Saturday, March 29, 2025

Malay Mix Rice Food Review: Gerai MBSA Shah Alam

Malaysian food court signboard along the road with two ground slits.
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.


Variety of Malaysian Malay mix rice dishes displayed on a double-deck metal food stand

Selection of fried dishes for Malay mix rice on a metal food stand.
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.

A plate of rice with raw mango salad, veggie turmeric coconut stew, sambal fish, and spicy dip.

A plate of rice with spicy potatoes, sambal eggplant, fish in green chili gravy, and fish curry.
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).
Malay stall signboard inside an unassuming food court.

Assortment of Malaysian Malay traditional cakes displayed at a food stall.


Malaysian Malay batter coated bananas and sweet potatoes for sale at a food court stall.

Malaysian Malay fried and savory cakes for sale at a food court.

One variety each of Malay savory and sweet cakes served on a plate.
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).   

No comments:

Post a Comment

Malay Mix Rice Food Review: Gerai MBSA Shah Alam

By pure chance, we stumbled upon Gerai MBSA, Shah Alam (G-03, SEKSYEN 31, Jalan Anggerik Mokara 31/50, Kota Kemuning). Essentially a food co...