Senyum Sokmo is a great place to stop for a taste of traditional village dishes like Kurma Kambing and Masak Lemak. Located at the R&R Gunung Semanggol Southbound along the PLUS highway, their mutton kurma is expertly cooked with a home-cooked, traditional flavor. One piece of mutton is not enough as we found ourselves staying to enjoy other dishes like telur itik masak lemak, ikan keli masak cili, and kari daging. The temptation was too strong to resist.
“An affordable and delicious option for trying out traditional Malay cuisine during your journey.”
Senyum Sokmo is managed by the cheerful Pn. Zalina Ijai, who is affectionately known as Kak Ina. She has a natural talent for cooking, as everything she prepares always comes out delicious. This talent is often referred to as a “good hand in cooking” in Malay.
One of the most popular dishes is the kurma kambing. It has a well-balanced blend of spices in a thick, non-spicy gravy. The meat is tender and easily falls off the bone, which is a satisfying achievement. The ribs are especially recommended for their sweetness near the bone. Enjoy this dish with a serving of warm rice and some fried vegetables on the side.
I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious the tripe cooked in coconut milk was. It really shows Kak Ina’s skill in cooking. The tripe was cooked perfectly with a slight chewiness, and the rich coconut gravy had amazing flavors. It paired well with the dates dish. Also, the beef curry was fantastic. The meat was cut into small, tender pieces, including some unique cuts like tendons. It felt like a traditional village dish.
Add some extra happiness to your meal with their dish of telur itik masak lemak. The duck eggs are prepared in a similar style to eggs benedict in a creamy masak lemak sauce, giving it a rich and satisfying texture. It’s rare to find duck eggs used in a dish like this, as most places use chicken eggs, so we are pleased to have discovered this unique offering at Senyum Sokmo.
For those who enjoy eating catfish, they will definitely enjoy Kak Ina’s spicy dish. It’s a straightforward recipe of fried catfish with sambal, but it’s delicious. The catfish is fried perfectly, giving it a satisfying crunch and a spicy kick from the chili. It is served with a side of fried okra. (They also offer a version with a creamy coconut milk sauce.)
How does Kak Ina achieve the desired flavor that her customers love? She follows recipes passed down from her late mother-in-law, who ran a food stall in Kelantan. In 1999, Kak Ina opened her own stall at the PLUS R&R, and she has been serving her delicious dishes for 23 years now. Her philosophy is to not skimp on the spices and ingredients, and to cook with the same care as if she were cooking for herself.
Kak Ina is very focused on ensuring her food is of high quality, which is why she personally cooks all the dishes at Kampung Jaya Batu 10. She wakes up at 3am every day to prepare the food. Even though her traditional recipes can be costly due to the use of onions, ginger, and santan, she remains committed to them. This dedication is evident in the delicious flavors of her dishes at Senyum Sokmo.
Despite experiencing a significant decrease in business due to the pandemic, Kak Ina is committed to persevering because of her loyalty to her regular customers and her sense of responsibility towards her four employees. Fortunately, she had saved up during the time when her Senyum Sokmo sales were thriving, allowing her to continue serving some of the finest traditional East Coast dishes along the highway. To find her restaurant, simply keep an eye out for the R&R Gunung Semanggol sign.
Senyum Sokmo is a highly recommended place to eat that offers great value for money. As of now, you can get 2 delicious pieces of kurma kambing for only RM6! This hidden gem hasn’t received much attention, but we are happy to give Kak Ina and Senyum Sokmo the recognition they deserve. It’s a fantastic place to stop for a meal, where each bite offers a unique experience. Definitely worth checking out!
Many small businesses have been severely affected by the pandemic. FriedChillies is working with PLUS in a hurry to showcase five delicious eateries we enjoy along the North South Expressway and the dedicated individuals who create these dishes. Supporting these businesses not only helps the owners, but also benefits their staff, delivery personnel, local suppliers, and others who rely on them. If small businesses shut down, they are lost forever, and you will never have the opportunity to taste their food again.
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Foodies’ decision.
Zul Mee Kari is a hidden noodle shop at R&R Ulu Bernam that you should definitely try out. Bumbu Kito offers Nasi Ambeng with delicious Daging Ungkep at R&R Pagoh that is a must-try. Other recommended places include Familia Fried Chicken in Kg. Baru, Nasi Lemak Tanglin, and Nasi Lemak Alor Corner. Satay Capitol and Satay Zainah Ismail are known for their tasty satay, while Warung Sinarnor and Gerai Ah Kow offer delicious dishes. ieatNasiLemak is back for a limited time, and there are upcoming events like Nasi Kandaq Fest 2.0 and FriedChillies Seafood Festival at Sunway Putra Mall.