Melaka - Portuguese Settlement (Restaurant De Costa's 8)

Lemme speak a tiny bit on Portuguese Settlement. Those I think I am familiar with instead of taking the easy way out by cutting and pasting, obviously in academic terms we call it “plagiarism”. Plagiarism indeed is a rampant madness attitude even among the self-proclaimed top-notch bloggers, all in the name of fanning for popularity, fame, likes and followers. The best part of it all is that people actually fall for copied crab stuffs instead of believing those who share their sincere, genuine and honest real-time experiences. Wish I can shame those copycats who evidently have not the mastered the art of copying, sadly though. Sad isn't? I should mill them through "Plagiarism" software.

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.    

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). 

Mee Goreng Udang

Mee Goreng Udang, or prawn fried mee. The frying technic which by far is not a brain cracker, but when we speak about frying noodles on the whole, we must have all the ingredients on stand by and as close to us possibly. Otherwise? We may end up over-cooking the ingredients we have already put in the big wok and then, it can turn out to be a disaster or we ending up stressing ourselves, and let's not forget about sweating when frying. Of course. Ask me about sweating and I can go on and on (Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon, Hakka Noodles, Chow Mein & Hokkien Mee & Char Kway Teow). That's about it I think the cooking tips for Mee Goreng Udang which is definitely another one of our Malaysian food show stealer. Noodles fried alongside prawns (Hokkien Hae Mee, Shrimp Pad Thai & Shrimp Pho), cabbage, eggs, garlic, spring onion and soy sauce (Nyonya Mee Siam, Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Soup Noodles, Mee Rebus, Laksam Kelantan & Malaysian Fried Mee).

Nyonya Mee Siam

Upgraded and updated. The simply fried Mee Siam heightened and enlivened to another style for the birth of Nyonya Mee Siam. Moreover, in between I also gave a good run to my cooking knowledge by making the gravy/kuah Singapore Mee Siam. Nyonya Mee Siam, aka Mee Siam Goreng personally for me, I think you know it. Me and my Nyonya cooking I picked up by lending my ears to my friends, watching cooking programs (Siamese Laksa Lemak) and of course, my own experience of testing and trying and making those Nyonya dishes. Also, when we speak about the Nyonya community, we have the Malacca Baba Nyonya and Penang Nyonya clan (Penang Acar, Penang Curry Mee & Penang Assam Laksa).

Hokkien Hae Mee

Sometimes, don't we have the tendency to cook the same dishes again and again? In fact, if you are asking me about our daily meals, we usually repeat the dishes. Of course, the practically to cooking. I mean, how many new dishes do we actually initiate in a month or even every forth night considering our crisis for time and maybe because we have a certain liking for a specific dish? Mind you, its the same cooking story in my house as well regardless of the fact that since I started this space of mine, I have been exploring a whole lot of new dishes (Singapore Mee Siam, Siamese Laksa Lemak, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon & Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup). Not because I want to impress all of you, but for my own cooking pride and also I want to improvise on the dishes I have cooked before. Take this Hokkien Hae Mee as an example. Made before (Penang Mee Yoke) and I guess there's always such as thing as another round of another style or version.

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). 

Mongolian Prawns

Not bad. I deserve a pat on my shoulders. I should because I am actually taking the height and depth to learning and knowledge thirsting on the various types of cuisines from throughout the globe and mostly from Asian region which of course stretches from this end till that end. Where and which part of Asia is Mongolia located? Somewhere within Asia and neighboring China and Russia on the across side. Why I am going into a such fact on Mongolia, are you now asking me? Well, to let you know that China has an influence, to a certain extent on the types of ingredients Mongolians tend to use for their cooking. Ah! I think I got it right. Otherwise, I don't think you could have digested the fact to me coining this Mongolian Prawns (Grilled Prawns, Chinese Prawn Fritters, Shrimp Wanton, Prawn Cocktail, Butter Prawns & Devilled Prawns). Actually, to tell you the truth, mutton and beef seemingly are the popular take in Mongolia, but considering that beef is taboo for us and since we have already hit our limit to mutton or lamb (Nepalese Mutton Curry), I decided on prawns (Goan Prawn Curry).

Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon (Rice Vermicelli)

Malaysia My! Malaysia Mine! Malaysian Me! Me the typical Malaysian and I won't in any way or no way compromise our Malaysian food. The best food in the world I vouch and trust me, no food in this world can come close to our Malaysian food. Of course because we Malaysians are not short of the various types of dishes and instead of segregating ourselves by mentioning the three main races in Malaysia (Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup, Chilli Clams, Sayur Lodeh & Malaysian Indian Fish Curry), I must include all of us together when Malaysian food is a concern. Anything for the matter, including our forever and always loved fried rice (Malaysian Fried Rice) and I might as well include this Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon because we Malaysian love adding some anchovies (Anchovies Fried Mee Hoon) or dried shrimps for our variety of a simply fried together noodle dish. Moreover, there is limit to Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon (Malaysian Egg Benedict, Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Soup Noodles & Malaysian Chicken Chop). In other words, its a meal for anytime of the day. For breakfast, for bunch, for lunch, for tea time, for dinner and we Malaysians (Malaysian Lamb Stew, Malaysian Pumpkin Soup & Malaysian Fried Mee) sure can extend our eating time till supper. Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon! A joyous meal once you fry mee hoon alongside our Malaysian ground found ingredients. Of course, like I have already told you, do not forget for celebrating dried shrimps (Malaysian Chilli Crab & Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles).

Sarawak Laksa

Guys, I thought maybe for the time being, we will just stick to within our Malaysian recipes instead of humping and jumping to other countries around the globe and most probably, my last few recipes have indicated that I am staying put and standing on my Malaysian ground (Ayam Pongteh & Chicken Vindaloo). Of course, I am not denying that a gastronomical tour to other countries is definitely a food show for exposing us to the various types of cuisines (Singapore Laksa & Vietnamese Noodle Soup). Yet, to a certain extent, I think we must do our local food hunting as well. Trust me, I myself personally have not completed making noodles from our different states (Cantonese Yee Mee, Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Noodle Soup & Penang Mee Yoke), though Curry Laksa, or Laksa Lemak or Curry Mee been trended in this space of mine (Nyonya Curry Laksa, Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles & Penang Curry Mee) and back then, don't know how moons ago, I did make a trip to Sarawak whereby I tuck into their well known Sarawak Laksa.

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.

Cantonese Yee Mee

Cantonese Yee Mee. Chinese style noodle dish. Another variety to Chinese style cooking (Teochew Steamed Fish, Sichuan Chilli Prawns & Cantonese Fried Rice) noodles. Trust me, Chinese and their noodle dishes. Oh-my! They sure have it and know it and there's abundance of varieties and also each to its own meaning. I certainly can't nail why and what are the significance of the noodles dishes, but I sure am aware that Chinese and they eat for prosperity, longevity, happiness and what not (Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup, Lam Mee & Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup). What about Cantonese Yee Mee, are you asking me? Well, I cant say much. Must be some sort of significance as well or its just the Chinese noodle dish pleasure (Penang Curry Mee, Penang Assam Laksa & Penang Mee Yoke).

Prawn Curry Laksa

Various ways, various styles and various types of Curry Laksa availability. Of course. In fact, I myself I think have already shared a fair bit (Home Made Curry Mee, Curry Chicken Noodles, Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles & Nyonya Curry Laksa). Curries by far too, what should we say? There's a huge collection and I bet you will not be short of those different kindas between in-country and out of Malaysia countries. Wouldn't you agree? If you are asking me, in my Indian house, curries are a food stealer, maybe not so much for me, but for my other half-half especially (Assam Fish Curry, Indian Chicken Curry, Lamb Kofta Curry, Devil's Curry & Vegan Potato Curry). I can go on and on about curries, then again, my point is that curry is the main highlight for this Prawn Curry Laksa. Basically, curry broth made from prawn shells and heads, and we also need some fresh prawns for assembling alongside the rest of the ingredients. I think I have told you before? Why I save prawn heads and shells (Prawn Cocktail, Fried Prawn Wantons, Grilled Spicy Prawns, Chinese Prawn Fritters & Prawn Petai Sambal)? Obviously, each time I wanna make prawn curry broth (Tamarind Prawn Curry & Prawn Mango Curry), or even for other dishes, these will be handy (Prawn Noodle Soup) and Curry Laksa can't be perfected without coconut milk (Coconut Salted Fish & Shrimp Coconut). Prawn Curry Laksa? Amazingly vibrant and will be exciting to our palates right?

Butter Prawns

Herbs (Chicken Herbal Soup) and spices are like forever a must for practically most of the dishes I cook. They can either be from my garden (Curried Lemongrass Fish, Nasi Dagang, Rosemary Cheesy Potatoes) or the other choice is obviously buying (Assam Laksa. Assam Fish Curry, Watermelon Mint Salad & Cumin Rice), I am particularly fond of coriander leaves (Grilled Mackerel, Fish Chilli Lime, Ghee Almond Rice, curry leaves (Spicy Crab Parathal, Prawn Devil Curry, Cili Padi Fish) and spring onion (Bean Sprout Salted Fish & Mutton Ball Soup). Every now and then I also reach out to dried herbs (Lamb Burger), sometimes the powdered spices and sometimes I grind the spice mix (Prawn Mango). 

Shrimp Pad Thai Salad

Honestly guys, I don't know what else should I say when Thai cuisine is our food card. I think much we have already spoken about before? In my previous recipes (Thai Vegetable Curry)? I sincerely believe so because I have been taking you back and forth, to and fro, from Thailand and back to our mother land (Thai Carrot Soup & Seafood Tom Yum Soup). Today, lemme share with you this Shrimp Pad Thai Salad (Shrimp Pho). Obviously a noodle dish and one which I made due to I still had some spaghetti in hand after making Lamb Spaghetti. Of course, you can use, please go ahead and use other type of noodles. As you wish, as for your pleasure or as what's already available at home (Tom Yam Fried Mee Hoon, Spicy Thai Noodles & Thai Fish Noodle Soup). In fact, when we speak about home cooked meals, there is no right and wrong. Its you basically and you don't even have to replicate recipes as they are. That's how it is for me personally. Shrimp Pad Thai Salad? So easy. In fact, just a tiny fraction of cooking. Simmering the prawns in water just for a minute or two, and then, toss all the ingredients together. In a jiffy meal and trust me, Shrimp Pad Thai Salad  (Thai Mee Hoon Salad) will not let you down. I sincerely reckon each and everyone of you will joyously tuck in. Succulent prawns, spiciness from green chillies, aroma of kaffir lime leaves, fresh burst from ginger and tat tinge of saltiness and tanginess from fish sauce and lime juice.