The rustic ambiance plus good food will entice you to Jemputree!.
JEMPUT is a Malay word for “to invite” and as there is a huge tree, complete with tree house atop, located smack back in the middle of this delightful open air restaurant, owner Datin Faridah Mohd Nazir decided to call it “Jemputree!”
“It’s based on a friend’s outlet in KL called Naili’s,” she explains. “And because there didn’t seem to be anything else like this in Penang, we decided to start one there.”
Homey feel: The serene, rustic interior of Jemputree! is welcoming and friendly. Despite the roar of traffic, which whizzes by along the busy Burmah Road just a couple of metres away, the place is a veritable oasis, relaxed and serene amid the hustle and bustle of downtown Penang.
Inside, a faded wooden bar runs the length of one side. Lush green vegetation adds to the rustic, tropical ambiance while tables and chairs arranged in small individual huts covered with attap roofing complete the gentle kampung look.
It’s the sort of place to head for if you’re looking for good, old-fashioned food, mainly Malay and local, but with a bit of well-known Western thrown in.
The simple menu includes favourites like Nasi Lemak, one of their most popular dishes. It’s served with house-specialty Chicken or Beef Rendang (RM5.90), or Fried Kampung Chicken (RM8.90). It’s filling and delicious and won’t break the bank.
Great snack: Cucur Ikan Bilis. Another best-seller is their Jemputree Nasi Goreng Special, but there’s Chinese too: the Cantonese-fried Hor Fun looked quite delish.
They’re also famous for their Ikan Panggang, and there are a few other unusual items you won’t find in a typical outlet, e.g. the Cucur Ikan Bilis, anchovies battered then deep-fried and served with a sweet chilli sauce, make a great appetiser.
There’s also hot Ubi Rebus (boiled tapioca), served Malay-style with side dips of Sambal Ikan Bilis and freshly-grated sweetened coconut.
During the day, staff from nearby offices pop in for their set lunches, available Monday through to Thursday and very reasonably priced at RM8.90 nett. It includes a drink, rice, a decent slice of Telur Dadar (omelette), a bit of ulam (salad), and a dollop of spicy Malay sambal belacan.
Choose from three mains: creamy Ayam Masak Lemak, Tom Yam Seafood and a very flavoursome Assam Pedas cooked with ikan pari (skate).
“Our Western is also very popular,” says Halim, who has been managing the place since it opened two years ago. There are pizzas and pastas too, and steaks for just RM23.90. The large burger, topped with a fried egg, is excellent value at RM9.90, and comes with chips and salad.
Hot favourite: Jemputree!’s Nasi Lemak with Chicken Rendang. If you just want to pop in to meet up with friends for a quiet chitchat and listen to some relaxing music, it’s good too as there is a nice selection of non-alcoholic drinks, ices and ice blendeds.
Do check out their towering Air Batu Campur aka Ais Kacang. It is topped with a large ball of ice cream but don’t forget to tuck into it before the shaved ice melts.
Alternatively, dine on top of the world at their “happening tree house”. Large enough to seat eight, it is also a popular venue for families and friends so it’s a good idea to book in advance.
At night, the grounds are lit up by colourful lights, transforming it into a fairyland which makes it the perfect place for a romantic tete-a-tete.
In fact, it’s become so popular that they are fully booked on the most romantic night of the year, and courting couples of all races delight in the loving atmosphere as they tuck into Jemputree!’s special Valentine’s Western Set Dinner which comes with a bottle of sparkling fruit juice.
Jemputree! is at 64 Jalan Chow Thye, off Burmah Road. It is open every day (except for Hari Raya) from noon to 3pm for lunch and 5.30pm to 2am for dinner (5pm to 2am Sundays).
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