Best of Tucson 1996: Best Malaysian

Best Malaysian

Seri Melaka
6133 E. Broadway

READERS' AND STAFF PICK: There's not a lot of competition in this category, but with Seri Malaka leading the charge, nobody's complaining. Though their menu includes an extensive selection of Chinese dishes, as the Bard sez, "Malaysian's the thing."

The various noodle dishes, like the mee goreng, made with wide, thick egg noodles, or the thin rice sticks of the bee hoon, are superb. Depending on your request, the food here can be quite hot. How hot? The satay dish at Seri Melaka is billed as the "Queen of Hotness." On a recent visit, requesting the satay "pretty hot," one of our number, after a few bites, broke out in a terminal sweat, began squirming and fidgeting in his seat, and turned a lovely shade of maroon. After regaining his composure, he dove back in for more.

An added treat is the availability of Guinness Pub Draft, which goes surprisingly well with the food. Several rounds will do wonders to slacken the heat. Inquiring about the inclusion on the menu, we were informed that in Malaysia, Guinness is often prescribed for a lack of pep. Seri Melaka for sublime food, Guinness for strength!

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: We loved having oh-but-another excuse to visit Selamat Makan, 3502 E. Grant Road. Go ahead, say it: satay, a sensuous word for this sinful Malaysian dish resembling shish-kebab drizzled with tangy peanut sauce. Try the exquisite sambal, a Malaysian curry served with coconut. The curried rolls, egg rolls, and rojak (Malaysian salad) are unrivaled. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Wong. We've followed you since your days on East Broadway, and we're so glad we have!