Size takes a back seat when it comes to Jalan Nagore as every part of this short street is filled with notable attractions, writes Alan Teh Leam Seng.
ALTHOUGH Jalan Nagore is one of the shortest thoroughfares in Alor Star but this little street stands head and shoulders above the other roads in the Kedah capital when it comes to the number of noteworthy attractions.
Located behind the old General Post Office and adjacent to the former Central Police Station, Jalan Nagore is home to the only Indian Muslim mosque in the city.
Masjid Nagore, established in 1881, also holds the proud record for being the earliest existing Islamic religious building in Alor Star. Unlike most 19th century mosques, where hardwood tended to predominate, this historic place of worship was constructed with high-quality stone masonry.
While the walls are distinctively embellished with the commonly seen Islamic crescent and star iconographic symbols, Masjid Nagore is unique in the sense that the building is devoid of minarets. Instead, loud speakers are placed at the four corners of this rectangle structure to facilitate the muezzin's call to prayer.
LARGEST MURALS IN ALOR STAR
Two gigantic floor-to-roof murals, said to be the largest in the city, on the opposite end of the street highlight Jalan Nagore's reputation as home to the biggest concentration of fruit stalls in Alor Star.
Housed in a multi storey complex that was built on the ruins of the town's only government dispensary in 1965, this collective quickly gained prominence as providers of fresh produce from surrounding rural orchards and, as time passed, locals began referring to this bustling place as Pekan Buah.
The Fruit Town's architects must have been so zealous in their pursuit of maximising space that the final building plan practically divided Jalan Nagore into two.
The error was only realised during construction and a ground floor unit was reluctantly sacrificed to ensure connectivity. Through this unintentional oversight, Jalan Nagore today claims pride as the only road in Alor Star that practically runs through a building!
A CULINARY INSTITUTION
Another recently commissioned mural located at a small unnamed side lane running parallel to Jalan Nagore draws attention to the city's most popular culinary institution.
Sandwiched between Pekan Buah and Masjid Nagore, Manzur Capati is a name distinctively synonymous to the best unleavened flatbread in Alor Star.
Helmed by soft-spoken patriarch Manzur Zainul Abidin, Manzur Capati also serves a staple of aromatic Nasi Beriyani and a wide selection of popular dishes like Daging Hitam and Itik Gulai. The beef and duck choices, however, pale in comparison to the number of chicken-based dishes available.
With six different cooking styles to choose, customers are definitely spoilt for choice. Kari Ayam Kampung, however, tops the list as the free range chicken here is slow-cooked in a delightful mix of aromatic spices and premium curry mix.
Always smartly dressed in slacks and long-sleeved shirt, Manzur is well-liked not only for his culinary genius but also for his boundless generosity.
Compassion for the needy features prominently in his way of life as remaining food is given away to the poor who turn up after Asar prayers at Masjid Nagore next door.
Fortunately, this charitable trait has rubbed off on both his sons, Muhd Aqram Zaki Manzur and Mohammad Ershad Syafiq Manzur, who conscientiously help out at the shop.
Although there are many other streets and roads in Alor Star to explore, none can stand up to Jalan Nagore in terms of uniqueness and diversity.
FAST FACTS
Manzur Capati
Jalan Nagore, 05000 Alor Star, Kedah.
TEL 013-488 6000
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/182815851733388
HOURS Daily 10am to 5am except Fridays
PAY Basic meals start from RM 6. Catering services are also available for weddings and functions with a minimum of 50 orders per event.
EAT Available is a good selection of curries and acar that go well with briyani and freshly prepared capati. Popular among office workers, the tables fill up quickly during lunch time and late comers have to wait in line. With an ever-present aroma of rich spices and superior curry mix wafting in the air, standing in queue can prove rather daunting. The easier alternative is to place orders online by using in-apps like GrabFood, foodpanda, MauTapau and OdaMakan.
PICK The already sizeable menu expands further on Mondays and Thursdays to include Ayam Piru and Lamb Shank. Remember to make requests for complimentary servings of duck liver and gizzard, which have unique tastes and textures as they are cooked together with the rice.
MOOD Customers have little care for the rudimentary facilities as they are there primarily for the delectable food selections.
SERVICE The rather sizeable work force ensures that service is quick and efficient.
I SAY A must try!
Satisfy your cravings by ordering food online, don't forget to use GrabFood Promo Code.
