Homely delights



It's funny how I live in a multiethnic country yet for the first time I came across a dining establishment that had a good representation of all three major ethnic cuisines. My dinner at Rumahku Gallery & Cafe was an interesting one.

I particularly liked the simple decor of the refurbished bungalow. As cliche as it may seem, the batik covered tables in the Malay room , the marble tables with runners in the Chinese room and the brass bells in the Indian room actually seemed to be an interesting theme.

It was a pity that the 2 of us who were dining were rather small eaters, as some of the items being served looked scrumptious - we'd probably need to get back in a bigger group to savour more items. The 2 of us ordered a serving of gado-gado, sizzling noodles and a plate of indian fried rice.

The gado-gado (RM 8) was nice - the peanut sauce was good , although I'd have to admit to prefer a slightly spicier version. The noodles and fried rice were all right - well done but not spectacular. The Claypot Prawns is said to be highly recommended , I guess I'd have to return to have it another time.

Apart from the nice decor, brisk service and the friendliness of the helpful staff definitely gains Rumahku brownie points. I'd suggest this place for a nice place to unwind with friends after work or for a peaceful Sunday lunch. The bill came up to RM25 for two people with drinks - very reasonable I'd have to say.

Happy New Year

It's been a while since I've updated Masala Heaven. Lets just say then that the new year is a good time to rebuild on long overdue initiatives.

Interestingly I've never really taken the initiative to celebrate the Tamil New Year in any way previously. Well this year, I've decided to celebrate it the way we Indians love it the best - with GOOD FOOD.


An array of festive goodies - Puliyodharai (Tamarind Rice), Pasi Paruppu Urundai (Green Bean Fritters), Spiced chickpeas.

Puliyodharai or Tamarind Rice was the treat I decided to make this new year , missing the lip-smacking portion of the Rs5 Puliyodharai at the famous Sri Rangam temple. My version didn't taste as fabulous - but I guess there must be a reason why Iyengar's are best at it.

Puliyodharai/ Tamarind Rice

1. Cook 2 cups of white rice and allow to cool 
2. In a kadhai, heat about 2 tablespoons of oil and fry 6-8 dry chillies and 1/2 sprigs of curry leave in the oil. Remove chillies and curry leaves.
3. Using the same oil, add in about 1 tsp of mustard seeds.
4. Once the seeds starts splattering, add in about 2 tbsps of urad dal and 1 tsp of tumeric powder. Cook till urad dal turns slightly brownish.
5. Take about 1 lemon ball size of tamarind and dissolve into a thick paste using water. Cook the tamarind over the stove till the paste is consistent and add salt to taste.
6.  Mix the fried items and cooked tamarind paste with the cooled down rice until a consistent mixture is achieved. I added in a handful of boiled chickpeas and some fried peanuts for some extra crunch at this point.
7. Get down to eat!


Happy New Year all :)
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