PETALING JAYA, Sept 22 — Located inside Glomac Business Centre, Restoran Kampung Muar grabbed my attention with these magical words on their signboard.... mee bandung Muar!
This place opened about two months ago but it seems they're not new to the business, having chalked up their experience as a nasi campur stall at the food court in TM Tower. As there was a change of ownership there, they relocated to Kelana Jaya.
Everything served here will make any homesick Johorean happy.
There's, of course, the all-time favourite laksa Johor, comforting lontong with its distinct yellow hue and the local version of chilli con carne aka kacang pol. You also have biryani rice for lunch time and lempeng or pancakes too.
And just as the signboard promises, the food does have a kampung vibe as it resonates strong homestyle flavours.
The Mee Bandung Muar (RM9) does not have dinosaur-like prawns so you can show off on your social media. Instead, its essence lies in that thick orange broth that is a blend of dried prawns and tomato sauce.
The only setback is the prawns topping it, which could be better with bouncier flesh.
On the same page of wholesomeness is the laksa Johor (RM10). Here, your spaghetti strands are engulfed with the thick blended fish laksa gravy. Sliced onions, chopped preserved radish, chopped herbs and bean sprouts are also added.
You have a splash of bright red on the side with the sambal belacan with calamansi lime to give it a citrus edge.
If you drop by just before lunch, the spread of dishes will distract you, like how a fiery red asam pedas called my name.
Served in claypots, the broth was piping hot and crazy spicy, burning my tongue. You get different fishes with the asam pedas gravy. I relished my ikan kembung with its sweet, delicate flesh.
You can also get the chicken version for RM12.
The Lontong (RM7) may not be a looker, as it's flooded with vegetables and the broth. It's comforting though especially after you mix in the peanut sauce and serunding kelapa.
At the counter, there's a multitude of temptations. This includes their house-made kuih ketayap (70 sen per piece). It's not pretty but I liked the pillow soft pancake amply filled with grated coconut tossed with gula Melaka syrup.
Restoran Kampung Muar,
205A, Glomac Business Centre, No. 10, Jalan SS6/1, Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya.
Open: 7am to 7pm. Closed on Sunday.
Tel: 013-2321798.
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