WE don't get wedding invitations every day, for weddings are seasonal, especially Malay weddings. Either they're held during school holidays or on long weekends.
More often than not, most wedding feasts or kenduri food are good and become the talk at the table, or even when the kenduri is over and done.
When this happens, the crave for kenduri food kicks in without warning but unfortunately, there's no wedding to attend.
Fret not. Now you can have kenduri food every day, thanks to a stall located at a short, quiet alley off Jalan Berangan in Bukit Bintang.
Aptly named, Nasi Kahwin Hari Hari it serves northern-style 'nasi kahwin' everyday except Sunday.
To avoid disappointment, come early. I was there with my two good friends one Saturday afternoon but were turned away as their food was finishing and there was already a long queue. The stall operates from 10am till 5.30pm or until the food finishes or whichever comes first.
Not wanting to give up, we come back on a weekday and are amongst the early birds.
ONE RICE AND THREE DISHES
Nasi Kahwin Hari Hari serves only one type of rice, Nasi Hujan Panas (rainbow ghee-butter rice) to go with three choices of side dishes - Ayam Rose Terangkat, Daging Masak Hitam and Ayam Madu Dua.
Flavoured with aromatic spices, the rice has specks of red and green food colouring which makes the rice not only pleasing to the eye but joy to the tastebuds. It is soft and flavourful and soaks up the side dishes very well.
Each plate of rice and preferred side dish (or dishes) comes with an accompaniment of acar timun (cucumber pickle).
Easy, we try all the three side dishes. I go for Ayam Rose and Daging Hitam, a friend takes all three while the other has Ayam Rose and Ayam Madu Dua much to the astonishment of the cashier.
The chicken piece in my Ayam Rose Terangkat must have been slow cooked in its own juice and sauce to make it succulent, juicy and well coated with the sauce.
The sweet, sour and spicy tomato-chili based sauce is spot on. The sauce has a nice heat to it and the right amount of aromatic spices which is synonymous with the northern-style Malay food.
It's a good match for the Nasi Hujan Panas. Daging Masak Hitam is basically spiced beef in dark soy sauce braised with other ingredients. And, it's delicious. The meat is tender but still retains its shape. A nice pairing with the Nasi Hujan Panas also.
For those who like a sweet, savoury dish, then Ayam Madu Dua is ideal. Not my cup of tea though.
I have a small piece and I will describe it as chicken cooked in Pajeri Nenas (thick, sweet pineapple curry).
A portion of Ayam Masak Madu Dua comes with pieces of pineapple too. The chicken in Ayam Madu Dua is as tender and juicy as its Ayam Rose Terangkat cousin.
The cucumber salad adds freshness and crunch plus it cuts away the 'heaviness' of the whole meal. All these side dishes and accompaniment marry well with Nasi Hujan Panas.
Free flow of cordial and plain water are also available to mimic Malay wedding kenduri buffets.
CLEVER COMBINATION
All in all, Nasi Kahwin Hari Hari is a good concept. The take it or leave it kind of menu is quite bold and clever too.
It shows confidence and the people behind it manage to deliver it quite well too. Laminated signs are put up at strategic locations at the stall to ensure smooth operation.
Since there's limited space to dine in, take away is a good option.
FAST FACTS
NASI KAHWIN HARI HARI
No 8, Jalan Berangan off Jalan Beremi, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
TEL 016-305 5388
EMAIL [email protected]
HOURS 10am- 5.30pm (or till finish)
EAT Northern-style Malay wedding feast food (nasi kenduri utara)
MUST TRY Try them all
PAY From RM8.50
MOOD No frills, stall ambience
SERVICE Staff are efficient and friendly
I SAY Give it a try
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