Cinnamon's - Gamuda Walk (Kota Kemuning) Shah Alam

Honestly foodies,

I still can’t get over and done with the “Bamboo Beriyani” I devoured into at Cinnamon’s Kota Kemuning recently. Honest to goodness, it’s been ages I think I’ve had such a mouthwatering delicious Beriyani. Not the same. Not the same commercial Beriyani from anywhere and everywhere, nope, this biriyani by far is simply the best. Wow-Pow! Hang-on, hang-on, hang-in there for the time being. More to Bamboo Beriyani will be unveiled later, right now, walk with me into Cinnamon’s, located on the first floor of Gamuda Walk, because I’ve got other things I must tell you as well.   

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. 

Poondu Thakkali Rasam/Garlic Tomato Rasam

Rasam (Pineapple Rasam & Pepper Garlic Rasam). I can talk and talk about rasam till the cows come home. Believe me because, like I have coughed out many a times, rasam is our favourite (Rasam - Home Made Rasam Powder). In fact, at least twice a week and these days, instead of making twice, I make once a week and store in the fridge. Why not? Who told you, you can't store rasam in the fridge for a few days? After all, rasam is meatless (Nandu Rasam) and its all about spices and the rest of the customary ingredients? Also, how different can a rasam be? Unless of course, you want to take rasam to sky level by coining the various types. Not me though. Enough (Mor Rasam, Egg Rasam & Instant Rasam). Enough of even taking my cooking to a higher level and rasam which is in my fridge, oh, I actually freeze in smaller portions, is then brought out for warming up for our next meal. Thereafter, I just do the topping. Topping like frying fish or making a stir fry veggie, and our meal is ready. Poondu Thakkali Rasam/Garlic Tomato Rasam. I suppose the nearest door to another version. Of course, we don't compromise on its quintessential tastes. Sourness, and tadbit of heat, and rasam definitely is our healthy, nutritious and nourishing to our body Indian soup.

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. 

Pineapple Rasam

Rasam and more and more and more? Yes please. I think I have already told you about our undivided love for rasam? Not once though. In fact, countless times and each time I share a rasam recipe (Pepper Garlic Rasam, Rasam, Mor Rasam, Egg Rasam, Nandu Rasam & Instant Rasam). Enough said right? I think so. I know so. And so, let's just stick to the guns of making this latest rasam. Pineapple Rasam? How? Honestly, nothing out of this world or you must kneel on the ground for saying a prayer. Of course not. Pretty much like every other rasam and  we still the customary ingredients. The only difference is pineapple and me using canned pineapple. Otherwise, its a clean sweep in making and for my version, I blended the ingredients for rasam paste. Oh, I did also tip in some gingerly oil for a change. Pineapple Rasam? Truly yours and mine.

Gem Restaurant (Jalan Gasing) Petaling Jaya

I haven't been really cooking for the past week or so. No! no! Kitchen isn't permanently closed. Just that there's been other pressing priorities like the never ending family matters, events and why cook when the other half is away. Usually when I am alone, I pack back hawker food instead of rolling the pots and pans for the sake of impressing the neighbours. Sundays too sometimes laziness creeps in especially after staying up late watching tv. Of course, we all know nothing like home cooked meals to please the soul mate. Then again, waking up late surely a luxury these days and the luxury should continue with a meal at restaurants. After all, I'm sure you will agree that eating out is healthy for relationships. Relaxing and bonding over a meal it should be but please, put the Ipad and Iphone aside.       

Sardine Varuval (Dry Style)

Tuna or Sardine? Sardine mostly. Fresh sardine or canned sardines? Both goes strongly and tremendously (Mathi Achar & Nadan Sardine Curry). But stocking up canned sardines has become a habit I can't let go. Basically like if I don't stock up, seemingly my grocery doing is not complete. How about you? You are like me? You must have sardines in cans in your pantry? Actually, its a good thing because canned sardines will never ever let us down (Sardin Masak Lemak & Sardine Rolls). Unlike our husbands who sometimes can drive us up the wall? Even canned tuna as well (Tuna Thoran, Tuna Burgers & Tuna Cutlets). I mean, canned tuna being our cooking saviour. What's the story to me making this Sardine Varuval (Sardine Sambal & Sardine Potato)? The same food story in fact. Always a favourite (Jeera Aloo/Potato & Meen Puttu) and imagine sardine varuval alongside rice soaking or fully flooded by rasam or sambar. Heaven called easily fab meal right? I know (Udupi Sambar & Pepper Garlic Rasam). We Indians and our fingers to eating for happy tummy sardine varuval meal? What more should I possibly say? Nothing. Dive into Sardine Varuval at your pleasure (Chicken Varuval & Mutton Varuval). 

Lahari Kitchen - Bandar Puchong Jaya, Puchong

My food venture on this day took place in Lahari Kitchen. Thanks to the owner for extending an invitation which of course I didn't refuse. Why should I refuse or what is there to doubt when I am made proud by owners who recognised the existence of Nava K in the virtual world? Don't you agree? I bet you are agreeing. Starting off my day early from my base in Shah Alam because I like to, preferably beat the lunch time crowd. Before 12.00pm, I had already made my presence known in Lahari Kitchen. Located at the left lane you turn into once you notice Pelita Restaurant and trust me, me, you won't have any  issue identifying Lahari Kitchen. Their blue bright signboard I can assure will positively welcome you. I walked in, I greeted the owner, vice-versa, thereafter I sat and took a turnaround to admire their comfortable, clean and well set up ambiance. Since owner was busy attending to customers who were already leaving after tucking into their meal, more were constantly, one after the other streaming in for packing food back whereas the rest were like me, already seated, I had to stay put on my seat. But not till long. You know how fidgety I can get? 

Asian Rice Pot @ Kelana Jaya (Petaling Jaya)

Looks like people have been blowing trumpets on Asian Rice Pot and I had to constantly hear all of it. Seemingly Asian Rice Pot is akin a melting pot amongst the nearby and maybe, I really don't know, I'm guessing though, maybe even amongst far distance customers. Then again, tell me? How far out can the customers' base map contour stretch to? Perhaps the further far out within Petaling Jaya? Which by far, is quite a major contour area. These people, most of them, including my two friends, kept tempting me over Asian Rice Pot. Their current regular eatery. They of course praised the deliciousness of the dishes, moreover, I was told that I must give a go to Asian Rice Pot. Literally, I must at their high recommendation. Alright. I didn't mind. All the way from Shah Alam, better be worth it I told myself, we arrived at Asian Rice Pot for an early dinner by 7.00pm. 

Pepper Garlic Rasam

Tell me please then. Wouldn't all of you Indians agree rasam is forever loved? If you want confirmation and affirmation from me, of course, its a big yes from me to you. In fact, rasam can be daily for us until I usually make rasam in big quantity and store in the fridge. Thereafter, warmed up for the next day's meal or maybe a few days in a row meals. That's why I think all my previous rasam recipes can speak for themselves on their own ( Mor Rasam, Nandu Rasam, Rasam, Egg Rasam & Instant Rasam)? Joining the list now is this Pepper Garlic Rasam. Obviously, what else you want me to say? Pretty much nothing much except I should repeat that rasam is forever appreciated.

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). 

Gobi Manchurian

The dry style Gobi Manchurian (Tofu Manchurian) instead of in a sticky and gooey sauce. Personally, to tell you the truth, I don't like the sauce. Sauce which will absorb into batter fried gobi/cauli (Shahi Gobi, Cauliflower Curry & Aloo Gobi) and for making them soggy even before you tuck in. I in fact actually prefer Gobi Manchurian for their crunchy crispiness and when eaten hot-hot once out of the frying pan, oh-my-mamma-mia (Cauliflower Pakora & Cauliflower Fritters). Furthermore, I must mention that we sort of to a certain extent have a sincere love towards gobi/cauliflower which these days are really affordable. How do we make Gobi Manchurian? My style Gobi Manchurian? Almost like making Gobi 65, but this is the kid friendly non spicy, maybe optimal level of spiciness and curry leaves and cumin seeds scented Gobi Manchurian (Bengali Begun Bhaja). 

Jeera Aloo

Jeera Aloo, or Aloo Jeera Nava-K's style. Yes. Of course. I have my style to my cooking. Proud Nava K. Why not? After all, cooking is also about your own style right? Tell me about it. That's why, most probably you would noticed that my Jeera Aloo is different and a stand out amongst the rest. What is Jeera Aloo by the way if you still can't comprehend? Basically, potatoes stir fried alongside cumin (Jeera Rice) and of course, we need the spicy beat from chillies as well. Potatoes on the whole by the way, as I have repeated myself donkey times (Sukhi Aloo Sabzi, Tari Wale Aloo, Chilli Aloo, Dum Aloo & Aloo Gobi). Just mention potatoes and you yourself will know what I mean. So many dishes out of potatoes (Aloo Gosht, Navaratan Korma, Egg Potato Curry, Indian Potato Balls, Baked Cheesy Potatoes & Bonda).  What about Jeera Aloo? Simplicity and simplest. Loud aroma of cumin seeds, garam masala, coriander leaves and a dry style Jeera Aloo.

Mathi Achar

Mathi Achar. Kerala Sardine Fish Achar or Kerala Sardine Fish Pickle. Says it all. Me and my love for fish achar (Nyonya Acar Fish) or even salted fish pickle (Pada Salt Fish Pickle & Salted Fish Pickle). And so, you think I would have had major kitchen struggle in making Mathi Achar? I don't think so because I have to some extent, mastered my cooking skills towards Kerala cuisine (Nadan Meen Curry, Fish Puttu, Tuna Thoran & Malabar Fish Curry & Kerala Fish Fry). Of course, I must admit I did refer to a couple of recipes, but at the end of it all, I decided I will stay true to my own Mathi Achar cooking invention and fish by themselves, do I have to repeat myself again and again (Fish Ball Noodle Soup, Malu Kirata/Sri Lankan Fish Coconut Stew, Indonesian Fish Balado, Mauritian Fish Curry & Ikan Masak Kicap)? Moreover, sardines are not only a popularity in Kerala, but here in Malaysia too. So, sardines they were. Masala enhanced fried sardines tipped into a spicy and full of utmost power packed vinaigrette. Oh-My! What a fish pleasure. Made ahead and having Mathi Achar as you wish whenever you yearn for, for your rice meals (Sardine Masak Lemak).

Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry)

Look at this earthen pot and in it thick, salty, spicy and vibrantly exciting to our palates and eyes  Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry). Like immediately can trigger our hunger throne right? I know. I am definitely a big fan of this Indian style salted fish curry and salted fish on the whole by itself (Spicy Ikan Bilis Potato, Sambal Tumis Ikan Bilis & Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin), can drive me crazy because I so love saltiness. In fact, every day can be a salted fish meal day for me (Salted Fish Pickle, Bean Sprouts Salted Fish & Steamed Pork Salted Fish). But, I think we all know it? Too much of saltiness and salt can ruin our health? Of course. Then again, there is such a thing as every now and then saltiness as our best friend? How do make this salted fish curry? Nothing much, no major confusing cooking matter (Salted Fish Bone Curry). My recipes as always will never cause you to struggle in the kitchen. Ingredients listed below and of course coming with it cooking technic for the outcome of this mouth punching and jubilant (Salted Fish Bone Soup & Pineapple Salted Fish Curry) Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry).

Ingredients

For the beans

1 cup mochakottai/field beans

1 tsp turmeric powder

A pinch of salt

Water - as needed

Other ingredients

400g threadfin/kurau salted fish with bones - soaked for 10 mins and rinsed. 

2 potatoes - cut into medium size pieces (yes please with the skin on)

1/2 tbsp chilli powder

1 tbsp fish curry powder

** mix both with water for a thick curry paste

1 tsp fenugreek/halba seeds

1/2 tsp ginger paste

1 tsp garlic paste

1 tbsp red onion paste

2 tbsp thick tamarind juice

Sprigs of curry leaves

5 tbsp oil

Salt for taste

Method

For the beans

Simmer beans with turmeric and water till soft.

Drain off water and keep aside.

For the curry

Heat oil and fry ginger, garlic and onion paste for 1-2 mins.

Add curry paste.

Stir and cook till aromatic and oil splits.

Add potatoes, pour about 1 liter of water and simmer till potatoes are 3/4 tender. 

Put in salted fish, pour tamarind juice and season with salt (if needed).

Simmer to cook salted fish (about 3-4 mins)

Add boiled beans and curry leaves.

Stir, simmer for another 2-3 mins and remove from heat. 

Bengali Begun Bhaja

Frying and crispiness and all things mouth nice by immediately tucking into whichever fried dish for the matter. Tell me about it? Fried stuffs. Oh-my! Definitely like an immediate pop up in our mouth and Bengali Begun Bhaja, which is sliced brinjal slices (Baingan Bharta, Japanese Eggplant Saute, Eggplant Tikka Masala & Brinjal Stir Fry) coated or dipped in a masala batter and fried should not at all be discounted. Deliciousness mind you. In fact utter delicious crispiness and soft melt inside and the marvelous aroma of spices. Obviously, as the name of this fried brinjal has indicated, Bengali Begun Bhaja is part and parcel of Bengali cuisine I quite know it as well (Bengali Fish Curry). Plus, I must quote other recipes too (Sukhi Aloo Sabzi, Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal, Aam ki Achaar, Tamatar ki Chutney, Shahi Gobi & Tari Wale Aloo). Therefore? God! I don't know when else to say except please tuck into Bengali Begun Bhaja (Cauliflower Fritters & Kurkuri Bhindi). 

Yarl Restaurant - Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

Constantly raved. Over and over again. Colleagues and friends wouldn't stop blowing hot air balloons on Yarl Restaurant, each and every time when Indian food is our central discussion. I have been told, let me tell you that I must give a go this Sri Lankan restaurant, maybe like hundred over times?  Previously just a stall, I bet Yarl must have been grown in popularity, until, mind you, they can actually move into a shop-lot across YMCA (Jalan Tun Sambanthan 3). Major achievement, isn't it? I believe so. I always, will always, support anyone's growth and popularity (Taj Garden), but this whole sentiment on Yarl Restaurant is yet to compute on my mind. Not till I try it out. So, albeit, honestly, I hate the traffic and driving all the way from Shah Alam, and Brickfields, on-my-lord, do I have to say? Parking mess mainly. Still, I made it a point on this Saturday in joining both my friends, who have frequented Yarl Restaurant from time to time. Early to Yarl Restaurant by 11.30am definitely did make us happy. Easy drive. Easy parking, prior to walking to the front entrance, where the food counter is. Yes ladies and gentlemen, you got to do the ordering outside, wonder whether I should start debating on cleanliness, then again, let me just stick with my food venture in Yarl Restaurant.

Thai Fried Chicken

Honestly, fried chicken is not a regularity in my house. Most of the time, fried chicken is trended when we have a gathering and also, when family pops by, though I do from time to time cook chicken when its a meal on my own (Chilli Chicken, Chicken Kebab, Sesame Chicken & Sweet Chilli Chicken). Of course, like I have repeated donkey times (Sichuan Noodle Soup), my other half-half will not come any close to chicken and maybe that could be one of the reasons why fried chicken is like every now and then  when he is travelling (Tandoori Chicken, Baked Lemon Chicken, Curried Roast Chicken, Baked Cornflakes Chicken & Spicy Chicken Wings) What was the occasion why I made a different style of fried chicken on this particular day? Family popped by and the kids in the family,  in fact, kids these days just so love fried chicken (Ayam Goreng Berempah). What is the supporting reason for making Thai Fried Chicken?  Pretty much I had stock of the Thai ingredients. You know me right? Me and my love for Thai cooking (Lamb Massaman Curry, Tom Yum Goong, Thai Vegetable Curry & Thai Green Fish Curry). Thai paste made, tipped into chicken and simmered to half cook chicken and then fried to utter crispy on the outside and soft tenderness inside, and aroma taking center stage of my kitchen

Udupi Sambar

Sambar again? Indeed. Sambar again obviously. What's with sambar/Indian dal curry and my cooking story (Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal, Andra Sambar & Palakura Pappu)? In fact, its a story which will walk you down the memory lane, up the valley, down the hill and, back and forth, bouncing you in and out of my house and kitchen. Potentially. Until I am lost for words on what else should I say about sambar and most probably, its a similar Indian curry story in each and every Indian household (Drumstick Sambar, Mysore Sambar & Bitter Gourd Sambar). But due to making sambar as regularity as I have, I now had drawn a line between myself and sambar. Regardless, sambar making is still on the go and I don't think will stop until I receive the red light from my other half-half. Hopefully because I can't really and seriously digest sambar anymore (Fish Sambar, Tanni Saar, Sambar & Spinach Sambar). Where did the idea fall from for making Udupi Sambar? Just like that from the sky. I just plucked the name of this sambar and made my version. Udupi Sambar I bet will be a major explosive dal showcased Indian curry for all you sambar lovers (Mulligatawny Soup & Dhal Rice).