Ever heard of the phrase ”Never forget where you came from?” Introducing Ninja Private Kitchen, a restaurant that embodies the idea of never forgetting your roots. Owned by Zung, a world acclaimed photographer who grew up in the charming fishing village of Sekinchan, this restaurant is a testament to his love for his hometown. Zung spent years around the world taking photographs of iconic figures such as US Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, life coach Anthony Robbins, the Dalai Lama, the list goes on.
What makes Ninja Private Kitchen stand out from the rest is that the restaurant is located on a paddy field, and is completely outdoor. From the moment you arrive, you feel like you’ve been transported to a picnic spot straight out of a movie. But don’t let the stunning surroundings fool you – the food is just as impressive. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Ninja Private Kitchen a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a unique dining experience.
The Journey to Ninja Private Kitchen
My experience of the drive was a good one since I was in the passenger seat… All jokes aside, the traffic was good and we arrived at Sekinchan within 1.5 hours, departing from Petaling Jaya. The restaurant’s location can’t be found on Waze or Google since the location is shared only after the reservation has been confirmed. Wow, talk about exclusivity! What I can tell you is that the restaurant is located on a paddy field, and what a sight that was. The lush greenery and the gentle sway of the paddy leaves brought about a calming sensation as we pulled up to our parking spot.
Arrival & Appetisers
As we walked to the restaurant, we were greeted by Zung who did not direct us straight to a table, but to a waiting area for guests to soak in the beautiful landscape. The waiting area had a couple of benches with a few dreamcatchers hung around which enhanced the ambiance. As a soft breeze would stir the paddy fields, the dreamcatchers would sway in the same direction. Staring off at the dreamcatchers, it felt like their delicate sway created a magical spell that lifted the weight of negativity from my body and mind. We sat down with Zung and he brought us through his escapades and shared his life stories.
A few moments later we were all handed our first refreshment, a freshly squeezed King Kong guava juice which contained no sugar or added water. Nevertheless, it was still sweet and there were even chunks of guava which was a bonus in my eyes. Next, we had some juicy sweet corn as our first appetiser, followed by succulent fried fish balls. It is important to note that Zung ensures his food is made up of locally produced ingredients. With the starters mentioned so far, the guava and corn farms are located near the restaurant, as well as the fish village that he sources his seafood from.
Restaurant Setting
As we make our way from the outside to the inside of the restaurant, the ground beneath our feet transitions from asphalt to patches of maintained grass with natural pebbles. Despite the change in texture, the footing remains firm and comfortable, even for ladies with heels. The restaurant is on a plot of open land, surrounded by the paddy fields which accentuates its ‘local’ aesthetic. The aesthetic was made even more enchanting by the presence of uniquely adorned tables, as each table had their own distinctive picnic table cloth. Adding to the charm were towering Tipi poles stationed alongside each table, each one adorned with a dreamcatcher that added a mystical allure to the setting. Along with the picnic setting that added a rustic touch, the restaurant had a few hay bales placed throughout the grounds. The kitchen was housed in a cozy cabin where the talented staff prepared and served their delicious food to guests.
Main Course
For starters, we were served the Lala Soup. Zung drank it with us and insisted upon the traditional Mongolian etiquette of sipping it directly from the bowl with both hands, to fully savour and smell the rich fragrance of the soup as you were drinking it. Having travelled around the world, Zung draws inspiration from diverse cultures and cuisines and incorporates them into his meals, and I must say he was not wrong about this. The feeling of warmth and the delightful aroma of the soup while cradling the bowl in your hands is truly a delightful experience. We highly recommend trying this for yourself to enhance your soup savouring experience. As a unique starter, the Teochew-style mini crabs filled with umami are a flavourful delight that will leave you craving for more.
There was a personalised touch to our Nasi Lemak, in which our names were on the packet. This small gesture made us feel truly appreciated and added an extra layer of enjoyment to our dining experience. It would look great on Insta stories as well. The Nasi Lemak comes in the standard packaging us Malaysians are familiar with, so this is great for foreigners who want to see what a real nasi lemak looks like, unlike those highly decorated, served on a plate Nasi Lemak you see in hotels/fine dining restaurants. The content of the Nasi Lemak contained the usual ingredient, the only substitute being the quail egg.
Seafood lovers will be spoilt for choice with the main dishes, consisting of the Flounder and Flipper Fish, and the cuttlefish – all of which are fried to perfection. What makes these dishes truly exceptional is the homemade Assam sauce that brings out the natural flavours of the seafood. It’s unique in the sense that it’s not too sour, but sweet and savoury. The secret recipe for this irresistible sauce will remain just that – a secret.
Chatting with Zung
Ninja Private Kitchen is aptly named after its owner and acclaimed photographer, Zung, who is famously dubbed as the ‘Ninja Photographer’. His ability to photograph his subjects in their most candid moments is unmatched, as he moves stealthily across the room to snap photos. Just as he operates his camera, some might say the restaurant too has been set up to reflect the same spirit of agility and secrecy, providing a private and intimate dining experience.
At the heart of this restaurant lies a deep passion for showcasing the true essence of Malaysia’s rich heritage to the world. Zung’s goal is to not only create a space where guests can savour local, mouth-watering cuisine but also experience the beauty and authenticity of Malaysian culture. “We’re not here to impress with pretentiousness or luxury, but rather to share the genuine charm and authenticity of our beloved Malaysia”.
When I asked Zung about his unique approach, he shared his personal journey of globetrotting and experiencing numerous fine dining establishments, but ultimately realising that none of them could compare to the Malaysian cuisine he grew up with. He believes that true luxury lies not in the price tag of a meal, but in understanding and appreciating the cultural significance and heritage behind the food. Through his travels, Zung’s appreciation for Malaysian cuisine only grew stronger, inspiring him to create a restaurant that showcases the richness of his hometown Sekinchan’s culinary expertise.
Zung’s family instilled in him the importance of remembering his roots and giving back to his community. He firmly believes that while it’s okay to enjoy the finer things in life, it’s equally important to never forget where you come from and make a positive impact on the people and places that shaped you. This philosophy has driven him to not only create a restaurant that highlights the heritage Sekinchan and Malaysia, but also to contribute to the growth and success of his community by working with local businesses to source his ingredients.
Dusk
As we watched the sun dip below the horizon, we embarked on our final task of the day.
Now incorporating Chinese culture, each of us scribbled hopeful messages onto paper lanterns, which we then held aloft as they were slowly filled with air and illuminated. Zung urged us to make three wishes, but to also remain unselfish and devote one to the happiness of someone we held dear. As the lanterns soared skywards, we released them into the sky, as we watched it disappear into the clouds.
Closing thoughts
Ninja Private Kitchen is not just another fine dining experience, it’s a journey back to our roots and a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. The food is undeniably delicious, but it’s the message behind the restaurant that truly sets it apart. It’s a tribute to our heritage and a celebration of the beauty found in the scenic paddy fields which can only be found outside the city. All the food and drink here are halal, so this can be recommended to most.
The cosy and intimate atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a romantic date night, while the warm and welcoming ambiance also makes it ideal for family gatherings with your parents or children. If you’re looking for a reset from the hustle and bustle of city life or simply a relaxing evening out, Ninja Private Kitchen in Sekinchan is the perfect escape.
For booking enquiries with Ninja Private Kitchen, do WhatsApp 012-339 1331.
