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.  

Restoran Lucky Loke SS3

What have my fifties done to me? Aplenty! Crucially, my fifties has automated me towards the core meaning  of friendship. I realise that, for some reason or rather, once fifties started crawling on my body, mind and soul, my maturity friendship button sky rocketed till the moon and sky for loudly alerting me to trash aside rubbish friends. Who are these rubbish friends we are talking about? Those who massively use us, those who constantly empty their bad and negative vibes on us, and those who slyly bad stab us. Shall we now realistically blame it on, what else can it possibly be except the competitive real time and social media time friendship. I bet. Of course. Envy and jealously. Anything new? No. Pretty much a norm and a complicated messy head banging matter. Nevertheless, believe me, once the big five hard kick your butt, most probably you won’t have any problem identifying who these friends are. Unless of course, if you are telling me that your fifties is just another passing phase? Am I right? I believe I am.

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.

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. 

Olive Garden - AEON Mall, Seksyen 13 (Shah Alam)

Over to AEON Mall after the hearty breakfast in “The Coffee & Bar". Nothing really on my mind, I am by the way not someone who aimlessly walk around shopping malls for no apparent reason. Gone are the days of giving into shopping temptation or spending money without thinking hundred over times. Basically, I can't afford. I don't earn as much as I used to, I also rather keep my money for my travel ventures (Melaka Jonker Walk & Pyeonchang Korea) instead of spending for the sake of it. But since this is my time in AEON Shah Alam mall, my niece who comes over quite often insisted on showing me around. Why not? No harm done because should I really need to shop next time, I may consider this mall. 

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).

Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul - Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall

Anything with Penang sells. Not as in Penang itself, I can’t comment if people in other states of Malaysia will speak highly about Penang food, but we at the heart of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor die-die get carried with eateries that features Penang food. Including even those from the anywhere and everywhere hawker stalls. I of course have Penang tripped. Sightseeing primarily is my call, sightseeing must also be tagged alongside food porn, food orgasm, food splendor and food glory. Basically, known as "dine with nava-k" in nava-k’s laywoman’s terms. Otherwise, such a shame for branding myself as a foodie delight, food enthusiast or adventurous foodie. Oh-yes, Penang undeniably is a food haven. But proclaiming that it is an all-rounder winner potentially can in return bring shame to my food senses (Penang Thaipusam to Alor Setar Kedah). Regardless, I must generously award high distinction and credit to let’s say 70% of Penang food. Why not? Why should we deprive praising those who have not compromised on the incredibly memory lane food terrains of their ancestors authentic traditional dishes?

Restoran Meng Kee - Old Klang Road (Kuala Lumpur)

I agree. I must actually. It is true humans as well as animals are living longer than ever. I do get the picture and I also get to see the pictures of healthily fluffy, furry, fiery or "all-in-one" hyper active dogs and cats daily on social media. Sure, animals shouldn't be denied "Stylo-Mylo" grooming at pet salons, simultaneously, dogs, cats and snakes must lovingly be fed with healthy home cooked food. Better be. Otherwise, animal rights activists will haunt down the pet lovers. Nevertheless, going by the love book of nava-k, just wondering whether the same is applicable to outwardly human inwardly animal human and 100% human-people. Happily or sadly though, millions of likes are for eating out more often, for eating-pampering on social media and for stress which is tail-gating akin the vrooming car drivers also due to constantly laptop staring-up at work and home, and looking down at hand-phone socializing web. 

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.    

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. 

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! 

Ikan Goreng Asam

The other side to the previous Ikan Goreng Kunyit/Turmeric Fried Fish. The other side which is my favourite as well. Speak about sourness, me, myself and I? Honestly, I so love sourness to every bit. Any kinda sourness in our Malaysian dishes (Nyonya Acar Fish, Asam Curry Fish & Fried Kembung With Assam Sauce). Sourness from our local fruits (Sambal Belimbing Bilis & Masak Lemak Nenas) and of course, lime or asam jawa/tamarind are the other two for streaming into curries or our sambal dishes (Tamarind Prawn Curry, Ayam Masak Tiga Rasa, Sambal Udang Petai & Asam Pedas Ikan), or maybe I should include vinegar as well. For this Ikan Goreng Asam, its tamarind. Tamarind juice and salt as the marination for fish, followed by fish being fried and of course, we need a dip right? Dip which must be spicy, salty and along a touch of sweetness? Potentially (Fried Fish with Soy Sauce, Ikan Masak Kicap & Crispy Chilli Fish). Ikan Goreng Asam? Sourness is definitely our Malaysian food appreciation.   

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. 

Terong Balado Pedas Manis

Terong Balado Pedas Manis is? Fried Brinjal in Spicy Sweet Sambal/Sauce. Says it all right? I am back to my Indonesian cooking and back again to eggplant, aubergine or brinjal? Admittedly. My previous balado cooking lingo (Ikan Balado) and other Indonesian dishes (Sate Kambing, Indonesian Grilled Fish, Sambal Goreng Teri & Sambal Terasi)? Plus, we did speak to a certain extent about terong? The bright purple sparkled fruit or veggie or said as warna ungu in Indonesian language and even in our Malay language?  A popularity in fact. Terong being a take for any cuisine around the world for the matter (Thai Style Eggplant). We too quite fancy terong (Japanese Eggplant Saute). Perhaps why I have already rolled out a couple of dishes and whatever said, brinjal in sambal must be one of the food prides. I don't know about my other half-half, most probably for him will still be Indian style to brinjal (Bengali Begun Bhaja, Baingan Bharta, Eggplant Tikka & Brinjal Stir Fry) but me myself can't be separated from sambal (Sambal Belimbing Bilis & Kacang Buncis Belacan). Terong Balado Pedas Manis? The modern twist or a modified version and according to Malaysian ingredients for a satisfying and fabulously exquisite Terong Belado Pedas Manis.   

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). 

Fried Fish with Soy Sauce

How easy sometimes it can be. Not always though and unless and until you decide you want easiness. Easiness by far can take place in your and my kitchen as well (Mapo Tofu & Fried Prawn Wanton)? Of course. Without a doubt when we don't feel like rolling aplenty pots and pans and we actually yearn for simplicity. Take this Fried Fish with Soy Sauce (Ikan Masak Kicap) as an example. I actually got the fish monger to clean the fish  (Yong Tau Foo) and when I returned home, I gave fish a good rinse in lime water, prior to moving on to cooking (Fish Ball Noodle Soup). Cooking basically meaning dusting fish with corn flour, rice flour and seasoned by pepper and salt, thereafter deep fried and removed from wok. Up next? Frying ginger till crispy (Thai Crispy Fish & Chilli Lime Fish) and kept aside, before making the easy sauce and this sauce, as well as fried ginger going over fried dish and spring onion garnished. Over, over. Our Fried Fish with Soy Sauce is ready (Nyonya Acar Fish & Teochew Steamed Fish).

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu! As far as I know, Mapo Tofu is Sichuan coming and calling dish. Most probably. Me and Sichuan dishes (Sichuan Chilli Prawns & Sichuan Noodle Soup)? In fact, Chinese food on the whole for the matter (Fried Prawn Wanton) and do I have speak about tofu? A favourite in my house. Always and forever. Any which way will do for tofu which comes in different made these days (Tofu Manchurian, Tofu Green Beans Stir Fry & Tofu Scambled Eggs). For Mapo Tofu, I actually opted for Japanese Tofu instead of the white ones. Why, are you asking me? No particular reason. I just thought I want to show you that you can make Mapo Tofu from Japanese egg tofu (Tofu Katsu) and this my version is a totality on it own. Basically different and outstanding due to me wanting to use my at home ingredients instead of? Why buy ingredients when you can make do with what you already have stocked up? Potentially. Mapo Tofu? Tad bit of spiciness, tad bit of saltiness, spring onion garnished and soft tofu (Chinese Tofu Soup, Spinach Tofu Stir Fry & Indian Tofu Curry).