(the Original) Baba Low

486 Jalan Siantan Sek 2

Off Jalan Tengkera

75200 Melaka

Coordinates: 2.204684, 102.231670

We’ve read about the branch of this restaurant online before and noted its rave reviews. Located in an upscale area of Kuala Lumpur (Bangsar) we did not manage to pay it a visit. Perhaps the fact that it was situated in an ‘expensive’ neighbourhood was in itself a deterrence, mentally ?

So for lunch I thought I'd give the birthday gal a taste of authentic Nyonya cuisine.

This is where Baba Low started out all those years ago at this small unassuming roadside stall. In fact its premises in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur got its name (Baba Low 486) from the lot number that this stall is located on. Situated under a large mango tree the open-air environment with old-school stools and tables lent to its cosy ambiance.

where it all began

smartly dressed 'Captain'

serving the best of local cuisine

old school

plain and simple

in the shade of large trees, coziness personified

The birthday gal ordered a bowl of their signature ¹Curry Laksa (Malacca Nyonya Laksa) and ²Pai Tee; troubled by the progression of my waistline I opted for a humble packet of Fried Rice Vermicelli while the both of us each had a bowl of ³Cendol.

¹a soup-like curry of sauted spice paste (pulse shallots, turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, dried chillies, candlenuts, and shrimp paste) boiled in coconut milk, tofu puffs, and salt served with sambal (finely grind fresh red chillies, dried chillies, and shrimp paste)

²a thin and crispy pastry tart shell kuih filled with a spicy, sweet mixture of thinly sliced vegetables and prawns

³shaved ice served droplets of worm-like green rice flour jelly, red bean, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup

nyonya laksa

pai tee

fried rice vermicelli

cendol

let's eat!

Maybe it was because we were in an open air environment keeping cool under the shade of large overhanging trees but the food tasted amazing. And since the entire cost of the meal will not break the bank we will not hesitate to declare Baba Low to be serving the everyday food for the everyday person.