The Secret Foodsmith Nyonya Cuisine

What I Ordered at The Secret Foodsmith

Lunch at The Secret Foodsmith, which opened quietly at the end of September 2025, showcased the best of Penang and Melaka Nyonya influences.

We ordered their Nasi Ulam Platter (RM60 for 2 pax but you can add on extra pax for RM30 per person) — fragrant, herb-laced rice with grilled cencaru, grilled ayam percik, salted egg, and sambal. We added a tempeh for RM17. Added on were Ayam Masak Buah Keluak (RM45), ending with a heartwarming Pulut Hitam (RM8 per bowl).

Nasi Ulam Platter

Chili Sauces

Pulut Hitam

You should try the Flo Mocktail (RM12) which is a sparkling medley of calamansi, passionfruit, lemon, and lime, gently sweetened with honey and rock sugar topped with carbonated mineral water.

How the Ayam Masak Buah Keluak Ate

This was the showstopper. The keluak’s dark richness was balanced with spice and depth - savoury, nutty, and beautifully complex. Friends warned it could be overpowering, but for me, it was indulgent and comforting. The chicken was tender, the sauce dense with umami — a perfect rendition of Melaka-style buah keluak.

Penang Meets Melaka

The Secret Foodsmith feels like a modern bridge between two Peranakan regions. The Nasi Ulam carried Penang’s lighter, herb-forward freshness, while the Ayam Masak Buah Keluak rooted the meal in Melaka’s soul. Dessert brought it full circle — the Pulut Hitam, gently sweet with creamy santan, reminded me why Nyonya food endures: it’s comforting, layered, and deeply personal.

Pricing

• Nasi Ulam / Kerabu Platter (2 pax) – RM60
• Ayam Masak Buah Keluak – RM45
• Curry Kapitan – RM36
• Pulut Hitam – Dessert of the Day

MVX Summary

Score: 8.9 / 10

M – Meal Value: Honest, hearty portions with strong flavour identity. The buah keluak alone justifies the price, and the pulut hitam ends things on a comforting note.
V – Vibe & Venue: Homelybut colourful atmosphere with attentive service. Feels welcoming without pretence — a space that lets the food speak.
X – X-Factor: The Ayam Masak Buah Keluak — rare, authentic, and perfectly executed.

Business Hours
Monday to Saturday
11:30 am to 02:30 pm

Closed on Sunday

Pork-free | Dine-in & Takeaway Available

Reservation2

They do not take walk-in so reservations are required