New Year Lunch

It was early in the afternoon and we did not know where to go for lunch. I wanted somewhere outside of Selangor where along the way we can enjoy the drive and the view....

I heard of Aunty Aini's Garden Cafe from my sister-in-law who saw a food program on the YouTube called Great Escape with Gordon Ramsey. The famous chef (n my favorite chef) visited Malaysia in 2013 and one of his stops was at Aunty Aini's. Ever since watching the program I've waited the opportunity to try out dishes prepared by Aunty Aini's Garden Cafe located in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. So after searching the internet, I got their contact number and called. Great! They are opened on New Year. Finally, on New Year's we headed to Nilai.

This kampung style restaurant has also played host to another celebrity chefs, Anthony Bourdain. Should watch the episode....funny.

Credit to YouTube and Jacob Epstein

With my pilot navigating the car and the assistance of Waze, half an hour later we arrived at Aunty Aini's. First thing that came to my mind was, I should have made a reservation when I called earlier. There were many cars parked along the left side of the road...

Roadside signage.

As you enter the restaurant through the wooden gate,you are greeted with greeneries and small fountain or water feature. Very calming. I was thinking about the clitoral bush which was mentioned in the video but I was not going around to look for it....hahahaha..... The place was packed. Fortunately we managed to get a table right under the main hut... A few tables were put on reserved. After being seated we ordered lunch....

Masak Lemak Daging Salai
Sambal Tumis Petai dan Kupang
Sotong Masak Kunyit
Ulam2
Kailan Goreng Belacan

Dessert : Tapai Ice Cream

From top : Sambal tumis petai kupang, Kailan goreng belacan, ulam and Sotong goreng Kunyit.

Gulai Lemak Daging Salai. It was a bit salty to my liking. I am not sure if this is the original way of cooking daging salai since it was the second time I've ever tried this dish. I am still looking for the perfect daging salai....

Tapai Ice Cream. Yums...refreshing way to end our lunch.

It's an open space concept restaurant which means no air-conditioner. Too bad..and yes, that day was very hot. Half an hour later our food arrived and since we were hungry we immediately dig in....People come and go and in fact it was too packed that a few couples had to leave without getting a table.

Lunch and drinks came out to RM81.00. Hmmm....ok la tu....Yes, I was happy to get to dine there. Puas hati. Would I want to go there again? Sure...why not may be next time we will go for dinner. I want to meet Aunty Aini herself!