The Local by The Gastro Project @ Jaya One, PJ

Growing up in Malaysia, we are fond of endless variety of cuisines. Food trends come and go but let's admit that we all can't live without the colorful array of authentic Malaysian cuisine that has been well-liked by everyone for centuries. Our craving towards local comfort food has brought us to The Local by The Gastro Project, an eatery serving up Malay, Chinese and Indian favourites in a familiar environment.

TL RICE

Nasi Lemak with Ayam Goreng Rempah @ RM10.90

The list of recommendations begins with Malaysians' No.1 favourite Nasi Lemak, Nasi Tomato and Nasi Briyani that can be paired with a choice of main dish such as chicken, seafood or beef. The spiced deep-fried chicken is one of the crowd's favourite as it is exceptionally fragrant with a burst of flavour from the spiced marinade!

Nasi Kerabu with Chicken in Percik Sauce @ RM11.90

As for the unique dish from our Northern neighbour, the chef has gone great lengths to ensure diners get the real taste of the aromatic rice dish. Cooked with just the right amount of spices, every spoonful of the fluffy, tinted rice tastes great with a nice crunch from the crisp shallot and ginger.

The spicy percik sauce is the essence of the whole dish. I would personally recommend it because the aromatics coupled with coconut milk in the gravy is bursting with hints of delicate sweetness that is so comforting to every soul!

Ikan Kembung Goreng Kunyit @ RM7.90

Apart from poultry, do treat your tummy with additional dishes such as Prawn Sambal and Beef Rendang that pair equally well with the rice. I choose pan-fried mackerel with chopped onions, red chillies and spring onions that is robust in flavours and good to go with even the plainest rice! 

TL NOODLES

Char Kuey Teow @ RM11.90

The Local also offers a great variety of local Chinese favourites namely the Hainanese Chicken Rice, Claypot Pan Mee and Sizzling Yee Mee. But what not to be missed is certainly the spicy char kuey teow crowned with 2 pieces of prawns. The dark soy coated noodles score for its smoky aroma due to vigorous heat from frying. But I'd appreciate if the prawn shells are peeled before being cooked.

Wantan Mee with Nyonya Curry Chicken @ RM13.90

Soggy and overcooked, the wantan noodle is plain disappointing. But, brownie points go to the well-executed nyonya curry chicken which has thicker consistency and sweeter taste than the usual version we have. It therefore exudes stronger aroma of coconut milk and does the justice for the entire dish. 

TL WESTERN

Spaghetti Tom Yum with Chicken Chop @ RM15.90

The Local has also done pretty well in serving its local dish in a fusion way, as seen in the stir-fried spaghetti in tom yum sauce served with breaded chicken thigh to combine the best of Thai, Italian and Western flavours.

Definitely a crowd pleaser that is full of intriguing spices!

TL SNACKS

Roti Jala with Curry Chicken @ RM9.90

If rice and noodles are not your thing, The Local serves noteworthy snacks for communal sharing or as between-meal treats. The version of roti jala here is exactly how I'd love it to be--- soft and spongy with hints of turmeric and coconut milk. The accompanying curry is rich, thick yet not overly strong to complement the local crepe well. 

It's my personal favourite too!

TL DESSERTS & SIGNATURE DRINK

Apple Assam Boi @ RM7.00 / TL's ABC Special @ RM5.90

To cool our palate, we notice familiar names on the signature drinks menu including Red Bean Ice, Lime Juice Assam Boi and Teh Tarik 3 Layers. But what catches my attention is the Apple Assam Boi that is refreshing, cold and delicious, and goes well with the hot and spicy dishes. I also enjoy the ABC Special but it would have been better if the application of sweetener can be reduced.

TL's Lin Chi Kang @ RM5.90

Dessert wise, Red Bean and Cendol, Banana Split and Banana Fritters Ice Cream are amongst the common selections but we pick Lin Chi Kang instead. It is a Chinese's famous lotus seed dessert that is full of colorful, cute little delights that are worth trying. This refreshing concoction is not excessively sweet, making it a perfect end of a scrumptious meal. 

Pulut Pandan Gula Melaka @ RM5.90

I truly admire the extensive use of coconut milk in almost every dish we try, from the snack to the final dessert we have on the table. The pandan sticky rice is added with coconut milk and brown sugar with each distinctive color layered to perfection. When mixed together, it is a sweet and salty seduction with pleasant chewy texture. 

DELIVERY & CATERING SERVICES

The Local not only serves fuss-free food for all meals of the day in the restaurant, but also delivers them to your place for your convenience. Free delivery is available within 5km radius from Jaya One. If your events or functions require catering services, The Local offers different packages, customizable to your needs. 

The Local does not serve pork or alcohol on its menu. 

Verdict:

1. I'm glad to have found The Local that unites all types of Malaysian cuisine in one unique restaurant. Each and every dish comes with a smattering of surprise.

2. The varieties are amazing, and surprisingly kind to your pocket! 

3. Recommended: Nasi Kerabu with Chicken in Percik Sauce, Spaghetti Tom Yum with Chicken Chop, Roti Jala with Curry Chicken, TL's Lin Chi Kang

The Local by The Gastro Project 
D-53-G The Suites
(Formerly known as D-07-G), 
Level G,
Jaya One 72A, 
Jalan Universiti,
46200 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
Contact: 603-7931 1741
Website: www.thelocal.com.my
Facebook: fb.com/thelocalbytgp
Instagram: @thelocalbytgp

Business Hours: 8am – 9pm daily
Closed on Sunday