Mi Bandung Aziz Dolmat

As far as local neighborhood institutions go, Aziz Dolmat is about as underrated as they get. A staple of any Pandanite’s dinner options for the past 30-odd years, this painfully understated noodle joint still gets no love. What you will love, however, is the lovingly prepared yet Spartan-looking mi bandung which reminds one of hearty home-cooked meals with an affectionate cherubic aunt slaving over the stove. Anyway. The sauce is nutty and airily spicy and the noodles springy, with enough beef and greens to keep your teeth occupied. There are of course other dishes to order, but if you’re on your first visit, do yourself a favour and stick to the house specialty, with maybe a side order of hot tauhu goreng if you can spare the space. On the downside, the noodle servings are a little skimpy, and the makcik taking your order is a little hard of hearing. Be gentle, yes, but let your voice be heard. Just be patient and tell yourself you’re about to partake of some of the good stuff.

Text & Photo Azwan Mahzan