Motormouth From Ipoh – A Malaysian Food Blog

Mr Murugiah manning the stall with his beloved wife, on Jalan Tun Abdul Razak in Ipoh

How was your weekend dear readers? Mine was a most-packed weekend spent in the Klang Valley, which saw me trudging along for the PC Fair  extravaganza over at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (which brought to mind the comparatively pathetic Ipoh’s version in Stadium Indera Mulia, with booths packed so closely you’ll be thanking your lucky stars you do not suffocate to death!), eating around here and there, but not before I paid my virginal visit to Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia.

That was solely work, mind you. Not some leisurely sight-seeing excursion nor involvement in any political bickering over at Putrajaya. And the unbelievably UN-user-friendly routes, maps, signboards and directions all over the place, whereby I could not even determine which precinct I was at, and which building was which. Needless to say, I spent a good half an hour in search of a particular block in Putrajaya. Shucks, big time.

Hot, and crispy curry puffs fresh from the wok (RM0.40/USD0.10 each)

Anyway, due to a serious lack of sleep, I’ll be the first to jump at the opportunity to drift into slumberland. But not before I write a brief one on this green shack of a stall, on Jalan Tun Perak in Ipoh – the road parallel to Jalan Tun Abdul Razak which houses THIS particular Tauge Ayam stall.

CONTINUE READING THE REST OF THIS ENTRY »

Wait, what’s up with J2Kfm and his obsession with Banana Leaf Rice meals all of a sudden?!!!! Influences from his peers? Or the awakening of the Indian blood in him? (Sounds kind of wrong though, whoops. Twilight 3 in the making?).

First there was Sri Asoka Corner @ Ipoh Stadium and Samy’s @ Chemor. Then came along NS Curry House, and Old Andersonian Cafeteria near to Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (that’s Ipoh General Hospital, for the uninitiated). Last month we even went down to Kuala Lumpur in search of good restaurants serving banana leaf curry rice, and ended up at Kanna’s Curry House in Section 17, Petaling Jaya.

Backtrack a little, and let me introduce one of my better banana leaf meals experience recently. Not in Ipoh, not around Perak, nor even in the Klang Valley. But on the good old, quaint and charming Penang island.

CONTINUE READING THE REST OF THIS ENTRY »

Remember this hunk of a model back then?

A summary of all the Ipoh food I have written before revealed the rather unflattering truth; I REALLY need to push on and write more on other cuisines, especially Malay food, and Indian food. The smattering of knowledge with regards to the existence (or the lack) of worthy Malay restaurants, ‘warung’, or even roadside shacks in and around Ipoh, renders my search for blog-worthy materials close to futile.

But thanks to the encouraging (notice I used the word ‘encouraging’, instead of aplenty) number of Indian colleagues and friends, I am slowly getting accustomed to the myriad of Indian cuisines in Ipoh, from the classy North Indian food, to the spicier and robust South Indian fare. Read all about the banana leaf escapades for a gastronomic journey of the most fiery kind.

The wondrous colours, taste, and aroma of Indian cuisine @ Sri Ananda Bahwan @ Old Town of Ipoh …

CONTINUE READING THE REST OF THIS ENTRY »

I have a confession to make. I’m addicted, wait … obsessed would be a better term here, with the southern Indian specialty, banana leaf rice. Those fluffy white grains drenched with the reddish/orange-coloured elixir that promises a spicy, pungent yet most-revered kick, paired with unlimited supplies of pickles, curried vegetables, and crispy papadom crackers. Served on an over-sized cut of banana leaf which is believed to impart whiffs of fragrance to the overall ensemble, one is even required to adhere to the several customs/guidelines, ie : To fold the banana leaf towards oneself after the satisfactory meal (or fold it up away from you if the food’s darn horrendous), and to eat with your hands whenever possible, to fully savour the delicious combination of curries, meats, assortment of vegetables and rice.

CONTINUE READING THE REST OF THIS ENTRY »

Banana Leaf Curry Rice – A luscious, complete meal. So is this Malaysian, Singaporean, or true-blue Indian?

Old Andersonian Club & Cafeteria serves authentic Moghul cuisine & Banana Leaf Rice, at the most unassuming location in Ipoh city. This cafeteria/canteen-like restaurant has been operating beside SMK Anderson (Anderson secondary school )on Jalan Hospital Ipoh for a good many years now. Facing the Sultan Iskandar roundabout connecting Jalan Hospital and Jalan Raja Musa Aziz, Old Andersonian Cafeteria is unlike your average spicier and robust South Indian eatery, but instead specializing on Moghul (North Indian) cuisine.

A classic of an outlet serving banana leaf curry rice. Notice the airy environment, with opened windows, shady trees at its own parking lot, and a spacious interior setting.

CONTINUE READING THE REST OF THIS ENTRY »