Restoran Kakak, Taiping

Date visited : 26 May 2018

I've heard of this place for quite some time now but I have never been here in person. 

The reason I've heard about this place is because of their signature coffee called Kakak Peng (Kakak Ice). My colleague bought it for me to try during my last visit to Taiping for work and I loved it.

Kakak Peng is a mixture of milk coffee and barley. It may sound strange and a bit exotic to some but you have to give it a try to appreciate it. It can be served hot or cold but I personally liked it cold. The sweetness from the barley gives the coffee a unique taste.

Other than their signature coffee, people also come here for their Kai Si Hor Fun (Kuey Teow Soup with Shredded Chicken). 

The texture of the kuey teow (flat rice noodles) here are similar to the ones well known in Ipoh. As you can see, they are generous with the portion of shredded chicken. If you are not comparing to the ones found in Ipoh, this is easily the best in Taiping.

OUR RATING
Ambience : 3/5
Service : 4/5
Food Quality : 3.5/5 (4.5/5 for the Kaka Peng)
Price Range : $
Status : Non Halal

Other information:
Address : No 111 Jalan Pasar, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Business Hours : 5.30am - 1.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Transaction : Cash

Kolo Mee, Kuching

Date visited : 20 May 2018

Other than the Sarawak Laksa, there's another noodle dish which is also iconic to Sarawak... and that's the Kolo Mee.

The Kolo Mee noodles are almost similar to wantan noodles only springier and does not come drenched in dark sauce. It is usually tossed in clear sauce, topped with spring onions, minced meat and slices of barbecued pork.

I asked my colleague who was born and raised in Kuching, Sarawak, to recommend me the best Kolo Mee in town and he told me this is one of the best... Red Kolo Mee in the old open market near Kuching Waterfront.

Here you are given a choice of original Kolo Mee, clear in colour, and Red Kolo Mee, which is red in colour. Since my colleague ordered the original Kolo Mee, I ordered the red one so that I can try both to see what is the difference.

The toppings are the same for both and the difference is in the way the noodles are prepared.

This is the original Kolo Mee with the choice of flat noodle. It is tossed in clear sauce and topped with spring onions, mince meat and slices of barbecued pork. It may look very plain but the clear sauce used to toss the noodles is very tasty and compliments well with the toppings.

This is the Red Kolo Mee with the choice of curly thin noodles. What made it red in colour is not colouring nor chilli or tomato sauce. The noodles are tossed with the red oil from the barbecued pork used in the noodles. And because of this addition, it made the taste of this Kolo Mee different than the original ones. The aromatic taste of the barbecued pork is infused into the noodles thus making it very tasty and different from the original ones.

My colleague was right, this Kolo Mee is really nicer than the ones I had in Klang Valley.

Right opposite this stall was another interesting stall that sells soy bean drinks, steamed buns and Sio Bee. 

At first I was wondering what is a Sio Bee. Then my colleague explained to me that Sio Bee is a Hokkien word for our well known Siu Mai. In Kuching, the locals call their Siu Mai, Sio Bee.

The difference of Sio Bee and the normal Siu Mai is the meat used. Siu Mai uses a mixture of shrimp and pork while the Sio Bee uses only pork. The skin colour is also pale compared to the yellowish ones of our normal Siu Mai. The meat is very tender and is best eaten with chilli sauce.

So if you're here to try the Kolo Mee, why not give this Sio Bee a try too.

Other information:

Address : Tower Market Hawker Centre, Jalan Power, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak.

Contact No : 016-855 5665

Business Hours : Opens daily from morning till 11.30pm

Transaction : Cash

Other links : https://www.facebook.com/redkolomee/

Sarawak Laksa, Kuching

Date visited : 19 May 2018

Sarawak Laksa is an iconic Sarawak dish. It's a noodle dish served in an aromatic spiced coconut milk soup, topped with shredded chicken, shredded omelette, bean sprouts, prawns, and garnished with coriander.

Since I had the opportunity to travel to Kuching for work, I decided to make the most of my trip... to introduce to you the best Sarawak Laksa in Kuching. That's not just what visitors like me say, but it is acknowledged by the locals here. I came here twice before but the last I came was more than 3 years ago. I was told that even famous celebrity chef, Anthony Bourdain, has been here twice for the Sarawak Laksa.

The Sarawak Laksa here is the star of this humble neighbourhood coffee shop, Choon Hui Cafe. Other than the Sarawak Laksa, there are 3 other stall that serves Kolok Me (also a local Sarawak dish), porridge and popiah. However, every time I'm here, it would be just the Sarawak Laksa and a side of popiah for me.

The Sarawak Laksa stall is operated by two elderly ladies and not once did I see them take a break from the never ending orders. 

Every bowl is skillfully and tirelessly prepared by these two ladies.

Just look at this bowl of mouth watering Sarawak Laksa! 

What makes each laksa different is the broth and the broth that comes with the Sarawak Laksa here is so delicious. The thickness of the broth is just right, the sourness and spiciness of the broth are at the right balance.

While you're here, you may also want to try the popiah available in this coffee shop. It is the next popular dish in this place. There are many who come just to pack these popiahs for take away.

So if you happen to come to Kuching be it for business or for pleasure, make sure you make a stop at Choon Hui Cafe to taste the amazing Sarawak Laksa.

Other information:

Address : No 34, Jalan Ban Hock, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak

Contact No : 082-780 369

Business Hours : 7am - 2pm (may be sold out earlier than that) / Closed on Tuesdays

Transaction : Cash

Mezcla, USJ Subang

Date visited : 15 April 2018

There may be times when you're not in the mood to have a heavy meal or complicated meals. Even a normal meal may be overwhelming and sandwiches may seem bland. Or maybe you're on a diet and looking for something different to eat. If this is the case, why not settle for something light and simple. Perhaps a burrito or a taco?

Tucked within the busy part of Taipan, USJ is a simple self-served restaurant that serves simple Mexican food.

They have a variety of burritos for you to choose from... chicken, beef, lamb, fish, shrimp or even vegetarian.

If you're not feeling much for a burrito, why not choose either a soft type wheat flour taco or a hard corn shell taco with a choice from 6 types of available fillings.

Or how about a quesadilla? If you still can't make up your mind, you can customize your own, be it a burrito or a bowl, from a variety of ingredients available.

There were 3 of us during this visit and we ordered a burrito, a taco, a bowl and some nachos.

I ordered the Spiced Grilled Chicken Burrito. As you can see, it's packed with tomato rice, pinto beans, corn, hot sauce, cheese, guacamole, lettuce and of course the grilled chicken. Don't underestimate this one burrito, it is quite filling.

This is a single Corn Shell Steak n Chili Taco. If you just want something extremely light or an option for some snacks, tacos would be just right for you.

If you would like something even more filling, you can choose to order the Pollo Bowl. This is Mexican Rice served with succulent Grilled Chicken Breast drizzled with their own made Hot Sauce accompanied by refried beans and pickled mango.

While I was lining up at the order counter, I managed to take a photo of their Original House Nachos ready for collection. It looks really yummy and wait till you see the Nachos we ordered.

We ordered the Beef House Nachos. The corn tortilla is covered with salsa, sour cream,cheese, jalapeno and ground beef. It's perfect for at least 3 to share.

This place may be simple but I like how it is friendly even to vegans. No wonder I see so many families enjoying food here.

OUR RATING
Ambience : 3/5
Service : 3/5
Food Quality : 3.5/5
Price Range : $
Status : Halal

Other information:
Address :18-1, Jalan USJ 9/5G, Subang Business Centre, 47620 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Contact No. :03-5879 9976
Business Hours : 12pm - 3pm / 6pm - 10.15pm - Thursday - Tuesday (Closed on Wednesdays)
Transaction : Cash
Links : https://www.facebook.com/mezclaburritos/

Madam Chong's Prawn Noodle House, Kuchai Lama

Date visited : 15 April 2018

Many people travel all the way to Penang just to indulge in the many delectable food of Penang. Among those specialties is the Prawn Mee, also known as the Hokkien Mee in Penang. Good news to all Penang food lovers in KL! It may not be as perfect as the ones in Penang, but this is as close as it can get... Madam Chong's Prawn Noodle in Kuchai Lama.

Madam Chong first started her prawn noodles stall in Pudu in the year 1968 and gradually made a name for herself after enduring much hardship along the way. Her recipes were well received and her children decided to elevate her recipes and started this restaurant on 12 December 2009.

Their signature dish is of course the Prawn Noodles but they also serve other types of noodles such as Wan Tan Noodle, Pork Ball Noodles, Curry Noodles and light snacks.

Most would prefer yellow egg noodle in their Prawn Noodles but since I don't favour that choice of noodle, I opted for the flat rice noodle and rice vermicelli. The flavour of the soup was spot on and just look at the size of the prawns served in the bowl! They uses Big Prawns instead of the usual small prawns that we commonly get in most Prawn Noodles found in Klang Valley.

My brother was not a big fan of Prawn Noodles, so he ordered the Minced Pork & Big Prawn Dry Noodle instead.

We also ordered some snacks for sharing.

This is the Fried Three Treasure. This platter consists of 2 pieces of fried dumpling, fried chestnut wan tan and fried tofu each. The meat fillings wrapped in these crispy golden skins are juicy and tasty.

And last but not least, the traditional fried tofu skin. The tofu skin is very thin and crispy but it was a bit too thin for my liking. I prefer tofu skins to be a bit more meatier so that there will be more to chew on and the taste will linger a bit longer in every bite.

So if you're in Klang Valley and have cravings for some delicious Prawn Noodle, this may be able to fulfill your cravings till your next trip to Penang.

OUR RATING

Ambience : 3/5 

Service : 3/5

Food Quality : 3.5/5

Price Range : $
Status : Non-Halal

Other information:
Address : 22, Dynasty Sentral, Jalan Kuchai Maju 19, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200, Kuala Lumpur
Contact No. : 03-7971 5396
Business Hours : 8am - 9pm (Close on alternate Wednesday)
Transaction : Cash

Skive, Bangsar

Date visited : 13 April 2018

Let me introduce you to the new kid on the Bangsar block... they are called Skive.

If you're wondering where exactly in Bangsar, it's located right opposite Bangsar Village II,beside Nirwana, at the same spot where Tous Le Jours was previously. They just had their soft launch on 10 April 2018.

I was there for lunch with my colleagues because we were so tempted with their mouth-watering food photos shown on their FB page.

From the time I stepped into the restaurant, I was greeted with one of my favourite sights... freshly baked bread and pastries!

As I was walking further in to get a table, I can't help but to feast my eyes on their beautiful cakes on display.

Once we were seated, we focused on more serious matters... what to order for lunch!

While we were busy deciding what to order, we were recommended these old school drinks...

These are called Long Chan's soda. We were told that these were way before Fanta drinks showed up... maybe during my parent's younger days. It's not very gassy and it tastes really good.

I also ordered the Pink Basil Lemonade. It's very refreshing and would be a great choice for a hot day.

Now let's get on with the food.

My colleague fell in love with the photo of this dish even before we came here...

The Big Mexican Breakfast. Their shakshouka consists of beans, capsicums, mushrooms, 3 eggs, potatoes, cherry tomatoes and a chicken chorizo sausage served with salad and a croissant. When the croissant is eaten together with the shakshouka, it tastes amazing! If you are an egg lover like my colleague, you would definitely love this dish.

This dish is called the Lamb Mysore Soldiers. The lamb is so soft and tender. Don't get intimidated by the sight of it because it's not spicy as you might thought it would be. I even thought it would be great if eaten with tosai or even chapati.

Next is the Sourdough Tacos - BBQ Thai Chicken. This would be a great choice if you're looking for a lighter dish.

This is also one of their recommended dishes, the Jerk Cured Salmon served on a german black sourdough, avocado swirls and mango salsa. The ingredients complimented each other so well that every bite is a wonderful surprise of flavours.

I was contemplating for so long whether I should order this dish because the photo of this dish spoke to me the most but because of its price, I hesitated. But for the love of good food, I finally decided to order it... the Lychee Duck Curry.

It is served with cous cous, grilled aubergine and grilled sweet corn. The duck meat is so soft and tasty. Eaten together with the curry and cous cous, it tastes amazing! I have no regrets about ordering this dish.

Last but not least, our dessert...

We shared a slice of freshly baked Lemon Chia Seed Cake and a Almond Suji cupcake. When I took a bite of the Lemon Chia Seed Cake... it was OH MY GOD!! It tastes SO GOOD that I almost died. The Almond Suji cupcake was good too.

I wish I had more space in my stomach for their own made ice-cream but thanks to their friendly staff, we were able to sample a few of them. I tried 3 flavours, the Soybean, Ginger and Caramelised Yew Tiao, the White Chocolate and Salted Pecans and the Durian Avacado.

The Soybean, Ginger and Caramelised Yew Tiao was like an ice-cream version of soya bean curd with Chinese oil stick. The White Chocolate and Salted Pecans was the first white chocolate ice-cream that I've tasted and the salted pecans complimented it so well. And finally the Durian Avacado. I usually don't eat durian in any other form other than the fruit itself. But this ice-cream made me felt like I was eating the fruit itself.

This was the most awesome lunch I've had on a weekday and I had to come back for more on a weekend.

OUR RATING

Ambience : 4/5 

Service : 4.5/5

Food Quality : 4.5/5

Price Range : $$
Status : Pork Free

Other information:
Address : Shop 1 Ground Floor, Telawi Square, No 41 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur.
Business Hours : 9am - 9pm (Monday-Friday) / 7am - 9pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Transaction : Cash (for now coz the Credit Card facility is not ready)
Links : https://www.facebook.com/Skive-Bangsar-1901029370152369/

Banh Mi Cafe, Bandar Puteri Puchong

Date visited : 8 April 2018

This place has been in my neighbourhood for a long time now. I was googling for good food in Puchong some time back and this place came up. I drove there just to have a look but when I got there, I changed my mind. So at that time I left it as that.

Recently this place came highly recommended on FB and my sister even shared it to me. So since I was nearby on a Sunday afternoon, I thought it was time for me to give it a try.

By the time I got here, it was packed with locals, mainly families, as well as Vietnamese. Once I step into the restaurant, I felt like I'm in a local restaurant in Vietnam. It is not like one of those fancy Vietnamese restaurants, it is a cozy family restaurant that serves casual Vietnamese food.

When we talk about Vietnamese cuisine, the first thing that comes to my mind is...

The Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup. The taste of this beef noodle is quite similar to the ones I had in Vietnam. It is not adjusted in anyway to our local palates and that makes it delicious and very authentic.

Before we had our mains, we ordered two popular Vietnamese snacks.

This is the fresh Prawn Spring Roll. You can also choose to have it with pork instead of prawn. The dipping sauce was a tasty compliment to the spring rolls.

Another one of our favourite are the Fried Spring Rolls. From the looks of it, you might think that the skin is thick but when you take a bite into it, you'll soon find that it is actually not. It tastes as good as the yummy ones I had in Vietnam.

For my main, I ordered the Vermicelli Bowl Grill Pork & Spring Roll with Fish Sauce. This dish is quite delicious. From the picture it may look like a dry dish but it is not. The fish sauce moist the vermicelli enough and taste really good eaten together with the grilled pork and spring rolls.

This is not a dish that I usually find in a Vietnamese restaurant... Sizzling Beef Steak with Baguette. If you have a hearty appetite, this may be a choice you might want to consider.

Another nice choice was the Crispy Chicken Wings in sweet and spicy fish sauce. However, I would have liked it more with lesser onions.

We saw this on the menu and decided to order the Grilled Prawn for trying. Now this turn out to be a bit of a let down because it was too dry for my liking.

That's all we had during this visit and I may come back to try their Bahn Mi, a Vietnamese style baguette. If you're looking for some casual Vietnamese food in Puchong that's not too expensive, you may want to give this place a try.

OUR RATING

Ambience : 3.5/5 

Service : 3/5

Food Quality : 3.5/5

Price Range : $
Status : Non-Halal

Other information:
Address : 1 Jalan Puteri 7/10, Bandar Puteri Puchong, 47100 Puchong
Contact No. : 03-8060 0127
Business Hours : 10.30am - 10pm (Daily)
Transaction : Cash
Links : https://www.facebook.com/banhmikl/