Carb Day #8 : Sri Nyonya Bistro, Damansara Utama

Well, I couldn't resist, could I? I may have mentioned before that I have visited a few Nyonya restaurants but was left wanting.

I can't help it. I come from Nyonya stock and I know what Peranakan food should taste like. Of course, there may be variations between the Peranakan from various states. 

My maternal grandfather originated from Singapore Peranakan whilst my maternal grandmother is Terengganu Peranakan.

And then there is the Penang and Melaka Baba and Nyonya. But I don't know any of them hah..hah...

After spotting Sri Nyonya Bistro, I simply had to visit. Fingers crossed that I may finally find a Nyonya restaurant that fits the bill.

I was early (as usual) and the sign at the door said "Closed" although it was almost 11:30am (their opening time). So I peeked inside to find an elderly gentleman (he may not like this description) and I inquired "What time do you open?"

He casually replied "11:30am" (which it already was) and made no initiative to welcome me. The indifference was palpable. So I sort of invited myself inside with a polite "Can I come in?".

I sat myself at a table near the front and the menu was soon brought to me. I am not too partial to set lunches, so I set my eyes on the main menu. I did ask the gentleman if the serving portions were too much for a lone diner.

Well, it depends, he said. He had a customer who ordered a nasi ulam and one dish. Well, well. That means that I can confidently do one nasi ulam and two dishes. Hah!

So Nasi Ulam it was.

Beef Rendang.

And a Kerabu Lemak Sayur Paku.

For drinks, I asked for water. So warm water was served.

My plate.

My three dishes.

This Nasi Ulam is a big portion, good for two (or even three) to share. A bit much for one person, but you know this madam, mou man thai! 

Now an honest review. As you can see, the Nasi Ulam is very beautiful with a combo of colors from the herbs (ulam) and pounded spice paste.

Those of you who are familiar with dishes that use aromatic herbs will know that freshness is paramount. Herbs when past their prime lose their aroma even though they may still retain their color.

Well, I did not get much aroma from the ulam and seasonings. In particular, I see Bunga Kantan but did not get any hint of Bunga Kantan fragrance.

As for pounded seasonings, it was just bland. So I'm afraid, this Nasi Ulam was unremarkable, it could have well have been just ordinary rice simply tossed with greens.

Someone on google review complained that the portion size of the Beef Rendang was too small. Well, beef is expensive. I eat a lot of beef so I know how much it costs,

Then when you factor in the effort to grind the spice paste and then cook the rendang (which requires long braising), then you can understand why it is so pricey.

This portion is just enough for one person. But it was a good rendition of Beef Rendang. Very tasty. And the only dish I that I enjoyed.

As for the Kerabu Lemak Sayur Paku, where is the lemak? This salad is supposed to be infused with coconut milk but there was none at all. I suspect I was served the Kerabu Assam Sayur Paku instead.

Again, the aromatics/spice paste were not aromatic or flavorsome. All I tasted was the tartness from lime juice. This kerabu, I'm afraid was just flat. The only positive was the fern was cooked just right and retained it's crispness.

A let down considering this kerabu costs almost as much as the rendang.

All in all, it was an experience that could have and should have been better. Not the Nyonya flavors that I was expecting and  hoping for.

Based on the rave reviews on Google review, perhaps I was unlucky to have had a lackluster experience. I usually give eateries a second visit (to prove myself wrong), but considering the prices, I may not return. Well, never try, never know.

All the same, best of luck to Sri Nyonya Bistro.