Fuel Shack - Seksyen 13, AEON Shah Alam

The moment I am out of my house, all I can think of is food. Food. Yes please. The first thing that strikes for instantly waking up my food desire. You can't blame me. Do you know how tiring it is eating your own cooking, literally, day in day out? Tell me about it, wish my other half-half will cook, hell-hack, maybe in my dreams, or he will never ever, let me just leave it as it is, instead of for no apparent reason rocking and rolling my marriage (Chayo Restaurant & Cafe. Kelana Jaya). Aside to whether husbands should also cook or not, on this day, my morning tummy tucking story was captured in "The Coffee & Bar", thereafter, late lunch in "Olive Garden", and prior to returning home, I wanted to pack food back because I tend to like this whole concept of coming home with food for dinner, and then sitting back to relax after a tiring day of walking, of course, food should never ever be tiring for our palates. 

Naughty Nuri's (Subang SS15 Courtyard)

Now, how should I start this review on Naughty Nuri’s? Anyone like to help me out? Anyone out there have anything to say please? Okay, maybe, I should start by mentioning that most of you would have had a delightful dining experience in Naughty Nuri’s. Albeit assumingly, you may have stood in the queue before being ushered into their modern-traditional, slightly dim and adorn with sarong and bamboo fittings Indonesian ambiance. Queuing most probably can be avoided if you have made prior reservation. We on the other hand took it for granted. Considering that its the long Hari Raya holiday weekend, we thought we should be able to secure a table. How wrong we were. No, definitely was not the case. Thankfully, queue moved quite fast, additionally, we didn’t mind seating at the bar area. Of course, it would have been nice if we had the option for dining at the bamboo swing enclosed table. 

NY Steak Shack - Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya

New York! New York! Yes. New York is definitely on my bucket or pail travel list. Anytime, I’m like anytime gamed for flagging a long dotted line, stretching all the way from Malaysia to New York. Ultimately, New York I know will be my picture Instagram perfect. Of course. Easier said than done I suppose, unless and until I have sashed enough money in my bank account, New York can only be on my mind. That’s okay. No big deal. After all, life isn’t about having it all at one go at the snap of our fingers. Money obviously of course is the game plan for our travel gram, till then, we shall not complain, we shall save and for the time being, we can potentially check out eateries that showcases New York food on our Malaysian ground. Then again, to tell you the truth, I am not really into those fancy-willy huge portion Western food. Food for me is the typical spicy, tangy and salty Malaysian call. Bang! For instantly waking up my food senses (Kayra Kerala Cuisine & Restaurant Meng Kee Old Klang Road).

Moo Kata Steamboat & BBQ House (Kuchai Lama Food Court) Kuala Lumpur

They say "opposites attracts". Well, to a certain extent, I have to agree. In my case, its about food, - what my other half prefers and what I like. I love the utmost satisfaction of a steamboat meal whereas he can't be bothered with the required simple cooking and he seem never satisfied after eating. So, he was conveniently dropped off my list and I went with a friend to Moo Kata at their invitation. Albeit going to the wrong food court nearby the market, it wasn't all that troublesome to turn back to the main road, further up a couple of minutes and the left turn before Suzuki Showroom where bbq house is (on the right).

Sate Kambing

Sate Kambing or Lamb Satay with a Mediterranean and Indian twist. Why Mediterranean and Indian twist? Because I opted for spices instead of Indonesian or Malaysian herbs. But still, I vouch its still Indonesian due to lamb meat atop lemongrass sticks (Easy Chicken Kebab) instead of skewers or sticks. Interesting right? I know. And why lamb for the matter in fact? Well, chicken and beef are a no show as the food show for my other half-half. Thus, logically, it had to be lamb which of course is my love as well (Lamb Massaman Curry, Lamb Spaghetti, Lamb Kofta Curry, Lamb Burgers & Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles). Making Sate Kambing I think is pretty much not a brain cracker and if you opt for store bought spices, all the better easier. Mix minced lamb alongside the spices and stick on lemongrass sticks prior to grilling on portable grill or bbq pit, or can go into the oven as well. After grilling, tucked into these juicy succulent sate kambing, by right should be with kuah kacang/peanut satay sauce which I didn't make. Instead, thrown in again with an Indian twist, we had Sate Kambing alongside salad (Vegetable Raita). Sounds weird? Of course not. After all, there is no right or wrong formula for your food likings (Watermelon Salad). 

Eastern & Oriental Hotel - Georgetown, Penang (Buffet Breakfast)

 

I definitely looked forward to breakfast in Eastern & Oriental Hotel. I did. I wanted to find out if buffet is gonna be worth, mind you, our premium suite did not come cheap. So, logically, for the price we paid, of course buffet is already billed, next morning (Deluxcious Spa & Red Garden Food Paradise), at about 9.15, after a lazy hop out of bed and showering, we walked into the dining area. Lovely! Akin we have walked into a classic, those days Chinese coffee shop, we decided to sit outside, across the sea. Nice view. Beautiful spot on view for gazing at, while tucking into breakfast. Coffee came cruising soon, we then, I mean what else is there but to opt for our choices between the spread of local and western dishes. Salad, fresh juice, toast, dips, noodles, nasi lemak and the rest.

Red Garden Food Paradise - Leith Street, George Town (Penang)

Returning back to Eastern & Oriental Hotel, I, trust me, I was still fuming. How can I possibly not be? Remember, I told you about my spa disaster in Deluxcious spa? My anger thermometer almost raptured, I just couldn't keep my big fat mouth shut. I had spill all of it to my other half-half, who was still dazed after his sleeping beauty sleep. He in return just smiled, what else can he do anyway, later, we got down to deciding where dinner should be (Coffee Lane Cafe). Restaurants, classy expensive eateries? Neh. What for? We thought we might as well walk the streets, and if we find something, we will decide there and then. And, so we walk, a long walk actually. All the way from the hotel, while looking out for eateries, eventually, once we noticed Red Garden's signboard, we had to decide. How about dinner in this hawker paradise? Sure. I was in for it. Grabbing a table beforehand, once we took a good turnaround, we realise that Red Garden Food Paradise is akin an international food court. Row by row hawker stalls, featuring all sorts of food, all sorts mind you. Not only local cuisines, you name it, Japanese,Thai, Korean, Western and what not. Quite a huge choice, indeed, thrown in with free entertainment from the three piece band.    

Richfield Corner Restaurant & Bar

Richfield Corner is not the most happening place for hanging out, if you hoping for being among the hip-hop uptrend night birds, you might as well forget it. But for a decent quiet night out, thrown in with some fun, among your friends, you should possibly consider Richfield Corner. Been around, I think, for as long as I can remember, from my mayhem younger years, Richfield Corner is a conducive corner lot eatery-cum-bar. Inside is where the bar is, obviously, where the band comes alive after 9pm, though I can't tell you if its an every day affair, I actually prefer to sit at the spacious garden area outside. Cosy! But in a plant surrounded setting, I guess we all have to be prepared for blood suckers. Then again, so strange that mosquitoes too pick and choose their victims. They prefer, I think juicy blood, mine usually is spared, wonder why?

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.

Hu Tieu Nam Vang

Hu Tieu Nam Vang, aka Phnom Penh Noodle Soup. How do I know about this Cambodian Noodle Soup? Remember, I did my tour to Vietnam and Cambodia (Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap & Hanoi)? Though I didn't explore till Phnom Penh, but pretty much those Vietnamese and Cambodian food I tucked into did justice to my palates (Vietnamese Steamed Fish, Shrimp Pho, Vietnamese Fish Soup & Vietnamese Noodle Soup) and the noodles dishes in these two countries? Of course their origin must be highly regarded, yet, don't you think we do have the liberty to modifying and tweeting recipes without compromising on the much needed quintessential tastes (Ikan Balado, Singapore Laksa & Nyonya Lam Mee) no matter where they originate from? We can right? Depending on country specific ingredients and also, considering the type of meat we eat? Sure, why not? That's why I had to align and adjust Hu Tieu Nam Vang to our preference and like I have already told you before, pork and chicken are a taboo for my other half-half (Prawn Noodle Soup, Penang Assam Laksa & Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup)? So, between between seafood and lamb, I thought lamb should be a good run for Hu Tieu Nam Vang. My version of Hu Tieu Nam Vang? Lamb broth generously ladled over rice noodles assembled alongside crispy fried lamb, fresh herbs and beansprouts, paired with a dipping sauce made from chillies, garlic, soy sauce, sugar and lime.

Lamb Spaghetti

Oh my lamb. Mary had a little lamb! Lamb. We don't mind. We sometimes take a break from mutton which of course is forever our favorite (Devil's Curry & Easy Mutton Curry). Then again, lamb sort can be the substitute as well. Actually, come to think of it, we are not really particular. Lamb usually the call for curries (Lamb Rogan Josh & Lamb Kofta Curry), of course every now and then, me and my thinking cap for a different kinda lamb dish (Malaysian Lamb Stew & Lamb Fried Rice). In fact, I can proudly say that lamb has been the star ingredients for other dishes as well (Lamb Pho & Lamb Burgers). And right now, lemme introduce to you Lamb Spaghetti. Not to say there are not other lamb spaghetti recipes, but this one, is my Malaysian Asian version (Shrimp Pho). My style, my way, my food story and my dish for my convenience. Spaghetti and spinach in a scented by bay leaves and fresh rosemary sauce, a tiny bit of spiciness from paprika and cheese atop. A winner? Would you agree or you don't? Yeh or neh?

Lamb Kofta Curry

Mutton or lamb? Tough question. For us personally, both goes. Both, mutton (Mutton Keema & Masala Mutton Curry) and lamb cuts both ways. Meaning, in other words, we don't mind either one. Of course, we Indians, don't you think we prefer mutton (Mutton Kurma, Mutton Dalca & Mutton Pepper Masala)? You bet. I had a tough call as well for this kofta curry. Should I use mutton or lamb (Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles & Malaysian Lamb Stew). In the end, I settled for lamb (Lamb Burgers & Lamb Fried Rice). Why, are you asking me? Minced lamb on this particular day was easier availability and I didn't want to do the mutton (Mutton Parathal & Mutton Soup) mincing on my own. Honestly, for someone like me who like to be in my kitchen for the shortest time, I as you know am an easy home cook, I really can't be bothered with mincing. Of course, I agree when minced meat is an overall concern, what about the ratio to meat and fats? Therefore, you decide while I get moving to this Lamb Kofta Curry. Kofta? I think I have already told you (Indian Mutton Meatball Soup & Chicken Meatball Soup)?  Vibrant and salivating simmering curry made from a mixture of spices, and kofta gently dropped inside. 

Nasi Kandar Line Clear - Penang (Malaysia)

A trip to Penang is not complete (Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang). No, not complete without a nasi kandar meal. You must whatever happens, you must try nasi kandar in Penang. At least for me personally and I have already had my share of nasi kandar in Penang. The latest? Nasi Kandar Line Clear. Like, maybe if not have been spoken about million times, maybe said as a must try. What is it like in Nasi Kandar Line Clear? Except no much in terms of ambiance and be prepared for sweat dripping massively on a hot day. Then again, tell me. When its not a hot day in Malaysia? Even when it is raining or after rain? I don't know about you, I can sweat worst than the dogs, cats and pigs. Alright, so much for sweating even when we stood in the queue and before pointing to the dishes we wanted. Not bad. Not bad already? These guys who serve you. They sure can speak good English while I was actually speaking in Bahasa Malaysia for opting between the choices of meat, poultry, seafood, all mostly in curry style and of course, some stir fried veggies as well.

Restaurant Makbul Nasi Kandar - (Taipan, Subang Jaya)

Hard to miss. I bet you won't miss seeing Restaurant Makbul Nasi Kandar if you are in Taipan or even if you are passing by the main road. Restaurant Makbul Nasi Kandar, as far as I know is already like a permanent landmark in Taipan. Our reason for dining in Restaurant Makbul? In fact, our first time. Just like that after running some errands and amongst the rest of the eateries, Restaurant Makbul was randomly selected and seemingly like the right hour. Dishes for a rice meal making way to the food counter. Piping hot and fresh-fresh just cooked dishes. Wow! Right on. In the queue for our choice of dishes over the plate of rice before being seated, and also calling for Teh Tarik and Sky Juice. 

Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles

If there is without a doubt, of course there is, I know what I am not doubting, if there's already Penang Curry Mee in this previous space of mine, why can't there be a curry noodle dish showcasing lamb (Lamb Pho/Vietnamese Noodle Soup) as the main highlight? Why not? What must it mostly must be a familiarity (Home Made Curry Mee & Vegetarian Curry Mee)? Regardless, I really can't decide nor should I speak on your behalf, but obviously, I have already accomplished within the context of a Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles (Penang Assam Laksa & Bee Hoon Soup). Malaysian? Malaysian meaning from my Malaysian kitchen (Malaysian Fried Rice & Malaysian Fried Mee). Yep, you are right. If it is not always Malaysian, at least every once too often (Malaysian Lamb Stew) Malaysian food for this Malaysian foodie. Lamb of course (Lamb Fried Rice & Lamb Burgers), in fact even mutton (Sup Kambing, Mutton Keema & Mutton Varuval), is forever a favorite amongst Indians right? You bet and I bet. So, how should the cooking story go-to for this my nava-k's version Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles? Minced lamb fried to crispiness separately and once we have made the spicy creamy curry and after assembling the whole composite to Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles, crispy lamb and soft boiled egg atop. Bye cooking enthusiasts. See you in my next cooking chapter.

Lamb Burgers

So, we must agree it can't be curries, rice and side dishes (Shark Curry, Tapioca Stir Fry & Apple Cucumber Salad), or even soups or noodles daily (Vietnamese Fish Soup & Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup)? I think we did speak about this matter before, if I am not mistaken? Lamb Burger. What a drastic change in my house. Seldom we love to bite into burgers, not me though, but my other half-half is food fine even daily with anything decked into any kinda bread stuffs. He in fact, unlike me, is a bread worshiper. These lamb burgers definitely were his dinner food pride. All made from a stretch, except of course, oh-please, I can't be bothered with making burger buns. Instead, wholemeal burger buns I paid for at the bakery, filled with seasoned by dried herbs grilled lamb patties (Lamb Stew & Minced Lamb Potato Fried Rice), lotsa raw veggies and those available at home sauces atop. Feel free. Veggies and sauces as per availability in your house or whichever you prefer.  

Malaysian Lamb Stew

Its, mostly Malaysian in my house (Potato Leaves Belacan, Chay Kway Teow, Kailan Oyster Sauce, Bean Sprouts Salted Fish, Gado Gado, Sambal Sotong & Pumpkin Salted Fish Curry) Malaysian food mostly, even when its other dishes from around the globe, I must tweet and localize as per our Malaysian love. Today, its Malaysian Lamb Stew. Somewhat similar to the millions of lamb stews from every and each part of the world, Malaysian Lamb Stew (Malaysian Indian Fish Curry) on the other hand is the produce of our local ingredients, except maybe Worcestershire Sauce? Additionally, due to our rough and tough local lamb cuts, I suggest you get the cooking help from your pressure cooker. Otherwise, nothing should go wrong for this rich and filling stew which you can make ahead, store in the fridge and warm up as and when needed, perhaps also you shouldn't discount dunking toast inside for further food pleasure wholesomeness (Lamb Fried Rice & Braised Chicken Feet). 

Lamb Fried Rice

From Ghee Rice (Ghee Rice, Tomato Rice & Jeera/Cumin Rice), lets proceed to Lamb Fried Rice. Of course rice story in my house will forever be on the go. After all, we Malaysians? I don't know about you, I must admit I am the biggest fan of rice and when we speak about fried rice on the whole, there will be on end (Kampung Fried Rice, Belacan Fried Rice & Chinese Fried Rice). Lamb Fried Rice (Lamb Pho/Vietnamese Noodle Soup)? Leftover cooked rice, minced lamb, potato, red capsicum and we Malaysians, how can we say no to spiciness. 

Victoria Station - Taipan, Subang Jaya

Victoria Station. Unforgettable. What a start it was to our courting days and of course when we are courting, its all nice restaurants unlike once love and lust dust settles down. Once love reality bullet catches up on us? Tell me about it. I can still remember. Victoria Station Medan Damansara romantic dinners while staring at each other non-stop. Not once mind you. In fact, until much of their menu we have already explored when love was in the air. Love I think, most probably is still there. Maybe not in the air but, love on the whole? Catch it if you can. After like 7 to 8 years down the road, we made a comeback to Victoria Station. To this Victoria Station in Taipan. Our first time ever here. Pretty much the same ambiance. As though you are dining in a moving train if you like imagine, or otherwise, stalled train. 

Tony Roma's (The Curve, Mutiara Damansara)

When you literally can't say no to celebrating your friend's birthday? We accommodate right?. We can't say no to good friends? Possibly we can't. Henceforth, on this Friday evening, we took the roads for driving all the way from PJ to Mutiara Damansara. Duh! What a drive which tested our patience outrightly. Regardless, like I have already told you, for the happiness of friends? Tony Roma's by the way is not alien to us. We have dined in their Sunway outlet, maybe twice. Anything different in Tony Roma's The Curve. Nothing if you are asking me. The same ambiance, the same menu and service pretty much attentive.