Kissaten @ Jaya One, Petaling Jaya

Kissaten ~ Translated to Cafe, in Japanese

Wanna know my current feeling? One word, hot ... sorry, I meant HOT !!! Yup, the endless durians assault, tomyam at the border town, and digesting wild boar curry for lunch this afternoon somehow proved the existence of additive/synergistic effects of heaty food on the body's metabolism. Not to mention the desert-like, breeze-less weather in Ipoh today. Phew ...

Ho-mu Menyu- .... (Gee, the basic lesson in katakana* [thanks, Camemberu!] kinda helped)

Putting aside my Johor experience (food-wise, mostly), let me skip forward to a cafe situated in Jaya One (a commercial centre, but populated with so many food outlets, the place is a foodie's wet dream come true, really); Kissaten Coffee and Restaurant.

Either embrace the zen-like modern ambience, tailored for yuppies (and youngsters, obviously)

OR bask in the sunlight, and immense heat, while dining al fresco ... oh, you can puff away, suicidal one!!!

Various bloggers' reviews on this outlet had an agreeable outcome; the desserts are must-tries, while the food may fall into either one of two categories, HIT, or MISS.

Cucumber Lychee (RM9.90)

Amnesiac ol' me, had no recollection of recommended beverages. The only lady waitressing on that afternoon did not provide much assistance either, heavily pushing for the yoghurt drinks, and nothing else. Simple query from yours truly on the difference between Milk Tea (RM5.90) and ROYAL Milk Tea (RM6.90) subsequently led to the aforementioned waitress scratching her head, and mumbling of nothings. Obviously, staff training is still lacking, and creates room for improvement. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed on this one.

Btw, the cucumber lychee drink is a BIG no-no. Diluted cucumber juice, too much ice, and none of the supposedly present lychee flavour (completely destroyed my hope for a bite of a lychee fruit or two ...). At RM9.90 per glass, I paid premium price for a meagre thirst-quencher. Gimme good old Milk Tea anyday !!! :)

Char Siew Pizza (RM24.90)

The Char Siew Pizza (BBQ Pork Pizza) on the other hand, exceeded all of my expectations! Highly raved and commended by floggers alike, the pizza reminded me of Japanese pizza (Okonomiyaki), albeit with a twist. The presence of PORK!!! (oh, completely awaken the porky beast in me ... muahahha)

Generously baked with cheese, and garnished with scallions, the combination of mayonaisse and sweet, okonomiyaki sauce (not sure of the REAL name for this, but there is a picture of the sauce HERE, in my Korean pancake post, in the last photo) works wonders. I was practically tearing away at the pizza, oblivious to my surroundings, and threw my table etiquette out the window for this one. Yup, trust me, this is THAT good !!!! The Char Siew is nothing like the Chinese Wantan Mee or Char Siew Rice type, but instead devoid of fatty portion, and less fragrant/decadent.

Cheesy, savoury goodness. Beats Pizza Hut's best offering on anyday!!!

Ume Chicken Roll Set (RM15 - Promo price)

Currently, Kissaten is running a promotion for certain set lunches. Did I mention they serve various Japanese rice and noodles dishes, as well as bento sets? Most set lunches are in the realm of RM20+, and they're holding special discount for certain sets. Do ask for assistance (though from the same "reliable" lady I mentioned earlier ... hehe =P)

Ume Chicken Roll set came with white rice, miso soup, chawan mushi, and pickled Japanese cucumbers. The rolls may look small on the menu, or from my pic, but trust me, the batter-fried rolls of chicken thighs are very filling in their own rights. But wait, NO sauce provided??!!! Fortunately, the meat is tender and juicy, although fried until golden brown. But a plate of mayo, or katsu sauce would suffice, in my opinion. The steamed egg (Chawan mushi) was very, very smooth, until the point of slightly watery. But I like mine this way, so no qualms.

Pumpkin Cream and Vanilla Ice Cream (Rm9.90)

Desserts galore!!!! Limited choices, and again, the untrained mind (the waitress) continuously denied me of my initial plan to order the highly prized Rich Choco Pudding (RM7.90), purpotedly sinful, and velvety-goodness (according to various floggers). She kept questioning our picks, and recommended the cheese cake and cheese pudding instead. OK, fine.

The Pumpkin Cream + Vanilla Ice Cream was creamy and smooth. No strong pumpkin flavour, but a rather bland, and mild sweet broth, when combined with the vanilla ice-cream, made a lasting impression on our sweet palate. Just remember to finish this quick, before the whole dollop of ice cream melts and turns into a mash of diluted, sweet tong-sui.

Cheese Cake (RM7.90)

Since she insisted on the cake, we obliged. But regretted soon after. Don't get me wrong. The texture was nice, not too soft or spongy (unlike Secret Recipe's current offerings). But our only gripe was the somewhat mild cheese flavour. Not as cheesy as I'd prefer.

Location : Kissaten Coffee and Restaurant, L12A-1-1, Palm Square, Jaya One, Jalan Universiti, Petaling Jaya. Tel : 03-79541990.

For second opinions, hop over to :

masak-masak, Sweets for my Sweet Tooth, Shell Food Station, ling239, Kissaten's own blog

The Southern Escapade (Johor Bahru) - Part 2

Really apologetic for the lack of updates the last few days. Spent the weekend (and then some) over in KL, a "getaway" of sort for me, from the mundane, routine life here in Ipoh. Though come to think of it, other than the FOOD, and shopping, what else is there in KL? Hmmm, ponder on THAT ... =)

Continuation from Part 1 of The Southern Escapade (Johor) ....

The ZON Regency Hotel ... (Geez, the management seriously owe me some promo wages !!!)

KAFE ENAMPULUHAN - Opens from evening onwards (not sure the actual operating hours)

A short post, as I've to UNpack, and then REpack for another trip up north, to Hulu Perak district for 2 days starting tomorrow. And I was about to lament on my backache from long rides. Sigh ....

Mee Rebus Stulang Laut (RM3.50?)

One of Johor's specialty is the Mee Rebus at Stulang Laut. Yup, it's famous enough to warrant Jeff Ooi's attention. (Click HERE for his take). Mee Rebus is basically yellow alkaline noodles in sweet-curry gravy with lots of potatoes for a thickened consistency. (Still in doubt, click HERE). One familiar sibling of this is Mee Jawa.

So, what makes the Mee Rebus in Johor Bahru stand out from the rest? The loads of fritters sprinkled liberately on top, for one. Delivering crunch and fragrance to the otherwise lacklustre noodles, this simple, unpretentious, supporting character is the STAR of this dish. The gravy is not spicy at all, but rather a tad sweetish. But on a bearable scale, no worries. Squeeze some lime, mix them up well, and slurp away. Good stuff. No wonder people throng this restaurant til no end ....

Otak-otak Kempas (50 cents each)

Still remember my April excursion to JB? Where me and my colleagues had seemingly unlimited supply of Otak-Otak (click for explanation). Yup, this delicacy has various transformation in various states/countries (M'sia, Indonesia and S'pore serve them). Even Johor has TWO, a version from Muar, and another named Kempas. The ones served here is the latter, bloody red in colour, but very addictive in nature. Before you know it, you would've popped a few.

Shop away at the duty-free zone at erm, The ZON. (no pun intended)

The hotel is located within the duty-free zone, therefore a duty-free shopping complex is directly situated inside the hotel itself. Chocolates and liquor are good bargain, (especially the latter, as cans of beer go for less than RM4). Needless to say, KYT made a deal with the devil, the lure of alcohol somehow got him ending up with a few. =P

Sigh ..... that's all this fatigued mind, and restless fingers could manage for the night. Further updates on JB (and of course, the July KL Mini-Food Tour) in upcoming posts. Now, I can get back to my UNpacking and REpacking activity. Oh, what fun ...

The Southern Escapade (Johor Bahru) - Part 1

A cool, breezy morning on the highway ...

We thought June was a hectic month. And July had the potential to be stress-free, with lighter schedule, and fewer outstation trips. But as usual, we were wrong.

(P/S : This job is unpredictable. Imagine packing and unpacking, and then packing again in a matter of days. All within short notice.)

No need to strain your necks/eyes for the movies, secondary screens available!

However, compared to the previous trip in April this year, we could not book flight tickets in a rush, therefore the 6 of us had to travel by bus. Yeah, not unlike school children, going on a field trip. 7+ hours on a bus (RM56 on Nice Express @ Jln Bendahara, Ipoh) was taxing, but at least we were entertained by TWO "blockbusters", ie : War of the Dragons (still on show in theatres, hmm ... ) and 10,000 BC. Kinda made the trip slightly more bearable ....

Plain old nasi lemak (RM3.50)

Those familiar to travelling down south to Singapore/Johor by bus would've recognized a place called Yong Peng in Johor, the assigned rest stop for express buses. With so many unsuspecting tourists forcibly alighting for a quick fix, we felt like slabs of meat on chopper boards, waiting to be chopped ....

All the food served is HALAL (supposedly) or rather pork-free, but the prices are inflated. Paying RM6 per plate of chicken rice, sizzling noodles, or fried rice may sound absurd, for these are NOT restaurant-quality servings. But who's to complain? Our Singapore counterparts may find them reasonable, and they made up quite a number of the passengers.

Anyhow, the nasi lemak with sambal, anchovies and peanuts, and a fried egg was pretty good (or I could be really hungry), at RM3.50 per plate, at least did not dent my wallet so severely.

Sensing familiarity here?

Arriving in JB in the evening, we were glad to be transported from to the hotel instantly by taxi (RM8 from town to our hotel at Stulang Laut). Checking in was a breeze (albeit some teething problems) as our Johor counterparts booked the rooms for us in advance. Wanna know where we stayed? Let's see some hints ;

All 16 floors of the hotel, overlooking the middle lounge on 5th floor

A handy gadget, controlling practically all the switches and electronic gadgets in the room

Plush, comfy beds - ensuring a good slumber ...

Yup, the SAME hotel I stayed in April. Not to condemn though, far from it. Situated at Stulang Laut, overlooking the Tebrau straits, Singapore's basically a "swim" away. But of course, none of us pushed our luck ... =)

One noteworthy gadget in the room is the almighty remote controller by our bedside, whereby everything's a click away, from the TV channels to the lights in the room, and setting alarm as well as requesting for a room makeover, or a 'privacy please' note. Talk about inventions.

Nasi Lemak with condiments and Rendang Chicken

Cured beef slices, like an old friend now

Golden balls of indulgence

Yummy, unlimited pancakes

Unlike previous experience, this time around, only breakfasts are complimentary to our rooms. Shucks ... and we thought all meals are provided. Salt & Pepper Cafe on Level 5 is a trusted name, reassuring of a hearty breakfast, although the variety may get slightly repetitive. But, who's complaining? (certainly not the gluttons in us!)

The fun ZON - Coming alive at night ...

Singapore's on the other end ...

More delicious posts in subsequent episodes. Gee, my posts lately are continuous, huh? Sorry, but quite hard to squeeze everything in one single post.

P/S : Will be down to KL for the weekend, therefore blogging would take a back seat. Care to bump into the Motormouth in KL? =P

BETONG - Say Your Prayers (Part 5)

Visiting Thailand without stepping into a temple somehow sounds awkward, huh? A shrine may suffice. Or a full-fledged temple for that matter, swarming with the locals performing their prayers, especially on specific occasions. We, the tourists, the outsiders, on the other hand, flock to these holy grounds for one reason in particular; photography-sessions.

Glorified, towering baskets of gluttony ....

What better way to start the day than by completely overshadowing our previous day's ultra-cheap dimsum breakfast, by ordering like madmen, oblivious to stares and grunts. Of course, there were more of us on the second day, therefore a bit of gluttony is permissible. Other than 34 (!!) baskets of steamed dimsum, we ordered chee cheong fun (which was tasteless, and coarse, unlike Ipoh's better ones, RM1) and fish maw (a Betong specialty, cooked in thick gravy ala Lum Mee, with coagulated pork's blood and coriander, RM7).

This outlet's situated on a road branching east from clock tower, coming from Mongkollit tunnel's direction. Once again, click HERE for the map. The meal costed us RM48. Including chinese tea for 12.

Bird's eye view of the shrine ...

A short distance away from the GIANT mailbox on Sukkayang road, is a small temple by the road. Which meant, it's time to click away!!!

No idea what they're praying to here

Then we moved on to Wat Phuttathiwat (try repeating that in sequence, and you'll have yourself a potential tongue-twister of a title), which I've no recollection of the location. Yup, completely blank. Typical of my flawed memories. Won't somebody pass me some ginkgo? =P

Writing's too small to comprehend ... but basically some yada on the history of the temple

Stairway to heaven !!!

The highest shrine/point of the temple, after much panting, and climbing ...

The weather was cloudy on that afternoon. A blessing in disguise, as the inner wax-beings in us can't possibly stand the heat from all the climbing and photo-taking. However, it was drizzling slightly, and we had to take off our shoes before stepping onto the highest platform. Shucks ... should've worn my slippers instead.

No, not a Malay musical instrument, but you can beat on the gong-like apparatus for fun

A somewhat disturbing resemblance to a final resting place ??

Church-like motives on the windows?

The highest point of the temple, overlooking the whole area, and Betong town

Intricate details of the shrines ...

Giant Buddha statue

~~ LUNCH @ Curry House beside Blue Mosque ~~

Point away at your desires .... no, not the girls, you pervert !!

Next to the only mosque in town (Masjid Jamek), a baby blue one at that, is this curry shop at the corner of a row of shoplots. Parking's a breeze though we went 2 rounds searching for a closer lot (lazybums DON'T walk, remember? =P).

WOW. How else to describe the humongous trotter?

Array of authentic, home-style Thai dishes (photo thanks to YK)

Crispy fried chicken with special chilli sauce

Ordered by Giant Boy (who has Betong blood in his body), the dishes were more than enough for the 12 of us. Noteworthy dishes include fried egg omelette, fried chicken, dry curry pork, deep-fried pork's lard, and green curry chicken. Total damage? RM59 only. Fiery guts were doused with their local drinking water, Singha (yup, the beer brand).

And that, concludes the Betong saga. There is a Thai food restaurant that I wish to share, but that has to wait, as my Johor experience is slowly drifting away from my memory.

For previous instalments, do read these :

Part 1 - The introduction to Betong

Part 2 - The Dimsum Affair

Part 3 - The Largest Mailbox in Thailand

Part 4 - Piyamit Tunnel (Ex-Communists' Hideout) & Hot Spring

Healthy Vegetarian Fare & Matchmaking (?!!)

" Does the calm really come after a storm? Or it's only transitional, hinting at turbulent times waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting soul? Akin to an impending tsunami, a catastrophe waiting to devastate. Life is definitely NOT simple ...."

Anyway, taking a break from my Betong posts (yeah yeah, some had voiced concern over the lack of "local" food reviews, but I'd rather post them all than letting amnesia takes over). Let's catch up on what this Motormouth had digested lately ....

The address and contact number printed on the menu for easy reference ...

Yesterday (yes, this IS recent) me, TallGal and FCOE were running around the whole of Kinta district, from Lahat to Tasek. Strangely when the time was nigh for lunch, we discovered the intended destinations were all closed on Mondays. Suffice to say, hunger pangs overpowered rationale, and we ended up at a vegetarian restaurant in Taman Ipoh Permai, at a corner shoplot next to Citrus Wine & Dine (click HERE for my review on Citrus).

Vegetarian Fried Rice Noodles (Char Kuey Teow) RM3.50

Some of you might have realised that I have never reviewed any vegetarian food, for being the omnivores (or rather, carnivores) that we are, going vege without special occasions somehow did not cross our minds. But I vaguely remembered Mum claimed this newly opened restaurant had my aunt's seal of approval (my aunt being a rather picky eater, btw).

Loh Hon Chai (Mixed Vege) Rice RM3.50

The lady boss practised a different approach when it comes to ordering. How? She SITS on an empty chair at your table, uninvited no less, and slowly take your order. Too close for comfort? Nah ... Maybe she anticipated our indecisiveness, and would not risk standing for hours while we oogle at the items on the menu.

Butter Milky Chicken Chop with Rice (RM5)

TallGal had the Penang Char Kuey Teow (recommended by our "friend", the lady boss), FCOE chose the Loh Hon Chai Rice, while I was still hoping to satiate the carnivorous appetite by picking the Chicken Chop Rice (also suggested by "her").

All in all, the dishes were quite delicious, being vegetarian food and all. Which kind of explained the nearly fully-patronised outlet even it was way past lunch hour. Total for 3 including drinks came to RM18. Reasonable enough. They serve an impressive range of dishes as well as individual meals, such as fried rice, noodles, and etc.

Min Sin Yie Vegetarian Restaurant

Location : 39, Laluan Permai 1, Taman Ipoh Permai, 31400 Ipoh. Tel : 012-5322856. Closed on Wednesdays, unless it's the 1st or 15th of the month in Chinese lunar calendar.

Now, don't go yet, for something slightly different, I need some 'professional' opinions here :

LULU : Aahhh ... Where's my knight in shining armour????

BOB : Ahem ahem. I'm the perfect candidate! (At least I hope to be one .... )

My Golden Retriever, LULU, is looking for a life partner. Muahaha ... What do YOU think? =P

BETONG - Piyamit Tunnel & Betong Hot Spring (Part 4)

First of all, I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to a volunteer, and a flogger himself, who ever so kindly designed a new header for my humble/pitiful/colourless/lifeless blog. Yup, many had teased me for being boring enough to pick black template, and yet had the audacity to torment the readers without a proper header. Guess Crizlai has had enough of the pale and gloomy background, and took things up a notch. Thanks again! =)

Continuation from Part 3 - The Largest Mailbox ....

The convoy to our destination

If any of you remember, in my first post, I mentioned about Aunt Yoong, whose parents hailed from and still residing in Malaysia, who assisted us a lot in our endeavours in Betong. One of the more prominent tourist spot in Betong is supposed to be the must-see Piyamit Tunnel.

Finally ... after a good ~20 minutes drive from town

Driving up north from the clock tower in Betong town, using Sukkayang road, we soon reached the outskirts of town. Our mind wandered whether we were on the right track, as there was no signboards in sight, and the endless forests somehow reminded us of the grim events surrounding Yala province. Fortunately, we pressed on and caught view of road signs indicating we're well on our way to our destination. Phew ....

Entourage of Beetles provided a myriad of colours to the war-torn site

The relieving sight, sound and smell of the crowd ...

Some strange fruits (?)/ vege (?) resembling yams being sold at the entrance

The bridge with replicas of the 12 zodiac animals, according to Chinese belief

The entrance to the tunnel (RM5 per pax)

A brief history of the tunnel

Yup,the tunnel was used as a base for the communists way back in 1977. Somehow, the camarederie offset the grievances, despair, and bleak history of the place. Or, could we be in for a surprise?

The eternal climb to heaven ... NOT!

Bearing in mind the entrance to the tunnel is very near to the ticketing counter, we realised we were wrong, and we still had to climb a distance to the tunnel itself. Huh?! The weather was horrendously hot that particular day, we were sweating buckets, and yet had to jungle-trek?!! Oh well ....

Helpful guy (supposedly ex-communist himself) explaining the history, and architectural features of the place ... in Mandarin. Shucks ...

After a short (ahem, I beg to differ, it was LONG enough to sap 3/4 of my energy) climb, we reached a platform where a very friendly uncle told some grandfather's story, which was interesting, covering the history of the tunnel, and the utilities for war/cooking/storage. However, my command of Mandarin is akin to an Indian speaking French (=P), therefore my mind wandered ... "Hmm, wonder will we bump into any ghosts around this area?" ... "Hey, wouldn't it be fun if he demonstrated how they cooked and what they ate back then?" ...

Trust me, you would NOT want to step into this small cavern .... (hint : look at the ceiling above !!! Yikes!!!)

Those suffering from claustrophobia should be warned

The eerie tunnel measured around 1km, with various exits

The whole tunnel was a maze, with nooks and crannies we did not explore fully. Trust me, walking around while hunching over (the ceiling's pretty low in some areas) somehow takes your breath away, if the view hasn't. And climbing short and high steps continuously reminded me of my breathless/asthmatic experience at the Great Wall of China. Huffing and puffing away, we miraculously survived the ordeal. (Yippee!)

Bye guys! Salutation for being able to survive in such cramped condition!!

Betong's very own Statue of Liberty?!! =P

After exiting the tunnel, we were led to an exhibition room, with another round of explanation by a lady, also formerly an ex-activist herself. However, no snapping of photos is allowed. Which I humbly abided to, of course.

Aaah ... cold and soothing on a scorching afternoon!!!

Soon, it was time to leave. But it was still early to retire back to our room for a rest. Therefore, we aimed for the next destination, which is very near to the tunnel; Betong Hot Spring.

Doesn't this remind you of California? Palm trees and all? ;)

The Betong Hot Spring

No entrance fees required. The Betong Hot Spring is a natural lake situated somewhere near the tunnel. You'll pass by this area on your way back to town. However, soaking our feets in the boiling hot water on a steaming hot day somehow sounded ridiculous.

Boil your eggs here. Or your clams (as proven possible by a mother and child combination)

After walking around aimlessly, trying to find a shed (yup, probably most of us were waxed princes/princesses in our previous lives), we decided to scram, and the thought of standing under a cold shower, and then relaxing on our fluffy beds in a fully air-conditioned room was never too appealing.

The Wai Sek Kai (Food Street) of Betong, a few roads away from Central Market

The tong sui (Sweet soup) auntie is operating on this street itself. (Refer old post for reference). To appease the hunger pangs, we went for a stroll around town. Of course, food's never too far when the Motormouth's tagging along. =P

Bearded Uncle : Show me the MONAY!!!!

Everyone went for another round of tong sui, then we came to this stall selling fried porky goodness.

Deep fried lean pork meat with sesame

Random fish roe, deep-fried to perfection

The pork strips were rather tough, but being lean meat, that's understandable. He sells half lean-half fatty cuts as well, deep fried til golden brown. He broke a piece of the fish roe for us to try, and the taste is somewhat an acquired one. Salty, and briny, I found them savoury, perfect as complements to a cold jug of beer.

Til the next instalment .... (FCOE, this is gonna conclude soon, no worries ... =P)

BETONG - Of Bak Kut Teh meal & The LARGEST Mailbox (Part 3)

Pardon the long absence. Arriving after an ultra-prolonged journey (EIGHT hours in the bus to be exact) from Johor Bahru - Ipoh, I was experiencing bus-lag (if there ever was such a term) yesterday. Not to mention the ever-reliable broadband connection, failing to reach nowhere near the maximum speed of 1Mbps, but instead fell to a humiliating realm of 10kbps. But let's not digress ....

Continuation from Part 2 ....

Central Market - A place for fresh supplies, and whatnots ....

In the mood for some superstar's treatment? =)

The eight members from the GGG (Great Gerik Gang) joined us on the next day, right after our cheap-as-dirt dimsum meal (erm, wrong metaphor?). Of course, some being foodies themselves, they arrived on empty stomachs. Departing to our next destination with hungry lions aboard sounded ridiculous. So, off we went for brunch, though the pau and the siew mai were still happily residing in our guts.

Directly opposite the Central Market in town, are 2 shops side by side, selling Bak Kut Teh (those who think of Bak Kut Teh as a person's name, seriously consider clicking HERE). Following advice from GiantBoy (who's only 16 btw, and taller than some lamp posts), whose aunt is residing in Betong, we chose the one nearer to the traffic lights.

Familiar array of Chinese dishes ... typical of Bak Kut Teh meal in Malaysia

Spicy minced pork - sadly, no one ordered these though I was advocating for it helplessly ...

The main characters with sides of Yew Char Kueh/Youtiao (click HERE to prevent misunderstanding yet again !!!)

A portion for 5 pax served 7 of them, (another joined us for noodles) costing roughly RM7-8 per pax. Reasonable, though I forgot to get their feedback on the taste. Understandably, paled in comparison to Klang's version, I presumed. How about the other 5 of us? We had .....

Noodles in Bak Kut Teh soup (RM3)

No intention to burst our bloated stomachs, the 4 of us (me, KYT, TallGal and LaughingGal) with Mr.Lenggong opted for the noodles instead. The lady owner serves wantan noodles, but we were craving for a taste of their herbal concoction, therefore the hybrid of wantan mee-bak kut teh was born. =P

Although it did not create much of an impact, we were still satisfied, as for RM3/bowl, the serving's pretty generous, with char siew (BBQ pork), siew yoke (roast pork) and choy sum (green mustard) thrown in for good measure.

If you're ever in shopaholic mode, spend away ... no designer goods though.

On that same street with Central Market, are a few shops selling tidbits, snacks, and popular buys for tourist. Do scout a few shops as the prices may vary, and the choices as well. Wanna know what tourists from Malaysia normally buy? (We know, as our job's at the custom dept in Pengkalan Hulu, checking car boots and passengers' baggages) Here's a rundown :

• Instant noodles (Mama brand, tomyam and duck flavours) - Buy in bulk of 30 packets/box, at RM16 each.
• Snacks such as Koh Kae peanuts (various flavours eg. BBQ, coffee, wasabi etc) at RM10 for three containers. A steal, as in Malaysia, these retail for RM5-6 each.
• Black glutinous rice at RM4/kg. Cheap, but carrying any rice products across the border is unwise, as you'll be heavily taxed.
• Clothes, accessories, fashionable items are lacking in Betong town. Seldom see people buying these and transporting them over the border.

• And last but not least, THESE (refer pic above). Some vehicles were stuffed full to the brim, boots, passenger seats and all, transferring what possibly could be the epitome of summer, when fruiting season is abound. We, however has had enough of them in Gerik the previous days (more on that later), feasting on heaps and tonnes (OK, I'm exaggerating, but the numbers are definitely not scarce) of them.

The largest mailbox in the world

One of the must-see in everyone's itinerary is this largest mailbox in Thailand, situated at the City Convention Hall, on Sukkayang Road. The original largest mailbox is another one facing the Betong clock tower in the centre of town. But this one absolutely outdid the previous champ, measuring an astounding NINE metres, and a great spot for camwhores.

Just look at the size of this menacing red tower ...

A shot of Sukkayang road ... on the way to the outskirts of town

We embarked to the next destinations, situated far from town, heading north towards Yala province. But more on that in the next post. I'm just in such dire need of rest.

Happy weekend, fellow bloggers and readers !!!

BETONG - The Dimsum Affair (Part 2)

Continuation from Part 1 ...

Picturesque view from our room's window

Waking up the next morning, from our window, we observe the mist enveloping the mountains, a picture of serenity with swifts flying over the skyline (though not captured on photo). Betong's timezone is an hour earlier than Malaysia's, the same with Bangkok's.

How helpful ...

Funnily enough, the tourist information centre is closed since the day before. Any plans to grab some maps, guides, or a word or two of advice was dashed. Guess outsiders would have to come fully prepare, maps and all, OR risk scurrying around like headless mice (haha, sounds morbid?) But really, the town's not THAT big ...

Mr. Policeman casting a shadow on a fine morning ...

Traffic's on the lighter side, especially at night when we unleashed the camwhores in us, right in the middle of road, in front of the clock tower. (=P) But if you're driving in this town, do be cautious, as the traffic lights system is somewhat different (or the people there couldn't care less about the laws), with vehicles zooming in from every direction although the green light's on your side.

Most restaurants in Betong do not display the English spelling, so remember the shop either by location, or the shape/colour of the building

Situated at the corner of Chayachawalit Road, a short walk from our hotel, Betong Merlin, is this supposedly popular dimsum joint, serving Chinese style breakfast. For detailed map of Betong, please refer to Travelfish's useful map HERE.

He's probably thinking, who's this nosy fella?

The owner's a local Chinese, speaking fluent Mandarin. Therefore communicating my orders was an easy task, given my limited vocabulary of the language.

A variety of dimsum on metal plates, before steamed and poured over some sauce

Unlike Malaysian style of serving dimsum, it's self-service when it comes to ordering, whereby you'll have to walk over to the counter, and pick your favourite pieces. Then he'll steam the dimsum freshly for you, (which may take a good 10-15 minutes) and serve them at your table. Innovative option, as fresh dimsum's always a better choice than those displayed on the trolley and being pushed around.

Stacks after stacks of dimsum for picking

You can opt for steamed fish slices with julienned ginger and chilli, served with their thick, special gravy, resembling Penang's Lor Bak or Lor Mee's gravy

Chinese tea in pot

Oh ya, something out of topic here. I've been in a 'heated' debate with TallGal, ZMin, KYT, KCA and the lot, on the REAL custom of thanking someone when he/she pours for you by tapping your fingers. To clarify this matter, please click HERE. Any objections? ;)

Pork Dumplings (Siew Mai), and Glutinous Rice (Lor Mai Kai)

Prawn Dumplings (Har Kau) and Chives Dumplings (9 Choi)

Economy Fried Noodles

Yam Cake (or is it?)

Other than serving dimsum, there is an additional stall serving chee cheong fun (rice noodles roll), fried noodles, and yam cakes (wu tau kou). The CCF was out of stock, so early in the morning. Tastewise? The morsels of dimsum was a paltry affair, pale in comparison to Ipoh's offerings (obviously). The fried noodles was not impressive either, but the worst had to be the yam cake. Made from more flour than yam, the chunk was oily, tasteless, and offered small cubes of yams as consolation.

Char Siew Pau (BBQ Pork Buns)

Probably we were expecting too much. But fortunately, the Char Siew Pau was passable, and the dough was not of the stick-to-teeth kind.

Though slightly disappointed by the breakfast spread, we were shocked, or rather pleasantly surprised when it was time to foot the bill. Total for 4 pax = RM15 ONLY. That includes everything on the table. To prevent miscommunication, we asked again whether the sum covered the drinks? YES. The noodles and yam cakes? YES. Wow .... speechless. In Ipoh, RM15 can only get you 5 baskets of dimsum at most. Haha .....

We had dimsum AGAIN for breakfast on the next day, when 8 (!!!) others arrived on the second day. But more on that in later posts ... For now, I'll be packing yet again, this time venturing south to Johor Bahru for work purposes. Wish me safe journey ya? Unlike previous JB excursion in April (read about that HERE), this time we have to take the bus. Prepare for a ride, on the bumpy side!!!

Til this weekend, tata !!!

BETONG - The Town Over The Border (Part 1)

Typical rules & regulations before entering the country

Not many realize that Perak has a Thai border, with the neighbouring town being Betong. Located a mere 10 minutes drive from Pengkalan Hulu (Perak's northern most town), many Malaysians cross over on a daily basis, and vice versa.

The queue at the Immigration Checkpoint is bearable on a weekday, but not on weekends and public holidays

Basic requirement before entering ??

1. International passport/border pass (a no-brainer)
2. Fill up an arrival form at the checkpoint, but pay RM2/person. The kind lady seated at the counter will perform her magically-rapid-fast hands trick and fill up one by one.
3. Exchanging your Ringgit to Thai Baht is NOT necessary, as most, if not all, shops accept payment in RM, for a RM1=10Baht rate. Except 7-11, where RM5=45Baht.
4. A crash course in Thai language is deemed UNnecessary as most vendors/hawkers/restaurant owners speak Malay, English or Chinese. No language barrier at all. Phew ....

In order to get your vehicle CLEARED, first you have to DE-CLEAR your car ... =P

5. If you're driving into the town (yup, you can drive to your heart's content, bearing in mind you bring your driving licence along), photostat your car grant and get it certified by an officer at Air Panas police station in Pengkalan Hulu, OR if you're not the owner of your vehicle, get a written attestation from the owner (ie. dad, mum, whoever) permitting you to drive over the border. Just don't drive a stolen car, that's all. :)

The roads in Betong

Once you're through, drive to your heart's content, and head straight for the town area. A straight path nonetheless, no twists and turns.

The famous clock tower of Betong town

Betong Merlin Hotel -5 Stars they ain't, but it's certainly one of the better ones in town

Delicate folding of a basic amenity ... a touch of hospitality?

We stayed at Betong Merlin Hotel, situated on 33, Chayachaowalit Road. Turn right once you reach a 4-way traffic lights intersection with Sri Betong on your right. Then go straight, and take the 2nd left turn. Once you see Betong Merlin Plaza on your right, turn right into the small path right after the plaza. The hotel is the tall white building right behind the plaza.

Mandarin Betong Hotel - A touch of class, but at slightly premium rate of 1380 Baht/night. OK, not THAT expensive, but be prudent at times like this.

Our room has a queen-sized bed, attached bathroom with bathtub, TV, and basic amenities. Rate per night is 875 Baht/room for two. Reasonable, as we managed to squeeze 4 pax/room and still slept comfortably. =) Oh, and parking's at the basement is FOC too.

Betong Mongkollit Tunnel

The Betong Mongkollit tunnel is situated in town area, a pretty short tunnel connecting to the south. The temple behind is an abandoned building named Hilltop Yala Shrine (correct me if I'm wrong, anyone?).

Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? ...

A closer view of the hilltop shrine, with locals performing morning dance routine

Somehow, the passengers are hanging on for dear life ... haha ...

Funnily enough, not many public transportation can be seen roaming, with the exception of the small trucks (pic above) not unlike Chiang Mai's Songthaew, or Bangkok's Tuk-Tuk. No buses was in sight, nor taxis.

The majestic clock tower at night ... OK, so my HP camera sucks. Sue me! =P

A corner shop at a backlane selling sweet desserts (tong sui)

Enough about the town, let's see some food ya? Hmm, let's start with what I had for tea time ALONE on the first day, as KYT, LaughingGal, and TallGal were fast asleep in the middle of the day. Hmmm .... Guess the drive took its toll? Or they probably learnt a tips or two from the Lyrical one when it comes to travelling and sleeping. LOL.

Nifty hands at work, scooping bowls after bowls of tong sui

Oh, Chinese style tong sui (sweet soup)in Betong? Not surprising, given the demographic distribution of Chinese citizens in Betong. This auntie speaks good Mandarin, fortunately. But UN-fortunately, mine sucks. Big time. But still, conveying my views and opinions on food works on any platform, be it English, Chinese or even Thai language. =P

Sweet banana desserts, a Thai specialty

Weird combination of ginkgo nuts, quail's eggs, and chicken (or duck?) eggs tong sui

My bowl of Bubur Cha-Cha (RM1/10Baht) - Dirt cheap?

The bubur cha-cha with lots of sago, red beans, sweet potatoes and yam cubes was satisfying. Served warm in a porcelain bowl, the flavour reminded me of Malaysia's version, with the exception of red beans added for good measure. Slightly sweet, and salty at the same time, this bowl of sweet delight is reasonably tagged at 10Baht ONLY.

I was curious about the ginkgo tong sui with eggs, therefore that very night we raided the same shop and I got my fix of the mysterious concoction. Pleasantly surprised that the combination works wonders, resembling the addition of quail's egg into Lin Chee Kang (a popular Chinese sweet soup). The abundance of quail's eggs and chicken egg provided much of a scare for health freak, as the cholesterol content of that bowl may exceed your average daily intake! At RM3/30 Baht per bowl, no less.

Auntie Yoong frying her crunchy bits ...

That same evening, on the way back to my room, I passed by a stall and got a whiff of deep-fried bananas. For RM1/10 Baht, you get a whole load of deep-fried bananas sprinkled with sesame seeds, fried yams, and sweet potato balls. Coincidentally, Auntie Yoong has connection to Malaysia, as her parents are from Penang, while her husband's are from Ipoh!!! Yeah! She assisted a lot in providing directions, and recommendations, and made our stay a tad more pleasant that it already was.

A million THANKS, to Auntie Yoong and her husband. Her shop's on Sukkayang Road, a road branching north from the clock tower in Betong town.

Wanna know in what way she helped us? Stay tuned for later instalments ... ;)

Read also Part 2 - The Dimsum Affair, Part 3 - The Largest Mailbox, Part 4 - Piyamit Tunnel & Hot Spring, and Part 5 - The Temple and The Curry Meal.

Updated (31/7/2009) - Part 6 - Krua Samui Authentic Thai Restaurant

Sungai Klah Hot Springs Park (TRAP) - Steaming Fun for the Family?

Giant Octopus with an orange tongue (slide) !!!

After a complimentary breakfast of fried eggs (oily and yummy!), fried rice and noodles (forgettable), mini sausages (half-cooked! *_*) and buttered toasts (good quality loaf, rumoured to be FELDA's very own product), we entered the hot springs park, which is opened to the public.

Admission fee for adults is RM10/person, and children at RM8/child. Pricey, given the limited pools/attractions. But ours are FOC, a privilege for the residence's guests. Probably a photography enthusiast's dream come true, with lush flora and fauna (HUMONGOUS giant bees!!! ^o^). But if you're expecting a lot, do think twice. Half day's more than enough to cover the whole park, and then some.

Location : Sg. Klah Hot Springs Park, a short distance (roughly 20-30 minutes from Sungkai). Do refer my previous posts HERE for information.

Choy Kee Restaurant's Famous Pork Knuckle, Sungkai, Perak

Continuation from previous post ....

Still wobbly from the long ride from the north, I'd continue posting on my previous excursion-cum-work-cum-holidays (haha ... confused?) at Sg. Klah Hot Spring's FELDA Residence. For my ultimate vacation (",) over the weekend that took me, KYT, TallGal, and NINE (9!!!)others over the border, do stay tuned for my next posts .... (OK, I'm too battered to sort the photos this instance, that's why) =P

In a nutshell, they advertise their signature dishes, complete with the shop's contact numbers ... How's that for self-promo savviness? ;)

A brief introduction of Sungkai, a town I hold close to my heart. The reason? I practically grew up visiting this small town quite frequent, as my late grandfather stayed here ever since I was born. For those in the dark about living and embracing the simple, village-type of lifestyle in a small town, the experience is priceless. Imagine "recreational" activities such as having a splashing time at a waterfall, a walk in the palm oil plantations, strolling around the whole town enjoying your favourite ice-cream, and dozing off to the lullaby of crickets.

Signature Beancurd with Minced Meat, Preserved Vegetables and Spring Onions (RM8)

Anyway, enough with the touch of rendezvous (this being a FOOD blog, after all!). On special occasions, (Eg. Chinese New Year, & Bai Tin Kung ~ an occasion on the midnight of the 8th day of CNY, whereby Hokkiens offer their prayers to the Emperor of Heaven) my grandmother would order a special dish of pork's knuckle/hand, (weighing >>1kg each, no less) for our dinner. Oh btw, not only does our family consists of >20 members, most are gluttons/gluttons in-the-making!

Stir-fried Yau Mak with Fu Yee (fermented beancurd) RM7

Strange enough, all these years of feasting on the famed pork hand dish, I never dined in the shop itself. Coincidentally, work took us to the town of Sungkai itself, and we were in luck as our tasks ended at dinner hour. And Choy Kee Restaurant, with its bright yellow signboard situated on the Main Road of Sungkai itself was luring us like bees to honey, or in this case, flies to garbage dump (*_*). Yup, we were startled to discover the number of flies on the tables and floor of the shop. But lucky for us, seated near to a fly-electrocutor (whatever the machine's called) somehow deter the flies from approaching. Or it could be FCOE's stench. But I digress .... =P

Marmite Chicken (RM10)

Enough of babbling, let's get to the dishes. Their signature dish of tofu (beancurd) with minced meat toppings was a simple, yet very delicious dish. The tofu is homemade, with egg ala Japanese tofu, but very smooth and soft. The yau mak (Romaine lettuce?) cooked with fu yee (fermented beancurd) was thankfully not too saltish, and right up our alley. The Marmite chicken's serving was a bit lacking, though equally good in terms of taste. But let us move on to the **STAR** of the evening .....

Gigantic Pork Knuckle Braised in Soy Sauce (RM26)

Timeless classic. Suffice to say, my favourite dish of the night. Though KYT may agree, as the fatty portion overshadowed the lean meat. But the meat was braised with such care, and flavours, the meat's consistency was just right, soft and tender, soaking up the sauce while not being overwhelmingly salty. A must-try if you ever drop by in this shop, or in Sungkai for that matter.

Location : Choy Kee Restaurant @ 35, Jalan Besar, 35600 Sungkai,Perak. Tel : 05-4386287 or 019-3369609. To get to Sungkai town, turn at Sungkai exit on North-South Highway, which is between Bidor exit and Slim River exit. Around an hour drive from Ipoh.

For BSG's chomping good time at Choy Kee, do hop over HERE.

No worries, not an apparition or ghost. But the steaming, erm, BUBBLING hot water was indeed rather horrifying, to say the least.

So, what did we do after that satisfying meal? Of course, we returned to our "VILLA" (refer previous post for more photos) for some stretching out, relaxation, and obviously, a timely soak in the personal hot spring pool. But the water was WAY too hot, possibly heated well to boil an egg or two. We could only dipped our toes and feet, before jumping up and down, squealing like children. Hehe ....

Here's to those who's wondering where in the blue world is this place :

FELDA Residence Hot Springs Sg. Klah, 35600 Sungkai, Perak. Tel : 05-4388801. Visit their site at http://www.plantationresorts.com.my/HotSprings/index_ap.shtml for more information.

(P/S : Our villa's rate is RM600 each, accomodates up to 4 residents per villa, per night. Cost an arm and a leg, huh? But the place is rather seclusive, AND exclusive. The standard rooms are going to be opened in August this year, so keep your fingers crossed? =P)

Sungai Klah Hot Spring Park

Lest someone misunderstood this post as a paid advert for Sg.Klah Hot Spring Park & FELDA Residences, allow me to rebut that notion, and clarify before proceeding. Scouting the whole of Batang Padang district took its toll on us, and searching for a modest hotel/guesthouse amidst the lush greenery surrounding was quite a chore.

Maintenance/management team must be sleeping on their job ...

As we were within the vicinity of Sg. Klah Hot Spring Park (TRAP in Malay, acronyms for Taman Rekreasi Air Panas), we decided to try our luck in search for a spot to crash for the night.

OKU/Disabled at RM2? Hmm, shouldn't they deserve better?

MYSpace ?! *o*
Our "Villa"

Our very own hot spring pool !!!

Comfy living room fully furnished

Delightful bedroom, had us sleeping like logs ...

Yup, a 32" LCD TV with cable channels ... Indulgence? :)

I'm rushing off for work (and holidays) somewhere up north as I'm typing this, therefore further explanation in the next post, possibly over the weekend. Til then, have a pleasant weekend !!!

P/S : Do drop comments/brickbats where you seem fit. As for the location of this posh villa, and the rate, keep your fingers crossed first, k? :)

Pun Chun Duck Noodles @ Bidor, Perak

The town of Bidor is situated south of Ipoh, between Ipoh-Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Highway (PLUS). People throng (OK, an exaggeration, but most tourists DO drop by) this town for a few obvious reasons.

1) The food - Duck noodles, biscuits, Chinese restaurants, KFC and typical hawker fare at the wet market.

2) The fruits/vegetables - Guava, petai (stinkbeans!!! ^o^), & various local delights.

3) Toilet break. (erm, OK ... so maybe most prefer the toll resthouse after all. Hehe ...)

The interior of Pun Chun Restaurant, situated on the main road of Bidor

Of course, whenever our work takes us to Bidor, the one place that springs to mind when the time is nigh for lunch/brunch/whatever, is Pun Chun Restaurant. Highly acclaimed for their duck noodles, and yam puffs, this restaurant has been in operation since I was a small kid, staying in nearby town of Sungkai for holidays WAY back then.

A variety of locally-produced confectioneries, proudly displayed for sale at the restaurant

On weekends and public holidays, waiting for a table may be relentless, pushing your patience to its limit. And the less-than-friendly staff does not help much either. Remember to read the items available on the board atop the wall, rather than ask for what's special, what they recommend etc. Else prepare for an onslaught of sour-faces (-.-) and a touch of hostility. LOL.

Something from their economy rice segment (RM4.00)

I've digressed. The food should be the main selling point here, not the service. Other than their famed duck noodles, they also serve wantan noodles, various type of rice dishes, as well as economy rice option. The freshly baked/fried yam puffs (Wu Kok) and Siew Pau are viable contenders for snacks, or for sharing, given the shrinking portion of noodles being served lately.

Duck Drumstick Noodles (RM6.60)

Their duck noodles remain as one of the best on my list, though the quality and quantity somehow dwindled over the years. Oh, and the price is escalating no less. You get a whole drumstick that has been sufficiently marinated and roasted/fried, served with egg noodles (wantan mee-type), vegetables and lots of herbs in the soup, providing an aromatic, calming concoction of herbal goodness. Finish the soup with ease of mind, as no MSG is added, supposedly.

Duck Drumstick Noodles - Dry version (RM6.60)

You can opt for the dry version, though the soup version is highly recommended. KYT's being the rebel that he was on that day, choosing the dry version, not unlike usual wantan mee. =P

The dry version comes with the duck meat dunked in a bowl of the herbal soup

Their appeal transcends generation, and borders, whereby people from as far as KL are common patrons. However, they opened up a branch in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam recently, catering to the KL-ites, and spreading the lurve for duck noodles. =)

Location : 38-40, Jalan Besar, 35500 Bidor, Perak. Very easy to locate, as this restaurant is situated on the main road, a bright yellow-coloured building, spanning two-shoplots. Right outside the restaurant are some peddlers selling local fruits, and PETAI (!!!). Remember to practise your bargaining skills, ya?

Sin Eng Heong's Famous Kaya Puff, Ipoh

Just got back from the south, covering grounds from Tapah to Bidor and Sungkai, as well as FELDA Sungai Klah and FELDA Gunung Besout. Huh? FELDA?!! (in case you're wondering where/what in the world is FELDA, click HERE) Yeah, but I've not changed my job, but rather it's within our job scope to travel THAT far in our itinerary.

Sin Eng Heong - They moved a few shops away from their original location, expanding their business in an air-conditioned shop

Anyway, I'm still stressed out from the drive to oblivion (somehow the images of the underworld in Hellboy II struck my mind, but rest assured it's not THAT bad). And haven't sort my photos yet. Probably tomorrow I'll share my experience staying at Sg. Klah Hot Spring Resort, and of course, some of the food we ate along the way.

For now, be contented with something I've wanted to share with you for a long, long time. =)

Lady in Red : Which one you want? This, this, this, or that?

Lady with handbag : Ish, hmmm .... (pondering).

I've always been a fan of Sin Eng Heong's kaya puffs, and various pastries, from mini mooncakes to lou por peng (wife's biscuits). Mum had been buying them since years ago, before Ho Chak (a food programme in Malaysia courtesy of 8TV) and various media started raving about their kaya puff.

Fresh from the oven, fragrant and crispy delights ....

Previously operating two doors away, they moved to this new location, and revamped the ambience, albeit increasing the price by a minimal margin. However at a mere RM0.60 per piece, the puff may look mini, but in fact packed with flavours from the awesome kaya (egg jam) fillings, and the flaky, crispy-when-hot pastry.

A box of 5 for RM3.00

Fragrant, and sweet egg-licious kaya filling

Perfect when consumed hot, or fresh from the oven, the puff retain their crispiness even after several hours. Some may find the kaya filling a tad too sweet, but for me, it's perfect. Pair them with a piping hot cup of frothy milk tea, or white coffee, and tea time ain't boring no more. ;)

There's no denying their pulling power, ya?

Situated within the vicinity of Foh San Dimsum, Lou Wong Kuetiau Ayam, Funny Mountain Soya Bean/Tau Fu Fa, Yin Yau Kui Hakka Mee, Xin Quan Fang's Curry Noodle, Aun Kheng Lim's Salted Chicken and various other popular eateries, this area smacked in the middle of town is an ideal spot for food crawl, for locals and tourists alike.

On weekends and public holidays, the acclaimed pastries may run out fast, therefore give them a call before you go, to avoid leaving empty-handed and sour-faced. v_v But their other pastries are equally nice, and should satiate your cravings for some snacks.

Location : Sin Eng Heong Foodstuff Manufacturers @ No. 64, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Jalan Clare, 30300 Ipoh, Perak. Tel : 05- 2439659, or 012-4534596 (Elaine).

Ipoh's Famous Curry Noodles (Part 2)

Continued from Part 1 ....

I'm on a roll here !!! 2nd post for curry noodles, no doubt one of my favourite dish. Next week might be slightly packed, preparing myself physically and mentally for possibly 6 days outstation. So, without further ado, here's more of the good stuff :

~~ Woolley Food City Curry Mee~~

Thick, luscious santan-infused fattening concoction ...

Woolley Food City, with its abundance of choices in terms of food and drinks, never cease to amazes me, and appeals to locals and out-of-towners alike. The curry mee however, was of moderate standard, overpowered by the excessive coconut milk added, sipping on the broth takes some courage (apathetic attitude towards health works wonders too!).

Location : Refer old post on Woolley Food City HERE.

~~ Sun Seng Fatt Curry Mee @ Old Town ~~

Mirror yourself with the shiny layer of curry oil ... =P

From my old post, we've Sun Seng Fatt, one of the pioneer of curry noodles, even exporting their curry stock to other countries (eg. Hong Kong). However, second time around, the taste still was not right, too oily, and the gravy not aromatic/tasty enough. Wonder what's their selling point. Anyone?

For previous rants, complaints, and location, refer HERE.

~~ Yee Fatt Dry Curry Mee ~~

Hainan-style Dry Curry Noodles

One of the better ones in Ipoh, Yee Fatt is an old classic, serving their famed curry mee for decades. Helmed by a family of Hainanese (yet again), I somehow has fond memories eating here, for I'm a Hainanese myself, and I've been introduced to curry mee since I was small through binging here first. Yup folks, they may the culprit after all, developing and honing my senses for curry noodles !!

Location : Click HERE for my previous experience. Located at the MGS (Methodist Girls' School roundabout, near Tow Boo Keong temple, is this corner shop, bearing a brand new signboard, proudly proclaiming and embracing their 50 (!!!) yrs of legacy. Coming from Jalan Kampar (Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun) towards Pasir Putih/town, you'll reach a roundabout after passing by The Store, Econsave on your left, and Fairmont Hotel on your right. At the roundabout, turn 3 o'clock, and you'll notice this shop on your immediate left, facing the roundabout itself.

~~ Nam Chau's Curry Noodles ~~

The best there is at the moment ... Utterly, sinfully delicious ...

And last but not least, let me gloat about my absolute favourite curry noodles for the time being, and in fact, had topped my list for some time. Nam Chau's version.

The dry curry noodles is beyond compare, the gravy thick and with the right spiciness/sourness (from the lime) and consistency, there is nothing much to complain about the dish. At RM3.50 per plate, the ingredients may be a tad lacking, especially when compared to the others, but still, I find myself going back there again and again (working nearby somehow affected my judgment probably =P). Plus, the drinks here are pretty good themselves, the white coffee even trumping Nam Heong's (of Old Town Kopitiam fame) version.

Location : Kindly click HERE for my previous orgasmic ("o") experience.

Well, that's all I've to share about curry noodles in Ipoh. In future posts, will review other outlets I've yet to try, eg. Ipoh Garden Curry Mee, Keng Nam's version, etc. Do suggest any good curry noodles, to search for the BEST Curry Mee in Ipoh.

Ipoh's Famous Curry Noodles (Part 1)

I've a penchant for anything and everything spicy. Probably my tastebud is accustomed to burning-hot food since I was a small kid, growing up adoring sambal petai when most children back then had no idea what petai was. (Petai = Stinkbeans).

Needless to say, I crave for curry noodles every now and then, and fortunately, Ipoh has a few gems here and there. For today's post, let me share some of my finds with you. Prepare for a ride, on the sizzling side !!! ^o^

Ma Ta Liu (Police station) Curry Noodles @ Xin Quan Fang

In no particular order, allow me to start with an outlet that has been serving this delicacy for a good many years. Situated in town area, the nick Ma Ta Liu Curry Mee came from the location of the previous shop that was very near to the main police station in town. In fact, it's still quite near now, proving the irresistible charm of operating within the vicinity of good ol' trustworthy policemen. =P

Order some coffee to douse the fire

Sinful bowl of curry mee with variety of ingredients thrown in for good measure ... YUM!

The wait can be daunting, but be patient and DO NOT keep on nagging the uncle to take your order, least you're in the mood for a little smackdown, in terms of scolding, that is. Just park your butt and twiddle your thumb, count the patrons, sip on your coffee, or take a short nap (not recommended though) or whatever. He'll come by and take your order if it's your turn. We waited a good 10 minutes before he batted an eyelid and succumbed to our hungry-for-10-days look. =P

Remember to request for the extra bowl of homemade sambal/chilli concoction, with bird's eye chilli, shallots and supposely lard.

The curry noodles (RM3.50) are good, in fact, among the top 3 in Ipoh I've tried. I seldom go for 'wet' curry, instead routinely opt for dry curry version. But the uncle mistakenly took my order, and ended up with curry mee instead. Of course the timid soul in me did not dare to protest, especially when the opposition are no mere mortals. LOL.

The extra dipping sauce is what makes their noodles special. Usually only served when you order sides of roast pork/char siew/ chicken separately. But I politely requested for a bowl, and the uncle was probably humbled by my erm, humbleness (?) and provided us with a small bowl of the sauce at NO EXTRA CHARGE. Consumer's rights in practice.

Location : Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah (Hugh Low Street), right opposite Yin Yau Kui Hakka Noodles, and Gerbang Malam arch entrance.

Here's some random curry noodle photos to tantalize your palate :

~~Fatt Kee @ Ipoh Padang's Hainan Dry Curry Noodle~~

Hainan Style Dry Curry Chicken Noodles

Served with wantan noodles, and curry chicken, the version served here is noteworthy as the proprietor is a Hainanese, thus subtle influence of Hainan style cooking can be detected. Other than the curry noodle, he served wantan mee, and Hainan toasts as well.

For more information & location, refer my previous post HERE.

~~ Mon Amour's Curry Noodles for Breakfast~~

Dry Curry Low Shu Fun

Curry Mee, in all its glory

Mon Amour is a restaurant serving cheap, and delicious 'dai chow' style of dishes by night, but a haunt for curry noodles come morning hours. So, what makes theirs special? Erm, spicier than the rest, but not as delicious. My dry curry version lacked the oomph, probably not enough coconut milk (santan) beind used.

For info and location, click HERE.

(to be continued, as my saliva is dripping, and it's high time for lunch ... =P)

Ampang Homeland Yong Tau Foo @ Ampang

Still fresh from the yong tau foo (stuffed fishpaste) post yesterday, let me share another place in Kuala Lumpur, touted as THE place for yong tau foo; Ampang.

Situated in Kampung Baru Ampang, in the heart of Ampang town, are not one, not two, but THREE yong tau foo shoplots erected side by side. Hmm ... Confusing? =)

Tough to make a decision, we gauge the number of patrons, as obviously, the more the merrier, right? (And render the shop more trustworthy in terms of quality and popularity). However, that did not work, as all 3 outlets were packed, and counting the number of heads was not a feasible choice, given the blazing hot sun outside, and jam-packed seating area.

Step two, trust our instincts and spied on the food being served. Pretty tough as well, as all yong tau foo looked the same from afar, no matter how hard you squint.

Last resort? Ini-Mini-Myni-Mo!!! A-ha! Ampang Homeland Yong Tau Foo it is! Bearing the moniker AMPANG HOMELAND somehow sounded reassuring, right? Let's see ....

Fried Dumplings (Sui Kau)

They serve a variety of dishes, aside from the famed YTF, such as assam fish, pork with preserved vege, pandan chicken wings, and pork with vinegar. The fried dumplings were nothing special, though dipped in their homemade special chilli and sweet sauce, the taste was somewhat enhanced. The fillings was scarce, and the outer layer was not crispy enough.

Their special sauces, bottled and ready to be savoured

Mixed plate of Yong Tau Foo

And ladies and gentlemen, the **STARS** of the day. 10 pieces of their signature stuffed fishpaste, in all their glories, served with some spoonful of soup. Sad to say, nothing impressive. You can have them with rice, if you wish. The fishpaste was not what we expected, and the portion was skimpy, to say the least. The saving grace came in the form of the dipping sauces, yet again. Total : RM11.50 for the meal, including 2 drinks.

Later that same day, Tummythoz who's from Ampang, informed me that the third shop, named Foong Foong (or something like that) IS the shop to visit for REAL, delicious YTF. But only YTF is served, no extra dishes unlike the other two counterparts, or challengers.

Location : No. 622-C, Jalan Merdeka, Kg Baru Ampang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor. Tel : 03-42924712.

Kar Pin Eating Shop @ Jalan Bendahara, Ipoh

Grab a bowl, fill up with your favourite Yong Tau Foo pieces, then pick your noodle.

Short post today, as after attending two out of FOUR scheduled meetings this week, somehow had taken their toll on me. Yeah, although all that was required from us was some sitting around, yawning and pretending to be listening to the big shots. =)

Kar Pin Eating Shop (yup, loose translation of Kedai Makan I supposed) on Jalan Bendahara in Ipoh, has been around for some time. After undergoing renovation lately, the colonial building has transformed into a sleek, modern coffee shop with airy ambience.

Scrumptious looking pieces of fried Yong Tau Foo (50-90 cents/pc)

The shop's specialty, has always been their "Liu Fan", or fishball noodles. They do have an extensive range of Yong Tau Foo (stuffed fish paste) for choosing, but being my usual self, opted for all the fried versions as I prefer my fix being crunchy, savoury and oily (LOL) chunks of artery-cloggers. Sadistic? ;)

Dry Curry Low Shu Fun with minced pork

I chose dry version of low shu fun (short rice noodles) with some curry paste. Loved how they serve them garnished with minced pork and chopped spring onions on top. However, we found the Yong Tau Foo too cold for my liking. Probably not fresh from the wok, unlike Dai Shu Kiok, or Pasir Pinji's versions. Disappointed.

Location : Kar Pin Eating Shop @ Jalan Bendahara, right at the crossroad traffic lights connecting Jalan Bendahara and Jalan Leong Boon Swee. A nasi kandar restaurant (Majeedia, I think) is situated a few doors away, right at a corner.

An Early Bird's Take on Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur

Petaling Street has gotta be one of the most famous spot in Kuala Lumpur. Dubbed the Chinatown of KL. Its rich history stretched almost a century ago. But rest assured you won't be bored to death by a historian's lecture here.

After a major revamp few years ago, the whole area is covered with roof, providing shelter from the sun and the rain. (But admit it, who wouldn't want to see if the vendors' claim of "waterproof ORIGINAL handbags" at rockbottom price, really rings true? LOL)

Raw Fish Porridge (RM5)

The densed "shopping area", selling various fashionable bags/shoes/clothes are intermittently parked among some pretty good find for interesting food & beverages. If you're visiting at night, the place is a hive of activities, customers (mostly tourists/foreigners) bargaining at peak volume, and locals hanging around for some food and relaxation.

Hon Kee Porridge Stall @ Jalan Hang Lekir (Nvm the shoes temptation)

But strolling around on a fine morning does not promise boredom either, eventhough most stalls are closed. Hon Kee Porridge Stall is one of the rare finds, though adequately covered in the media, from TV shows, to newspapers and blogs. Their signature porridge include the one with raw fish slices in sesame oil, garnished with julienned ginger, spring onions and coriander.

No, you DO not eat the fish ala sashimi style, but rather dip them or 'swish' them for a while in the hot porridge, and cook them freshly on the spot. Delicious, and this coming from someone who refrains from ordering porridge on most days. =)

Koon Kee Wantan Mee Stall @ Jalan Hang Lekir

Right next to the porridge stall is this wantan mee shop/shack (Koon Kee) that has been in business since forever. This stall has been in the limelight for an enviable amount of times, and most KL-ites would know this place for good wantan mee.

Char Siew Wantan Mee (RM4 for small)

A bit on the pricey end, the serving is quite generous for a small portion. The Char Siew (Barbecued Pork Slices) were passable, definitely not on par with some of the best, but the noodles are good. Very fine, and springy. However the wantan (pork+shrimp dumplings) are forgettable. So much for a WANTAN mee. Hehe ....

Scoop your own pickled green chillies for added kick ... not spicy.

Still hungering for more, I jaywalked around and came to this curry puff stall, with sizeable number of patrons, and a few assistants kneading the dough and frying them on the spot! And the sheer number of puffs being freshly made persuaded me to walk over, and embrace the hype.

Old Lim Curry Puff - A contender for Old Chang Kee?!

They sell curry puffs with or without eggs. RM1.30 and RM1.10 respectively, I think. The stall was interviewed by Ho Chak, a local programme on 8TV promoting good food across Malaysia. (Both the porridge and wantan noodles stalls were on the show once, btw).

Hot, spicy, curry puff with potatoes and egg (RM1.30)

Tastewise? Not bad, as I had them while they're still HOT. Crisp on the outer layer, and savoury fillings. Great with tea, though you can't really find a spot for teh tarik around the area. On normal days, right beside this stall is the famous lady selling deep-fried sweet potato balls, also a perennial favourite of mine, and the stall was 'licked' by the media as well. However, as luck would have it, the lady went for holidays on that very day. Hmm .... *_*

The simple, yet divine stall serving Air Mata Kucing (Longan Drink)

To down them all, hop over to this very famous stall selling a beverage named Air Mata Kucing, or Winter Melon with Longans (RM1.20). Perfect for a hot day, refreshing and sweet. Sooth that battered throat anyday! This simple stall has evolved into a small entrepreneur of some sort, opening a branch in Midvalley. Though the price is scaled accordingly. =)

Regurgitating aliens?

And last but not least, I ended my breakfast crawl with some durian puffs from Kafe Happy Meal, on Jalan Tun HS Lee. Refer my old post HERE for directions and such. But sadly, an unfortunate event happened, that prevented me from raving a second time about these babies. No, not that the price has increased to RM2.80 for 4, as I still find them reasonable.

But rather, by the time I took a bite, a good 5 hours after purchasing and left to bask in the sun, the puffs rebelled and decided to transformed into inedible materials. In short, they were spoiled. >o<

Do take note, if you're not placing them in fridge, consume within 2 hours or so. The fresh durian cream is indeed, FRESH, and no preservatives added.

Location : The porridge, wantan mee, curry puffs and air mata kucing stalls are all located in the same area, a short walk from each other. Jalan Hang Lekir is a road parallel to Jalan Petaling, and also infested with various stalls. Pretty easy to locate. Coming from the huge entrance arch of Petaling Street, walk into Jalan Petaling until you reach a crossroad. Turn left, and you'll find the Air Mata Kucing stall on your left, and the porridge/wantan noodles stalls on your right. The curry puffs stall is further down on your left.

Good Malay Food ... FOC?!

Yeah, you read that right. 6 meals a day provided, as usual. Highly suspicious that the government has a hidden agenda of sinister nature, intending to fatten all the civil servants, probably in an attempt to make human foei gras out of us. (In case of doubts, read HERE).

Juicy (don't judge a book, or in this case, a chick by its appearance!) & marinated, deep-fried goodness. No dippings required ...

Amazing daging masak merah (beef in sweet and spicy sauce)

Worth mentioning here include the yummy fried chicken, and the marinated beef in sweet/sour/spicy gravy, aka a darker version of Daging Masak Merah. Me and KYT had seconds, and many others as well. Oh, and the kerabu mango kicked major a$$ too, creating a balanced flavour of spiciness, and just right sourness. Salivate, baby ... =)

Deep-fried squids - sadly, not so crispy. Forgettable ...

~~ Tea Break Special ~~

For something completely out of the book, the management served DURIANS (!!!) and accompaniments of pulut (glutinous rice), roti jala, and kuah durian (a type of sweet soup made from concoction of durian flesh and coconut milk).

The moment I got to snap a pic of the insides, the fleshy bits have been stolen ... =(

The sides of pulut, roti jala and kuah durian at the background ...

Some hits and misses with regards to the king of fruits. Kampung Gajah nearby is famous for its durians after all. But all of us were pleasantly surprised when we walked into the dining hall for tea break, but instead served durians and such. Clever marketing ploy? ;)

In a matter of minutes, our group (yup, we were divided into groups, not unlike kindergarten kids ... hehe), the famished ones, completely devoured the fruits and left a trail of terror (refer pic above) Muahaha .... ^@^

So there, was the journey worthwhile? We learnt the right way to walk the walk, and talk the talk, as well as equipped ourselves with various motivational skills. To top it all off, our team spirit was blazing HOT !!! And we get to know a lot of other colleagues from all over Perak. To me, the workshop was a success, and I certainly won't mind attending more of these! =)

For TallGal's opinions, laments, and brickbatz, hop over to HERE.