, Sri Annamalai Unavagam is worth exploring for its variety and the evident effort put into its offerings. While there is room for improvement, particularly in reducing the oil used, the stall showcases a genuine commitment to serving flavorful dishes. My hope is for them to continue growing and refining their offerings. Supporting passionate individuals striving to make their mark is always encouraging.

 

(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).