By Ili Aqilah
Located at Meru Raya, Goreng Goreng that started as a food truck back in 2016, has now bloomed into a rustic-themed restaurant where guests can not only dine on scrumptious Malay and Western cuisines but also get their hair done while waiting for their food.
“The idea began when my co-partner was searching for a new business. Having a passion for cooking and my partner’s experience in F&B, we decided to open a cafe together. The food truck came first because we wanted to test the market and check on public response,” said Datin Zurida Zulkarnain.
After nearly a year of operation through trucks, Zurida received a lot of good feedback from her customers who suggested that she open a restaurant serving their signature food as well as Zurida’s special menu.
“I enjoyed cooking for my family and friends. Here at Goreng Goreng, customers are welcome to try my signature dishes such as Fish Head Curry and Spicy and Sour Beef Stew (Asap Pedas Daging Tetel) but they will need to order 2-3 days earlier because everything is made fresh from scratch,” added Zurida.
Among Goreng Goreng special dishes are Kueyteow Goreng Seafood (fried flat noodle with seafood) priced at RM15.90 (with chicken egg or add RM2 for duck egg), Nasi Goreng Batang Pinang (Fried Rice with Tenderloin Beef and served with either chicken or duck egg, RM15.90/RM17.90) and also some western dishes such as Aloha Grilled Chicken; Grilled boneless and marinated chicken in sweet pineapple juice topped with classic oriental sauce with fresh salad, wedges and coleslaw on the side (RM18.90) and several pasta dishes such as Fettuccine Chicken Alfredo (RM18.90), Seafood Marinara (RM27.90) and Spaghetti Aglio Olio (RM25.90).
Goreng Goreng has also received several well-known guests since its opening earlier this year, such as, Michelle Yeoh and her family who enjoyed the fish head curry and Raja Dihilir Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris Al-Mutawakkil Alallahi Shah II, with his family.
“Here at the restaurant, guests can also have private parties where we can serve up to 70 pax at a time. We also provide prayer room and our barber shop is located next to us,” said Zurida who also manages the barber shop next door. The idea of opening up a barber shop came from her husband who wanted to find a comfortable place to get his hair done.
“Sometimes, when people go to the barber, they would bring their family members. Instead of just waiting aimlessly, your family members can enjoy the food and drinks at Goreng Goreng.
The cafe is located at 27 Jalan Meru Utama A1, Ipoh, and they are open everyday from 12pm till midnight. For reservation and the latest update on the cafe, readers can check their Instagram at www.instagram.com/goreng2cafe.
