Kemaman In Damnsara Utama

For those of you who are either from Trengganu or use to travel there would definitely heard of a small town Kemaman, about 50 kms from Kuantan. Most travellers would drop by this coffee shop, Hai Peng. It is a quaint coffee shop located at the corner of the traffic lights on the way to Kuala Trengganu. Here you can find wonderful local specialties such as "Nasi Dagang" , Keropok Lekor and of course the local bred coffee. That is the best you can find in Trengganu ( it have to be because I was born there ).

Just in August, I drive by Uptown in Damansara Utama and was greeted by a new sign board, "Kemaman Kopitiam." I was curious to think that someone would go through the trouble to associate with a town that is not so well known. Of course, when you used the name and mentioned Kopitiam, I must try the food to check its authenticity. ( I have to protect the honour to my hometown ).

I was given the menu which have similar food that I can find in Kemaman Hai Peng coffee shop.

My first dish was "Nasi Dagang", this is definitely different from the normal nasi lemak that you can find else. Nasi Dagang are made from glutinous rice and slight tinge of ginger top with "ikan Tonggol" ( a type of mackerel ). One mouthful brings me back memories of my hometown.

The second dish was Keropok Lekor, this is basically fish fingers make Kemaman style. The keropok are deep fried to a crisp and it sort of stir the salivary gland especially when you dip them into the chilli sauce that was provided.

Next comes the final test, the coffee; it was brewed to perfection, just the way I have tasted in Kemaman.

I talk with the owner, Ms. Nana Tan, she incidentally come from Kemaman. She told me the coffee powder originates from Hai Peng. The Keropok Lekor are also imported from Kemaman. As for the Nasi Dagang, it is cooked by herself and the main ingredient, the ikan tonggol , cannot be compromised. This is the only type of fish that can be used to cook genuine nasi dagang.

Ms. Tan told me that a couple of days ago, Light n Easy DJ Ross visited the shop incognito and make his recommendation on his regular " light eat beat" programme. That night their nasi dagang were sold out before 8:00pm.

You can try this authentic Kemaman cuisine Kopitiam style at Uptown Damansara Utama. There are next door to the police station. You will have no problem finding the place.

Kemaman Kopitiam

1 Jalan SS 21/60

Damansara Utama

47400 Petaling Jaya

Selangor

Tel: 60377221945