logo
Always Lapar: Retro kampung cafe in town dishes up nasi lemak papadom & homemade gula melaka soy milk

Always Lapar: Retro kampung cafe in town dishes up nasi lemak papadom & homemade gula melaka soy milk

Yahoo01-06-2025
On a trip to Cherating a while back, I noticed how common it was for old kampung-style houses to be transformed into eateries and touristy spots. I love that concept. Totally fitting for a place like Kuantan, which (thankfully) hasn't been overly gentrified yet. You don't see much of that in KL or Selangor, so it was a delight to stumble upon a similar spot just 5 minutes from home: Always Lapar.
It's tucked along a narrow road near a shortcut I usually take to the highway. I was worried it'd be hard to find, but nope, the signage is loud and clear. From the outside, it's giving major 'grandma's house' energy with its wooden pillars, creaky doors, and old-school windows adorned with batik curtains.
Inside, it's decently spacious but a tad warm. The space is split into a few cosy sections: there's the main dining area with plastic tables and chairs, an elevated corner with batik decor and wooden furniture (you'll need to take your shoes off here), and a nook filled with shelves of dusty old books.
The walls are covered with retro Western posters, which felt a bit off. Personally, I think some local art would've added more soul, but hey, the vintage vibes still hit the mark. You can tell they put effort into making it feel nostalgic and homey.
Now, full disclosure: I'd read a few Google reviews saying the food was… not great. So while the place looks the part, the real question is: can they deliver where it matters most? Time to find out.
I went with their Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah (RM16) from a tempting lineup of local dishes. It's a classic I know well, and one that shouldn't be that hard to get right, surely.
The plate looked great. The coconut rice came with all the usual bits, plus some extras like papadom, fried tempeh, and a side of thin cabbage in what seemed like a yellow curry or gulai. Nice variety.
But the rice was a letdown. Even before tasting it, I could feel the grains were too firm. It ended up tasting like regular plain rice, just harder and dry. Definitely not the fluffy, fragrant nasi lemak rice you'd hope for.
Nasi Lemak Royale Kedah: Must-try Kedah-style yellow nasi lemak with juicy chicken & squid eggs in Ampang
The sambal had potential but missed the mark. It was heavy on the shrimp paste, but lacked the depth and balance of a proper nasi lemak sambal. It felt like it was rushed — missing the chilies, the aromatics, and the whole essence of this type of sambal.
The tempeh and ikan bilis were stale and chewy. After one bite, they were pretty much ignored for the rest of the meal.
The 2 pieces of chicken were a decent portion for the price. Unfortunately, they were too tough to enjoy. A shame, really, because the seasoning was spot on. The only miracle on the plate was the crispy, piping hot papadom.
To drink, I went with the Homemade Soy Milk with Gula Melaka (RM4.80). It came in a bottle, served with ice cubes and melted palm sugar on the side. The soy milk tasted fresh and clean. Not store-bought for sure, but it was completely plain. Pouring in the entire glass of gula melaka made it finally enjoyable. For the price, the drink was solid.
I didn't set out to be this critical, but this might just be the most disappointing nasi lemak I've ever had, which is a real shame. That said, the soy milk was amazing: fresh, delicious, and refreshing. Major kudos to the Always Lapar team for breathing new life into a charming kampung house. The decor was thoughtful, nostalgic, and absolutely worth a little detour.
Here's hoping the kitchen finds its rhythm soon, because the concept and setting deserve better food to match.
Expected damage: RM8 – RM16 per pax
Ashhryshoshedap: JB's XL salted egg pasta & belacan fried rice with 12K+ reviews — overrated or must-try?
The post Always Lapar: Retro kampung cafe in town dishes up nasi lemak papadom & homemade gula melaka soy milk appeared first on SETHLUI.com.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Johor Royal Botanical Gardens opens to public with themed gardens, regal landmarks & access to the zoo
Johor Royal Botanical Gardens opens to public with themed gardens, regal landmarks & access to the zoo

Yahoo

time14 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Johor Royal Botanical Gardens opens to public with themed gardens, regal landmarks & access to the zoo

Johor has officially unveiled one of its most anticipated attractions — the Johor Royal Botanical Gardens, or Taman Botani Diraja Johor. Now open to the public, this expansive green haven is nestled within the regal grounds of the Istana Besar Johor and should be included in your itinerary. Covering 56 acres, the garden has been designed as a botanical showcase, featuring curated plant collections that highlight both Johor's native species and rare plants from beyond the state. Each section of the garden has its own theme, allowing visitors to journey through a variety of landscapes and ecosystems. Among the featured areas are the Heliconia & Ginger Garden, Rainforest Dipterocarp Zone, Orchid Garden, Herb Garden, and Palm Grove. Visitors can also explore the Tropical Endemic Collection, Pine Grove, Bamboo Garden, Fernarium, and the Exotic Garden. Adding to the garden's charm are other notable landmarks, featuring Bukit Bintang, Tugu Bendera, Laman Inggeris, Chinese Hall, Bukit Zaharah Castle and Japanese House, which offer peaceful resting spots and photo-taking opportunities throughout the grounds. A single loop around the garden covers a distance of approximately 2km, or 3K steps, which takes about 40 minutes to complete. For those wishing to wander further, the full walking route spans nearly 5km, or roughly 7.5K steps. Entry is kept accessible, with tickets priced at RM2 for Malaysian adults and senior citizens, and RM30 for non-Malaysian adults and seniors. Admission is free for children under 5 and for individuals with disabilities. Tickets must be secured in advance via the official online portal; no walk-ins available. This botanical garden forms a key part of Johor's wider tourism strategy ahead of Visit Johor Year 2026. To enhance connectivity and convenience, a new entrance is currently being developed to link the garden with the nearby Johor Zoo. Once complete, this integration will provide a smoother, more cohesive experience for guests exploring the city's natural and cultural attractions. One can only imagine what's next on the horizon, and personally, I can't wait to see what more Johor has in store. Desaru travel guide – how to get there, fun activities & free things to do The post Johor Royal Botanical Gardens opens to public with themed gardens, regal landmarks & access to the zoo appeared first on

The resort town where you can find Maldives-like winter sun closer to home
The resort town where you can find Maldives-like winter sun closer to home

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

The resort town where you can find Maldives-like winter sun closer to home

In a world dominated by modern conveniences and digital devices, it's humbling to discover the surprising sophistication of ancient technologies. A visit to the ancient city of Side, nestled on the Turkish Riviera, reveals just that. Dating back to the 7th century BC, Side boasts ruins including a Roman forum, a theatre, and a reconstructed Greek fountain. The fountain showcases ingenious technology used to channel water into the city from the mountains. While much of the city remains unexcavated, the visible infrastructure offers marvels that could inform modern urban planning. The Romans ingeniously integrated pipes into walls rather than burying them under streets, which prevented the need to disrupt areas for repairs. According to Ismet, a local guide, Side's 2,000-year-old drainage system remains fully functional, having recently passed a test with flying colours after heavy rainfall. 'This is the centre of the world,' Ismet proclaims, highlighting Side's historical importance as a nexus of ancient trading routes. Overlooking the sea under the sun, modern establishments breathe new life into the city's ancient foundations. I'm one of the many tourists wising up to what's on offer along the Turkish Riviera. Around four hours flight from London, it's a place where there are 320 days of sun a year, according to Ismet. 'Autumn is the best season,' he says, when daytime temperatures hover around 27C and the sea is still blissfully warm. Plus, in October and November, you don't have the same crowds as you would in summer. I'm staying a five-minute drive away from Side, in a resort called Bijal. The Turkish Riviera might have a reputation for cheap and cheerful package holidays, but Bijal wants to change that and bring a bit of Maldives-inspired luxury to the coastline. In fact, the owners – the Gürok Group – are also responsible for the Joali and Joali Being resorts in the Maldives. Similarly tropical and chic influences are felt in their Turkey outpost, which officially opened in spring last year. Bijal feels delightfully quiet and serene compared to the hubbub outside its walls. All 19 villas have a private pool so you really don't have to encounter anyone else if you don't want to. And while I've taken the time to marvel at ancient technology, I can't help but still appreciate the perks of modern life at Bijal – like heated pools and the high-tech gym. Art classes are one of several on-site activities designed to lure guests out of their villas. Over the course of three sessions, London-based painter and ceramicist Venetia Berry helps my creative juices flow through pottery and painting classes, with easels set up overlooking the beach and sea. I'm not very artistically talented, but luckily it's a low-pressure situation and Venetia teaches a more surreal style, which really gives a newbie like me a lot of wiggle room. 'It's very meditative,' says Venetia. 'You're looking at a beautiful view and painting, and not thinking about your phone or what meetings you have planned.' She's right. Sometimes we really need to be forced to put down our smartphones to realise how glorious it is to be disconnected. 'People will often leave school and not paint for 10, 15, 20 years and that inner child is still there,' adds Venetia. Staff at Bijal have reported that guests who were previously art novices – like myself – have taken a class on a whim and returned home to enrol in courses. When not painting, I spend time swapping between my private pool and the sandy beach – just a five-minute walk or two-minute cycle away from the villas, complete with a beach club and cabanas to stretch out in. Table tennis tables, dartboards, chessboards and various games prevent me from wasting hours doomscrolling on my phone. In just a few days, I come to realise the Turkish Riviera is every bit as appealing as the Maldives – minus the 10-plus hour journey and jet lag. And who knows, maybe I'll even have to look into some painting classes myself to keep the holiday going for months to come. How to do it Stays from €900 (£750) per night for a one-bedroom villa on B&B basis (two sharing);

The mysterious Lake District animal that was born to 'fleece tourists'
The mysterious Lake District animal that was born to 'fleece tourists'

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

The mysterious Lake District animal that was born to 'fleece tourists'

A whole host of folklore tales and fascinating stories revolve around Windermere, the Lake District's largest lake. One of the most intriguing tales is the story behind the legendary Tizzie-Whizie. It was allegedly first spotted by a Bowness boatman all the way back in 1900. He regaled tourists in the town's Stag's Head Hotel about his thrilling encounter with the extraordinary creature. Shy, water-loving creatures, Tizzie-Whizies are reputed to have the body of a hedgehog, the tail of a squirrel or fox and a pair of bee-like wings. But the real truth might just be the work of incredible marketing from an ingenious Cumbrian. How the legend came to be: After the "sighting", it is said that the boatman headed to the pub, naturally. According to legend, as he started his third pint, six tourists from London flocked inside. He looked at them, raised his right eyebrow, and took a deep puff from his pipe. The night crawled on, and he mustered up the energy to talk to the young crowd. They loved his local accent and a young lady asked, 'So you've been here a long time, you absolutely must tell us about some of the regional myths and legends. "I love that stuff. I've bought hundreds of books and gone on fairy hunts throughout England.' Tourists loved the story and even agreed to go on 'Tizzie Whizie Hunts' (Getty) (Image: Getty) The Boatman took another long draw from his pipe and looked around the room. A painting of a hedgehog hung on the wall and several flies banged into the cobwebbed lamp. He told them of the Tizzie Whizie. They loved his story and so the boatman used to conduct Tizzie Whizie hunts, charging of course. Recommended reading: American tourist continues to wind up Lake District locals Tourist slams Lake District cave for just being a cave Tourist says famously small Lake District pub is too cramped The evasive Tizzie Whizie would invariably finish under one of the piers and one of the tourists engaged in the hunt would be 'accidentally' pushed into the lake. Sometimes the boatmen would say that it had escaped to Belle Isle and if any of the hunt followers wished they could be taken across the lake to look for it. When asked why they couldn't see it flying across the lake, the reply was 'because it was a very good underwater swimmer'.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store