Normah's

When you’ve done enough for society—whether that’s releasing a banger like Pon De Replay or discovering the Galileon moons—surnames become dispensable. Because when someone says did you listen to Drake's new album? No one is going to ask who they're talking about. And when someone says I booked a table at Normah’s for dinner this Wednesday, you should know who they’re talking about. But even if you don't, the correct response should always be “can I come?” Because the excellent Malaysian food being served here is something everyone should know about.

This small spot—which you’ll likely take a few wrong turns before finding—is deep inside Queensway Market, and has been since 2015. If you follow the scents wafting out of the small door that leads to the kitchen, you’ll notice that there isn’t a whole team running around with whisks and dirtied aprons, it’s just Normah. Sending out plate after plate of perfectly fried chicken wings, mee goreng chicken, and king prawn laksa, all of which you’ll immediately regret agreeing to share. You’ll wonder how she does it, you’ll text your friends to tell them that you’ve figured out your death row meal: it’s Normah’s beef rendang, and most importantly you’ll learn very quickly here, that if in doubt: order more roti. A simple place, with a handful of tables including benches for groups, and a fish tank in front of the till, this isn’t a restaurant that concerns itself with appearances–it’s too busy focusing on flavour… which, by the way, is fantastic. And while the emphasis here is on the taste, that’s not to say that the food isn’t presented nicely, actually it’s quite the opposite. The assam pedas seabass—which is often sold out by 8pm—arrives looking like a Davy Jones crew member drowned in a bright crimson coloured sea, the rendang is hiding underneath a pile of flakey roti, and once you taste any of those dishes, the mee goreng, which is one of the less eye-catching plates, will look like the most appetising bowl of noodles in the world, because by that point you’ll trust that Normah knows what she’s doing. And she does. 

A casual restaurant in every sense, this isn’t somewhere you come when you want to dress up, rather a place to gather friends over tried and tested Malaysian classics that feel like they’ve been made with care. The limited seating, paired with the fact it’s just Normah in the kitchen, means oftentimes there’ll be a wait for a table, so we’d recommend booking ahead to avoid being turned away or, even worse, finding out they’ve run out of rendang. So, the next time someone mentions Normah’s, just say yes.

Food Rundown

Fried Chicken Wings

The crisp on these chicken wings is unreal. If you prefer your chicken with no bones, they have some equally delicious chicken boneless bites on the menu.

Roti With Dhall

The creamy wholesome dhall is great, but it’s the roti that comes alongside it that will regularly feature in your dreams.

Roti Beef Rendang

Tender four-hour-braised beef, in a rich brown curry, and two pieces of addictively good roti–If someone asks you to share this, say no. Simple as.

Curry Laksa King Prawn

To get the full satisfaction that you can from this bowl of coconutty curry laksa, don’t wear white. Speaking from experience, it’s a lot more enjoyable when you fully embrace the situation, curry stains and all.

Mee Goreng King Prawn

Don’t miss this flavourful stir fried noodle dish, slightly spicy, and packed with chicken and tofu (that actually tastes good), this should be on your table.

Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang

You might think ordering this and the roti beef rendang might be too much, but you’re wrong. The 4 hour braised beef is tender and delicious, and you’ll be grateful for round two.

Acas Nenas

A refreshing pineapple, cucumber, and onion salad with a kick to it, get this if you’re a fan of pineapple in your dinner.