Why Herba & Rempah is More Than a Restaurant

What if your next meal came with a side of history? That’s exactly what you get at Herba & Rempah in Dataran Prima, Petaling Jaya. This isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a heartfelt journey through time, flavour, and family. It’s where recipes whispered across generations are given a second life.

A Glimpse Into the Heart of Peranakan Heritage

Stepping into Herba & Rempah feels like walking into a family heirloom. You can smell the turmeric, feel the warmth of coconut milk, and sense the stories behind each dish. It's the kind of food that sticks with you, not just in your memory, but in your soul.

A Living Cookbook: Tasting a Grandmother's Legacy at Herba & Rempah

Meet the Soul Behind the Stove

Who is Chef Jay Mee?

Chef Jay Mee isn’t just a chef. She’s a storyteller with a spatula. Passionate and meticulous, she cooks with purpose—to preserve her family's culinary heritage. Her food is more than delicious; it’s a loving tribute to her Peranakan roots.

The Influence of a 94-Year-Old Grandmother

The true star, however, might be someone you’ll never meet—her 94-year-old grandmother. It’s her handwritten recipes, passed down with care, that fuel the kitchen’s magic.

Recipes Passed Through Generations

These aren’t commercialized renditions. Every sambal, rempah, and curry is rooted in tradition and perfected through time. It’s home cooking, elevated and honoured.

What Makes Herba & Rempah Unique?

The Concept of a Living Cookbook

What’s a living cookbook, you ask? It’s food that evolves but never forgets its roots. Herba & Rempah brings age-old Peranakan dishes to life—exactly how they were meant to taste.

Farm-to-Table Philosophy

You can literally taste the freshness. Why? Because many of the herbs are harvested from the family’s own farm in Taiping. It’s not just sustainable—it’s sacred.

Authentic Ingredients from Taiping’s Family Farm

From lemongrass to torch ginger flower, these herbs add layers of fragrance and flavour. It's a farm-to-fork story written in every bite.

Penang vs. Melaka Peranakan Cuisine

Understanding the Key Differences

Melaka Nyonya dishes often favour sweetness and creamy coconut bases, reflecting strong Indonesian influences. Penang’s version? Think zestier, tangier, and punchier.

The Signature Traits of Penang Nyonya Flavours

Expect bold, herbal notes—lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal—all playing in harmony. It’s a flavour explosion that dances on your tongue.

The Herba & Rempah Experience

A Journey Through Chef Jay Mee’s Family Table

Each dish is like flipping a page in a culinary diary. From appetisers to desserts, everything tells a story—of resilience, love, and celebration.

Appetisers That Wake Your Soul

Nyonya Pie Tee: A Crispy Family Favourite

These bite-sized "top hats" are more than snacks. They’re crunchy vessels of heritage, filled with sautéed jicama and carrots. Light, fresh, and fun!

Rainbow Roti Jala with Chicken Curry: A Colourful Embrace

Rainbow-hued net pancakes with bold, slow-cooked chicken curry that comes with chunks of soft potato? It’s comfort food with flair. The curry alone is worth the visit—thick, aromatic, unforgettable.

Signature Mains With Deep Roots

Beef Rendang Tok with Ketupat Palas

Imagine beef that falls apart at the touch of a fork. Now imagine it coated in dark, spicy, nutty rendang gravy. It’s deeply satisfying and wrapped in tradition, especially when paired with ketupat palas.

Nasi Ulam with Pineapple Longan Prawn Curry

Herbaceous, refreshing, and downright addictive. The Nasi Ulam sings with local herbs, while the prawn curry surprises with sweet and sour notes, including a slight sweet undertone from the longan and pineapple.

Perut Ikan: A Herbaceous Love Letter

This version skips the fish stomach, but not the complexity. Think of over a dozen herbs coming together in a rich, tangy, and fragrant stew. It’s intense, in the best way.

Sambal Belacan Brinjal: A Fiery, Companion

Silky eggplant, smoky sambal belacan, and just the right amount of char. This side dish is bold enough to steal the spotlight.

Sweet Endings That Tell a Story

Nangka Sago Melaka

Gula Melaka meets chewy sago and fragrant nangka in this tropical dessert. It’s sweet, creamy, and entirely nostalgic.

Bubur Cha Cha

A Peranakan classic. Coconut milk broth, colourful sweet potatoes, taro—every spoonful is comfort in liquid form.

Beyond the Plate

Why Every Bite Feels Like Home

Maybe it's the love poured into each dish. It could be the unpretentious warmth. Either way, Herba & Rempah feels like sitting down at your favourite aunt’s dining table.

Herba & Rempah as a Cultural Archive

This restaurant doesn’t just serve food—it preserves a legacy. It’s a culinary archive of one family’s contributions to Malaysia’s food scene.

Planning Your Visit

Location and Operating Hours

Herba & Rempah

📍 13-1, Ground Floor, Block i, Jalan PJU 1/37,

Dataran Prima, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

📍 Google Maps  https://g.co/kgs/wT9tsds

🕒 Hours:

Mon - Fri & Sun: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Sat: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

How to Book or Order Online 

For large group bookings, WhatsApp them directly at: wa.me/60172091898

For delivery, you can pre-order at their website: http://herbaandrempah.com

📱 Follow for Updates:

Facebook | Instagram: @herbaandrempah

Final Thoughts

Herba & Rempah is where culture, cuisine, and comfort intersect. Every dish is a love letter to the past and a gift to the future. If you’re in the Klang Valley and haven’t tried it, you’re missing out on one of the most heartfelt food journeys in Malaysia.

FAQs  Herba & Rempah

Q1. Is Herba & Rempah halal?

A. While they are pork-free and use halal ingredients, it’s best to confirm directly for the latest certification status.

Q2. Do they use family recipes for every dish?

A. Yes! Almost every dish is crafted using time-honoured family recipes, many of which come directly from Chef Jay Mee’s 94-year-old grandmother.

Q3. Can I book the place for private events?

A. Absolutely. They accommodate group bookings—just reach out via WhatsApp for details.

Q4. Is the menu kid-friendly?

Yes. The dishes are flavourful but not overly spicy, and there are plenty of familiar options for children.

Q5. What’s the best dish to try for first-timers?

A. Start with the Rainbow Roti Jala with Chicken Curry and the Bubur Cha Cha for dessert. It’s a perfect mix of savoury comfort and sweet nostalgia.

Check out all our social media platforms at https://linktr.ee/bestrestauranttoeat

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