A Nostalgic Dining Experience at Rumah Putih Makan Berjambar
The Malay tradition of sitting cross-legged and sharing meals with family is becoming increasingly rare. Now, one restaurant in Seremban is evoking nostalgia by offering diners the chance to relive memories of kampung life in the good old days.
The Concept
Operating from a traditional Malay kampung house, Rumah Putih Makan Berjambar serves traditional Negeri Sembilan dishes in communal trays (hidang dulang). This concept is rarely seen in modern restaurants, where diners are often seated at tables and served individual portions.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Proprietor Asmah Osman, 59, shared the story behind the restaurant. "This eatery was actually my late aunt’s house, which was left to her children. However, since they live far away, the house was vacant for about 20 years. Rather than letting it go abandoned, especially since the structure is still sturdy, I obtained my cousins’ permission to turn the house into a homestay. However, due to certain factors, we ultimately decided to convert it into a restaurant instead."
The "Makan Berjambar" Concept
Asmah chose the "makan berjambar" concept because it is rarely embraced by food entrepreneurs. "There are many restaurants that serve traditional village-style dishes, but none offer tray dining like we do," she said, adding that table seating is available for those who prefer it.
A Wide Range of Traditional Dishes
Rumah Putih Makan Berjambar offers more than 30 types of traditional dishes, including daging salai masak lemak cili api (smoked beef in spicy coconut gravy), daging jangek (beef skin), and tempoyak daun kayu (fermented durian with mixed wild leaves), all prepared by her third son, Muhamad Nur Fikry Sidek.
The Future of Rumah Putih Makan Berjambar
Asked about her future plans, the mother of four said she hopes to expand the "makan berjambar" concept to other districts.
Customer Experience
Customer Hanida Harun, 45, described her experience of cross-legged dining and shared-tray meals as unique and refreshing. "We love traditional village-style food, so travelling from Kuala Lumpur was well worth it to enjoy a meal in a setting that feels just like a kampung," she said. She also complimented the wide variety of dishes and added that she was captivated by the restaurant’s classic decor.
Contact Information
Rumah Putih Makan Berjambar
Lot 1762-B, Batu 4 1/2
Jalan Tok Dagang, Kampung Paroi
70400 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Business hours: 11am-4pm daily (closed on Fridays)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the concept of Rumah Putih Makan Berjambar?
A: The concept is to serve traditional Negeri Sembilan dishes in communal trays, evoking nostalgia and a sense of community.
Q: How many types of dishes does the restaurant offer?
A: Over 30 traditional dishes are available, including smoked beef in spicy coconut gravy, beef skin, and fermented durian with mixed wild leaves.
Q: Is table seating available?
A: Yes, table seating is available for those who prefer it.
Q: Are there any plans to expand the concept?
A: Yes, the owner hopes to expand the "makan berjambar" concept to other districts.