Elevete Patisserie’s Merdeka and Malaysia Day Dessert Collection offers a contemporary take on traditional treats (Photo: Elevete Patisserie)
When it comes to our national identity, most locals will say that nothing defines Malaysia quite like its food. From the humble breakfast packet and hearty lunch to the dead-of-night indulgence, nasi lemak holds a stalwart place in our daily lives. In particular, Nasi Lemak Burung Hantu has been all the rage for its aromatic rice, sweet and spicy sambal, and a spectacular selection of lauk that includes all the classics done well. Since its beginnings in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, the restaurant has been lauded for offering the best version of the national dish in the Klang Valley, with outlets in SS15 Subang Jaya, Desa Sri Hartamas, PJ 222 and Semua House — which are all open till late for when you get that midnight craving.
Speaking of indisputably Malaysian fare, char kuey teow ranks firmly near the top. Perfumed with char — the essence of a good CKT — the famous Robert’s Penang Fried Kueh Teow (non-halal) serves it with the addition of Chinese waxed sausage, on top of the plump shrimp, punchy garlic chives, crisp bean sprouts and fluffy duck egg that complement the savoury symphony of chewy rice noodles. For those who insist on the flavours further north, you can usually find the owner frying at Damansara Kim, but prime plates are also available at their many other outlets.
While durian has long been dubbed the king of fruits, heavy is the head that wears the crown: loved and loathed nationwide, the taste of royalty has held its fair share of culinary roles, but Menya Shi Shi Do’s viral durian ramen (non-halal) took experimentation to depths that had some screaming sacrilege last year. Now a seasonal offering, this spiky serving of noodles — available in either pork bone, black garlic or spicy broth — is topped with a fleshy nugget of fruit alongside the usual accoutrements. Heads up, the proud pioneers of this gastronomic novelty only serve a limited number of bowls per day during the patriotic period.
eat_x_dignity.jpg
Fill your belly and heart at Eat x Dignity, a restaurant committed to training youth from marginalised and refugee communities in the food and beverage industry. Operated by the Dignity for Children Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to providing holistic support to underprivileged children, here you can tuck into delicious and affordable meals like the Nasi Kerabu or Edah Laksa in a relaxing, wholesome setting. With all profits being channelled back into the foundation’s education efforts, empower youth by checking out the products from Dignity’s other transformational enterprises.
The lovingly handcrafted items by Komuniti Tukang Jahit are more than adorable little souvenirs — each one represents the profound mission of the initiative to uplift women by providing valuable skills and knowledge that then enable them to earn a stable income. Its Kopitiam series of cute and functional bags features iconic tea-time snacks, including a roti canai wrap organiser, colourful kuih recyclable bags, and the incredibly popular teh tarik and kopi-o pouches. Great for gifting or carrying in your pocket, these unique pieces will add a little local love to your day to day.
The brilliant designs by Batik Boutique emblemise its mission to disrupt poverty and benefit the marginalised through the creation of this traditional fabric. Since its inception in 2010 as the project of two women, this merging of global cultural awareness and economic self-sufficiency has grown into an award-winning initiative accredited at the highest level of social impact by the government. Incorporate vibrant, authentic batik into your wardrobe with its stylish shirts and airy dresses, or breathe some tropical panache into your home decor.
batik_boutique.jpg
Petaling Jaya-based purveyor of fine writing instruments PenGallery unveiled the latest instalment in its series of Malaysian-themed inks produced in collaboration with Diamine this year. The Bijih Timah pen ink, inspired by the country’s history of tin mining, is a refined mineral grey pigment with a subtle green sheen that gives way to complex blue undertones. Pen your thoughts in its Heritage collection, which includes the red-and-blue Jalur Gemilang, deep purple Manggis, and intense brown Kopi O Kaw editions.
Looking to get some holiday shopping done? Head on down to the Merdeka Bazaar at Publika Shopping Gallery, the latest seasonal market by organisers Lokal Wave. Happening until Sept 1, this showcase of clothing, accessories, arts, music and food spotlights the Malaysian creators from a variety of crafts, including notable small businesses like Bingka, Mare by Marion Caunter, Asly and Sukka Perfumes. For something more engaging, try your hand at the various workshops available, or chill out to live performances between browsing and buying.
Premiere store for out-of-the-box Malaysian designs, Apom has commenced its annual Merdeka campaign in the form of the thrilling Empat Belas 2024 poster hunt this year. The brand has collaborated with 14 artists to create works commemorating the diversity of each state, with each piece being a local parody of a famous blockbuster. Participants who successfully seek out their home state’s poster and upload the most creative photos or videos of it to social media stand a chance to win exclusive merchandise, so be sure to check out its Instagram for regular hints as you embark on your epic search!
To end on a sweet note, Elevete Patisserie’s Merdeka and Malaysia Day Dessert Collection offers a contemporary take on traditional treats with this decadent onde-onde tart: Its crisp almond shell holds luscious gula melaka caramel, santan and pandan curds, and rich coconut buttercream. The bakery also offers customised notes and gift wrapping to go with this beautiful dessert, making it a perfect patriotic present. For something even more holiday appropriate, celebrate independence with its national flag-themed designer cakes.
This article first appeared on Aug 26, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
