Senyum Sokmo is a popular stopover spot for those looking to taste traditional village dishes like Kurma Kambing and Masak Lemak. Their specialty is the mutton kurma, which is expertly cooked with a homemade curry-like flavor. Located at the R&R Gunung Semanggol Southbound, they also offer other delicious dishes like telur itik masak lemak, ikan keli masak cili, and kari daging. One serving of the mutton kurma may not be enough, as many visitors find themselves staying to enjoy and savor the other dishes as well.
“Delicious and Affordable Malaysian Cuisine Stopover Worth Trying”
Senyum Sokmo is managed by the friendly Pn. Zalina Ijai, also known as Kak Ina. She is known for having a talent for cooking delicious food, which is considered a special skill.
The most popular dish is definitely the kurma kambing. It has a perfect blend of spices in a rich gravy that is not too spicy. We appreciate how easily the meat comes off the bone, which is a rare accomplishment. We suggest trying the ribs, as the most flavorful meat is often closest to the bone. It pairs well with a serving of warm rice and some fried vegetables on the side.
I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty the tripe cooked in coconut milk was. It really showcased Kak Ina’s skill in the kitchen. The tripe was cooked perfectly with a satisfying texture, and the rich coconut gravy had delicious flavors. It paired well with the date curry. The beef curry was also delicious, with small, tender pieces of meat that included some unique cuts like tendons. It reminded me of a traditional village dish.
Add some extra happiness to your meal by trying their telur itik masak lemak dish. The duck egg is prepared similar to eggs benedict in a creamy masak lemak sauce, giving it a rich and satisfying taste. It’s rare to find duck eggs used in a dish like this, as most places use chicken eggs. We were delighted to discover this unique dish at Senyum Sokmo.
Fans of catfish will enjoy Kak Ina’s spicy cooking. The dish consists of fried catfish cooked in sambal, which is simple but delicious. The catfish is fried well, giving it a nice crunch and a spicy kick from the chili. It is served with a side of fried okra. Kak Ina offers both spicy sambal and creamy coconut milk versions of the catfish dish.
Kak Ina achieves the desired taste for her customers by using recipes passed down from her late mother-in-law who previously ran a food stall in Kelantan. In 1999, she opened her own stall at the PLUS R&R. Her guiding principle is to be generous with spices and cook as if she were preparing the dish for herself.
Kak Ina is very focused on making sure her food is of high quality, which is why she personally cooks all the dishes at her restaurant in Kampung Jaya Batu 10. She wakes up at 3am every day to prepare the food herself. Although her traditional recipes can be costly due to the use of ingredients like onions, ginger, and santan, she remains committed to using them. This dedication results in delicious flavors in the dishes served at Senyum Sokmo.
Despite experiencing a 90% decrease in her business due to the pandemic, Kak Ina is committed to persevering because of her love for her loyal customers and sense of responsibility towards her 4 staff members. Fortunately, she had saved money from when her Senyum Sokmo sales were thriving, allowing her to continue serving some of the finest traditional Pantai Timur dishes along the highway. To find her restaurant, simply keep an eye out for the R&R Gunung Semanggol sign.
Senyum Sokmo is a fantastic place to eat that offers great value for money. Currently, you can get 2 delicious pieces of kurma kambing for only RM6! This hidden gem has not received much attention, but we are happy to highlight Kak Ina and Senyum Sokmo for their excellent food. It is a wonderful place to stop and enjoy a unique dining experience with every bite. Highly recommended!
The pandemic has caused significant harm to numerous small businesses. FriedChillies is working closely with PLUS to showcase five delicious food options along the North South Expressway and the dedicated individuals who create them. Supporting these businesses not only helps the owners, but also benefits their employees, delivery personnel, local suppliers, and others who rely on them. Once small businesses shut down, they may be lost forever, along with the opportunity to enjoy their delicious food.
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