Khalisha and Khistina of Padangs on Wheels restaurant welcome patrons to their Ramadan buffet until April 20.

Khistina Amanda Lokman (left) and Khalisha Amanda Lokman take great pride in serving their grandmother’s recipes at their restaurant Padangs on Wheels Damansara Utama. (Muhammad Rabbani @ FMT Lifestyle)

PETALING JAYA: If you are looking for a lovely spot to enjoy a hearty Iftar meal this Ramadan, why not make a reservation at Padangs on Wheels Damansara Utama?

This cosy restaurant is tastefully decorated with exposed brick on its walls and charming louvres that stream in natural light.

As its name suggests, the restaurant specialises in “Padang” or “Minang” food, the cuisine of the Minangkabau people of Indonesia. The buffet features approximately 100 dishes served on rotation, and these include those not available on their regular menu.

Despite being relatively new, having only opened in August last year, the restaurant is fast becoming popular. This is actually the third Padangs on Wheels outlet, following the one in Shah Alam and the other in Subang Bestari.

FMT recently met up with Khalisha Amanda Lokman and Khistina Amanda Lokman, directors of Thats Us Amanda Sdn Bhd, the company that owns Padangs on Wheels Damansara Utama.

“In 2014, our mother, Abjda Zulkifli started Padangs on Wheels with two partners as a food truck and they went all over the Klang Valley,” said Khalisha, 24.

Khistina, 20, added that the food truck, which inspired the name of the restaurants, is still used for catering services today.

As business grew, Abjda, 47, and her partners opened a restaurant in Shah Alam. This was followed by a second outlet in Subang Bestari, which is owned by the sisters’ uncle.

“Then, we came in to expand the business, and now hope to take it further,” Khalisha shared.

Three generations of women: (L-R) Khistina, Abjda Zulkifli, Rosnaini Karim, and Khalisha. (Khistina Amanda Lokman pic)

Their passion for the business is evident, especially as the recipes were inherited from their 70-year-old grandmother, Rosnaini Karim whose ancestors came to Malaya from Indonesia.

“We are proud to serve her recipes,” said Khistina, adding that they share a close bond with their grandmother.

According to the sisters, they were familiar with the F&B industry as they used to work with their mother when they were younger. They agree that it is she who encouraged them to become young entrepreneurs.

However, they admitted that running their own business was thrilling but trying at times. “Because we are young, we are still learning. But mistakes only make us tougher,” Khalisha said.

Tasting Notes

The fresh ulam and Gado-gado make great appetisers. (Muhammad Rabbani @ FMT Lifestyle)

To kickstart your meal, do sample their selection of fresh ulam and Gado-gado, an Indonesian salad with peanut sauce.

For the mains, the Daging Dendeng is hearty and delicious. The deep-fried beef is crisp and fragrant with spices, while the “sambal merah” gives just enough heat and elevates the flavour profile of this simple dish.

The Gulai Keli or catfish curry comes with a rich coconut milk-based gravy that nicely complements the fish, which has a naturally sweet taste.

Don’t miss the Gulai Ayam Kelio as the chicken is juicy and tender from absorbing the creamy and piquant gravy. Enjoy lashings of gravy and meat with hot rice for a truly comforting meal!

(Clockwise from top left) Daging Dendeng, Gulai Keli, Gulai Ayam Kalio, Bergedil, and Rendang Minang are among the highlights of the buffet. (Muhammad Rabbani @ FMT Lifestyle)

The Bergedil or vegetable fritters here are delightfully crisp on the outside, encasing a scrumptious filling of soft mashed potatoes with pleasant hints of spices.

Yet another scrumptious dish is the Rendang Minang. The beef is remarkably tender and bursting with flavours – which isn’t surprising as Khistina said the meat is slow-cooked for at least four hours.

Don’t miss trying the scrumptious Gulai Tahu Telur (left) and Kentang Berlado Nipis. (Muhammad Rabbani @ FMT Lifestyle)

Other highlights include Gulai Tahu Telur, a creamy tofu curry and Kentang Berlado Nipis, an addictive dish of fried, thinly-sliced potatoes with a piquant sambal.

Enjoying some delectable kuih-muih is the perfect way to end a Ramadan buffet. (Muhammad Rabbani @ FMT Lifestyle)

To end your feast, indulge in a variety of desserts including cakes, kuih-muih and a selection of fruit cocktails such as “es semangka susu” (watermelon) and “es teler” (avocado, jackfruit, and coconut).

Ramadan buffet

 RM88 for adults

 RM68 for senior citizens (above 60 years old)

RM48 for children (four -11 years old)

Padangs on Wheels 92G & 94G Jalan SS21/62 Damansara Utama 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor

Business hours during Ramadan: Daily: 12.00pm–6.00pm for takeaway Daily: 6.00pm-9.00pm for buffet

Regular business hours: 7.30am–7.00pm (Closed on Monday)

For reservations, contact 011-1903 7672. (Advised to reserve at least one day before. Walk-ins accepted but subject to availability).

Follow Padangs on Wheels Damansara Utama on Facebook and Instagram.