Chanai & Chaya Cafe TTDI market (morning) – apom telur, roti canai

Living in TTDI is a blessing.
The rental of my home increases steadily every year and I’m in the midst of looking for another house. But as long as I’m based in this neighbourhood, I’m thankful for its proximity to 1 Utama, The Curve, IKEA and almost every bank in the country.
I can obtain almost all produce and products I need within walking distance or no more than 3 km drive.

The TTDI wet market is one of the best managed markets (clean, orderly) in KL with the choicest ingredients. That said, prices are slightly higher, but negligible if you’re shopping for one or for a small family.

After my stocking up of eggs, chicken and greens, I occasionally make time for an apom.
Chanai & Chaya is a favourite of many. It is self-service but no one minds that.

To be frank I prefer the one at Om Shakti at Bangsar.
It is sweeter and creamier due to the addition of rich coconut milk.
Even with an egg added, a piece of apom here won’t cost RM3.

Om Shakti Chelo’s Appam: Plain – RM0.80.

The recipe for an Indian apom starts from rice flour.
The batter is fermented and that’s what lend its slightly sourish flavour to the end product.
The hours of fermentation differs from recipe to recipe but the batter is usually cooked over a small wok.
Once the batter is poured into the wok, a lid is placed over it to enable the heat from the steam to cook the middle part.
The thinner sides turn out crispy from sides of the hot wok but the thicker pool of batter in the middle will remain moist.

This is the one from Chanai and Chaya.
The original apom is pretty plain and I would usually pour some dhall, sambal and curry over it.

Today I opted for an added egg since I will be heading to the gym soon after. The price on the board (as shown here) stated RM2.50 which was fair.

When we paid, we were charged RM3.00 instead.

It’s silly to kick up a fuss for RM3 so we just paid and left.
I guessed the price has increased since my last few visits.
My friend ordered the apom pisang (banana) and we could see that they added a whole banana. He was happy since that would fuel him nicely for the gym session later.

Conclusion:
Ok apom and very good sambal. The homely dhall was a bit thin for me.
Other food available are fried beehoon, snacks, roti canai, murtabak, idli and a few more Indian favourites.

Chanai & Chaya Cafe
Lot TD 61 1st Floor
Taman Tun Dr Ismail Market
Kuala Lumpur
6am – 3.30pm, Closed Mondays.