Traditional Malay favourites at Congkak

The eatery's nasi ambeng is a whopping meal that features a whole host of delights like telur masin, serunding kelapa, ayam masak kicap and ikan kembong goreng berlado. — ART CHEN/The Star

Tucked along a quiet road away from the hectic hustle and bustle of Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, is Congkak, a spanking new eatery dedicated to good, old-fashioned Malay food.

The eatery itself is a throwback to halcyon days long gone – as soon as you walk in, the soothing strains of Malay golden oldies can be heard in the background while a quick glance overhead shows a television set playing classic black-and-white P. Ramlee films.

In the distance, the walls are filled with artwork laced with kampung vibes – from watercolour works showcasing old wooden houses to a specially commissioned pencil sketch featuring a huddle of children clustered around an antiquated congkak set.

The restaurant has an old-fashioned quality to it, with modern, contemporary touches added here and there.