ALL ABOUT CEIL: Baba Melaka : Peranakan Fare in a Coffee Shop at Jurong East

Monday, September 26, 2016

Baba Melaka : Peranakan Fare in a Coffee Shop at Jurong East

I gotta know about this stall from some reviews that i came across on the net. I came as i was really curious about how does those recommended dishes fared in reality. It was lunch time but there there was no other customer at that time. There was a friendly lady, stood in front of the stall, awaiting for customers. She was smiling when we were approaching the stall. This stall is in the same coffee shop where the branch of Soi 19 Thai Wanton Mee is located, it is within a short walking distance from the Jurong East MRT.

We ordered Ma Cik Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang ($5.90), Famous Ayam Buah Keluak with Steamed Rice ($5.50) and Claypot Ikan Assam Pedas with Steamed Rice ($6.50). Their menu also includes Pak Cik Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng ($4.90), Pak Cik Nasi Lemak Ayam Rendang ($4.90), Mee Rebus ($3.50) and Nyonya Mee Siam ($3.00).

We were asked to come back in 5 minutes as they need to prepare it. The lady suggested that they could deliver it to our table even though there is a sign stating 'Self-Service'. I was telling her that, "It is alright, we would come back later to collect it." It was delivered by the older man that was seen preparing at the back of the stall earlier, he even brought us the forks and spoons that we forgot to collect. When saying thank you to him, he said, 'Don't mention.' That kind of service standard is definitely going to leave an impression.

Ma Cik Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang ($5.90), it consists of a portion of beef rendang serving with achar and ikan belis with peanuts, together with sembal chilli by the side and coconut infused rice. The texture of beef rendang was done lovingly with just the right softness and nicely flavored. The achar that made up of cucumber, carrot and cabbage tasted quite fresh with a nice crunch. The ikan belis and peanuts were crunchy and tasty. The sambal chilli tasted slightly sweet with a mild spiciness.

Famous Ayam Buah Keluak with Steamed Rice ($5.50). The Ayam Buah Keluak tasted slightly saltish with a mild flavored but cooked to the perfect tenderness. It is served with sambal belachan and not the sambal chilli, which is spicier but complemented the dish nicely.

Though it might not be the tastier that i ever tasted but it is a comfort dish that warms the heart with its homeliness.

Claypot Ikan Assam Pedas with Steamed Rice ($6.50), the most expensive amongst the rice sets. A thick slice of fish was served with brinja and ladyfinger in a claypot, its spiciness was quite mild. It tasted homely and it is quite value for money.

They do serve desserts like Sago Gula Melaka ($1.80), Bubur Cha Cha ($1.80), Melaka Pulot Hitam($1.80), Baba Chendol ($2.00), Baba Durian Chendol ($2.50) and different type of Nyonya Kueh from 0.80 cents to $1.20. We decided to go with Baba Chendol and it was disappointing. It did not have enough gula melaka and the chendol strips were not as smooth, it has big kidney beans in it. You might want to try other desserts but this one is not worth trying.