Kampung Dining has a hilltop location and overlooks a busy intersection in Section 17, PJ.
Contemporary Peranakan cuisine with a flair of east and west is what you can expect here.
Thus, this non-halal Nyonya restaurant in Section 17 is teeming with diners from near and far. Read on to discover what Kampung Dining has to offer!
Table Of Contents:
About Kampung Dining
Kampung Dining began in December 2018 and is growing in popularity. The restaurant is the brainchild of chef and founder Derson and his wife Alicia.
When he was young, Derson tailed his mother in how to prepare authentic Peranakan food back in Malacca.
And this is the inspiration behind Kampung Dining.
But while they offer classic Peranakan dishes such as the Nyonya pongteh:
Derson gives some dishes a modern twist and keeps up with the latest gourmet trends.
For example, Derson sneaks in pork lard and siu yok into nasi lemak. And Iberico pork features on their shape shifting seasonal menu.
Ease Of Parking At Kampung Dining
A road runs between the shop lots and the edge of the hill, where parking bays are on both sides.
Since Kampung Dining is in the same row as Kanna Curry House, Strangers at 17, and other eateries:
Vacant parking spaces are few. If you can’t find a spot, meander through the residential area and find a bay there.
Ambiance At Kampung Dining
Kampung Dining has an airy dining area that extends to the back door, living up to its namesake.
The rattan furniture and vintage tiles enhance the nostalgic atmosphere. And fairy lights add a carefree touch.
Simple yet memorable, Kampung Dining is a throwback to yesteryears. Featuring grandma’s finest cuisine.
Service At Kampung Dining
We thought we could beat the crowd by reaching the restaurant at 11:40am on a public holiday. But the restaurant was almost full.
In fact, guests who arrived after us had to wait outside to get a seat.
Still, the food comes quite fast (i.e., within 10 minutes of ordering). Even if the restaurant is full.
Food At Kampung Dining
Kampung Dining makes their own sauces from a blend of local herbs. Like daun kesum and candlenut ginger flowers, without relying on ready-made pastes.
So, what you get is authentic Peranakan flavor and no shortcuts in between!
To quench our thirst, we tried the gula melaka cendol. The homemade green cendol oozed with pandan undertones, and the red beans were firm and not mushy.
We would prefer ours a tad creamier with more coconut milk. But the smoky palm sugar hit all the right notes without being too sweet.
Unlike conventional nasi lemak:
Pork Lard Nasi Lemak is a heavenly combination of chunky siew yok. Plus, savory papadam and sweet sambal topped with crispy pork lard.
We ordered fried chicken instead of pork and the chicken was crispy and satisfying! One type of sambal adds spiciness to the dish, while the other had dried prawns and a distinct umami flavor.
Other Dishes At Kampung Dining
Nyonya Ayam Buah Keluak is another culinary attraction. It tastes unlike regular chicken curry. This time-consuming dish is stir-fried. They use various spices to give the dish its savory taste, fragrance, and color.
The sauce is dark with earthy nuances. This is from the buah keluak or black fruit, which is often likened to truffles. But in Southeast Asia.
Another main attraction is the assam curry fish with star fruit. The assam gravy is equally sweet, sour and spicy.
The dish features fresh fish with a coating of creamy coconut gravy. There are long beans, tomatoes, and ladyfingers too.
Egg with cincalok was not spectacular and a bit too salty. But the texture of the egg was light and fluffy.
Mee Siam for only RM7.50 is worth the money as the chicken rendang rounds out this divine dish. The spiced noodles with egg and cucumber strips taste even better with a drizzle of lime juice.
Pricing
With an average price of RM25 for a main meal and RM5 per drink, prices here are on par with other cafes in the Klang Valley.
But considering the good quality ingredients they use:
Kampung Dining is a place where you can indulge in casual Nyonya food.
Conclusion
Some of the best Nyonya restaurants in PJ are not found in commercial squares. Kampung Dining is one of them.
The allure of the restaurant along Jalan 17/45 is enough to cause traffic congestion.
Try it out yourself if you love Malaysian flavors! For more options, see our list of recommended eats in PJ.
Read also: Labu + Labu Bakery At Petaling Jaya – Pillowy Soft Chicken Floss Buns & Swiss Rolls
