In order to understand the meaning of Baba, first we need to dig further on the word of Nyonya, which I'm going to get Gemini to help me further elaborate them below.
Nyonya (or Nonya) refers to the women of the Peranakan (Straits-born Chinese) community, descendants of early Chinese male migrants who settled in Southeast Asia (Malacca, Penang, Singapore, Java) and intermarried with local Malays, creating a unique hybrid culture blending Chinese traditions with Malay customs and European influences, evident in their distinct cuisine, language (Baba Malay), attire (like the kebaya), and crafts. The term "Nyonya" signifies "lady" or "married woman" (perhaps from Portuguese dona or Chinese Neo-Nya), while men are called Baba, originating from the 15th-17th centuries, particularly around the Straits of Malacca trade hubs.
Source: Wikipedia
So now you know how the shop name came from. Baba is not his name, Low is a traditional Chinese sur name from either 劉 or 羅 family, depending on which clan do they came from.
Except for Penang Island and Malacca, there's very little Baba in the country. Particularly many of their decendant had changed their names for some religion issues, which we are not covering today. However, original Baba always maintain a very strong sense of Chinese lifestyle, especially the restaurant layout.
In Malaysia, you finds a lot of Nyonya Laksa everywhere, but Baba Laksais rare. The significant difference between the two are how they taste. Sour and spicy version are the Nyonya style, whereas spicy and savory as Baba style.
Cendol, shaved iced is yet another significant peranakan desserts.
Core Components
- Green Jelly (Cendol): Worm-like strands made from rice or mung bean flour, naturally colored and scented with pandan leaf extract.
- Gula Melaka: A dark, syrupy palm sugar that provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness rather than just being sugary.
- Coconut Milk (Santan): Fresh, creamy coconut milk serves as the base, often with a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- Shaved Ice: The foundation that makes it a refreshing "comfort food" during hot weather.
Having this in a rain forest climate, the ice doesn't freeze but melt your heart and brains 🤣
Finally, can't go without a traditional iced coffee. In Malaysia, we called them Kopi Ais. As we all know, we traditionally love strong coffee with heavy condensed milk(which explained how so many Malaysians are diabetic). Do expect sweetness overflow if you're not used to adding sugar to your coffee.
Overall, we share a simple lunch at the Baba restaurant. Price is decent, food is great, and in Bangsar, one of the most richest population in Kuala Lumpur, it is a big surprise that the restaurant put a reasonable price tag to their menu.
Baba Low’s @ Lorong Kurau
Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fY6Dspvq69TfBCTX6
Address: 11, Lorong Kurau, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Call: +6019-730 3278
