Baba Kuat Cafe

Located within the PJ8 building's stately garden square, this hole-in-the-wall joint hopes to evoke the flavours of home at the workplace. Co-owner Cheah hails from Seremban and his Peranakan roots are to thank for the delicious Nyonya recipes reinvented here. Takeaways aren't only tasty, they're highly encouraged as there are only three (likely occupied) tables to vie for at lunchtime. Go for an order of Baked Stingray with Baba Kuat Pesto (RM15.90). Supple to the bite, the fish is glazed in a scrumptiously spicy sambal-like sauce that hits it off with rice (lots of it). From 11am to 2pm daily, the set comes with a quenching drink of lime, cucumber and tonic — plenty useful to take the heat off your tongue. Those with a palate for milder flavours might consider instead the fork-tender Turmeric Chicken (RM8.90), doused in fragrant yellow gravy. Individually packed desserts, sometimes a local kuih or chocolate cake, are available at the counter if you're one for sneaking in an after-meal sweet.
Avg price per person: RM20

Any newbie that serves recipes inspired by familial traditions gets my tick of approval. For its location, lunch is affordable with nothing going beyond the RM20 mark. We had no complaints on the food here — fork-tender protein with flavours that hit all the right spots. Service is friendly but the space is tiny. So go early before the office crowd flock over.

Nice and simple fish dish for lunch! That resd hot pesto sambal packs a punch, and so calls for lots and lots of rice. Come for their down-to-earth Nyonya recipes over casual chats with the owners who will be happy to join you when they can.