Meraki Hospitality Group’s latest opening on Peel Street transports the taste from street vendors to Soho’s neighbourhood eatery
Restaurants serving street food is not anything new. Jalan, Meraki Hospitality Group’s latest opening since Bedu and Uma Nota, continues to push this a bit further, introducing nibbles from Malaysia’s busy streets to a restaurant setting, and the result may surprise you.
Located on the busiest strip of Peel Street, alongside La Vache, Shady Acres and the sister restaurant Uma Nota, Jalan took over the ground floor space that 121BC once resided. The restaurant is petite and narrow, with just enough space that could fit a long table, together with seating along the bar. The restaurant is colourful from the inside, painting tropical tones of coral and tangerine, shades of orange that lightens up the space while matching with forest green and aesthetic greenery hanging from the ceiling. The abundance of light wood furniture lines the seating and bar, well-stocked with spirits, cordials, and homemade elixirs for cocktails. Seating close to 40 guests, the space can be very packed and cramped when the restaurant is full.
Jalan polishes Malaysian bites from street vendors and food halls into contemporary nibbles. The menu is filled with a generous handful of small plates to start, followed by larger mains to be shared and side dishes and accompaniments. We began our meal with the restaurant’s signature beef rendang samosas. The beautifully crisp pastry triangles were plump with an overflow of sweet-and-spicy beef rendang, forked into fine shreds and juicily stuffing the thin pastry that is deep-fried until golden brown. The tamarind sauce on the side bears just the right hint of tartness to complement the sweetness and mild heat.