Post by Typing Monkey

I found myself usually avoiding Serai Empire Subang though I have been there probably 3-4 times in my life, all initiated by a friend or family member.

I don't remember having fond memories of the food here. I credit that to maybe, younger me can't enjoy costly Malay food without being overly critical.

Previously I think I ordered Nasi Kerabu & Serai Platter. Both are non-memorable for me.

However, today, we thought why not try Serai Empire Subang again since we have exhausted our usual place/s and looking at their menu online, it opens our appetite.

After all, every time we walk past the restaurant it's always packed with customers, so something must be done right.

We ordered; -

Oxtail Asam Pedas
It tastes and looks more like Oxtail Sambal. The gravy was thick, sweet and spicy. I can't taste much asam. Being familiar with Melaka & Johor asam pedas, this is not it for me. I don't remember the dish having the usual kantan/kesum whiff that I expect from asam pedas.

Or I might have Covid, so who knows.

A plus point tho, the oxtail was tender and fatty. So a small 'yay' for that.

Sambal Petai Tiger Prawn
Overcooked prawns, taste a bit rubbery. Also, not how I hoped to see a sambal being served. The petai taste & amount is insignificant.

Cashew Nut Chicken
From experience, I know each restaurant has their own rendition of cashew nut chicken. Some would have it dry and crispy, and most would have it wet with a sweet spicy coating, usually, all would be reddish in color.

Ladies and gentlemen, today we were served a plate of pale-looking cashew nut chicken with slurry gravy. If this is your jam, yes sure, go for it. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Deep Fried Crispy Brinjal
This can do. I don't know how to make this, and I've never seen any other place that serves this. Would I come back just for this? Prolly not.

Of course, this place is adored by many. So, I'm sure they have managed to tickle many people's tastebuds. Just not ours.

PRICE
We paid RM177 for 2 pax at Serai Empire Subang. But if you order one of their set meal, it can come up cheaper. The set starts at about RM35 above.

AMBIANCE
Packed, but ok. It's not super quiet, so people can't really hear you gossiping

STAFF
I'll give an extra pointer for this cause the wait staff at Serai Empire Subang who served us were descriptive and accommodating when we asked about the pricing and the dishes. We stan a polite & fast worker.

Side note: Do you guys realize, usually when we ask the staff what the dishes taste like, most times the answer we'll get is, they're not sure how it tastes like because they've never tasted it? What is up with that?

Restaurants, especially the mid to high-level ones, please do a food taste session/training with your wait staff. They are your mini ambassador, they can help you upsell your dishes, also they will elevate your standard.