Serving Kampung Datuk Keramat as well as the surrounding areas, the market is fantastic if you’re looking for a variety of cheap ingredients for cooking. Imported greens such as broccoli and asparagus were rare finds but every vegetable stall I saw had an array of over 10 types of ulam (raw greens). The poultry, beef and seafood displayed were fresh too.
These were the very items that made it to the table of Mat Teh Ikan Bakar. For RM20, the hefty slab of stingray, lightly dusted with turmeric, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled with margarine over hot plates was a steal. The flesh was wonderfully flaky and sweet, so moist that it was almost unbelievable. I would recommend copious amounts of the accompanying dip for additional zing and spiciness to the fish. Besides stingray, one can opt for tilapia, siakap and mackerel.
A few of the more established businesses here include Restoran Omar Bahagia, known for its nasi ayam Singapura and Nasi Lemak Datuk Keramat; both have been in operations for almost three decades. The former’s chicken was fried whole, chopped and served with fragrant yellow rice. Within the restaurant, another stall enticed with its tantalising spread of Minang/Padang dishes. Its signature was the beef rendang where the beef was in thick, large slices as opposed to the standard dry, little chunks. The tempe was excellent too.
The nasi lemak was flavourful though a spicier kick to the sambal would have been ideal.
In the market, look for Pendang Nasi Kandar and Roti Canai. There are many stalls offering tom yam, char kuey teow, fried rice and the works, but it is the RM3 thick and delicious murtabak with the complimentary pink, tangy pickled onions that’s worth seeking out!
You’re likely to see Azahari flipping murtabak over the round griddle. Cheerful and curious, he is always happy to chat. The nasi kandar is good too.
Take your time to explore and you will discover all the stalls I’ve mentioned above and more. A majority of the outlets are open from early morning to lunch. In the evenings, one can enjoy Western dishes at the Tree Steak House or a steaming bowl of tom yam from a few outlets around the market.
LRT/MRT: Datuk Keramat
Distance: 450 metres
Operating hours: 7.30am-6pm