At the end of the day, it all comes down to good food, good vibes and good company. At the newly reopened Country Barn in USJ Sentral, that’s exactly what you get. USJ locals might remember a bustling neighbourhood pub in USJ 11 that opened in 1996, operated for almost 20 years and unfortunately had to shut. However, after a couple of years and much thought, the husband and wife duo of Jeffrey and Paulin – themselves loyal customers of the old Country Barn – decided to take the reins and reopen the brand in a new location and with a new menu.
This new space has different seating sections – there are high bar stools and tables with a snooker table, and the more casual dining lounge area complete with a couple of sofas. There’s also a small but functional stage that sees local musicians and artists playing every Friday and Saturday night, covering all genres and moods (no, it’s not just country music here).
Country Barn is all about hearty comfort food and family values that the owners instill in this little happy place. It truly is a family-run establishment – Jeffrey mans the kitchen, whipping up good food simply cooked right; Paulin takes care of the PR aspects and manages the floor, chatting with regulars and welcoming newcomers; their niece helps out with ushering people to their seats and serving food and drinks; even the recipes are named after family members (but we’ll get to that later).
As you browse through the menu, you’ll find a good variety of dishes from Western classics to Indian-inspired options and even some mamak favourites (because what’s better after, or with, beer than Maggi goreng with telur goreng). There are burgers (homemade patties, of course), pizza (including both siew yoke and vegetarian versions; RM25.80 and RM15.80 respectively), nasi goreng, and plenty of bar bites.
However, what you should go for are the Indian-inspired options. Get the King Gopal’s Uppu curry (RM20.80) – this dish was created by Paulin’s late Uncle Gopal, and the recipe handed down only to family members, meaning you can’t get it anywhere else. Chicken pieces are marinated in a blended spice mix, ground chilli, dried chilli and dhal, and everything is cooked entirely with gingelly oil (an Indian sesame oil), which gives the meat a slightly nutty taste. And Mary’s Mutton (RM22.80) – named for their mother – is a flavourful meal of tender mutton pieces which have been marinated overnight in spices, served with bread or rice.
In terms of drinks, there is a carefully curated selection of single malt whiskies, gin, vodka and more, alongside draught beers, which are served in mugs and jars, as opposed to the usual pint.
This may not be exactly what comes to mind when you hear the words ‘Country Barn’. But with what Jeffrey and Paulin have set out to offer – a friendly neighbourhood pub to gather with friends and family over good hearty food – you wouldn’t even think twice.