Siong Huat Bak Kut Teh (Pelabuhan Klang) Selangor

How did Nava K end up in Port Klang? Nava K all the way to Port Klang? Intriguing story plot actually. I really can’t wait to tell you, sincerely, you may not even believe it. Nonetheless, instead of allowing Nava cat out of her own bag right now, right at this juncture, lemme keep it as a classified KGB or even FBI Indian file. At least till I spill all of it in the next sharing. I promise I will bare front and bare back all of it. Suspense by the way, I reckon, don't you agree is your mind and my mind boggling and wrecking? Undoubtedly, suspense indeed is a heart killer, I know, patience obviously is not a virtue anymore. Don't believe me? See how impatiently everyone is killing each other, even family members, all because of money suspense? Still, whatever said, my dear followers, I suggest you patiently await in suspender or suspense on what's with me in Port Klang (Khuntai Thai Banting, Coconut Flower Telok Gong & Bagan Hailam Klang)

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.  

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. 

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. 

Penang - Thaipusam (Nava-K's Spiritual And Religious Journey)

Some friends I believe are really peculiar. Perhaps I should also label them as weirdos. Wanna know why? No, no, I am in no way referring to the fake social media friends, but my most to most 5 to 10 closest friends whom I thought knew me at the back of their hands. How wrong. When I told a few of them that I will be fulfilling my spiritual and religious vows at Waterfall Temple/Balathandayuthapani Temple for Thaipusam, they burst out in laughter. Why? Seriously, I didn't know what were they tickled about? Do I look like a misfit? Not as far as I know. Despite asking over and over again, none actually could spill a concrete reason. I of course was agitated. Then again, it can't be my fault if friends judge me wrongly. Maybe because I am modern and outgoing, I can’t be religious, is it? Whatever, I've come to a point  I care too hoots how people perceive me. My life, my choices, my happiness and my relationship with god.  

Sungkai - Perak, Malaysia (Overnight Excursion)

Have you realise how stressful life is these days? Indeed, I won’t deny. I am of course not at all talking about the headline grabbing glamorous social media life many are living, I am certainly referring to life behind the fast lane which bounces big balls of fire. Let’s call the big hard balls as the challengers, especially in the city, what matters most undisputedly is money. Money! No money, sorry to say everyone, we are doomed ding-dong-bell because in front of each step we take, money is the leader. Money may be sunny in a rich man world, nevertheless, money does not fall from the sky though some people I know are under the impression that by praying daily, god will throw money down. Unfortunately though, the reality is otherwise. Slogging non-stop for your career or business is the ringtone for proud-pride status and tagging with it is naturally stress.    

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.    

Hong Kong Kim Gary - I Utama, Petaling Jaya

In case if you have been wondering what's my latest social status of my Iphone 7, let me tell you that it’s been hell. Yesssss, grrrr!! Literally hell. As it is, IPhone 7 kept rebooting (Restoran Orkid Thai), by the 5th day, our love for each grew apart because phone shuts down randomly and wouldn't wake up until I force. Obviously, I should be fuming right? I must. Anyway, that is that, I then consulted my so-called iPhone specialist friends, yet, eventually, all roads basically arrowed, arrow yea, to iPhone service centers. Pretty much a sensible advice, instead of heading to Machine Mid Valley where I knew my patience will be massively tested to await in the long line, I drove to Mac City 1 Utama. Honestly, wasn’t a joy ride, all the way from Shah Alam via the crazy Saturday late morning jam. Later, the common craziness we all go through, parking before anyone quickly intercepted and walking between the uncontrollable spoiled brag kids who think it’s so hilarious to run up and down wildly at the glory of their parents.

Da De Bak Kut Teh - SS14, Subang Jaya

A whole day of running around akin a headless chicken from one end to the other all for the sake of a phone (Iphone 7), thank god I had a protein drink prior to leaving home at about 9.30am. Otherwise, most probably I would have collapsed from exhaustion and frustration. Nonetheless, skipping meals for whatever may come and go I know is a pathetic lame excuse. Yet, that was the case even though I could have at least grab a snack in between. Still, food was completely forgotten due to the hack of driving, caught in the jam, as well as going round and round to secure parking. Finally, at about 6pm while passing by my once a upon a time Subang Jaya territory, I not only felt sentimental seeing the college where I used to loyally and faithfully educated students(Vanilla - The Milie Crepe Cafe), hunger also massively struck in my already noisy gut tummy. 

Gather Gather Kitchen - Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam

A true and true food connoisseur won’t mind travelling the distance for good food. Distance again of course is debatable. A few miles, a thousand miles or millions of miles, in all fairness, really, it depends on you. Basically, you call the shots. While you are still at figuring out the number of miles for your next meal, how about a trip to the heart of Kota Kemuning, specifically to Gather Gather Kitchen? Hi there, hello everyone. Welcome to my territory. The once boring, sleepy and lifeless township I regretted moving in 13 years ago and where I almost went mad as well. Well, except for coffee shops, McDonalds and a few cafes, nothing much to speak about Kota Kemuning. Oh, maybe, perhaps, I must also mention that Kota Kemuning was or is still perceived as the ground for the rich and famous. Actually, I don't think so. Its perception. I don't live in a bungalow, not even a semi-d, neither do I crazily speed around in a posh car. 

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! 

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

Over the moon and over-excited I was. As usual, what else is new with Nava K when its gonna be "Pork Is Life" food-gate. Of course, I made sure I made my way to Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches. Sea Park. The familiar ground where I was grounded at the stroll away SS2. Henceforth, memories did return, almost instantly by banging waking up my head. All in a nice manner for recalling my mayhem days whereby I used to hang out at Sea Park as well. Parking indeed has never been sailing smooth from those days in Sea Park, rather tight too on this day. But, I knew that, no matter what, after waiting for a while nearby the across petrol station, I will spot a parking spot. Hallelujah! Right in front of Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches. Upon walking in, I couldn't help in admiring how creatively Ticklish Ribs & "Wiches is set-up. A bar right after the entrance, and ambiance clearly breezing alive and kicking for immediately letting know you that Ticklish Ribs & 'Wiches is the spot-on eatery for a babi meal. 

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).

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!

Uncle Seng Homemade Noodles - SS15, Subang Jaya

My lunch of convenience is usually within and around Subang Jaya. Walking from the office is definitely the best option (Malaqa Nyonya House), other times, if its a lunch meetup and I am driven, I do venture a bit further (Big Hug Burger, Hyotan Japanese, Restoran Nirwana Maju, Kitchen Art Brasserie & Vivo Empire Subang). On this day, it was another lunch meetup, my friend fetched me and since I only had an hour in hand, we decided to drive around the row by row shop-lots in SS15. Within the next, lets say 15 minutes, we had enough of circling in the traffic. Hunger too was slowly killing us, a quick thought, at the spur of the moment, landed us in Uncle Seng Homemade Noodles. That too after double-parking, but, not until without my friend ensuring that his phone number is made public. Guess that's how it is, one of the tricks to parking in SS15, thereafter, we made our way into Uncle Seng Homemade Noodles. 

Steamed Pork With Salted Fish

Steamed Pork With Salted Fish! Trust me, a rapid explosion and burst of my or maybe even your forever appreciated and loved saltiness and spiciness in tender pork belly. Of course, pork belly and fats as well? Not really healthy, but I guess once a while would massively shake our health (Siew Yoke & Char Siu). Steamed Pork With Salted Fish is really so and very easy to make. Add all the ingredients in a steaming tray and steam, and you are done. My version I believe is somewhat unique and outstanding because I decided to go with my instinct and gut feeling on how I can further spiral and heighten Steamed Pork With Salted Fish to up and away, higher for a major revelation of tastes (Salted Fish Bone Soup, Salted Fish Bone Curry, Salted Egg Chicken, Dried Shrimp Sambal & Bean Sprouts Salted Fish).  Pork belly steamed alongside salted fish, chillies, soy sauce, ginger, and tamarind, garnished with coriander leaves. 

Siew Yoke (Roast Pork Belly)

So, it must be in tandem right? When you have already had your hands-on in making Char Siu/Chinese Barbecue Pork, the next course of action must be Siew Yoke? Most probably. I think so. I actually felt that way too and I've been toying with the idea for a while until I was ready to take Siew Yoke by its Pork Belly. Aplenty recipes mind you and I must look up at the Chinese for their variants. Of course, after all, Siew Yoke is like a historical dish in the Chinese community and not amongst the Indians. Perhaps, just saying, I may be the first Indian, or there have already been other Indians, yet I did feel good I made Siew Yoke. My version. My own and of course the best people to check for recipes were my Chinese friends. Crispy cracking on the outside and soft tender biting moment inside, slightly sinfulness salty by limited the use of salt Siew Yoke, paired alongside a home-style chilli ginger dip/sauce.  

Char Siu (Chinese Barbecue Pork)

Confession time before I move to the recipe. Honestly guys, this is the first time I am cooking pork at home. Why are asking me? Well, being married to a typical Hindu who doesn't eat pork, I didn't want to pull out our marriage roots or shake up our marriage tree which has already grounded strongly. But lemme tell you that I am a hard-core lover of Chinese food (Chinese Chicken Herbal Soup, Cantonese Fried Rice, Hakka Noodles, Teochew Steamed Fish & Sichuan Chilli Prawns). Actually even my other half-half does not mind Chinese food maybe not often, but every now and then, yet it can't be pork. As long as all those dishes I make are a produce of seafood, he will in fact tuck in and of course, Chinese vegetarian dishes, well, do I have to say anything? Indians seemingly have no issue adapting to vegetarian dishes (Yam Basket Vegetarian, Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup, Old Cucumber Soup & Vegetarian Chow Mein).