October 28, 2011

The Tranquerah, Red Carpet Avenue@ Encorp Strand: Authentic Malacca Nyonya Cuisine!


As I attended the launch of Red Carpet Avenue at Encorp Strand last month, I also had the honor to chow down at a new Malaccan Nyonya restaurant, The Tranquerah, located smacked in avenue itself!





Most of you folks would know that Nyonya cuisine is sectioned into north and south, hence the cuisine has differences in the dishes depending on which part of Nyonya heritage one is from. As I was from the northern side, Penang, I have not really tasted much of the south Nyonya heritage. So I was truly excited to savor what Malacca Nyonya cuisine brings to the table!





Well news is already out… The Tranquerah is partly owned by our dashing actor, Alan Yun and I also found out that the recipes are from none other than our famous chef Florence Tan!





Here is a lovely picture of a younger Florence dress in a pretty frock!





As soon as I walked into the restaurant, the décor had me at hello! Gosh, it was charming as the whole place had a very modern contemporary design but if you looked closely, the décor is actually derived from pieces of antique from the Nyonya heritage in Malacca!







Quite amazing as I could see old wooden doors and window panes, odds and ends of the tables and chairs, gorgeous hues of colors that really bring an authenticity to the whole restaurant!





I spied old batik printing molds melded to the wall… what a gorgeous piece of modern art and yet truly charming!





Another jewel found sitting on the window edge was a very old wooden mold for ‘Angku Kuih’… J





Loads of knick knacks from the Nyonya household added the rustic charm to the whole place. See this chair made from an old biscuit tin? Gosh… I loved it so much I wanna bring it home with me.





Alrighty… let’s check out the food!


A sourish Asam Jawa Juice to kick off the dinner.





First up to whet our appetites was a plate of very delectable looking Pie Tee… crispy top hat shells filled to the brim with cooked jicama and other vegetables. Crispy, sweet and full of the jicama flavor, our foodie gang ended up fighting for this!!





Ayam Pongteh is chicken cooked in fermented bean paste, mushroom and potatoes. The version here is lovely as it had a beautiful balance of salty and sweet taste from the soybean paste and gula Melaka. There is a pork version of this Nyonya stew too. The gravy is thick and goes really well with rice.





Almost all of the Nyonya dishes need this to boost up the flavors. Sambal Belachan is a significant benchmark for Nyonya cuisine and the one here certainly passed with flying colors. A good sambal needs a fairly strong hint of belachan and this one has a great aroma with a good spicy bite!





One of my favorite Nyonya dish is Sambal Udang Petai. Auntie Florence’s recipe is delicious! Sweet, spicy and a hint of sour, the sambal gravy was truly scrumptious and I scraped the plate clean for its gravy. There were plenty juicy prawns with the stinky beans and onions. My only gripe is I would love a bit more gravy for this… J





Another favorite dish of mine is Kangkung Belachan. If my mom makes this dish, I will gladly enjoy this with rice alone. The kangkung belachan has good pungent flavors of shallots, chili and belachan with a nice wok flavor.





I like the taste of the sweet Honey Crispy Sotong. It was not overly sweet and there is a lovely aroma of the caramelized sugar to this. The squid texture was a bit hard in my opinion but that is easily remedied as we provided our feedback to the kitchen staff. This dish also makes a good snack as munchies!!





Inche Kabin is another signature Nyonya dish and the dish relies heavily in a great spice seasoning to bring out the taste of this dish. The chicken was exceptionally fragrant with its spice marinade and coupled with the aroma of garlic, onions, lemongrass and curry leaves, it was a bomb!! A stellar dish for the young and the old… J





My ultimate favorite dish of the night was the Nyonya Curry Chicken. Although the others thought this dish was too spicy, I adored it as the spice flavors was fabulous. The curry was thick, creamy and chocked full of tender chicken and potatoes. I had to suppress the urge to order another bowl of rice just to savor more of this delectable curry. Do tell the staff to reduce the heat if you are not a fan of spicy taste. This is a must order for me!!





When the Ikan Cincaru Sumbat came, everyone scrambled for a whiff of this dish. Two huge Cincaru fish came fried to crisp and cramped with loads of sambal chili paste. The flesh of the fish was firm and moist while the chili paste had an amazing aroma of spice and chili. Our gang loved this to bits and polished this off with great speed.





One of our lovely foodie, Nyonya Merryn, had to have her favorite Cincalok Omelette. A simple dish that boast of strong savory flavors, the omelette also had a nice mixed of shredded vegetables to provide some textures. Although the omelette was a bit salty, probably due to the cincalok, I thought the dish went well with rice to counter the saltiness. Cincalok is a pink fermented sauce made from fermenting miniscule shrimps called ‘geragau’.  I was told by Merryn to squeeze some calamansi juice for extra kick!





Our last dish to go with our rice was the Ayam Sioh which was highly recommended by Alan himself. The dish had a thick gravy base and tasted slightly sweet and tangy with a good flavor of spices. If only I wasn’t filled up with rice and curry, I would have gladly savored this dish with pleasure.






We finished off with some delectable Nyonya Kuihs such as Seri Muka, Angku, Kuih Bingka, Kuih Lapis and some coconut coated Ondeh Ondeh! The kuihs were so vibrant in color and sweet in flavors. A nice sweet ending to our meal!





We also celebrated the lovely Emily Lim’s belated birthday on that day! She was so pretty dressed in Nyonya kebaya and heels.





BBO made her a gorgeous fashonista cake in the form of an LV hangbag! Uber cute and pretty…. J





Here’s a picture of Emily with her LV cake!





Malacca Nyonya cuisine does have a slight difference compared to my northern heritage. Despite the slight difference, the authenticity and flavors were just as amazing. Food here is fresh and flavorful with loads of spice and aroma to entice me for a return. I already spied the Ikan Masak Kuah Lada and Itik Tim for my next order!





Great food with a gorgeous ambience, The Tranquerah is already visited by lots of other foodies who seek true Malacca Nyonya cuisine. With Auntie Florence’s recipe, one can definitely look forward to sumptuous southern Nyonya cuisine.



The Tranquerah
62A-G, Red Carpet Avenue
Encorp Strand, Jalan PJU5/22
Kota Damansara, 47810, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 603 – 6142 4106

*Psst… Alan hangs out at The Tranquerah quite often so if you like a glimpse of the charming man himself, do bring your camera!

54 comments:

  1. been there, ate there, with my little baby girl fall asleep under it cosy dimmed ambient... absolutely yummy

    ReplyDelete
  2. nice food picture~ ~ =D

    Regards,
    http://www.lonelyreload.com (A Growing Teenager Diary) ..

    ReplyDelete
  3. i love the ikan cincaru sumbat. yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nikel: oh yeah!!

    Shark Saver: aw...

    Mr Lonely: Thks!

    Missyblurkit: me too... just like my mom's recipe!

    Choi Yen: yeah.. I also ate too much rice that night... kekeke

    ReplyDelete
  5. Most companies would advise carpet to be cleaned in the late afternoon so that after it is done, the carpet can be left to dry over night and office operation can resume back to normal the next morning.topryde carpet cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  6. Much thanks for composing such an intriguing article on this point. This has truly made me think and I plan to peruse more. best carpet cleaning machine

    ReplyDelete
  7. I was very impressed by this post, this site has always been pleasant news Thank you very much for such an interesting post, and I meet them more often then I visited this site. Carpet Cleaning Fayetteville NC

    ReplyDelete
  8. Typical DIY cleaning involves regular carpet vacuuming, removing stains on carpet using DIY stain removal products found in hardware store, and some may even purchase or lease equipment to clean it. best portable carpet shampooer

    ReplyDelete
  9. The average mattress contains 10,000 dust mites so regular cleaning of the actual bed is needed too which many households do not do.
    see full review

    ReplyDelete
  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. Carpet Cleaning companies Fayetteville NC

    ReplyDelete
  12. As referenced, there are various methods for cleaning the carpets yet to make sure you know, there are only three noteworthy cleaning techniques done with regards to carpet cleaning. sofa cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  13. First You got a great blog .I will be interested in more similar topics. i see you got really very useful topics, i will be always checking your blog thanks. Carpet stain removal North Carolina

    ReplyDelete
  14. Obtaining or renting cleaning hardware perhaps an elective arrangement. Be that as it may, before making the buy, it is profoundly prescribed to check with your carpet installer which carpet cleaning strategy is appropriate for your carpet material.Carpet and Rug Cleaning Fayetteville NC 28303

    ReplyDelete
  15. A tangle gets its name from the manner in which it is utilized. The elements of the two normal sorts of floor mats are clear from their name - "mat" and "wrestling mat." A mat is utilized to clean and evacuate the soil or the residue from soles of shoes. Carpet Cleaning in Brooklyn NY

    ReplyDelete
  16. I know your expertise on this. I must say we should have an online discussion on this. Writing only comments will close the discussion straight away! And will restrict the benefits from this information. rug cleaning service in NYC

    ReplyDelete
  17. Some people try to find a piece of matching carpet at a carpet store but it's nearly impossible. On occasion we will have the customer buy some carpet from a carpet store that is very close to matching. We then take carpet from a closet to do the patch with and use the new carpet in the closet.best rug pads

    ReplyDelete
  18. For example - your oven might produce inefficient heat in addition to gas leakage when ignited; the dryer might produce noise when operated. In addition to these there might be problems with the refrigerators, washers, and dishwashers. Local Wolf Appliance Repair Company In Calabasas

    ReplyDelete
  19. Awesome blog, thank you so much for sharing such amazing information with us. For a custom website design and SEO Services at the minimum cost.
    SEO Services in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  20. Amazing blog, thank you so much for sharing this valuable blog. Visit Protrek Adventure for affordable Everest Base Camp Trek and Three Passes Trek with the best guidance.
    Everest Base Camp Three Passes Trek

    ReplyDelete
  21. Great Post, thanks for sharing such an amazing blog with us. Veramed is one of the leading Quality Herbal and Ayurvedic Products and Anti Hairfall Ayurvedic Hair Care Products in India.
    Buy Anti Hairfall Herbal Hair Care Products

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you very much for this useful article. I like it. rug for saleThank you very much for this useful article. I like it. rug for sale

    ReplyDelete
  23. I’m really impressed by this blog, thanks for sharing this amazing information with us. Visit Ogen Infosystem for Corporate Website Designing and SEO Services at affordable price in Delhi, India.
    Website Designing Company in India

    ReplyDelete
  24. These days, a great many people appreciate hand made furnishings, particularly in the event that we are discussing furniture, entryways or windows. This is the purpose behind which individuals are searching for proficient woodworkers and for which there are so many craftsman work openings.joiners

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. Carpet cleaning Bournemouth

    ReplyDelete
  26. One hardware that has truly made floor covering cleaning a particularly simpler yet successful cleaning position is a vacuum more clean. carpet cleaning in irvine

    ReplyDelete
  27. This was really an interesting topic and I kinda agree with what you have mentioned here! Carpet Cleaning Services London

    ReplyDelete
  28. Amazing Blog, keep it up for more valuable like this. Visit OGEN Infosystem for Top SEO Agency, Content Writing Agency, Digital Marketing Agency, PPC Agency in Delhi in affordable price at Digitaginfo.
    PPC Agency in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  29. One look at it and I’m already loving it. It has that cosy and relax ambiance. I super love the wooden window and door panes all over the place, even on the ceiling! Artistic! about us

    ReplyDelete
  30. Really appreciate you sharing this article post. Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
    Mulberry silk bedding

    ReplyDelete
  31. This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post! tile and grout cleaning

    ReplyDelete
  32. Never ask a rug dealer to give you an appraisal on your rug as most will not be truthful with you. Choose either Christies or Sotheby's. They are both reputable auction houses. turkish rugs

    ReplyDelete
  33. Get one of the best World Import And Export Data services at Import Globals. For more information call +919999887320 or visit our website.
    Import Export Data

    ReplyDelete
  34. A few carpet cleaning companies have made modifications to this method with different cleansers, such as an oxygenated cleanser. carpet cleaning coventry

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wow i can say that this is another great article as expected of this blog.Bookmarked this site.. python course london

    ReplyDelete
  36. Individuals for the most part think twice about size first. On the off chance that they find an antique floor covering that they fall head over heels for dependent on its tones, plan, cost or style, they are extremely able to think twice about size. Buy rugs online

    ReplyDelete
  37. The absolute most punctual existing instances of region floor coverings are fourteenth Century gathering place petition mats. Rug Source

    ReplyDelete
  38. Water at the focal point of a room will move through the carpet and across the cushion to the dividers. It will relocate to the edges of the room surprisingly fast or hours relying upon how much water was spilled. Discount kilim rugs

    ReplyDelete
  39. Depending on the thickness and condition of the rug determines if you use a thin waffle gripping pad or thicker felt pad over the hardwood floor. Cheap area rugs

    ReplyDelete
  40. Finding outdoor rugs and mats for the patio, gazebo, deck and any other exterior areas is a treat. Outdoor rugs are available in almost as many styles as rugs for the homes interior. turkish rugs 9x12

    ReplyDelete
  41. Experts model actually individuals leasing models which are known as expert quality through the leasing businesses because 'toy sanders'. These people merely absence the actual pounds as well as capacity to achieve the task available in a sensible time period. sanding wood floor Chicago

    ReplyDelete
  42. Another consideration to make is the KPSI or knots per square inch. It is thought that the higher the number, the better the rug. Choosing the right rug

    ReplyDelete
  43. Tying loops around a pair of the warps creates the design of the rug. Each knot is tied and individually cut by hand. One by one, variously colored strands of wool are used to create the design, one row at a time. Rug Source hand knotted rugs

    ReplyDelete
  44. Carpet cleaning is crucial in helping to keep good health in your home. Below are some commonly asked questions with answers to support you. dry carpet cleaning sydney

    ReplyDelete
  45. Purchasing a wool rug is the best choice to be situated in high-traffic areas as if their color and their fibers remain indelible to time. https://rugsource.com/

    ReplyDelete
  46. If you still want to place a silk rug in these areas, it is recommended that it be solvent cleaned every 3 months and to turn it to change the traffic pattern. This will expand the pretty part of its life. More here

    ReplyDelete
  47. Current design market - Patterns, colors, trends and looks will determine whether a certain Rugs is a must-have in the current market. Of course, everyone has different tastes and the ultimate decision is a very individual one.

    ReplyDelete
  48. As a matter of fact, assuming that it is a unique rug that you are searching for, you want the assistance of a specialist.
    Cheap Rugs

    ReplyDelete
  49. Tony DeGrazier founded the Islands in West Los Angeles first. Tony once wandered along a beach looking for hamburgers and French fries. This concept stayed in his thoughts for 12 years before he, in 1982, turned it into a business. The business has retained its reputation and notoriety in the culinary sector since 1982. There are currently about 50 Islands restaurant stores spread over Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, and California. Franchise establishment is prohibited. Fresh burgers, French fries, and tropical cocktails are popular menu items at island eateries.

    ReplyDelete
  50. A rug woven with phenomenal fleece can undoubtedly endure 50 years or more with very little wear whenever really focused on appropriately.
    Shaggy rugs

    ReplyDelete
  51. "Solar roofing technology is advancing – consider it for long-term energy savings." Roofing Contractor

    ReplyDelete