When Night Falls In TTDI
Tee tee dee ai. The way that acronym leaves your lips in an unintended grin makes the neighbourhood sound cuter than it is, but try saying “Taman Tun Dr. Ismail” a couple more times and you’ll understand why we call it that here in Kuala Lumpur. That said, its personality is a lot funkier than it sounds. The land that used to be a rubber estate has now evolved to an affluent township that breeds a distinct culture of its own.
Presenting you… When Night Falls in TTDI.
It’s 10pm on a Saturday night. The only illumination is courtesy of street lights, or at least the ones that are still working. A stone’s throw away from major shopping centre 1 Utama, the subdued whir of cars making their way to TTDI is heard.
At one end of the neighbourhood, the lights from a buzzing cafe glow in welcome. Inside, a barista is expertly pulling espresso shots for the regulars who come streaming in.
“One latte please.”
Because it’s never too latte for a cuppa. And because it’s what the residents have every Saturday night, while the barista chats them up about the new cafe opening down the road.
“Will that become your new late night spot? Do they make your latte the way you like it — smooth and frothy?”
The questions vary but the answers are insignificant because both cafe owners are comrades in a fickle industry. They are also neighbours, and friends.
At the other end, a pub bustles with the chatter of friends catching up over a tower of Heineken. A bowl of pigs in blankets sits on the middle the table, huddling the friends closer. The friendly server checks on them.
“One more round?”
Nodding, the group breaks out laughing agreeably at their favourite server — the one who knows well enough when they’d grow thirsty again.
Then in between all that, a 24hour mamak stall stays lit. A man stands over the flat-top stove flipping roti canai dough over his head. A college student finds himself a seat at a table for six and begins tapping furiously on his mobile phone.
“It’s 10.30pm, where the heck are you guys?”
The WhatsApp group chat he shares with his course mates buzzes in response.
Ping.
“On the way, on the way.”
Ping.
“No parking la.”
Excuses he has heard before, too many times. To which the best solution would be…
“Ane! Teh o’ ais limau. Roti kosong.”
The man nods absently while he slaps another freshly made flaky roti canai on the stove. Before long, a glass of iced lime tea is set on the drinks counter, and immediately whisked to the college student learning about patience.
Then again, what is the rush, really? In a neighbourhood like this, the night is always young, especially on a Saturday. Music plays on, coffee is slurped and meals are shared. This is the rhythm of the dark here in TTDI.
That’s where you can be too, any night. Every night.
Click here for Burpple’s guide to Best Late Night Eats in TTDI, Kuala Lumpur .
