Tucked into the quiet neighbourhood of SS5 is Restoran Jaya, a Kelantanese eatery that has been around for many years. Since the Kelana Jaya pasar tani is just nearby, my mother and I have always made it a habit to drop by after shopping for breakfast. As a result, it became our "Cheers" - a place where everybody knows our names.
There is something deeply comforting about going to an eatery where the proprietors recognize you, ask how your parents are doing, and slip in extra sambal without you asking. You see familiar faces here every morning and on weekends: the same elderly couples who have brought their kids and grandkids throughout the years. The matriarch of Restoran Jaya, a grand old lady by the name of Makcik Naimah, occasionally drops by but no longer tends the counter herself. Her children now run the place, happily taking orders and bussing tables while conversing with everyone in Kelantanese. As you can tell, everyone here grew up in this little restaurant, and that is my favourite part of it.
My usual hankering for a good bowl of laksam hit a little hard this morning, signaling that it is time to head over to Kelana Jaya. It is a quiet morning this time, and the man behind the counter waves at me as usual. My sister and I peer down the buffet line, even though it has been serving the same dishes ever since we were kids. Accoutrements for nasi dagang, nasi kerabu, nasi lemak and laksam are on display, beckoning our appetites. There is also a roti canai station right outside the shop; the clanks and sizzles from it become the soundtrack to our breakfast.
This morning however, my sister and I choose their nasi dagang and laksam. This is by far my favourite place to have laksam. They have off days every once in a while, but it is generally well done. Laksam noodles scissor-cut to order with a mound of raw vegetables piled on the side, and sweet fish gravy poured all over. It is the laksam I grew up with and will always crave on weekends. Today's one was excellent, satiating my cravings efficiently.
"Delicious Kelantanese treats"
I lean over and pick at my sister's plate of nasi dagang. I have always loved their version, a regular feature on my family's breakfast menu. Some people note that their rice is a little hard but I prefer it this way compared to the almost-mushy kind. Instead of ikan tongkol, we had a bowlful of gulai daging on the side. The chunks of beef have a good bite to them, and the gravy divine. So much so that we order extra to have with a serving of roti canai.
Roti canai in my family is a hotly contested matter: half my family prefer the chewy and fluffy Indian variety, while the other half love the crispy and flaky Malay version. I am a fierce fence-sitter when it comes to these debates. One of the reasons why I still have a foot in the Malay camp is because Restoran Jaya does a pretty great version. On weekends when I don't feel like downing a plate of rice, roti and a bowl of gulai does the trick just fine.
What of their other offerings? We didn't have it this morning, but their nasi lemak is quite decent and of the 'kukus' variety. If you like your sambal sweet (as most Kelantanese do), give theirs a try. On the other hand, I am not a fan of their nasi kerabu for that precise reason - their gravy is much too sweet. They sometimes also sell serunding of various meats, especially closer to Hari Raya. My family is a big fan of their serunding daging, excellent with raya fare or simply on hot buttered toast!
We pay our bill and head off, but not before the staff ask us to "kirim salam" to our parents. And that, right there, is why I will always come back. Friendly neighbourhood joints such as this are disappearing fast these days in favour of chain 24-hour eateries. It is a shame because a good eatery should not just be about good food. Sure, that is what snares customers in. But what makes them stay is an easy friendliness, the rapport you build with the proprietors over the years. I sincerely hope and believe that Restoran Jaya might just stand the test of time. My parents brought my siblings here since we were kids and one day, we know our kids will be bringing their kids here too.
More Photos To Drool On
A good Malay style roti
nasi campur selection for lunch also good
by mm55November 11, 2010 9:47AM
You must be logged in to post comments
Join the conversation. We love to hear your views.
Foodster's Verdict
Restoran Jaya
Taste
Address:
15, Jalan SS 5B/6, 47301 Petaling Jaya Tel: 03 7874 9627
.JPG)
nasi campur selection for lunch also good
by mm55 November 11, 2010 9:47AM
You must be logged in to post comments