Noticed a few of my non-malay friends who stay away from buying Nasi Padang as they are not sure how to go about doing it. Claims of my malay friend got more meat pieces and more discount. Claims of my food combination seems off. Claims of feeling overcharged are common. I will provide a few tips on to order that Nasi Padang.
1) SMILE.
Smile a lot. Even if the don’t.
Address them as Pakcik(Uncle), Makcik (Auntie), Abang (Big brother), Kakak (Big sister), Adik (Anyone younger) and Sayang (if they look adorable). 🙂
2) PICK THE MEAT FIRST
So they will not think you are a cheapskate and give you less veggies.
So your plate looks empty with meat pieces, as compared to veggies.
And if you had smiled, you can point to the exact piece of chicken part you are eyeing.
Some say, pick your meat first before you ask for more rice. 😉
3) PICK YOUR TIME SLOT
Avoid lunch hour. Duh! They will rush you, give you less portion and maybe grumpy. After lunch hour or closing time may result in bigger quantity. Yes! Nasi Padang are normally prepared fresh daily. Nothing kept for the next day.
4) PICK YOUR QUANTITY
Point at the dish repeatedly or keep it there to try to get more of those. Slow down. Rattling the dishes name faster than they can scoop, will cause you to get lesser.
Keyword is TRY. If you did #1, it may open the gates.
5) PICK YOUR ONE GRAVY
Regarding dish combination, whatever rocks your tummy really.
But I have friends who like to order after me, just to get some inspiration.
Stick to one gravy if possible. If you had the Asam Pedas gravy, don’t add the Sayur Lemak. Similarly, a beef or mutton rendang will not taste good, if you drench another diluted gravy over it.
– A fried meat can pair with any of the gravy.
6) PICK ONE SPICY DISH
If you are a level 10 those Korean noodles, by all means choose all the red spicy dishes. And add the belachan too. If not, just choose one. Example: The sambal terung (brinjal in chilli paste) or ayam masak merah (Chicken in red spicy tomato sauce).
Or you can just add the sambal belachan at the end too.
I will probably share more on how to order in an Advance or Intermediate version.
Do share with me if you have anymore to add yah. Enjoy!
