PETALING JAYA, Oct 19 — Over the months we have had a lot of fun exchanging Secret Eats with our readers and yes, there really is nothing like word of mouth recommendations.
This week, we check out an urban legend... the once-hidden University of Malaya Academic Club that recently opened its doors to the public.
Despite its central location just off busy Jalan University, the place is pretty much hidden. Hungry eaters have driven around the area in search of the place and been thwarted.
Situated behind lush greenery, the place is kind of secluded as the club is housed within a bungalow. There is lots of parking when you finally find the place.
When you drop by for lunch, expect to dine on banana leaf rice with home-cooked flavours. Service starts from 11.30am onwards to 3pm. The food is prepared by Serai Shakti Caterer, a newly set-up company owned by Danabalan a/l M.V. Arunachalam.
Previously in the telecommunication industry, he has now ventured into the food business. His wife, Rubini a/p Navaratnam, helps him out with the marketing and publicity.
The kitchen is headed by Chef Mega who was the Sultan of Brunei’s personal chef for nine years. Sterling credentials.
In addition, they also offer outside catering. For Deepavali, they’re also taking pre-orders for their specialties like bone marrow peratal or turkey peratal.
According to Danabalan, the clincher for him when he viewed the premises was its natural green surroundings. The vast compound is shaded with tall rain trees inhabited by all kinds of birds and squirrels.
The house offers two kinds of dining options — air-conditioned area and the open-air terrace that has a beautiful view of the trees. For the adventurous eaters, you can even dine under the tall trees.
Every day, there’s a choice of banana leaf rice for RM5 served with five types of vegetable dishes including one item that is fried. We sampled delicious fare like a sweet pumpkin puree and a lightly fried eggplant.
You are also served pappadums and a tangy rasam with your meal. On Tuesdays and Fridays, there’s a vegetarian set with a larger selection of vegetarian dishes, up to eight to 10 types.
You get a choice of normal or the healthier parboiled rice. For extra orders, there is chicken varuval or mutton peratal.
For the fried items, there is a choice of chicken and fish. All the meats are fork tender and taste like they’re home cooked. Try and score a scoop of their delicious mutton curry hot from the pot that will perk up your mountain of rice.
Customers often walk over from the nearby Mahsa university including the lecturers who hail from India. Regulars like semi-retired Sunny Teh enjoy the quiet atmosphere here. Usually, he drops by for a meal at least two to three times a week. “It’s a nice place to relax.”
According to the operations manager, A. Kumaren, the dinner session starts from 6pm to 11pm. Another caterer takes the spot who serves fried noodles and rice from an a la carte menu.
University of Malaya Academic Club, 1, Jalan 12/5, Petaling Jaya. Banana leaf rice lunch is available from 11.30am to 3pm. Dinner is 6pm to 11pm. Closed on Sundays. Tel:012-3320233/012-9757631. This marks the end of our Secret Eats series. We would like to thank everyone for participating with their recommendations. Since this is the last episode in the series, we decided to reveal today’s location for all to enjoy.
