Eat Drink KL: The Tranquerah

Tranquerah refers to a road that most Malaccans know, but KL's food fans should soon be familiar with the word too, since it's now the name of a nice restaurant that offers Malaccan fare.

Complimentary crackers with a tomato-chili dip, wonderful for whetting the appetite.

Ayam buah keluak. Following in the footsteps of Simply Mel's, here's another outlet in the Klang Valley where customers can savor this dish all year round, with no fewer than six big Indonesian black nuts in one hearty, tangy serving. We love it!

Udang masak lemak nenas & kerabu mangga. Celebrity chef Florence Tan, author of the book "Secrets of Nyonya Cooking," is responsible for The Tranquerah's menu, ensuring its food lives up to the standards of her three-decade culinary career.

Ayam Sioh. Tender stewed chicken, marinated in tamarind pulp. Celebrity hunters, take note: actor Alan Yun has a stake in The Tranquerah, so he seems to hang out here often, happy to oblige customers who want to pose for photos with him.

Itik tim, a flavor-packed duck soup with Chinese mustard veggies, sour plum & tomatoes. Even more delicious than some versions served at Malacca's numerous Nyonya establishments.

Pai tee (top hat) with Nyonya fried chicken, available in tasting platters containing small servings of The Tranquerah's specialties. A cool concept for this sort of outlet.

Ikan masak kuah lada. Mackerel in a curry crammed with assam jawa, turmeric, candlenuts & peppercorn. Food portions here seem reasonable, with no lack of fresh, fragrant & flavorsome ingredients. Expect to pay RM50 per person.

Tamarind prawn & ayam pongteh. The Tranquerah is intricately furnished _ a sight for sore eyes, with an abundance of attention to detail. Reminiscent in some ways of a traditional Baba-Nyonya home near Malacca's Jonker Street.