Kajang Beyond Its Satay Reputation

Kajang

Beyond Its Satay Reputation

Text by SHAHIDA SAKERI Images by SHAHIDA SAKERI & RESPECTIVE PRODUCT OWNERS

Of late, Kajang has become a wonderful place to live and play, especially for those looking for better quality of life away from the chaos of an urban centre. In fact, the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) has made a series of plans to turn this over-200-year-old township into a lifestyle destination of choice. This subdistrict of Hulu Langat has up-to-par education centres and health facilities, served by several highways for better connectivity to neighbouring areas, and access to the extensive Kajang-Sungai Buloh MRT Line.

Of course, satay often comes to mind whenever Kajang is thrown into a conversation. But as delicious as that may sound, the area has more to offer. For instance, it has some of the most coveted golf hotspots in Malaysia that can cater to enthusiasts of any ability. The Sungai Long Golf & Country Club, for one, boasts the first world-class Jack Nicklaus Signature course in the nation. The 18-hole Impian Golf & Country Club that spreads across a 142-acre of resplendent course designed by Ross Watson is another desirable option, not forgetting its restaurant that is famous for consistent delicious offerings.

On top of these, another Kajang’s charm is its wellpreserved heritage. Travellers should make way to the town centre and find rows and rows of historic two-storey shophouses that are still intact, giving us a glimpse of the olden days. After the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic abates in Malaysia, make way to the Kajang Heritage Centre at Jalan Mendaling, which is a treasure trove of engaging exhibits relating to the town’s legacy in the form of 300 artefacts, tools and historical documents. Once the centre reopens, be sure to join its eye-opening three-hour guided tours that bring you along the trail of history-rich landmarks such as the first temple to be built in Kajang, Shen Sze She Yar temple; Soon Fatt sundry shop; an 80-year-old hardware shop, Hin Wah Tong; an old post office building; Masjid Jamek Kajang; and last but not least, Restoran Sate Hj Samuri that started the whole satay frenzy back in the 1960s. Kajang is also home to the Kajang Prison that has been around since 1975. Besides serving as the correctional and rehabilitation institution for law offenders, many do not know that there is also a gallery (Galeri Penjara Kajang) within the complex, where public can visit and shop for an array of affordable crafts. In fact, the institution has its very own Batik line called Batik Qaseh that has gathered strong following, including VIP customers such as Malaysia’s current Queen, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah. Come Eid season, members of the public can also get their hands on extensive range of biscuits sold at competitive prices here.

MPKj’s vision in making Kajang a liveable place also includes plans to make the township more appealing to youths. Plenty of recreational parks and centres have mushroomed in the area. One that is most notable is perhaps the Converse Skatepark Kajang, which is the first Converse skatepark in Asia Pacific and the third in the world. It offers a free and safe space complete with handrails, ledges, and stairs for all Tony Hawk-hopefuls to hone their high-speed and daredevil skills.

Where to eat?

The food scene in Kajang is now more diversified and dare we say, more exciting as its population grows. On that note, we invite readers to embark on a food hunting trip to this township in Selangor for an ultimate eating pleasure. The list below comprises old favourites as well as new players, defined by distinctive culinary style so that whatever your preference may be, Kajang is bound to have it. Get ready to tingle your tastebuds!

1. MEET & DINE Starting off the list with a premium casual entry, Meet & Dine dazzles with its gorgeous understated interior within a repurposed factory, warm personable service and of course, palate-priming dishes that will leave you satisfied and uplifted. The menu is heavily packed with western specialities and additional stellar local flavours; but the one dish you must try is the oven baked salmon, which has fantastic flavour! Other crowd favourites include Asian spice cannelloni, chilli crabs and lobster ravioli, all presented beautifully on the plates. This is the place you’ll go either to impress or be impressed!

29, Jalan Budiman, Budiman Business Park, Bandar Sungai Long, 43000 Kajang, Selangor. Facebook: Meet & Dine

Clockwise from Above, Left: Galeri Penjara Kajang exhibits a wide range of crafts that public can purchase; Kunafa is a popular West Asian dessert that diners should order at Al Diafah Restaurant; Oven Baked Salmon is Meet & Dine’s signature dish; Australian lamb spare ribs set served at Laman Grill Steak & Bar B Que.

2. LAMAN GRILL STEAK & BAR B QUE Another titan in the Kajang dining scene is Laman Grill Steak & Bar B Que, which maintains its strong reputation befitting its founder, the multi-award-winning Chef Zubir, who also happened to be a judge for MasterChef Malaysia. Every dish here is prepared with sophistication and care according to the chef’s exacting standards. The vast menu melds East and West inspirations, so patrons can expect to find something for everyone. But if the name of the restaurant doesn’t already give it away, locals usually flock to the place for its juicy steak and the highly-addictive Australian lamb spare ribs.

38, Jalan Impian Putra 2/3, Taman Impian Putra, 43000 Kajang, Selangor. Facebook: Laman Grill Steak & BarB-Que

3. AL DIAFAH RESTAURANT – KAJANG Within the extravagant rooms of Al Diafah lies an unrivalled reverence for authentic Middle Eastern fares and classic hospitality. The place was a huge hit for gatherings or even entertaining international guests during the prepandemic days. The restaurant’s loyal customers also rave about the extensive offerings here, but for a start, go with the bestseller dishes such as the Al Diafah rice, the Royal Mixed Grill and the Shish Tawouk (chicken kebab). Just be mindful that the portions of the dishes can be generous, so come only when you are really hungry!

No.12 & 13, Jalan Putra 6, Taman Putra Kajang, 43000 Kajang, Selangor. Facebook: Al Diafah Express

Clockwise from this page, Top, Left: Masak Lomak Cili Api is smoked traditionally; Nasi Kerabu at Narak comes with generous portion; The fried tilapia set at Rumah Cibiuk; Charcoal Bun Unagi by Oscar Coffee & Food; Shen Sze She Yar Temple prayer pavilion; Gamboroni prepared by Kayan + Co; The Shell Platter Terangkat set at Ikan Bakar Terangkat; Nasi Lemak Bungkus is the bestseller at Warung Bunian.

4. BANGI MASAK LOMAK CILI API Established since 2017, this eatery has always been popular among those in the know. The menu is of course dominated by its signature delicacy, masak lemak cili api, which strictly follows a family recipe originating from Kuala Pilah and has been passed down for multiple generations. Those who love this type of dish could be rest assured that its authenticity is not compromised. Interestingly, the owner Kak Na still practices the traditional method of using coconut shells to smoke the meat for one hour to one hour and a half, which brings out the dish’s brilliant smoky flavour paired oh so perfectly with the spiciness of the gravy. Safe to say, it will leave you licking your fingers.

Patrons may choose between beef, catfish, chicken, duck and sea snail. If you remain curious and have some space in your tummy to spare, why not try every one of those dishes? After all, the prices here are reasonable. This is also where you can get the extremely hard-to-find sambal tempoyak daun kayu (spicy fermented durian cooked with cassava leaves).

N9 Food Court, Kampung Sungai Ramal Dalam, 43000 Kajang, Selangor. Facebook: Bangi Masak Lomak Cili Api 5. KAK SU NASI KERABU NARAK Kak Su Nasi Kerabu Narak – or simply called Narak by the locals – claims to be a strong purveyor of authentic Kelantanese flavours in Kajang. Judging from the usual 7:00 a.m. frenzy at this shop, it might probably be right. The menu covers Peninsular Malaysia’s East Coast staples such as laksam (flat rice noodles in fish gravy laced with coconut milk), solok lada (stuffed chillies), nasi kerabu (herb rice) and nasi dagang (greasy rice steamed with coconut milk and eaten with fish curry). They also serve traditional Kelantanese kueh (sweetmeats) for light eaters.

40, Jalan Cheras, Kampung Sungai Sekamat, 43000 Kajang, Selangor. Facebook: Kak Su Nasi Kerabu Narak

6. WARUNG BUNIAN As the sun begins to brighten the sky, you will find locals jam-packing this humble eatery for a quick first meal of the day. This stall’s menu starts with classic Malay breakfast fares before turning into a completely different spread for lunch. That being said, we recommend coming here as early as possible to try its best-selling Nasi Lemak Bungkus (packed rice cooked in coconut milk) and Roti Jiwa Kacau (‘pancake made by a ‘troubled soul’). Though simple in nature, both dishes are explosive in flavours. Do not be surprised to find the food almost finished by 9:00 a.m.; after all, the early bird catches the worm, right? But if you are pressed for time, they also take advance order online or via Whatsapp on +6 017 381 2246.

Jalan Jamaludin, Kampung Sungai Merab, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Facebook: Warung Bunian

7. IKAN BAKAR TERANGKAT There are two reasons why people keep coming back to Kajang’s very own seafood joint, Ikan Bakar Terangkat: it offers affordable prices; and its fresh seafood ranging from fishes, crabs, squid, mussels, prawns to cockles are sourced on daily basis. Each of your selection will then be grilled to perfection over a medium fire, topped with the joint’s own winning, homemade sambal. On top of these, the shop also offers shellout-style seafood platters should customers prefer to take their feast up a notch.

No. 1, Lot 3083, Jalan Ayer Itam, Kampung Sungai Merab Luar, 43000 Kajang, Selangor. Facebook: Ikan Bakar Terangkat

8. RUMAH MAKAN CIBIUK For the days when you crave for Indonesian food, head no further than Rumah Makan Cibiuk. This Bandungoriginated chain is starting to gain foothold in Malaysia, consistently feeding fans with authentic Sundanese recipes. Our personal favourites are nasi liwet (spiced coconut rice served with fried chicken) and the fried tilapia set. Those who can handle spiciness should try its sambal, but beware: it is terribly spicy!

No.1-G, Jalan Putra 6, Taman Kajang Putra, 43000 Kajang, Selangor. Facebook: Rumah Makan Cibiuk Malaysia - HQ Kajang

9. OSCAR COFFEE & FOOD Oscar Coffee & Food is not ostentatious by any means. The design is kept minimal and sleek with just enough Japanese touches to give the restaurant a sense of place. But do not expect the food served at this establishment to be as restrained because its head chef – who has 20 years of experience in Japanese culinary arts under his belt – develops a specially curated list. Of course, tasty sushi and sashimi are available, yet it is the signature cheesy Oscar oysters that are the real scene-stealers. Conclude your meal by ordering a nice cup of coffee as the perfect palate cleanser.

15, Mutiara Avenue, Mutiara Heights, 43000 Kajang, Selangor. Facebook: Oscar Coffee & Food 10. KAYAN+CO CAFÉ Kayan+Co took over an unassuming corner of Bangi Square near Kajang Bus Terminal and turned it into a relaxing, child-friendly space serving a mixture of local and Western food. The home special Gamboroni (spaghetti with prawns in a fresh tomato sauce) is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser; but do not sleep on the café’s laksa goreng and Kogalo duo burger since both are packed with incredible flavours too. Bring along colouring books or bubble sticks on a good sunny day because the café has ample space for the little ones to run loose.

Jalan Reko, Taman Perindustrian Kajang, 43000 Kajang, Selangor. Facebook: Kayan+Co café