Hello everyone! We're excited to share our recent food journey in Serdang, Malaysia, where we uncovered some truly authentic and delicious cuisine. We started our day exploring the Chinese Museum and ended it with a memorable meal at a local restaurant, experiencing the heart of Serdang's culinary scene.
Finding Authentic Cuisine
The Quest for "Ping Liang Zheng" (Affordable, Good, and Authentic)
Our mission was to find a "ping liang zheng" restaurant, a local term for a place that's affordable, serves good food, and offers an authentic experience. Sister Jing led the way, finding a highly-rated eatery popular with locals, and known for its traditional dishes. We knew we had to arrive early to snag a table.
A VIP Welcome & High Expectations
We were lucky enough to find a VIP parking spot, making us feel like we were dining at our own "mansion." This added to the anticipation of discovering truly authentic and delicious food, a promise Jingjing takes seriously. We wanted to make sure it was truly local and authentic.
Ordering a Feast: A Mix of Flavors and Generous Portions
Navigating the Menu: Fish and More
The restaurant offered a variety of fresh fish. The owner recommended African fish for frying, valuing honesty over upselling the more expensive options. He even explained what kind of fish is suited for what kind of cooking method. The fish options included white mullet, African fish, Bading, snapper, and grouper.
A Variety of Dishes: From Pork to Seafood
We decided to order a variety of dishes to sample the restaurant's offerings. We chose the sweet and sour fried African fish, the soy sauce braised pork, the fried Lala, and the cream shrimp. We were careful to order small portions, hoping to try even more dishes.
Unexpectedly Large Portions
We were surprised by the generous portion sizes, especially considering we ordered small portions. The sizes of these small portions were substantial, making us feel like we had ordered a truly abundant meal. The fish was especially large, sold by weight, adding to the excitement of the meal.
Tasting the Flavors: A Symphony of Textures and Tastes
The Signature Braised Pork with Soy Sauce
The braised pork with soy sauce was a standout, featuring crispy, caramelized pork with a sweet and sour flavor. The meat was thinly sliced to a crispy texture.
The Unique Cream Shrimp
The cream shrimp was an interesting experience, featuring a dry, shredded cream topping that was unlike anything we'd tasted before. The shrimp was cooked perfectly, boasting a satisfyingly chewy texture. Although they originally were thinking of going with a wet creamy shrimp, they decided against it.
Lala and other sides
Lala was stir fried with a heavy sauce, similar to what they had tasted in a store in Penang. Other side dishes included tofu and amaranth.
The Dining Experience: Authentic Atmosphere and a Watchful Owner
A Candid Dining Experience: Filming with an Audience
Filming our meal was a bit nerve-wracking because the owner was watching us intently. We joked that it felt like we were "judging" the restaurant. However, we hoped they wouldn't see us as intimidating.
Family Friendly
The location felt very family friendly, especially how the family also came to dine at the location. They got a sense of what it was like to eat with neighbors and other people in the community.
A Glimpse into Local Life
The restaurant was filled with locals, creating a vibrant and authentic atmosphere. It felt like a true taste of Serdang life, a world of regulars that showed up frequently.
Reflecting on Serdang: History and Flavors
Connecting with Serdang's History
Our visit to Serdang was enriched by our exploration of the local Chinese Museum. The Chinese New Village has a strong, rich history.
A Town of Contrasts
Serdang offered a mix of old and new, with traditional houses alongside modern buildings. This clash of old and new gave it an interesting charm. It offers an older architectural style.
The Allure of Malaysian Cuisine
Malaysia is a culinary paradise. "I love Malaysia because there are so many Malaysians here!" The lack of food anxiety has been a major plus.
The Verdict: A Must-Try Restaurant
We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience in Serdang. From the authentic flavors to the generous portions and the local atmosphere, it was a memorable meal.
The Price Reveal
After guessing the price, the final bill came to RM156 (Malaysian Ringgit) for six dishes, which was considered a great value ("ping liang zheng").
Final Thoughts
Overall, the experience was incredible, and a recommended location to visit. Be sure to give it a visit when nearby.
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