Metro

Sunday March 23, 2008

Highly satisfying Mama’s food

Compiled by SANGEETHA NAIR

sangeetha@thestar.com.my

When you crave for authentic northern Peranakan style cooking, come to Mama, says blogger Kelvin Wong.

THERE are certain hidden gems of good food around the Atria Shopping Centre area in Damansara Jaya, Selangor. One of it is Mama Restaurant, writes blogger Kelvin Wong.

“This quaint little place will certainly fire up your taste buds with its tantalising northern Nyonya specialities.

Inche Kabin

“The Ikan Assam Pedas, or, in Peranakan households, Ikan Garam Assam, is a must-have to go with plain and hot rice. Beware as it is guaranteed to be fiery and sour, just the way we like it. The lady’s fingers is a perfect complement as it creates a beautiful contrast to the colours and presentation of the popular northern concoction.

“The Otak-Otak, though it can be easily found in the peninsula, is actually quite different from its southern counterparts. The northern version stresses on the thick coconut milk and the fragrance that permeates with the aid of the daun kaduk, kaffir lime leaves and the banana leaf casing. It is also a very spicy dish.

“The Perut Ikan is not a concoction that everyone may know about. True to northern Nyonya style, a mixture of wild leaves being sliced till fine is matched with “perut ikan”, giving a wonderful tasting spicy concoction that is quite refreshing and nice. However, this dish may not be for everyone. It is an acquired taste.

Pengat Pisang

“Something quite different from the spicy meal is the Fried Bean Sprouts with Salted Fish, which is also quite nice as it is crunchy and for non-spicy foodies, a God-sent dish which allows you to skip plain rice for dinner!

“The Kari Kapitan is another classic wholesome curry that is cooked Nyonya-style which has a heavy emphasis on the lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves and the thickness of the red and yellow gravy. This dish is unique as it has a ‘bread-like’ taste that has a good effect with the plain rice, and the chicken is soft and tender.

“One would not miss Inche Kabin when visiting Penang as the northern style of fried chicken gives off a spice-like aroma that delights everyone. The meat itself is tender and juicy and fried to perfection. Children will certainly enjoy this dish.

“After a hot Peranakan meal, it’s time to cool down with the delicious Fried Ice Cream and the mouth-watering Pengat Pisang. These desserts are a great way to round off the fiery meal.

Otak-Otak

“Do come and visit this place when you crave for authentic northern Peranakan style cooking. Its home-style cooking will also bring back sweet childhood memories.”

http://laksashiok.freehostia.com/2007/10/29/mamas-restaurant-damansara-jaya-northern -peranakan-goodness/

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