Pynk Cafe Nasi Lemak Linopot

Post by Chiefeater VK

Our first meal in Kota Kinabalu on this trip was at Pynk Cafe, where Jen ordered the Nasi Lemak Linopot Ayam Berempah.

The café itself was comfortable, with pink dominating almost every aspect of the décor. It’s a striking look and certainly gives Pynk its own identity. Of course, if you don’t like pink, this probably isn’t the place for you.

Jen loved the linopot, while I was particularly taken by the bambangan that came with it. The chicken was tasty, although a tad dry.

Linopot is a traditional rice preparation associated with the indigenous communities of Sabah, particularly the Kadazandusun and Murut. Cooked rice is wrapped in leaves, traditionally using leaves such as tarap or other locally available varieties. The wrapping gives the rice its distinctive presentation and can impart a subtle leafy aroma. Different communities have their own variations, including the type of rice and leaves used.

Bambangan, meanwhile, is a wild mango native to Borneo. Unlike the familiar sweet mango, it has a distinctive sour, pungent character. In Sabah, bambangan is commonly preserved or pickled, sometimes with chilli, salt and its grated seed, and served as an accompaniment to rice dishes.

It was the bambangan that interested me most about this meal. Its distinctive character made it a particularly welcome accompaniment to the nasi lemak.

The dish was presented on a bamboo tray lined with banana leaf, accompanied by fried chicken, sambal, ikan bilis, peanuts, vegetables and a yellow shredded accompaniment. The purple rice also made the presentation rather different from the usual nasi lemak.

At RM29.90, it was a more elaborate nasi lemak than the usual nasi lemak bungkus, with the linopot and bambangan bringing a distinctly Sabahan character to the meal.

The Berry Freshener drink.

Pricing

Nasi Lemak Linopot Ayam Berempah – RM29.90
Berry Refresher – RM15.90

Subtotal: RM45.80
Rounding Adjustment: RM0.00
Total: RM45.80
Average per pax: RM22.90 (2 pax)

MVX Summary

MVX Score: 7.5/10

M – Meal Value
At RM29.90, the Nasi Lemak Linopot Ayam Berempah came with a substantial portion of chicken and several accompaniments. Jen loved the linopot, and I particularly enjoyed the bambangan. The chicken was tasty, although a tad dry.
Score: 7.5/10

V – Vibe & Venue
Pynk Cafe was comfortable, with a striking pink interior that gives the café a distinctive character. Pink is very much the dominant colour, so it won’t appeal to those who have a problem with pink.
Score: 7.5/10

X – X-Factor
The combination of traditional Sabahan linopot and bambangan with nasi lemak was the most interesting part of the meal. The bambangan, in particular, made an impression on me.
Score: 7.5/10

Business Hours

Tuesday to Sunday
10:00 am to 10:00 pm