Banglo 289: Tuck into local Malay cuisine for under RM6 alongside Instagram-worthy murals
When I’m not hunched over my laptop writing, you can find me exploring new cafes and restaurants in Klang Valley. However the downside of this activity is that it can be rather expensive, so I’m always on the lookout for places with aesthetically pleasing views and affordable meals. So I was thrilled to discover Banglo 289, a recently established bungalow cafe located just a stone’s throw away from Jalan Raja Chulan which serves traditional local Malay cuisine at extremely affordable prices.
Parking in KL is definitely a frightful thought, but thankfully the parking at Banglo 289 is straightforward at just RM2 per entry. There’s even a parking attendant readily available to assist you in moving your vehicle while you eat in peace. You can opt to sit indoors where it’s air-conditioned or at the alfresco dining area (I recommend this).
The exterior of Banglo 289 features huge tranquil spaces surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful Malaysian-themed murals such as ayam kampung, burung merak and stylish ladies clad in sunglasses. Be sure to doll up if you’re dining here because it would make for an unforgettable photo for the ‘gram!
What I tried at Banglo 289
The highlight at Banglo 289 is definitely the traditional Malay set lunches they offer: Masakan Lemak, Goreng Berempah and Salai. You can take your pick of different proteins to choose from: itik salai (smoked duck), ayam salai (smoked chicken), ikan keli salai (smoked catfish), telur itik (duck egg) and siput sedut (mangrove snails).
The first thing I tried from the menu was the Ikan Keli Masak Lemak Set (RM12.00). The set comes with a steaming hot plate of rice, ulam (local herbs), sambal belacan and of course, the smoked ikan keli.
The masak lemak gravy was thick and golden hued from the liberal use of turmeric, and rich from the santan (coconut cream) and various other herbs and spices. I love how the thick, creamy gravy infuses perfectly into the tender smoked catfish meat and when ladled onto the rice, results in a meal that is both delicious and memorable. Trust me when I say that you’ll be licking the bowl of masak lemak gravy clean! I for sure did.
I certainly couldn’t miss out on ordering the Goreng Berempah. But I was split between the Ayam Goreng Berempah (RM8) and the Ayam Kampung Goreng Berempah (free-range chicken) (RM9.50). After consulting the staff who sang high praises of the latter, we eagerly ordered the Ayam Kampung Goreng Berempah.
And they were right! The entire chicken leg was fried to perfection. It was crunchy, juicy, had a light crispy crust and bursted with the aromatic flavours of fresh herbs and spices in it. The freshness of the ulam, the spiciness of the sambal belacan and the juicy ayam kampung goreng berempah went perfectly together. I enjoyed the healthy mix of textures, good crunch from the ulam and chicken and the savoury spiciness of the sambal. It cannot get any more authentic than this.
For dessert, I decided to go for something traditional, so I went with the Lempeng Pisang (RM5.50). For the uninitiated, this is a type of traditional Kedahan pancake made of bananas, served with grated coconut. The sweetness of the banana and its fluffy texture interwoven with the freshly-grated coconut was definitely a pick-me up! I can easily have two of these for breakfast.
Final thoughts
As I sat taking in the views of the gorgeous murals, I admit I was impressed by the prices of the dishes here. For such views, you’d be paying through your nose even for local cuisine at any other restaurant.
If you’re looking to come here for breakfast, you’d be pleased to know that you can find the usual brunch favourites such as Chulan Eggs Benedict (RM15) and Banglo 289 Breakfast (RM20).
However due to the wallet-friendly prices and gorgeous scenery, it can get pretty busy even on weekdays and Banglo 289 has a rather limited staff to take your orders. So patience is definitely a virtue when you’re dining here. On the bright side, the restaurant is now taking reservations. Therefore, if you are planning to bring your entire family for breakfast or lunch, I’d recommend you make a reservation beforehand.
With gorgeous green surroundings and traditional local delights at affordable prices, how can Banglo 289 possibly get any better?
Expected damage: RM10 – RM25 per pax
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