Mohd Nornizam (second from left) with Siti Hanis (to his left) and employees welcoming diners to Rumapokok. — Photos: ART CHEN/The Star
TUCKED away in Selangor’s quiet town of Sungai Pelek is a charming cafe that locals and travellers are beginning to discover.
Rumapokok can be translated to “treehouse”, and as in the name, it is a rustic lot shaded by trees boasting a welcoming atmosphere.
En route to Pantai Bagan Lalang, one of the state’s popular beach destinations, the cafe has become a pit stop for hungry holidaymakers and loyal customers alike.
Run by husband and wife team Mohd Nornizam Razali and Siti Hanis Juriah Hashim, the business started out as a plant nursery.
Crispy Blackpepper Chicken Chop and Fish and Chips
Siti Hanis said customers, while browsing, often asked if there was anything to drink, so the couple started offering coffee and cake.
“It was an opportunity to expand our business, so we went with the flow,” she said.
The nursery-with-coffee-on-the-side has now evolved into a thriving cafe serving comfort and fusion food.
One of their star fusion creations is Spaghetti Masak Lemak Cili Api (RM14.90) which is creamy and spicy.
Other dishes to look out for include the Loaded Beef Nachos (RM10.90) with crunchy tortilla chips smothered in a tangy cheese sauce.
The golden Fish and Chips (RM14.90) comes with light tartar sauce, while the Blackpepper Chicken Chop (RM14.90) is filling.
Rumapokok’s Spaghetti Masak Lemak Cili Api.
Malaysian classics include the Salted Egg Chicken set (RM12.90) and Daging Masak Lemak Cili Api set (RM14.90) served with rice.
To pair with a great day at the beach, try Kopi Gula Melaka (RM9) and indulgent Iced Chocolate (RM10).
They also serve a refreshing Berry Sparkling (RM9) and Asam Boi Fizz (RM7).
Aina, a loyal customer, said her friends always chose Rumapokok as their weekend hangout.
“The food is good and the atmosphere makes you want to stay longer,” she said.
With Sungai Pelek popular for its seafood restaurants, fishing villages and nearby beach, Rumapokok is just one more reason to visit the area.
It is a reminder that memorable meals can be found off the beaten path.
Can be enjoyed in a refreshing setting under the trees (above) in Sungai Pelek.
RUMAPOKOK CAFE, No.1, Jalan Sri Merbau 4, Sungai Pelek, Selangor
(Tel: 011-5340 3390)
Business hours: 3pm to 10.15pm (Tuesdays to Sundays)
This is the writer’s personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
