Located within a bustling food court in Dhanmondi, Sunny Side Up offers a delightful array of Malaysian and Singaporean delicacies. From the aromatic roti canai to the flavorful nasi goreng, along with Vietnamese summer rolls and the comforting hot and cold teh tarik (Tea), there's something for everyone here. A visit to Sunny Side Up is like taking a flavorful trip down memory lane for Malaysian cuisine enthusiasts.
Amreen Hossain, a partner and chef at Sunny Side Up, brings her experience to the table, having immersed herself in Malaysia's vibrant food and beverage scene through studies and work. "When people who've experienced the authentic flavours of Malaysian cuisine return as regulars because our food reminds them of Malaysia, it truly warms our hearts," she shared.
Food
We kicked off our meal with the tantalizing chicken satay and peanut sauce. The chicken satay, perfectly cooked though slightly salty, found redemption in the divine peanut sauce. Bursting with flavours of lime, brown sugar, chilli flakes, peanut butter, and coconut milk, it elevated the satay to new heights. We couldn't get enough of its subtle sweetness, tang, and slight pungency, making it a perfect dip for anything on the table.
Next up was the nasi goreng pattaya, a Malaysian classic featuring prawns, fried rice, and an array of flavorful ingredients. Topped with a thin omelette before a sprinkle of sauce, this hot and fresh rice dish packed a satisfying punch. While the flavours were lively, we longed for a bolder intensity to match its rich profile.
Moving on to the floating egg noodles, we found ourselves indulging in a delightful blend of tomato sauce, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked shrimp. The savoury tang of the noodles paired beautifully with the umami touch of the shrimp, creating a dish bursting with expertly crafted Asian flavours.
Among our favourites were the Vietnamese summer rolls, boasting a refreshing crunch from the vermicelli noodles and crab sticks. Paired with a secret recipe sauce offering a whirl of pungent, sour, and acidic flavours, each bite was a true delight.
Finally, we savored the kickstarter breakfast platter featuring water-poached eggs, sausages, and mushrooms. Cooked to perfection and expertly seasoned, each component of the plate showcased thoughtfulness and intentionality, leaving us thoroughly impressed.
With prices ranging from Tk200 to Tk650, Sunny Side Up offers a culinary experience that's not only delicious but also reasonably priced.
Ambience
Located within the bustling Khan ABC Tradeplex basement in Dhanmondi, Sunny Side Up brings a vibrant atmosphere filled with tantalizing scents of freshly cooked Malaysian and Singaporean delicacies. Amidst the lively crowd, prepare to be uplifted by the energizing ambience and the promise of culinary delights awaiting your palate.
Challenges
Since its establishment in 2023, Sunny Side Up has faced unique challenges as a food court restaurant. According to partner Ayesha Hossain Shahnila, the setting presents a hurdle as not all customers walk in with an appetite.
Sometimes, it's more about socializing, chatting, or grabbing a drink than focusing on dining, she explains.
Partner Tadvin Hossain sheds light on another obstacle: ensuring that the staff excel in preparing predominantly Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine while embracing their interpretations of dishes.
The key challenge lies in having them “flow with the recipe”, he elaborates. This involves familiarizing the staff with the taste profiles through tasting sessions, instilling confidence in their abilities, and guiding them through the cooking procedures.
Verdict
You absolutely can't miss out on their delectable peanut sauce, Vietnamese summer rolls, kickstarter breakfast platter, and a variety of other secret recipe sauces. Whether you're new to Malaysian cuisine or looking to reminisce about past dining experiences, Sunny Side Up offers the perfect opportunity. Highly recommended.