The Selasih Malay Restaurant located at the Lobby Level of the Persada Johor International Convention Centre is steeped in true Johorean culture, brought to life by its authentic Johorean cuisine and its stately opulent yet traditional Malay environs.  The private curtained areas in the centre are reminiscent of distinguished Royal parlours where guests may dine in total privacy and comfort.  Guests who relish meals taken with the open-views and breeze for company will enjoy tables under the shade of attap-roofs on the verandah.

Those who are knowledgeable about the ways of Johor and its food will know that there is rarely a Restaurant of such setting, as well as where an indigenous range of authentic Johorean cuisine, can be savoured in the state, or even within the country.  No doubt ‘warungs’ at food courts and small restaurant outlets would serve some form of Johorean fare, but hardly will one find so many choices under one roof.

Daun Selasih, as it is locally called is in fact the famous Basil Leaf, a main ingredient used in many Asian dishes and especially in Johorean cuisine...

Daun Selasih – from whence the Name is derived
Daun Selasih, as it is locally called is in fact the famous Basil Leaf, a main ingredient used in many Asian dishes and especially in Johorean cuisine.

It is an indispensable ingredient, together with the likes of aromatic roots such as Lemon Grass, Ginger and Galangal which are often used in Curries and ‘Masak Lemak’, and fragrant leaves such as the Kaffir Lime Leaf, Turmeric Leaf, Polygonum or commonly known as Laksa Leaf or Daun Kesum, Celery Leaf, Celery and Coriander Leaf.

Many local dishes will not taste quite the same without these gifts from Mother Nature, whether from the wild or cultivated. For instance, the Malacca-style Nyonya Laksa, will not be deserving of its popularity without Daun Kesum. The much-raved Penang Laksa will be lost without Daun Pudina (Mint Leaves) and Laksa Johor will be nothing without Daun Selasih (Basil Leaf) and that brings us back to the Restaurant’s name.

The Johor Laksa is unique to the southern state of Johor and what better way to represent the specialty than to adopt the name Selasih – The Selasih Malay Restaurant. Uncompromised in its originality.

Johor’s Beginnings A CUISINE THAT IS LINKED TO HISTORY.. more