Bringing it back…

Not too long ago, I was told by my friends here that they have discontinued their belimbing prawns because their tree died and they could not find a regular supply of the fruit. Of course, I was disappointed as that is one of my favourite dishes on their menu. Needless to say, I was thrilled when they sent word that they are bringing it back and it is currently available at their café.

According to this website, “this rather understated ingredient is not widely used outside of Malay and nyonya cuisine…and not to be confused with starfruit, which also shares the same Malay name, this is a small sour fruit which adds a wonderful sour note to dishes with a crunchy juicy texture.”

I decided to have it with spaghetti…

…that morning instead of rice since I am cutting down on carbs and even though it was very nice, I only managed to finish two-thirds of the pasta – I’m slowly becoming a rather small eater lately, it seems. I should have asked for less since I can’t/am not allowed to eat so much these days but personally, I think I’d enjoy it more with rice.

For one thing, the belimbing…

…that Peter managed to buy and use was the green variety and according to him, this is extra sour unlike his yellow ones before. I think I prefer it a little toned down. Other than that, it was very spicy but no, I did not have a problem with that. Blame it on the weather but this current batch is an absolute killer – my missus just bought a few kilos to make her own blended chili dip the other day and of course, she loved it!!!

I was the only one there that day but I think there were a couple of orders that had to be delivered to the customers’ offices and one came to collect himself, takeaway. If anyone would like to enjoy these belimbing prawns or anything else on their menu, for booking and delivery, call 016 578 7614.

I did hear, however, that there are some of my other favourites that are no longer available – they are not all that keen on cooking a lot and keeping everything frozen for too long. As far as I can remember, some of those that one can order include their kacang ma chicken…

…their green curry…

…their butter chicken…

…and their Payung chicken…

Yes, their mushroom roll…

…is available but I guess it would be best to just call them and ask so as to be sure. One good news especially for lei cha…

…lovers is that it is available every day now, not just on Friday or only on Thursdays and Fridays like before.

I certainly would want to go back again for the belimbing prawns but with rice the next time around…

…and incidentally, while I was there that day, Peter treated me to this lovely toasted freshly-baked bread from the hotel bakery at the back, generously served with peanut butter and butter…

Yes, it was really good but I think that more or less used up all my somewhat limited ration of carbs for the day. Sigh!!!

PAYUNG CAFÉ (2.284049, 111.833014) is located at No.20F, Lanang Road, Sibu, Malaysia, back to back with the multi-storey car park of the Kingwood Hotel which faces the majestic Rejang River.