Luck Kee Seafood Restaurant - (Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya)

For those of you who love travelling and to those who have been constantly doing it, I am sure you will agree with me that travelling gram is a far much wider scope than rainbow colors. Indeed, I am with you guys. I sincerely love travelling, I can't agree more that travelling has and will always broaden my thinking wings. So many countries awaiting lined on my list, hopefully, I can slowly and surely tick them off. Of course, I won't deny that money is without a doubt the router for travelling pop-ups, especially to across and far out from your continent. I am, believe me, definitely saving. Nevertheless, I have already Instagram captured-gripped a  couple of countries (Korea, Sapporo/Hokkaido & South Africa), which in return has widened my palates to various types of cuisines. Some fared quite right, others must be booted out. Whatever said, for a typical born and bred Malaysian like me, I will firmly stand firm with my opinion that there is no better food from any part of the world except from my country. For a fact. Whether you agree or not, it won't make a difference to me. I care less. I give a damn because there is definitely something magical about our Malaysian cuisine (Melaka - Jonker Walk Part 2  & Part 3). Technically knocking aside every other from elsewhere, our Malaysian food does pack major, either big or small punches of heavenly flavours.  

Restoran Lucky Loke SS3

What have my fifties done to me? Aplenty! Crucially, my fifties has automated me towards the core meaning  of friendship. I realise that, for some reason or rather, once fifties started crawling on my body, mind and soul, my maturity friendship button sky rocketed till the moon and sky for loudly alerting me to trash aside rubbish friends. Who are these rubbish friends we are talking about? Those who massively use us, those who constantly empty their bad and negative vibes on us, and those who slyly bad stab us. Shall we now realistically blame it on, what else can it possibly be except the competitive real time and social media time friendship. I bet. Of course. Envy and jealously. Anything new? No. Pretty much a norm and a complicated messy head banging matter. Nevertheless, believe me, once the big five hard kick your butt, most probably you won’t have any problem identifying who these friends are. Unless of course, if you are telling me that your fifties is just another passing phase? Am I right? I believe I am.

Go Noodle House - Gamuda Walk (Kota Kemuning)

Let’s go everyone. Go where? Can you please hang in there, stop with your questions please. At least for the time being. Do me a favour, just follow me. I am obviously leading you to Go Noodle (Gamuda Walk, 1st Floor). Of course, you can also head to their other branches elsewhere, Go Noodle seemingly is the pleasing melting food pot for an instant and quickly put together meal, especially for the Chinese. But I must surrender to speaking on behalf of my own kind Indians who don't pride themselves to such a concept non-halal meal delight. In fact, my Chinese neighbours are the ones who recommended Go Noodle because they know that this Indian lady love Chinese food. She does, mind you, all the way. I on the other hand had a hard time coaxing my typical Indian half-half in accompanying me. Eventually, oh-boy, praise my marriage love skills, he agreed. What a major achievement, one up on my marriage happy card, we arrived in Go Noodle for an early lunch. Instead of standing in the long queue for dining in the cramped inside dining area, we quickly sat at the nearest empty table outside.

Ming Kee Bak Kut Teh - PJ Old Town

This day will go down as another unforgettable day in my life. It will forever be one of the days I can’t forget for the rest of my life. As it is, I am still coming to terms with dad slipping off within minutes to heaven almost two years ago (more at Nasi Minyak), on this day, when I received a call from my bestie’s family, I felt as though my worst fear is gonna come true. Remember, my 30 over years different race and religion friendship I already told you at Kepong Heng Bak Kut Teh & Restoran Meng Kee Klang Road? Tragic! Utterly shattering day. My heart pumped so fast upon hearing that my bestie had earlier collapsed at the medical center and is now in critical care unit. Still, instead of breaking down and crying, honestly everyone, I put up a brave front. I told her sista I will there soonest possible. 

Restaurant Kepong Heng Bak Kut Teh - Jalan Penchala (Petaling Jaya)

I doubt if we can exactly predict what lies in front of us. Of course, we should be helped out by bomoh, medium or Indian "Samy" for a fee, or we think we have clearly charted our future. Maybe we have, but remember, life does take a twisted-turn when we least expect. Unfortunately, that's the reality due to the "intrend-spelling-bee-race" of chasing after success, fame, fortune, popularity, likes and followers instead of putting health as the priority. Busyness obviously is the reason why health is taken for granted, perhaps we are also under the impression that if money can buy love, happiness, relatives, friends, husbands, wives, alcohol and sex, money in return must buy health. Sure. I am not denying. Money is sunny, money is the saviour. But when health is critically plunged, hope is the only hope. Hope in god and prayers and hope at the wires of medical robots.    

Little Cravings - 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya

The death of my less than 2 weeks iphone 7 at iTunes angrily raptured my heart (Restoran Orkid Thai, ShahAlam). I returned home griping tight to the highest hope after lunching at Hong Kong Kim Gary, but so-very-sad, hopes were badly trashed. Albeit, honestly, I'm quite an alien to Apple’s technical specs, I braved my heart and my hands to update the Operating System. Bang! A big bang banged me once iPhone flung to heaven by leaving behind “Red iTunes Logo”. Damn frustrating. Can you imagine? You must imagine okay? So be it I accepted, then again, what else can I do please? Back to square one. Back to 1 Utama. But, oh-please. Oh-no. Forget it. Not on a Sunday. I can’t stand the weekend mall madness, also, when I found out that Apple will take at least 5 working days to operate my phone, I ditched it in my drawer and traveled with my “oh-ye-faithful” iphone 5 (iphone 7 & Fikcles Cafe Taman Tun). 

Moom Sabai Restaurant - Taman Bayu Perdana (Klang)

Indian food again for dinner (A MuthuHouse of Briyani)? Nooo! Of course not. Impossible (more at Hua Xing Restaurant). Thai food at the close by Moon Sabai Restaurant, also, a familiar ground for my friend we agreed should be the take. Absolutely (Thai Thai Sunway), anytime for the truly loved quintessential Thai flavours (Thai Green Crab Curry & Thai Laksa),  thankfully the route to Moom Sabai was not through the massive jam across the shop lots on this Friday late evening. But, quite frustrating it was driving via the inner roads haphazardly double parked almost all the way from the apartments behind. Anyway, instead of the typical Malaysian mentality of double parking albeit availability of parking further up, we somehow carefully maneuvered to the nearest parking spot. 

Bamboo Park Restaurant - Sunway PJ51A Business Park

Honestly, to tell you the truth, at my age, in my fifties, precisely 53, I really don't have much friends. Its my choice anyway and not because of anything else. I actually prefer least friends. Of course, as you know or don't, friends money spending buying is an open secret longest known, I can also actually, but I choose not to because I like my few friends life now and for the years to follow. Truly, I am inner me happy with the countable uncomplicated number of friends I have who can accept me for the bold, daring, freedom of speech, open minded, direct and straightforward, no holds barred person I am. Great. What else should I desire for? From this group of smallest friends, two of them, a couple actually, they extended a food outing and they too picked the venue. Bamboo Park Restaurant. Located on the ground floor of this business park which by far I am alien to. In fact, don't be surprise if I tell you that Sunway PJ51A is unknown to me. Shocking right? Maybe because Sungei Way is not the Sungei Way it used to be. Developed tremendously over the years until today we have this area known as Sunway PJ1A. 

Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches - Sea Park (Petaling Jaya)

It's still as good as ever to your senses in Ticklish Ribs & ‘Wiches. Ambiance still a fit perfect, clean and well maintained, and I doubt if I noticed any changes to their facade. Maybe yes or maybe no, sincerely, I don't think so, everything, believe me, obviously is pretty much as welcoming as before in Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches. As far as I know also, their signature dishes, without a doubt, are making a lasting impact on every other customer. Each one of it is notably growing as a stronghold fort and my favourite, faithfully mine BBQ Ribs is definitely amongst them. My biggest babi mission on this day was none other, except for getting up, close and personal on what's latest on their menu. Thank you to TC for patiently explaining, whether I 100% paid attention, I better not even mention it. Well, you can't blame me. My thinking cap can last only for, lets say the first 15 minutes most to most, and not the fault of TC who no holds barred unselfishly spoke and pointed to the dishes on the menu. I think he did notice me getting fidgety, to a certain extent he also realise that I am pretending to listen, when in actual fact, I was more interested in looking around. Sorry TC, I promise I will try to behave myself if we meet again. Nevertheless, I still manage to sum up the gist of our conversation. Simply said, I was told that there are now other new inventions in Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches. Yeh, I got it right. Tadaa! 

Ikan Goreng Asam

The other side to the previous Ikan Goreng Kunyit/Turmeric Fried Fish. The other side which is my favourite as well. Speak about sourness, me, myself and I? Honestly, I so love sourness to every bit. Any kinda sourness in our Malaysian dishes (Nyonya Acar Fish, Asam Curry Fish & Fried Kembung With Assam Sauce). Sourness from our local fruits (Sambal Belimbing Bilis & Masak Lemak Nenas) and of course, lime or asam jawa/tamarind are the other two for streaming into curries or our sambal dishes (Tamarind Prawn Curry, Ayam Masak Tiga Rasa, Sambal Udang Petai & Asam Pedas Ikan), or maybe I should include vinegar as well. For this Ikan Goreng Asam, its tamarind. Tamarind juice and salt as the marination for fish, followed by fish being fried and of course, we need a dip right? Dip which must be spicy, salty and along a touch of sweetness? Potentially (Fried Fish with Soy Sauce, Ikan Masak Kicap & Crispy Chilli Fish). Ikan Goreng Asam? Sourness is definitely our Malaysian food appreciation.   

Soup Restaurant - 1 Utama, Bandar Utama

What brought me all way to this part of Petaling Jaya? I, seldom drive this far, not for no valid reason, this trip of mine will seemingly be kinda starlight star bright for Nava K. I am suppose to audition for a Malay segment food hunting tv program. Was I literally jumping up and down while anxiously awaiting for the day? Honestly, sort of. Not because I am guaranteed my road to fame and fortune, neither will I be the biggest threat to the existing tv host and hostess who have worked their butts for capturing their spots in the limelight. Anyone for the matter, even you, if you are to audition for a tv program, I am sure you will be having sleepless nights. Mine was, on one side excitement, the other, fear. Actually, more of fear. Never have I done it before, so, my heart kept rushing up and down. To tell you the truth, I was worried if my heart will stop pumping permanently. In all fairness, I knew I may fumble, but I have already clearly mentioned to the company I am the freshest grain in front of the camera. They were fine. They assured me they don't mind. Alright. 

Mee Siam Kuah/Gravy (Vegetarian)

Anything is possible these days. Of course. I'm not in denial by the way that anything can be a matter even for food intake. In fact, considering that many are jumping into the back wagon of being a vegetarian, only god knows why, Indians on the whole we shouldn't speak about, there are many possibilities to a vegetarian meal these days. What about me, are you asking? Neh! Never have I thought of being a full blown vegetarian (Maggi Goreng Mamak & Mee Rebus Vegetarian). Of course every now and then, in fact every once a week, I am in the making. The making of a vegetarian meal (Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup & Mee Rojak Vegetarian) for my other half-half, and me, I can basically go with the flow. Out came this Mee Siam Kuah/Gravy Vegetarian on this particular Saturday from my kitchen and to our dining table. Mee Siam? I have already spoken about before (Nyonya Mee Siam, Singapore Mee Siam & Mee Siam)? I did. Mee Siam Vegetarian? Nothing is short coming or going. Still a delightful and really slurpy delicious, complete wholesome meal. Oh, for those of you who are anti-egg vegetarian, ditch egg aside and Mee Siam I think must have originated from Thailand? I don't know. You tell me please (Thapthim Krop, Tom Yum Noodle Soup & Siamese Laksa Lemak).

Tom Yum Noodle Soup

So, its back to Tom Yum again? Obviously. Though we did actually have a break from tom yum for like three months and then out came this latest version. But rather a different food calling actually due to its noodles in tom yum soup and which by far I have not made before. Perhaps the closest is Tom Yam Fried Mee Hoon or maybe I should also include Siamese Laksa Lemak. Nevertheless, what can be outstanding or unique for tom yum (Vegan Tom Yum Soup, Tom Yum Goong, Tom Kha Gai & Seafood Tom Yum Soup)? The pride and pleasure must be the various types of herbs, primarily kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass, and let's not never forget about chillies, plus I love fish sauce into tom yam or Thai dishes on the whole. Tom Yum Noodle Soup as you have already noted is not far behind in terms of some of the ingredients and it is also a tremendously sumptuous, fulfilling and power lashing noodle dish (Thai Tomato Soup, Shrimp Pad Thai Salad, Thai Fish Noodle Soup, Tom Yum Fried Rice & Spicy Thai Noodles). 

Fried Prawn Wanton

Fried Prawn Wanton. My-My! Such a fab kinda crunch and munch right? I know. Fried stuffs especially on the whole? You tell me. In fact, when these wanton skin parcel filled with prawns came out from my wok, a few actually went missing immediately. Not anywhere far, but our tummy tucking actually. By themselves, or when dipped into chilli sauce prior to having a ball of a time and as many as we want till all the fried prawn wanton are over and done, perhaps within a short while, what a delight. How do we make these prawn wantons? I think I have already alerted you. In fact in my previous recipes as well (Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup & Chicken Wanton Soup) and this latest variety is sort of the cousin of the previous Fried Shrimp Wanton. Only that, the tedious thing for me when prawns are a concern (Mee Goreng Udang, Hokkien Hae Mee, Mongolian Prawns, Goan Prawn Curry, Butter Prawns & Prawn Coconut Milk)? The peeling and cleaning, especially the time taken pulling out the veins. Otherwise, all is fine with prawns though I must say we are not the biggest fans of prawns (Sichuan Prawns & Chinese Prawn Fritters). Of course, there is always the once a while and these Fried Prawn Wanton, trust me, are super yummy, super crunchy and super beautifully plated up. 

Thai Style Eggplant

Eggplant, aubergine or brinjal. All from the same family tree right? Except maybe their shapes and sizes and at times, color code as well. Eggplant in fact is a favourite in my house for all sorts of dishes, including in curries as well (Nadan Meen Curry). In fact, I can go on and on and speak about eggplant, but potentially it will be best I stick to this recipe for the day. Thai Style Eggplant. Thai cuisine and Nava K (Vegan Tom Yum Soup, Thai Fried Chicken & Lamb Massaman Curry)? Pretty much says it all and after,  and Thai Style Eggplant basically is fried eggplant in a spicy, tangy and kaffir lime leaves scented attractive gravy/sauce. Oh, a vegetarian variety too (Bengali Begun Bhaja, Baingan Bharta, Japanese Eggplant Saute, Eggplant Tikka & Brinjal Stir Fry).

The Porki Society @Sea Park (Petaling Jaya)

My Sunday routine is pretty straightforward. After a glass or two of quality wine on Saturday night (not always, wish quality wine is affordable), I sleep in late prior to taking my own sweet time for waking up next morning. Obviously have to be next morning right, can't be two days later, just kidding, thereafter it all depends. If I feel like cooking, lazy cooking for me is nasi goreng/fried rice. Otherwise, its coffee shop food. Last Sunday however was a different story all together. At the invitation of The Porki Society, the latest food freebie in Sea Park which specializes in authentic Thai food and mind you, truly a porki society as reflected in their name, I made my way to this familiar area. Sea Park and SS2? Believe me, my territory for 17 years until I was literally force to move to Shah Alam due to tying the knot to this Indian man who is actually anti-pork. He did nevertheless, drive me to Sea Park. Thank you hunny bunny!

Jeera Aloo

Jeera Aloo, or Aloo Jeera Nava-K's style. Yes. Of course. I have my style to my cooking. Proud Nava K. Why not? After all, cooking is also about your own style right? Tell me about it. That's why, most probably you would noticed that my Jeera Aloo is different and a stand out amongst the rest. What is Jeera Aloo by the way if you still can't comprehend? Basically, potatoes stir fried alongside cumin (Jeera Rice) and of course, we need the spicy beat from chillies as well. Potatoes on the whole by the way, as I have repeated myself donkey times (Sukhi Aloo Sabzi, Tari Wale Aloo, Chilli Aloo, Dum Aloo & Aloo Gobi). Just mention potatoes and you yourself will know what I mean. So many dishes out of potatoes (Aloo Gosht, Navaratan Korma, Egg Potato Curry, Indian Potato Balls, Baked Cheesy Potatoes & Bonda).  What about Jeera Aloo? Simplicity and simplest. Loud aroma of cumin seeds, garam masala, coriander leaves and a dry style Jeera Aloo.

Vegan Tom Yum Soup

Thai cuisine or even tom yam/tom yum for the matter. A big Thai matter actually for me. You name it, I have it (Thai Fried Chicken, Thai Steamed Fish, Thai Crispy Fish & Shrimp Pad Thai Salad) and tom yum by itself has been a good and great making exploration on the whole. Basically, because we simply love slurping into tom yum soups or other Thai conclusive soups. Just so satisfying to our palates mind you, especially for their big, profound and utterly magical spicy, tangy and aromatic tastes (Thai Tomato Soup, Tom Yam Goong, Tom Kha Gai, Thai Carrot Soup & Thai Fish Noodle Soup). Today, ladies and gentlemen, its Vegan Tom Yum Soup. In fact, can be regarded as a vegetarian version as well. Make the broth and then go ahead by adding the rest of the ingredients as listed for a sincerely appreciated Vegan Tom Yum Soup (Tom Yam Fried Rice, Tom Yam Chicken & Tom Yam Mee Hoon). 

Kerabu Taugeh

Kerabu? Remember those kerabu or Malaysian raw salads I have already shared with all you guys (Kerabu Kacang Botol, Kerabu Mangga & Kerabu Kaki Ayam)? Plus of course, the rest from this and that part of Asian Continent (Cambodian Green Mango Salad, Sri Lankan Carrot Salad & Asian Watermelon Salad) and me, the Indian who just so love our ulam, local herbs and Malaysian local produce for my cooking and eating pleasure (Nasi Ulam, Kacang Buncis Cili, Sambal Belimbing, Gado Gado & Nasi Dagang)? Tell me please and I will return willingly tell you on this Kerabu Taugeh, aka, Bean Sprouts Salad. Obviously, point blank said, you need beansprouts which you just need to break the brown bottom of them and then, if you asking me, just buy the kerisik (pan fried and pounded grated coconut). What's next? Quickly blanch bean sprouts (Bean Sprouts Omelette & Bean Sprouts Salted Fish) and tossed alongside kerisik, shallots, red chillies, coriander leaves, spring onion, lime juice, sugar and salt. Refreshing, crunchy, spicy, tangy and aromatic Kerabu Taugeh/Bean Sprouts Salad is ready. Go ahead everyone. Devour in.  

Mathi Achar

Mathi Achar. Kerala Sardine Fish Achar or Kerala Sardine Fish Pickle. Says it all. Me and my love for fish achar (Nyonya Acar Fish) or even salted fish pickle (Pada Salt Fish Pickle & Salted Fish Pickle). And so, you think I would have had major kitchen struggle in making Mathi Achar? I don't think so because I have to some extent, mastered my cooking skills towards Kerala cuisine (Nadan Meen Curry, Fish Puttu, Tuna Thoran & Malabar Fish Curry & Kerala Fish Fry). Of course, I must admit I did refer to a couple of recipes, but at the end of it all, I decided I will stay true to my own Mathi Achar cooking invention and fish by themselves, do I have to repeat myself again and again (Fish Ball Noodle Soup, Malu Kirata/Sri Lankan Fish Coconut Stew, Indonesian Fish Balado, Mauritian Fish Curry & Ikan Masak Kicap)? Moreover, sardines are not only a popularity in Kerala, but here in Malaysia too. So, sardines they were. Masala enhanced fried sardines tipped into a spicy and full of utmost power packed vinaigrette. Oh-My! What a fish pleasure. Made ahead and having Mathi Achar as you wish whenever you yearn for, for your rice meals (Sardine Masak Lemak).