Typically, in Malaysia, one might find many businesses with peculiar names such as Kedai Motor Bawah Pokok, Mee Soto Bawah Pokok and of course the ever-popular Gunting Rambut Bawah Pokok. But how often would one come across an Indian restaurant serving their signature banana leaf meal at bawah pokok?
Situated in an old housing estate in the busy suburban enclave of Malim Jaya, just outside Melaka city center, there is this unpretentious, one-of-a-kind Indian food paradise called Restoran ASV or more fondly known to the locals as "Restoran Bawah Pokok, Malim".
Though it may have been around for a few decades now, slowly expanding in size while adding to its repertoire of dishes, it still remains somewhat underrated by many who may ignorantly dismiss it as just another run-of-the-mill Indian stall - no thanks to its modest and almost misleading leafy entrance. In fact, at first glance those with poor eyesight might actually think that it's a nursery, selling plants!
Yet curiously, this little hidden "food haven" partly nestled underneath a tree, still remains "untouched" by the invading armies of tourists who mercilessly descend on this charming city every weekend. Not that the locals are complaining about their absence here.
For many years now this quaint restaurant has been the go-to place for this writer either alone or with colleagues or close pals. With its insane array of mouthwatering curries and a seemingly endless row of buffet trays filled with irresistible side dishes, this place clearly never fails to attract a steady stream of customers from seemingly different ethnic backgrounds.
Furthermore, underrated or not, this place practically teems with life from morning to late evening, with a non-stop crowd and never-ending noise. Also it's not uncommon to see wealthy taukes and working-class tukangs from the nearby Malim Jaya, Cheng and Krubong industrial areas seated side by side, inside. While their Toyota Alphards, Myvis and kapcais are parked side by side, outside!
The quintessential Malaysian ambience of the place aside, this eatery is virtually a colorful combination of a traditional Indian curry house, a Mamak stall and a Malay warong all squeezed into one. Add to this the fact that a lion's share of its patrons are Chinese, it could easily be mistaken for a kopitiam too! Perhaps, it's the perfect microcosm of Malaysia, where variety is the spice of life?
Frankly, where else can one have a tasty, eye-watering South Indian banana leaf lunch paired with a bowl of cool "Nyonya-style" iced cendol or ABC? Followed by a dessert made up of freshly fried, piping hot pisang goreng and mouth-watering kuih keria. And to wash it all down, a glass of strong masala tea or perhaps some mamak-style "teh halia"?
If you happen to pop over here for a very early breakfast, you might even witness some tired-looking souls in deep meditation savoring every bite of their thosai, roti prata, mee rebus or the heavenly paal appam (served with sweet coconut milk). Yet, more than the food, there is something surreal here that implores the soul to never forget this place... reminiscent of the haunting chorus from the old Bee Gees classic "Don't Forget To Remember Me..."
Meanwhile, if you decide on taking a late breakfast, how about relishing some hot, crispy "mini vadeys" to go with some crunchy karipaps? Or some budget fried mee hoon, mee goreng or nasi lemak, all neatly packed in generous portions, going for a mere RM1.50 per packet! Cheap enough to give the popular Menu Rahmah a run for its money?
It might just be a simple place, with no air conditioning, no fancy menu and no squeaky clean tiled flooring, yet it is rich with an infectious "feel good" air inside. Moreover, the service here is also fast with seemingly no shortage of workers. The cherry on the cake though is that it's likely one of the few places in a recession-spooked world where one need not worry about being overcharged. Prices are reasonable here so your pockets and e-wallets are safe.
Call me crazy if you like, but on a cool and cloudy day, I might just spend the whole day here. Meditating, eating and maybe even writing, in the shade of the old "Bawah Pokok, Malim."
Address: Restaurant ASV (Bawah Pokok Malim) No.70, Jalan Zahir 20, Taman Malim Jaya, 75250 Melaka
JK Joseph is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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