LRT No. 09/50 articles – LRT Datuk Keramat : Prasarana x Malay Mail x Rebecca Saw
NOTE: This is my year long collaboration with Malay Mail and I am charged to explore gastronomic around (within 600 m walk) fifty selected (Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (RapidKL) train stations (LRT & MRT).
** Written work (pre-edit by editor) and images are mine.
Published article: Published 25th SEPTEMBER 2017
1. In Malay Mail e-Paper:
2. On Malay Mail.com: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/print/eat-drink/well-stocked-datuk-keramat-market
ORIGINAL submitted article: My long winded one!
A fan of wet markets, I was most eager to explore the Dato’ Keramat Wet Market when I realized its close proximity to the Dato’ Keramat LRT. This wet market happens to be one of the oldest Malay markets in the Klang Valley and though there had been efforts to shift them to the nearby Keramat Mall, the proprietors have stayed put.
Serving the Kampung Datuk Keramat as well as enclosed areas, the market is fantastic for good variety of cheap, local cooking ingredients. Imported greens such as broccoli and asparagus were rare, but every vegetable stall would have an array of over 10 types of ulam (raw herbs and greens).
The poultry, beef and seafood displayed were fresh too.
And these were the very ulams and fishes that made it to the table of Mat Teh Ikan Bakar. For RM20, a hefty and thick slab of stingray, lightly dusted with tumeric, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled with planta (margerine) over hot plates was a steal. The flesh was wonderfully flaky and sweet, so moist that it was almost unbelievable. I would recommend copious amount of the accompanying dip for additional zing and spiciness to the fish.
Besides stingray, one can opt for tilapia, siakap and mackerel.
Food options within walking proximity of the LRT are mostly located within the market. Similarly to the owners of the wet markets stalls, the food stalls are run by second or third generation owners.
A few of the more established businesses here are Restoran Omar Bahagia, known for its Nasi Ayam Singapura and Nasi Lemak Dato Keramat, both in operations for almost three decades. The former’s chicken rice is fried whole, chopped and served with fragrant yellow rice. Within the restoran, another stall entices with its tantalizing spread of Minang/Padang dishes. Their signature is the beef rendang where the beef are in thick, large slices as opposed to the standard dry, little chunks. The tempeh is excellent too.
Nasi Lemak Dato Keramat was flavourful though a spicier kick to the sambal would have been ideal.
Within 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 RM3.00 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.
If you fancy local sweets, Aman Kuih stall will delight you with its display of almost 50 colorful kuih and sweet soups.
The market has a few areas dedicated to food. Take your time to explore and you will discover all the stalls I’ve mentioned above and more. Majority of the outlets are open from early morning to lunch. For evenings one can enjoy western dishes at the Tree Steak House or a steaming bowl of tomyam from a few outlets around the market.
Below: Aman Kuih Stall.
Note: Aneka Bubur and Aman Kuih is different. There was an error in the Malay Mail printed copy.
As with most neighbourhood markets, the Dato Keramat market is atmospheric though a tad run down. The pace is more relaxed than bigger markets like Chow Kit and there are plenty of cheap and delicious finds.
DIRECTIONS:
Restaurant Name :
(1) Aman Kuih stall
(2) Nasi Lemak Dato Keramat
(3) Mat Teh Ikan Bakar
(4) Pendang Roti Dan Nasi Kandar
(5) Tree Steak House
There is only one exit – Pasar Keramat / Jalan Dato Keramat.
Exit the fare gates and come down to street level. Cross the road and turn left followed by right at the curve. Most of the food stalls are clustered here.
Last but not least….
My original article is usually longer/ ‘more complete’ since I wrote on and on without restriction.
Understandably, due to space constraints, the original was edited prior to publication. Thus I’ve shared my original article as above.
You may also find that my articles for this Prasarana x Malay Mail x Rebecca Saw series rather diplomatic/non- opinionated, but it is meant to be so as per the brief given.
Anyhow, if you think I’ve missed out on some eateries worth highlighting near any MRT/LRT stations, please let me know! I’ll be sure to go check it out.
Please do be in touch via FB message HERE.
Thank you and I look forward to your suggestions! 🙂
i think i’d go for the nasi lemak – especially since i don’t need my sambal to be very spicy! 🙂