“Starve yourself tomorrow!” A friend of mine declared boldly. “But, but why?” I proclaimed sadly, a day without food is definitely my idea of hell. “Because tomorrow... is BANANA LEAF DAY!! WooHooo!”
And that was good enough reason for me. For even though I am proud to be a Foodster, my tolerance for a huge intake of rice is somewhat shameful. But then, compensation comes in shape of delicious banana leaf rice side orders. There are so many to indulge in at Vishal like chicken masala, mutton varuval, fish curries, vegetable thairu and rassam. Just saying the names out loud is enough to make your head spin in ecstacy. Believe me when I say, none was spared from the taking.
I dug around a little for a bit of history. Vishal was originally a small canteen on the top floor for the staff, while downstairs was where they ran Vishal Print Distribution. Soon enough the number grew and more space was needed. Good things could never be kept a secret, especially when it came down to Malaysians and their food. The set-up is still pretty much laid-out the way it was before. True, they have moved a floor down for easier access for their customers. But other than that, nothing much has changed.
The set-up itself is truly unique with long tables facing each other. Pretty much like a real mess hall. During lunch hour all the tables and chairs are full to the brim. You will be mesmerised by the sheer speed and dexterity of each and every server. They have a well practiced rhythm here that can hypnotise you if you watch the servers for too long. Layout leaf, plop on rice, plop on vegetables, dish out chutney, lava on curry, place pappadoms on top pile - pour water. Your meal is served.
"Nice fried ikan bulus adds crunch to your meal"
If you are a vegetarian, that will be just nice for you. But for those with carnivorous cravings, just wait for a moment or two and a beautiful tray of dishes will glide your way. At Vishal's they have special daily menus pasted all around. Each day is different, a few of the must try dishes are their duck. Either stewed in massala or varuval, this duck is very moist, tender with amazing flavours. All the spices have been absorbed into each and every layer of the duck meat. Funny thing is, even the soft white bones at the joints have also absorbed some of the spices. So you can suck all the juices out if you are still hungry after the meal (not likely though).
Another thing to watch for here is their crab. It comes with a sort of a dry curry paste. Do not be alarmed if you find only claws in there. Nope, you did not miss the bus. It's just an idea of the owner, as it is less expensive but at the same time you get to enjoy wonderfully sweet fresh crab claws. Don't believe us? A plate of these claws only ran up a bill of RM4. For those who aren't fond of cracking your own crab claws, no worries. Just ask for cracked crab claws and you shall receive. This is definitely one of my favourite things here. Also do come early for Passionfruit and Lychee Lassi, as it usually runs out as fast as the lunch crowd dissipates.
And for a mouth sweetener, do grab a spoonful of fenugreek mixed with cardamon at the counter. This freshens your breath to face a long, sleepy afternoon ahead.
More Photos To Drool On
You can order all kinds of dishes here
Curries here are awesome....spicy and so so 'chettinad'
by anneMay 09, 2009 8:17AM
You must be logged in to post comments
Join the conversation. We love to hear your views.
Foodster's Verdict
Vishal Chettinad Mess
Address:
15, Jalan Scott, Off Jalan Tun Sambathan, 50470 Kuala Lumpur Tel: 03 2274 0502
Open:
Pros:
Wonderfully sweet crab claws
Cons:
The Brickfields jam and elbowing sweaty diners during rush hour
.JPG)
Curries here are awesome....spicy and so so 'chettinad'
by anne May 09, 2009 8:17AM
You must be logged in to post comments