First Impression Counts

M. Ismail is one of NewsFlashMedia’s team members. She's home again in Kuala Lumpur after her six months stay in the UK. So what's life about since she got home?

WHILE I was in UK for six months I did not really miss our local Malaysian food. I think it’s because I don’t eat a lot and I only eat things that I like. Some friends say I’m not adventurous despite having helmed the F&B Desk in my past job.

About the only thing I missed while abroad were our local fruits, the durian and rambutan. And thanks to the hot weather I had to wait a month before I could indulge once I got home. While I’m not  a terrific cook, the few dishes that I love, I excel in cooking them. So no complaints there.

Being in the UK showed me one thing: Malaysians do not take pride in their local cuisine. This is reflected in the quality of the Malaysian dishes served in some of the Malaysian-owned food outlets found in the UK. I feel adapting the local recipes to the taste buds of the world is understandable but adapting does not mean sacrificing quality.

So, of course, it is understandable that I just couldn’t wait to sit myself at a typical Malaysian cafe that serves local favourites like Lontong and some kuih muih (local cakes).

The outlet has a corner showcasing some traditional kuih.

Once in a while when I have more time in my hands I’d pop by at Giant hypermarket in Kota Damansara as it’s very close to where I live. I’d take my breakfast at some of the little cafes in there; simple servings of Nasi Lemak accompanied with Teh Tarik or Nescafe kurang manis (less milk/sugar). I had a bit of time in my hands today and off I went to Giant to try the food served at a newly opened cafe. It serves a more traditional selection such as Ubi Rebus served with sambal (spicy chilli dish) and ikan masin (salted dried fish). I’ve tried a few of their kuih before and I am not very impressed. But, I believe every outlet deserves several tries before I make a final conclusion so there I was at the outlet again for an eat-in.

There was quite an impressive selection on the menu – noodle and rice dishes as well as servings of breads and kuih muih. The Nasi Empit (pressed boiled white rice cake) served with Rendang Daging or Ayam (A traditional meat dish) and Kuah Kacang (thick sauce made of roasted groundnuts and chilli)  caught my attention. I love Nasi Empit and Kuah Kacang in the mornings and not many outlets serve them. The one place I know that did was Cheechah also in Kota Damansara but they have since wrapped up.

BUT look at what I got!

Something is clearly wrong with the outlet's food presentation.

Isn’t this the most horrible way of serving food to a customer? They use plastic plates that you normally get in low-end office canteens and the food seemed to have just been plonked onto the plate. It made me wonder if they thought I was a stray cat or something.

The Nescafe Tarik was worth my time.

The wait staff had my Nescafe Panas (hot Nescafe drink with milk) with her as well and with the bottom of the cup all wet from the overflowing drink, she just placed it on the table, minus a saucer. I took the only piece of serviette she gave me and used it as a place mat. She didn’t even blink an eye, even when I said to her to bring me a few more serviettes. I hate my drink served in a cup. I prefer a mug and if it is served in a cup I expect a saucer to come with it as well. The saucer is clearly missing here.

The Kuih Lapis is okay though not the best one would have tasted.

On top of the Nasi Empit Kuah Kacang I also ordered the Cucur Badak (local savoury) and Kuih Lapis (traditional dessert) to take home. And because of my disappointment over the way the food was served, I didn’t bother ordering my second dish, the Ubi Rebus with Ikan Masin.

My conclusion over the quality of food is that the Kuah Kacang is delicious enough. It has the right consistency and a good balance of flavours. The Nasi Empit though is a bit too hard and using rice of better quality or using the correct amount of water when boiling would help make the difference. The Nescafe Panas is good, so is the Kuih Lapis although it’s a little bit sweet for my liking but the Cucur Badak isn’t worth the money paid.

All in the bill came to RM12.18sen with RM5 going to Nasi Empit, RM2.20sen for two pieces of Kuih Lapis and RM1.80sen for two pieces of Cucur Badak. The drink cost me RM2.80sen. Worth it? No. The food can be of better quality and the drink can be slightly cheaper.

Presentation of food is lacking attention but the Kuah Kacang and drink get half a thumbs-up.

Kwemwe Enterprise is at:
Lot G19, Giant Kota Damansara
No. 16 Jalan PJU 5/1
Kota Damansara PJU 5
47810 PETALING JAYA

Recommendation to owner:
You need to rethink your art of food presentation, no matter how simple.

Recommendations to customers:
•    Don’t eat there if you are particular on how you are served.
•    Don’t expect great food as the quality differs from one dish to the other.
•    Go if you crave for a good hot Nescafe Panas.