Review: Kesom Cafe at Aman Suria, Petaling Jaya

Traditional kampung flavours are in vogue at Kesom, a stylish cafe that showcases rice-heavy recipes beloved in the northeastern Malaysian states of Kelantan & Terengganu.

Hidden below the Blook fashion retailer on an Aman Suria shop-house row, Kesom is pretty peaceful on weekdays; certainly worth the search, this is one place with the potential to slowly but surely pull curious customers & cultivate a loyal following.

Nasi Kerabu with Gulai Ayam Kawah

Kesom’s Nasi Kerabu (RM10.90) meets the mark, tastily built with blue-tinged basmati rice, partnered with the prerequisite pickles, ulam, fish crackers, salted duck egg & sambal belacan …

… plus a sizeable serving of gulai ayam kawah. Fully satisfactory, both in flavour & pricing.

Nasi Dagang

Nasi Dagang (RM10.90), delicious brown rice steamed with coconut milk & herbs, served with fried chicken & hard-boiled egg.

Nasi Kukus with Gulai Ikan Raja Berangkat

Nasi Kukus (RM8.90), substantially more filling than anticipated, topped with salted fish & local veggies …

… plus a regal-sounding Gulai Ikan Raja Berangkat, ideal of fans of fish curries.

Apa Pun Ada

Kesom’s signature beverage is named ‘Apa Pun Ada’ (RM2.50), a tangy tea with serai, pandan, asam boi & mint.

Snacks & Desserts

Plenty of goodies are available for takeaway too (or munch on these nuts & crackers here while the cafe’s speakers play a slightly incongruous soundtrack that leapfrogs from Al Green to Ellie Goulding).

Specials are sometimes available at Kesom; think laksa kelantan, khao jam, udang masak lemak pucuk pakis, ikan kembong masak assam, sambal paru, ayam masak merah, bubur kacang hijau, pengat pisang with pulut, bubur cha cha & onde-onde.