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.    

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. 

Khuntai Authentic Thai Restaurant – Banting, Klang

Hoopla-hop-hula-hop family wedding finally was over and done (Indian Fashion Trends For Ladies In Their 50's). Phew! What an Indian live show to a grand wedding and also who is richer than art thou. Least expected next was the "thank you all" appreciation family dinner. Sure, why not? We were free, so, we hopped into the back wagon of car pooling to rock and roll once we hit the long stretch of sinking up and down pothole inner road on this raining day while glimpsing at the squatter living on both sides. Squatter living it may be, still, we shouldn't underestimate these people. Nice big cars parked in their open to all compound, but I won’t encourage you to compete with them by driving your sports car to Khuntai. A fat car repair bill may be awaiting due to the condition of the road. Therefore, I suggest you load the whole family on a pick-up truck or lorry for the akin a roller-coaster drive before parking in front of Khuntai or take a turn to park further inside. 

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). 

Laxshmi Bhavan Indian Restaurant - (SS14, Subang Jaya) Selangor

Its unavoidable, it just happens. Food eventually is the central topic before lunch time. Colleague who is a regular in Laxshmi Bhavan have been harping about it until the rest of us literally jumped in and said - lets get it done and over today itself. Driving earlier by 12.00pm is definitely the route game in Subang Jaya, trust me, you wouldn't want to fight for road space later among the mothers who won't care less but drive like monsters for chauffeuring their kids to school. Quite a tyrant these ladies can be let me tell you, I thought its only the Chinese ladies, seemingly Indian ladies don't want to be left behind either. The other advice from Nava K to all of of you for lunching in Subang Jaya is car pooling. I know you badly want to show off your brand new car, maybe you can do it some other time, but when it comes to driving during lunch time in Subang Jaya, I hope you won't mind car sharing for also avoiding parking space anger staring and battling. Our plan was spot-on. We stepped foot in Laxshmi Bhavan Resturant by 12.15pm. Outwardly clean, neat and organised, pretty much not much of a difference from other Indian restaurants, please don't ask me about the toilet. I didn't use, so I have no comments. If the smell would have got to me, I won't hesitate telling you, no worries. Seemingly no smell whatsoever.

Teh Tarik Place - Empire Shopping Gallery (Subang Jaya)

Friends meet-up, bouncing me back to Empire Shopping Mall (Vivo). Whether its my favorite mall or not, maybe that's besides the point, definitely I vouch Empire Mall is conductive and convenient for me (Kitchen Art Brasserie & Pasta Zanmai). Nearby where I work and because its generally an early lunch compared to the standard allocated office ruling lunch time, I can be in Empire without much major brewing trouble troubling me (Nyonya Colours & Serai Empire). Then again, tell me please about Malaysians and punctuality? Never been, consequently, I don't think will ever be the general consensus virtue. Therefore, to be amongst Malaysians who will find 100 and one reasons for not making it on time, you gotto have loads of patience. I awaited. I didn't have a choice. I prior agreed over meeting the two friends. Finally, after almost half an hour, I saw the light at the end of our Malaysian punctuality tunnel. Friend arrived, in a jiffy we agreed upon Teh Tarik Place.

Thai Thai Revisited - Sunway Pyramid

Back, back to Sunway Pyramid for a quick shopping spree and back again to Thai Thai. Quite a regrettable decision actually as Thai Thai spilled over with customers during this Ramadhan month. So service?  No where to be seen despite patiently calling over and over. Finally after 10 minutes, the female staff came with the menu and kept apologising. As soon as she suggested the dishes, I melted and anger was forgotten but since hunger was unbearable, I reminded her to speed up with the first dish.  

Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup

Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup made in my Malaysian kitchen. Why not (Hong Kong Steamed Fish)? Who told you, you can't make Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup in your Malaysian kitchen? Not me. I in fact have already proven it. This is the Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup as per our Malaysian locality and pretty much, tell me please. How different can our local Wonton Noodle Soup be compared to those made in Hong Kong? Pretty much more or less the same ingredients, but considering that Halal food is quite a demand in Malaysia, I made this prawn halal version (Mee Goreng Udang/Prawn Fried Mee, Hokkien Hae Mee, Cantonese Yee Mee & Hakka Noodles). The start to making of course must be making the wonton dumplings and if prawn (Prawn Coconut Milk, Prawn Cocktail & Chinese Prawn Fritters) is not favorable to you, please proceed with chicken (Chicken Wonton Soup & Chinese Chicken Meatball Soup) or pork to be filled and wrapped in store bought wanton skin and these wanton parcels can be crispy fried (Fried Shrimp Wonton) as well. The next course of action for wonton (Sichuan Chilli Prawns)? Into the soup and alongside the soup ladled into the bowl of wonton noodles and kai lan, garnished with spring onion, and teamed with green chillies soy sauce (Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup).

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.

Restoran Mohd Chan - Kota Kemuning (Shah Alam)

Restoran Mohd Chan. Been around for some time, albeit I can't exactly say since when, but I sure have noticed Restoran Mohd Chan a couple of times while driving pass the row of shops across the main road. Recently, just two weeks back, we had our first dinner dining experience in Restaurant Mohd Chan on this Sunday. A spacious corner lot "Chinese-Halal" restaurant, nice ambiance, with option for dining inside or outside, should you sit outside, you better keep an eye on the stray cats. Quite a nuisance actually if you are not a cat lover, but I guess nothing much can be done, though we did notice some customers generously feeding them, not realising that stray cats bring with them fleas and germs. Aside to the stray cats, but they sure will try their utmost in lingering under your table, you should also be wary of the flying happily blood suckers. Mosquitoes. So, to avoid both of these uninvited guests, I suppose inside air-conditioned dining area is clearly more conducive. We on the other hand sat outside because we didn't want to crowd among the groups of, mostly Malay customers.  

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).

Bagan Hailam Lagoon Seafood Restaurant (Pelabuhan Klang) Selangor

Family dining together, how interesting? Who is driving, who is not, which restaurant it should be and where, eventually, we vroomed. But somewhere along the way, tail gating didn't work. No, it didn't. Patience I believe is not everyone's virtue, nope, some arrived earlier, the rest of us were lost. We actually did manage to arrive at the said Pelabuhan Klang location (Seri Langat Seafood & Coconut Flower Seafood). However, due to a little confusion on which is which, because there's two restaurants, literally almost with the same name within this same compound, we were unsure. Calling each other then seemingly was the next logical thing, finally, we walked into Bagan Hailam Lagoon Seafood Restaurant. Floating on the water, real deal typical Malaysian style colonial Chinese restaurant, honestly, I loved the walk I did on the planks prior to being seated in the open, spacious and surrounded in water  dining area. Especially in a night setting, it just made me so happy. Really, I so loved it. Living in the city and coming over to such a place is definitely a different experience all together. Seldom for me, so when its thrown in once in a blue moon, I must forget about everything under the sun and instead of grumbling on how unfair life is, I should pleasure into such an amazing view while tucking into a meal.   

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.

Nasi Goreng Tom Yam (TomYam Fried Rice)

Guys, remember I have already told you that Fried Rice is already a trademark in my kitchen (Nasi Goreng Belacan Ikan Bilis)? That's right everyone and within the short span of time, I couldn't help but cook this Nasi Goreng Tom Yam. Not something utterly a new style because I have already showcased the other version to Tom Yam previously (Tom Yam Prawn Fried Rice)? Plus, the whole list of the rest of the fried rice. All sorts of styles cooked alongside different ingredients (Egg Fried Rice, Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis, Lamb Fried Rice, Chinese Fried Rice & Malaysian Fried Rice) and looks like I have not pulled up the brakes yet. Still going strong with fried rice potentially (Cantonese Fried Rice, Kampung Fried Rice, Belacan Fried Rice & Anchovies Long Beans Fried Rice). Alright, let's get up, close and personal to today's fried rice. Nasi Goreng Tom Yam. Tom yam paste made from a stretch and cooked alongside rice, squids, prawns, long beans, fish sauce and kaffir lime leaves. Bang! The first spoonful I bet will pop wake your palates instantly.