A FRIEND recently swung by The Grove in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, and bought for us Thai laksa, nasi lemak kampung and coconut jelly. The Thai Laksa had barely been digested when we went back for more a few hours later.

We tried to persuade the owner, Linda Chan, to let us dine in, but alas the small diner was not ready yet. Yet I’m happy to say The Grove is welcoming diners from now on.

Originally known as The Coconut Grove, well-loved for its coconut jelly, coconut shake and other coconut desserts, the place has been around for 10 years.

Right now, I am hankering for its coconut jelly (RM6.80), a soft, smooth, quivery one that’s lightly sweet, made from our local green coconut. Then scoop up the sweet flesh from the coconut and it’s almost a meal in itself.

Of course, consider the healthy benefits of coconut which is rich in protein, enzymes, Vitamin C, magnesium and zinc among them. Just what we need in these Covid times.

Then there’s the coconut signature shake (RM8.50). Coconut milk, evaporated milk and condensed milk make up this rich, refreshing ice-blended shake, which you can top with coconut jelly, aloe vera jelly, cendol, red bean or nata de coco for an extra RM1 each. It’s not a drink for takeaway but to enjoy at The Grove.

Linda’s sister-in-law is Thai, hence the Thai Laksa (RM8.90) on the menu. It’s almost like an Asam Laksa, but with some coconut milk added to it.

The curry is tangy and thick with fish (ikan tenggiri), and it’s topped with small fish balls, egg and crispy rempeyek kacang (crackers). It’s easy to like this laksa which is not rich with coconut milk.

There used to be Thai green curry noodles too, but apparently it was not popular and was taken off the menu.

The nasi lemak kampung (RM2.80) is one you could wolf down for breakfast. It’s generous with a zesty onion sambal and topped with egg.

The tomyum meehoon (RM3.50), fried with tomyum paste, fishcake and cabbage, and finished with omelette strips tastes good, being sour, a little sweet and aromatic with kaffir lime leaf and lemongrass.

On the menu too is the scallop porridge cooked with dried scallops and mushrooms (RM6,50).

Garlic bread and mushroom soup (RM8.90) makes for a light meal too. The food is pork-free.

It looks like desserts are the mainstay of The Grove, from the nyonya kuih, to cendol (RM4.50), tong sui like red bean, pumpkin barley and bubur gandum.

At the weekend, bubur cha cha is served. In the kuih selection, we picked out the yam cake which I Iiked for the chunky yam in it, serimuka and kuih koci.

There are waffles, such as caramel banana, nutty banana and choconutty sandwich, toast buns with kaya and butter and salted egg croissant.

The Grove is at G-B-02, Oasis Business Centre, Lebuh Bandar Utama, PJU 6, 47800 Petaling Jaya. Contact 016-205-1121. It’s open from 9am to 5pm every day. The Grove is also in Genting Highlands and at the Johor Premium Outlet in Kulai, Johor. – November 6, 2021.

* Eu Hooi-Khaw has been writing about food for the longest time, covering all aspects, from restaurant reviews to cooking and recipes, as well as the healthy side of it. She has written for major newspapers and magazines, published the cookbook Fresh Ingredients, and also writes for her website hooikhawandsu.com.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.