Kayra Kerala Cuisine - Taman Tun Dr Ismail (Kuala Lumpur)

When the main stream media propositionally sensationalize and positively blow flying high up big soap bubbles on restaurants, I bet most of us tend to get carried away with it. Okay, I’m not any better. I make it a point to read most of the printed media food reviews and then, I’m akin on roller blades in wanting to try out the restaurants too. If I am not mistaken, a year back I read about Kayra Taman Tun and from there on, this Kerala restaurant has been sashed in my spilling over pending list of food venture. But as usual, what I look forward to and where I actually end up is the ball juggling game of my life. Instead of heading to Kayra in between the year, I actually ended up at the real-deal-real-time Kerala (Kerala Day 4 & 5) where I truly indulged in their highly spoken about cuisine. Thumbs up. Kerala food won my heart big time. Fresh water/sea catch, freshly grounded spices and generously loaded with fresh coconut milk and coconut oil. 

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). 

Restoran Orkid Thai - Section 9, Shah Alam

By the third day, Iphone 7 started showing its dark side. Really a terrifying-horrible shocking discovery, it kept rebooting every now and then for no apparent reason. Obviously, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Duh! Its a brand new phone I paid from  my savings (Da De Bak Kut Teh Subang Jaya), never ever have I encountered such a problem with my previous faithfully yours 6 year old Iphone 5. Absolutely heart wracking, I really couldn’t find the time (Karaikudi Chicken Curry & Fikcles Cafe Taman Tun) to rush to the service centre amidst the busyness of getting ready for the family wedding and another travel venture (Oats Fried Prawns). Keeping my fingers crossed, hoping it’s just a minor teething problem, I went ahead with shopping nearby Plaza Shah Alam and Plaza Masalam. Accompanied by my niece, we bought a couple of things and then of course, naturally, shopping is more or less regarded as synonymous with hunger throne.  

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. 

Thapthim Krop

Thapthim Krop, or Tab Tim Krob. Both the same fact to making this Thai dessert. Making the red rubies, or water chestnut soaked in red coloring, thereafter coated in tapioca flour and prior to cooking in simmering water. Once red rubies float atop, remove and submerge in ice water. That's it. Red rubies definitely are the centrality for Thapthim Krop and for our dessert pleasure, we just need to easily assemble (Khao Niaow Ma Muang/Mango Sticky Rice). Basically assembling red rubies alongside coconut milk and sugar syrup, and you can if you want to, add jackfruit. Done and over and me accomplishing my mission to making a Thai desserts instead of the usual savoury dishes I have been sharing one after the other (Tom Yum Noodle Soup, Vegan Tom Yum Soup & Thai Style Eggplant). Overall, Thapthim Krop is absolutely one of the best sweet delights of Thailand. Must try if you have not. Either make or head to any Thai restaurants where I bet Thapthim Krop will be on their menu.  

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.  

Pumpkin Sago Dessert

Tell me then? The common ingredients for our Malaysian local desserts (Kuih Gula Melaka, Payasam & Pandan Coconut Jelly)? Coconut, sago, Gula Melaka/palm sugar, daun pandan/screwpine leaves and other local produce right? Of course if you are asking me (Malaysian Sago Pudding, Saffron Poached Pears & Sago Gula Melaka). Play around with these ingredients and without you realising, you will be a Malaysian dessert winner. Pretty much what I do mostly (Coconut Panna Cotta, Bubur Cha Cha & Bubur Kacang Hijau), of course, there is the baking I do whenever my baking mode is alerted (Lemon Bars). Otherwise, like I have already told you, nothing can come to our locality. Take this Pumpkin Sago Dessert for the matter. Easy-preasy and never will ever let us down (Honeydew Sago). 

Ingredients (or as per taste) 

1/4 pumpkin - remove skin, seeds and cut into medium size pieces

1/2 cup sago - soak for 1/2 hour and gently rinse under running water. 

1 cup coconut milk 

1 medium piece palm sugar (or white sugar)

4 to 5 pandan/screwpine leaves

Method

Simmer sago with enough water till translucent.

Drain off water, rinse and keep aside.

Add pumpkin and pandan leaves in a pot with enough water (about 2 cups)

Simmer till tender.

Remove leaves and add translucent sago.

Stir and pour in coconut milk.

Stir, heat through and remove from heat. 

Simmer palm sugar with enough water for a thick syrup and serve with pumpkin sago. 

Siamese Laksa Lemak

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Not bad. My thinking capacity to cooking I believe is getting up and about, and higher, but seemingly Thai cuisine is a favorite. Why not? Why shouldn't I anywhere? What should potentially stop me when I have already mastered quite a whole list of dishes and Laksa by far has already been cooking conquered as well (Shrimp Pad Thai, Thai Crispy Fish, Tom Yum Goong, Thai Carrot Soup & Thai Green Fish Curry). Laksa Lemak by the way is the marrying of Curry Laksa (Penang Curry Mee) and Assam Laksa (Nyonya Hot And Sour Fish Broth Noodle) regardless of the fact that there are various types of Laksa Lemak which can be made from chicken, pork, beef and seafood (Sarawak Laksa, Singapore Laksa, Nyonya Curry Laksa & Prawn Curry Laksa). But for this Siamese Laksa Lemak, the two central ingredients are fish and coconut milk (Thai Fish Noodle Soup & Laksam Kelantan). Also, you need to make the laksa paste which showcases the crucial Thai herbs and ingredients (Spicy Thai Noodle) for this joyous, sensational and mouth popping Siamese Laksa Lemak.

Singaporean Mee Siam

When you have already achieved your mile stone to an ordinary simply fried Mee Siam, the next course of action must be crossing beyond the Malaysian boundary for heading to the neighbouring country. Singapore or Singapura where there is no limits to noodle dishes (Char Kway Teow, Prawn Curry Laksa & Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup) and of course, Singaporean Mee Siam inclusive. Honestly, will you believe me if I say I have not stepped into Singapore ever? I have not pretty much and don't ask me why or why not. I myself can't conclude despite planning and making a couple of attempts, but nothing took place. Regardless, I quite know about their noodles dishes. Of course, from tv programs and listening to friends who have worked or visited Singapore. Henceforth, I didn't have much trouble in coining this Singporean Mee Siam or Mee Siam Singapura (Singapore Laksa) and tell me please, how far different can the ingredients be (Sarawak Laksa, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon, Laksam Kelantan & Thai Fish Noodle Soup)? We still need the quintessential ingredients which by far, as far as I know, for this Thai origin and originality soupy noodle dish (Thai Mee Hoon Salad & Spicy Thai Noodles). Singapore Mee Siam. Perhaps not so close to other types of Mee Siam, yet its still rice noodles soaking in a spicy, aromatic, wondrous and tasty red hue gravy (Shrimp Pad Thai, Penang Curry Mee & Lamb Pho). 

Lamb Massaman Curry

Thai cooking and Thai cuisine for this lady? I quite know it all actually due to me and my cooking expertise and me having travelled around Thailand in a good bit. But I must confess I have never ever made Massaman Curry before. Of course there is always a first time and it all began by me peeping into a couple of recipe books and then, deciding on which ingredients will raise alongside each other in tandem for the big bold Thai profound tastes (Thai Tomato Soup, Thai Crispy Fish, Shrimp Pad Thai, Thai Yellow Curry, Thai Fish Noodle Soup, Thai Green Curry & Tom Yum Fried Rice). But considering that beef is generally the meat choice for Massaman Curry, I had to look for an alternative and lamb couldn't be by far the better or best. After all it's not mutton (Nepalese Mutton Curry), it has to be lamb for us (Lamb Spaghetti, Lamb Rogan Josh, Lamb Kofta Curry, Lamb Fried Rice, Malaysian Lamb Stew & Lamb Pho). Lamb Massaman Curry? A must try aromatic, peppery, spicy and delicious till its last drop, another from the Thai curry family tree.

Nasi Pudina (Mint Rice)

Nasi Pudina, aka Mint Rice. What should I possibly say please? You tell me? Perhaps best for me say that its a rice dish which has already been categorized as another of Nava K's cooked in the rice cooker rice dish and of course, rice is a crucial and most probably one of it we Malaysian can't survived without with. For me personally, I need my daily doze of rice. Otherwise, my food life may crumble and fall apart. Rice is in fact a must no matter what, but it can't be plain white rice daily and must be cooked in our Malaysian style (Malaysian Fish Head Curry & Malaysian Fried Rice). Furthermore, if you allow your cooking invention to fly high up, you can coin so many, various types of rice dishes. The known ones or in your own way for making a name as a rice dish inventor (Coriander Rice, Tomato Rice, Ghee Rice, Nasi Dagang & Curry Leaves Rice). Above all, even a few of our kitchen staples can make a huge and vast difference to the outcome of a satisfying rice dish. Alright, enough said and this minty and creamy outcome of coconut milk and me adding some peanuts for crunch Nasi Pudina/Mint Rice I sincerely believe will enliven your food senses (Cumin Rice, Nasi Lemak, Turmeric Rice, Rice Pilaf & Dhal Rice).

Malaysian Fish Head Curry

Malaysian Fish Head Curry, aka Kari Kepala Ikan. Believe me, not the ordinary nor you should compare with those from the restaurants. Why are you asking me? Because this is a typical, authentic and most dangerously delicious, finger licking homemade Malaysian Fish Head Curry (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Nyonya Fish Noodle Soup, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon & Malaysian Fish Curry) Yes, stop questioning me. Fish head curry cooked alongside belimbing buluh from our Malaysian grown trees, and belimbin buluh somewhat I think can be regarded as the other side to the coin to starfruit though these are oblong in shape and greenish and yellowish in color. Trust me please, due to this really mostly sour fruit, you don't have to think twice on tamarind juice and when fish head is cooked alongside the customary ingredients (Chilli Soy Fish, Spicy Stingray & Fish Noodle Soup) we need for any curry and also coconut milk, pow-wow (Asam Pedas Bawal, Salted Fish Bone Curry & Ikan Masak Kicap). Malaysian Fish Head Curry by Nava K? Unbeatable for rushing your mouth towards its spiciness and coconut milk creaminess.

Sri Lankan Carrot Salad

The raw deal to a raw salad must be recognised and hailed as healthiness and for keeping it really easy and simple in our kitchen. Of course. I in fact love the concept to raw salads, but can't be a regularity because my half-half does not really fancy. Maybe every now and then is acceptable to him, whereas I am every willing to tuck into a raw salad even if its daily and sometimes raw salads are not necessarily an accompaniment for my rice meals (Penang Acar). They can be my snack as well when I feel like munching instead of grabbing junk food (Apple Cucumber Salad, Watermelon Salad & Malaysian Mango Salad) and anything for the matter made with vegetables is most probably low in calorie counting (Shahi Gobi, Cabbage Upkari, Kashmiri Vegetable Soup & Vegetable Raita). Moreover, when we speak about this Sri Lankan Carrot Salad (Carrot Poriyal)? An ultimate fresh raw burst to natural sweetness (Cucumber Yogurt Salad) of carrot and cucumber, refreshing tropical grated coconut (Sri Lankan Coconut Gravy), tadbit of heat from red chilli and green chilli, and tangy lime juice.

Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal

Basically when you have exhausted the avenue for a dal curry, you then have to think further. In other words, should you get down to the same kinda legume based curry or you should be on the lookout for a different kinda dal curry (Shahi Gobi). In fact, I won't say Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal is unfamiliar to me (Aam Ka Achaar & Tamatar ki Chutney) because those days mum used to roll out hot ghee loaded chappati from the tawa and chappati by far must be paired alongside a dal curry. What could have been more fantastic fab, but a Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal. Pretty much, like I have already told you, a dal curry but made with moong dal or you can even address it as green bean or pea (Sweet Green Bean Porridge & Bean Sprout Omelette) and dal by far as you know, must be part of our Indian household staple. How can we Indians not make a dal or lentil curry at least once a week until I have gone through quite a number of different dal tunnels (Fish Sambar, Drumstick Sambar, Tanni Saar & Mysore Sambar) and for the outcome of other dishes as well (Cabbage Upkari, Chloe Masala, Dhal Rice & Mulligatawny Soup). Henceforth, what else became new for me when I had to make another dal dish? Obviously, Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal. Packing a waking up punch (Bengali Fish Croquettes) on our palates for its spicy, tangy and creamy absolute tastes (Baingan Bharta, Bengali Fish Curry & Eggplant Tikka). 

Malaysian Sago Pudding

Such is so that when you coin your own dessert, you must proudly profess and where else is a better place except in the virtual world. Specifically, for food bloggers, it must be in our blog. True enough. Yes indeed. I was in the mood of making a dessert and me being someone who love to definitely showcase our Malaysian ingredients (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon, Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles, Malaysian Chilli Crab & Malaysian Fish Curry), trust me, our ingredients are mostly affordable, in fact you just pay a couple of dollars, I decided I will twist, tweet and modify my previous Sago Gula Melaka. Furthermore because me and my preference for our easy to put together desserts we are proud of and known as kuih-muih (Kuih Buah Melaka, Bingka Pisang, Bubur Kacang Hijau, Poached Pears & Pandan Jelly), instead of baking or getting down to tremendously dessert works. Malaysian Sago Pudding? Obviously, sago is the main highlight (Sago Payasam) and of course, how can run away from coconut milk, Gula Melaka/palm sugar and for this my version sago pudding, drops of rose essence and red coloring. What a way to go for a delicious and an ultimate Malaysian Sago Pudding right? Wouldn't you agree Malaysian Sago Pudding is also so eye catchy as a a sugar sweet attraction?

Rava Laddu

Me and making sweets? God! Wonder what got into me for a change (Kuih Buah Melaka, Mango Cheesecake & Lemon Buttermilk Cake). Must be the Deepavali,, Diwali or Festival Of Lights spirit. Or maybe since I had some semolina or rava in stock, I thought I might as well. I might as well use it up  (Sujee Cake & Rava Kesari) and the type of sweet that popped up on my mind  was Rava Laddu, also known or spelled as Ladoo. Rava Laddu? Round sweet rava made and ghee loaded and scented by cardamom and mine as you have already noted, are the small, cute adorable ones instead of huge balls which by far are such a waste. I mean, honestly, tell me, can we like finish off the one huge ball? Seriously, I can't understand why people make big laddu balls? I think these people don't understand the concept to wasting or they must be rich until they can't less about whether laddu is eaten or after taking a few bites, thrown. Rava Laddu by the way, definitely is a sugar rush pleasure amongst Indians and without laddu, Indian festivals are not complete. 

Kuih Buah Melaka

Dessert day everyone! No ordinary dessert, but our Malaysian dessert (Bingka Pisang), or sweet treat, or sugar crush and rush kuih-muih or Malaysian delicacy, the best among the rest. Absolutely! Without a doubt compared to the rest of the desserts from other parts of the world and we must really, seriously and sincerely look up at our Malaysian kuih-muih because they can be made from our affordable and forever available Malaysian ingredients instead of paying more for imported ingredients. Remember, can you still recall the few Malaysians desserts I have already shared with all of you (Bubur Cha Cha, Honeydrew Sago, Bubur Kacang Hijau & Malaysian Panna Cotta)? And today, its another of our famed kuih-muih. Kuih Buah Melaka, aka ondeh ondeh, or onde onde or as the Indonesians call it, Klepon. Ingredients for Kuih Buah Melaka? Glutinous rice flour, Gula Melaka, fresh grated coconut, a tiny bit of all purpose flour and of course, our Malaysian kuih muih can't be completed without pandan leaves/screwpine leaves (Sago Gula Melaka & Pandan Coconut Milk Jelly). Kuih Buah Melaka? The pop and burst of Gula Melaka/palm sugar once you bite into these sticky and coated with fresh coconut balls.

Khao Niaow Ma Muang

I think I must start off by mentioning the Thai savoury dishes I have already shared with all of you. Quite a variety mind you. From the non-vegetarian and vegetarian various types (Thai Crispy Fish, Tom Kha Gai, Shrimp Pad Thai, Thai Tomato Soup & Thai Vegetable Curry) and believe me, the list is on-going. Nevertheless, this is my time I am sharing a Thai dessert, of course a Thai drink has already taken its spot (Thai Lemonade) and on the whole when its a sweet Thai pleasure, how can we not do this Khao Niaow Ma Muang? Thai Mango Sticky Rice, aka Thai Glutinous Rice Mango. So easy. So simple. So uncomplicated. Steam Glutinous rice alongside pandan leaves/screwpine leaves (Pandan Coconut Jelly) till plump, and obviously you need sweet mangoes (Mango Salad, Mango Mocktail & Mango Cucumber Salad) and I think we did speak about coconut milk for Asian desserts previously (Sago Gula Melaka). My version of Khao Niaow Ma Muang if you have noticed is served as separate compartments. Meaning, steamed glutinous rice by itself, palm sugar syrup by itself, coconut milk by itself and mango by itself, but as one delight. Why, are you asking me? Well, let's tuck into Khao Niaow Ma Muang as we wish. We decide on how much of sugar, coconut milk and mango we want alongside glutinous rice. Regardless, I must stress that this version of mine Thai Mango Sticky Rice is still a proud and pride sweet pleasure in your mouth (Baked Rice Pudding, Watermelon Sorbet, Saffron Poached Pears & Pineapple Bread Pudding).

Kiri Hodi

We spoke about coconut milk, didn't we. Of course we did, if you can recall (Masak Lemak Cili Padi) and I also mention that coconut milk is one of the favourites for Asian cooking? Me too. I can be said as a fan of cooking milk, though I don't go overboard mind you.(Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani, Goan Prawn Curry & Palakura Pappu) and do I have to actually mention the popularity of cooking milk for Sri Lankan dishes? Especially for this Kiri Hodi, aka Sri Lankan Coconut Milk Gravy/Stew which can be eaten alongside string hoppers and even rice. For us rice is the best food deal and when we drench Kiri Hodi on our rice, oh-so-food-diviners while also adding a scoop of Tomato Chutney (Tamatar ki Chutney) prior to tucking in. As usual, I must say that there's various types of Kiri Hodi? Then again, how different can each be? Either a, actually mostly vegetarian version, but some do add some dried fish. Not for this my version though. Instead I added boiled egg. Acceptable right? Sure, stop disputing. Why should we not by the way into this creamy, tangy, attractive and mouth watering Kiri Hodi/ Sri Lankan Coconut Milk Stew? Coconut milk, like I have already told you is the central ingredients and the rest are pretty much I can say as our pantry friendly ingredients (Sodhi, Prawn Spinach Sodhi & Tanni Saar).

Goan Prawn Curry

Goan Prawn Curry, aka Prawn Ambok Tik. Do I still have to go ahead and mention where Goan Prawn Curry originated from? Do I have to? Unless you still don't get it, I think I have to mention Goa, the state in western India and with coastline stretching along the Arabian Sea. Maybe that's why when we speak about Goan cuisine, naturally and most probably, their fresh sea catch will pop up on our mind and can you imagine how fresh prawns in Goa will be? Of course, our fresh prawns from our Malaysian waters must be saluted as well. Pretty much, more or less various sizes and types. Of course, prawns for this Goan Prawn Curry is from the wet market I headed to and for making this thick, creamy, spicy and aroma of spices heavenly lingering fish curry.