By pure chance, we stumbled upon Gerai MBSA, Shah
Alam (G-03, SEKSYEN 31, Jalan Anggerik Mokara 31/50, Kota Kemuning).
Essentially a food court, it wasn’t fully packed, but a few tables were already
occupied with diners enjoying their meals. Arriving early for lunch gave us
time to stroll around and scan the stalls before deciding (UCU TALAPIA TERBANG, JALAN BANI, SHAH ALAM).
Among the ample choices, Lailatif Café caught our attention. Freshly cooked dishes were
already on display - tempting and mouthwatering. Here, it’s all about
self-service: scoop your own rice and pick from a variety of dishes. Trust me,
deciding wasn’t easy, especially on an empty stomach.
Watch the
attached video, where we talk about Lailatif Café - proving you can eat healthy
and on a budget here.
For my plate, I
went with Kerabu Mangga (Raw Mango Salad), Pucuk Paku Masak Lemak (Fiddlehead
Fern in Coconut Turmeric Stew), and Cencaru Sumbat (Sambal Stuffed Torpedo Scad
Fish), plus a side of Sambal Belacan for an extra spicy kick.
My husband
opted for Ikan Sambal Hijau (Fried Fish in Green Chili Sambal), Terung Cili
(Sambal Aubergine), Kicap Cili Kentang (Soy Chili Potato), and a ladle of Kari
Ikan (Fish Curry) over his rice.
The flavors? Authentic,
satisfying, and well-balanced (SAYUR LODEH PUTIH/VEGETABLE STEW RECIPE) The spiciness wasn’t overwhelming but had just
the right kick. I especially loved the raw mango salad, while the stuffed fish
could have used a bit more heat… though my sambal belacan made up for it. My
husband found the meal both delightful and filling. At just RM8 per plate, with
free water, it was an absolute steal.
On our way out,
we stopped by D’Rossa Café for some kuih-muih - traditional Malay sweet and
savory treats. Back home, we indulged in Fried Popiah, Lepat Pisang (Banana
Leaf-Wrapped Steamed Cake), Kuih Kaswi (Steamed Brown Sugar Rice Cake), Kuih
Gulung (Rolled Crepe with Brown Sugar Coconut Filling), and Karipap (Triangle
Curry Puff). Fresh, flavorful, and wonderfully nostalgic (KUIH LOMPANG/KUIH KASWI RECIPE).
If you're
looking for affordable, authentic Malay food, Gerai MBSA Shah Alam is worth a
visit. Just come early to avoid parking hassles and the lunchtime rush.
(Ms.
Nava, a Zenpreneur 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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