Serving only Malay cuisine, Tepak Sireh first opened its doors to the public in December 2003. Branching out into the wedding scene, Tepak Sireh also organizes traditional Malay weddings on its premises. Located at Sultan Gate, Tepak Sireh is now housed in a “historical monument”, where the past aptly meets the present.

• The Vibe
  Tepak Sireh oozes Malay culture from inside and out. With its exterior decked in the Malay royal colour, yellow, Tepak Sireh welcomes its diners like royalty. Traditional Malay instruments like gamelans are placed in the restaurant, enhancing its traditional touch. On weekends, Tepak Sireh has arranged for diners to be entertained by Malay dancers putting up a cultural show, where diners can also join in and interact with the dancers. But fret not, on weekdays, strains of traditional Malay music will accompany you and your dining partner(s) as you tuck into the delectable buffet spread that awaits you. Choose to dine at the dining area or opt for fresh air at the open area.

• The Food
  The buffet spread is the main highlight at Tepak Sireh. With more than 10 dishes on the table, diners will get a taste of majority of the popular Malay dishes at a reasonable price of $13.90 for lunch. However, currently only the ala carte menu is available for dinner.

  Start off with the Mee Bandung, which is a hint of what is to come. The Mee Bandung is a nice blend of spiciness and sweetness. Another tantalising appetizer is the chicken soup. Best eaten warm, the soup is slightly pepperish but yet not too spicy for most palates. If you need to bring it up a notch higher in terms of spiciness, then add in a spoonful of the sambal belacan. Both of these dishes will leave you wanting more but do control yourself because there is still an array of dishes that awaits you.

  Now it is time to fill your stomachs with the authentic Malay taste. Grab a plate and put a dollop of either white or yellow rice, both of which taste almost the same. As you make your rounds around the buffet line, look out for Beef Rendang and Ayam Chilli Padi, which are both two thumbs up. The Beef Rendang is lightly spiced, with a rich coconut taste complementing the ingredients used. The beef used is also tender and not too chewy making it easy on the teeth. The Ayam Chilli Padi is spicier compared to the Beef Rendang so do be careful not to top your rice with too much of the gravy.

  Other dishes like the Sambal Goreng, Sambal Sardine and the Chilli Padi Squid are also not to be missed as they complement the main dishes. For dessert, do try the traditional Malay kuehs that are served on platters, making it a perfect ending to your meal.

SD Food Advisor's Take on Tepak Sireh
If you are looking for authentic Malay styled cuisines, then Tepak Sireh sure has something to offer you. Not only is the food satiating, the traditional feel of the restaurant also adds on to making it a pleasurable meal. My only gripe was that the restaurant is a little inaccessible but hey, if you want good food with a historical touch to the restaurant, then a little walking is not going to do you any harm!