Meeting my partner’s parents for the first time a year ago was… awkward. I wasn’t emotionally ready at all, especially when he told me just one day before the meeting. One day! 😂

I barely had time to process it, let alone prepare myself mentally.

If I’m being honest, my experience with my ex left me with some lingering anxiety when it comes to meeting “the parents”. Let’s just say it wasn’t a pleasant experience, and it made me more guarded than I used to be. So yes, I was extremely anxious.

The only reason I agreed to go was because his brother’s partner would be there too. I figured, okay… at least I wouldn’t be the only outsider in the room.

Long story short? It went okay. There was a little awkwardness (which I think is normal for everyone), but nothing too dramatic. Just two worlds trying to get to know each other.

A few months later, his parents invited me again. This time for lunch. And surprisingly, it felt… better. Warmer. Less tense. Conversations flowed a little easier. 

Fast forward to recently, my third time meeting them. This time, it was for a special family lunch to welcome Ramadhan.

At first, I hesitated. I’m “just” the girlfriend, after all, and I didn’t want to overstep. I felt a bit uncomfortable. But my partner told me his mum had already made a reservation at Rebung Restaurant for all of us to have lunch together.

I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. So I went.

And I’m so glad I did.

Not only did I get to spend quality time with them, but I also met other family members I hadn’t been introduced to before. It felt less intimidating and more like… a gentle step forward. His parents were kind and easy to talk to, which helped me relax and just be myself. I was also genuinely excited because it was my first time dining there.

✅ A Feast of Kampung Flavours at Rebung 2 

One thing about dining at Rebung 2 is that you need to come prepared. Not just hungry… but strategic. 😆

Our reservation came with a fixed slot from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Each table is given a two-hour dining window, which makes total sense because the restaurant is usually fully booked. The moment I stepped in, I could already feel the buzz—people chatting, plates clinking, and the aroma of spices filling the air. It felt festive.

I also appreciated the ambience. The restaurant carries a warm, traditional Malay touch in its interior design. It doesn’t feel overly modern or flashy. Instead, it gives off that comforting “kenduri kampung” atmosphere.

Located in Putrajaya, the restaurant also offers a pleasant view of the lake. The surroundings feel calm and organised, creating a nice balance to the lively crowd inside. It’s vibrant, yes—but not overwhelming. The natural light from outside made the whole space feel brighter and more welcoming.

The buffet spread? Pure Malay comfort food heaven. I remember standing there for a good five minutes, not knowing where to start.

Rebung 2 focuses heavily on authentic Malay cuisine, and the variety honestly impressed me. Think of dishes like asam pedas with its perfect spicy-sour kick, patin tempoyak rich with fermented durian flavour, hearty kari kepala ikan, creamy masak lemak, and classic ayam kicap that tastes like something your mum would cook at home. From fish to chicken to seafood, the choices felt endless.

Then there’s the ulam and condiments section—kerabu, ikan masin, telur masin, ulam—and of course, the sambals. Sambal tempoyak, sambal belacan… basically everything you need to complete a proper Malaysian feast.

They also had noodle stations: mee kari, Penang laksa, and mee sup, which made it feel like you’re walking through different states of Malaysia in one dining hall.

Now for the desserts.

There were traditional sweets like serawa durian, bubur, goreng pisang, and keropok lekor (which honestly felt nostalgic). The selection of traditional kuih and modern desserts wasn’t huge, but the kuih? Oh, the kuih tasted very kampung-style. Soft, fragrant, not overly sweet—the kind that makes you go back for seconds… or thirds. I definitely went back for more.

As for drinks, they offered a good range: hot coffee and tea, cold flavoured drinks, and plain water were readily available. Simple, but complete.

My overall take?

The food was genuinely delicious. Some dishes were so good that I had to go back for extra rounds, especially the kuih. If I’m being honest, the serawa durian, Penang laksa and pecal were decent. They didn’t quite stand out for me and are definitely not something I’d specifically return for. Everything else, though? Very satisfying.

✅ Would I Come Again?

Yes.

Not just for the food, but for the feeling.

There’s something special about sitting at a dining table, sharing stories between bites, and slowly feeling the walls inside you come down. This lunch wasn’t just about welcoming Ramadhan. It was about growth. About showing up even when you feel unsure. About allowing yourself to be seen in a space that once felt unfamiliar.

Sometimes, belonging doesn’t happen instantly. It happens in small, quiet moments—in shared laughter, in someone passing you a dish without hesitation, in being included in conversations that slowly feel less foreign.

That afternoon reminded me that stepping out of my comfort zone can lead to something beautiful. And maybe that’s what Ramadhan is about, too—reflection, patience, and softening the heart.

So yes, I would come again.

For the experience. For the memories. And for the gentle reminder that sometimes, you just have to take a seat at the table.

—Auri Duham 🌻