RESTAURANT-hunting is something I often do, especially on the weekends. I love trying out delicious food, as well as seeing how each dish is presented to customers.
This time I was called on to stop by a viral location and the talk of the town among food lovers, Wak Private Kitchen.
The special thing about this place is that it not only provides appetising food, but its decor also brings back memories of one's hometown.
Although the outlet is located in a housing estate in Senawang, Negeri Sembilan, as soon as you step inside, it is as though you have time-travelled into the previous era.
True to its name, Wak Private Kitchen serves a menu that is close to the hearts of Malaysians, especially the Javanese community, namely nasi ambeng, lontong kuah lodeh, lontong darat, pool beans, nasi lemak, charcoal toast with scrambled eggs and of course pancakes served with mutton curry gravy.
The meal did not disappoint. The heart blossoms after the stomach is filled with ‘old-fashioned’ food.
Whatever fatigue we felt from the one-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur was gone.
If asked which dish is the most captivating? My answer is scrambled egg toast and nasi ambeng.
Both of these dishes could be the reason for me to keep coming here again. The aroma of charcoal in the toast certainly arouses the appetite.
Similarly, nasi ambeng, rencah and side dishes which complete everything.
While indulging in various dishes, we were also lulled by entertaining classic Malay songs.
One by one, the songs of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee and Puan Sri Saloma resounded throughout the space. Indeed, the hard work of Wak Private Kitchen founder Mohd Faizal Salikon, 43, has paid off.
Started off by entertaining friends
Revealing how he began as a restaurant operator, Mohd Faizal, also known as Wak, said it started with his hobby of collecting antiques since 2002.
“At that time, I had just returned to Malaysia after studying in Japan for several years. I really liked collecting antiques that can be made into collections.
“I collect these antiques at home and when there are more and more I start opening up opportunities for acquaintances and friends to see or buy them. I named the place Anjung Karat.
“When they came over, I will always treat them to simple foods, such as nasi lemak, pancakes, and pick-me-ups.
“One day a friend suggested that I sell the menu or dish that I prepared. So, Anjung Karat Cafe came about, which only operates in my house, which is in this residential area as well.
"The concept of the cafe is 'pre-order' food. Anyone who wants to come at the time, needed to make an advance reservation so that I can prepare the requested menu. But the menu options are very limited because I am not very good at cooking.
"Even at the time, I was still working as an engineer. Only in 2014, did I decide to quit my job and focus on the antiques and cafe business full-time.
"This decision was also at the urging of my wife because she was confident that we can both succeed in this business," said Wak in sharing the story.
After going through several phases in his business, Wak is finally comfortable operating in the wooden house which is the latest site from November last year.
Wak explained that his business is divided into two categories, namely Wak Lempeng which provides several breakfast dishes and the second Wak Private Kitchen which fits the concept of ‘private kitchen’ or customers' private kitchen where they can order their dream meal for lunch, teatime and dinner.
Reservations must be made at least a week in advance.
For those who have not been here, set a date to enjoy traditional food while enjoying the peaceful village atmosphere.
Keep in mind, weekends are peak time and you may have to line up long before getting a seat. – The Vibes, July 3, 2022
This article was first published in The Vibes' Malay language sister portal Getaran.
