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.

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. 

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. 

Mee Siam Kuah/Gravy (Vegetarian)

Anything is possible these days. Of course. I'm not in denial by the way that anything can be a matter even for food intake. In fact, considering that many are jumping into the back wagon of being a vegetarian, only god knows why, Indians on the whole we shouldn't speak about, there are many possibilities to a vegetarian meal these days. What about me, are you asking? Neh! Never have I thought of being a full blown vegetarian (Maggi Goreng Mamak & Mee Rebus Vegetarian). Of course every now and then, in fact every once a week, I am in the making. The making of a vegetarian meal (Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup & Mee Rojak Vegetarian) for my other half-half, and me, I can basically go with the flow. Out came this Mee Siam Kuah/Gravy Vegetarian on this particular Saturday from my kitchen and to our dining table. Mee Siam? I have already spoken about before (Nyonya Mee Siam, Singapore Mee Siam & Mee Siam)? I did. Mee Siam Vegetarian? Nothing is short coming or going. Still a delightful and really slurpy delicious, complete wholesome meal. Oh, for those of you who are anti-egg vegetarian, ditch egg aside and Mee Siam I think must have originated from Thailand? I don't know. You tell me please (Thapthim Krop, Tom Yum Noodle Soup & Siamese Laksa Lemak).

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).

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. 

Maggi Goreng Mamak

Maggi Goreng Mamak. The number fried noodle selling. In fact, each time we head to the mamak stalls, its like a habit or food lingo we must call for a plate of Maggi Goreng Mamak. My knees too can wobble for this style. Quickly fried on the spot, there and then noodles (Mee Goreng Udang, Char Kway Teow, Anchovies Fried Mee Hoon & Malaysian Fried Mee). Maybe not always, yet, I do yearn for and I usually request for lotsa veggies in Maggi Goreng Mamak. Can be a satisfying mind you even when we make it in our kitchen and of course, without compromising on cleanliness and according to our taste (Nyonya Mee Siam, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon & Hokkien Mee). Whichever and whatever ingredients we prefer, regardless, the essentials have to be Maggi instant noodle or noodles, chillies, soy sauce, and like I have already told you, throwing in lotsa vegetables.

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). 

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.

Tofu Manchurian

Guys, if you are asking me about the history of Tofu Manchurian or even Manchuria, I really can't say much. But I sure know that Manchuria was the puppet state of the Empire of Japan in Northeast China and inner Mongolia, and Manchurian cuisine seemingly has taken a strong influence in India (Indian Tofu Curry). Why, how and what, please don't ask me. Yet I am aware that somehow Manchurian recipes (Chicken Kebab & Hakka Noodles) have been tweeted to the local tastes in India and one of the most prominent is definitely Gobi Manchurian (Cauliflower Pakora) and I must include Tofu Manchurian as well. Regardless, my Tofu Manchurian is an outcome of my thinking, though I did refer to a couple of recipes which really confused me. Thus, to keep my Tofu Manchurian as my invention, I went ahead and cooked it as how we would appreciate a tofu dish to be (Tofu Green Beans Stir Fry, Tofu Scrambled Eggs & Spinach Tofu Stir Fry). Of course we must not discount spices and chillies for Manchurian dishes? Precisely the ingredients that were cooked alongside tofu and since I had some French beans, I added them as well. The outcome? This mouthwatering burst of Tofu Manchurian (Tofu Katsu & Chinese Tofu Soup).

Restoran Syed Kadir - Seksyen 3, Shah Alam

Back again to Restaurant Syed Kadir (Restaurant Syed, Seksyen 9, Shah Alam), more for a light meal at about 3.30 pm and for the three of us, we ordered Tosai, Maggi goreng, Sup Ayam/Chicken, Mutton Chops Curry and Teh Tarik (3x).  Service was pretty much efficient as food and drinks arrived so soon. Flavourful and piping hot, chicken soup a little spicy and peppery, garnished with spring onion and with tender chicken,  this soup I loved till the last scoop.

Chinese Tofu Soup

One of those days, in fact the day I dined on my own. I think I have told you before on this me and cooking a meal for myself only when my other half-half is away (Baked Lemon Chicken)? Of course, I do have a choice of eating out, but, the thought of it? Finding parking and then deciding what to eat or what to pack back seemingly sometimes is more confusing and stress leading compared to returning home and grabbing whatever ingredients I have for cooking a simple meal. Of course, a meal in a jiffy or I don't have to really slog in my kitchen (Onion Soup, Thai Carrot Soup, Tomato Spinach Soup & Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup). I think I have also told you that I make sure my pantry and fridge are usually stocked up? So, back home, whatever ingredients that will jive and balance together for my meal. Soups of course are the easiest (Vegetarian Chinese Winter Melon Soup)?

Nyonya Curry Laksa

Nyonya cuisine. One of those, one of it amongst the rest of the Malaysian cuisines. Remember? If you can still recall? I have already Nyonya dishes before (Assam Fish Curry, Nyonya Fish Sambal, Nyonya Steam Fish & Nyonya Assam Fish Curry)?  Of course I did. Today, lets get to know this Nyonya Curry Laksa. Bowl food. Bowl food meaning noodles (Chow Mein & Mee Siam). generously soaking in a thick curry (Lamb Curry Noodles, Laksam Kelantan & Curry Mee). Basically the broth or soupy (Bee Hoon Soup, Lamb Pho & Prawn Noodle Soup) version compared to noodles stir fried. Curry obviously is the crucial fact. Making the flavorful, thick, creamy broth. All about with our Malaysian ingredients (Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Soup Noodles, Mee Rebus & Penang Mee Yoke). Curry broth and swimming long beans, and taufu, ladled generously over noodles and soft boiled egg.  

Kah Heong Chicken Rice Restaurant - (SS14, Subang Jaya)

Kah Heong Chicken Rice Restaurant. Two of them in Subang Jaya (SS14 & SS18). Both seemingly popular in their own category and the one I dined in is across the overhead bridge we walked to from SS15. We making our way in by 12.15pm for an early lunch before being swarmed by the rest of the customers. To order? No.no. Not asking and checking. Instead menu calling. Honestly, I didn't except in this coffee style eatery. I suppose I was wrong and trust me, pretty much quite a lengthy selection of dishes from which we opting for Ipoh Hor Fun (Chicken Kuey Teow Soup), Curry Laksa, Roasted Chicken Rice and Bean Sprouts Soy Sauce.

Gado Gado

Gado Gado! The platter dish. The dish as finger food, or appetizer or starter (Rice Vadai, Chinese Prawn Fritters, Grilled Chicken Wings, Fried Shrimp Wantons & Bonda). Actually Gado Gado can even be your main course. Perhaps? If you don't want a heavy meal or a complete Gado Gado like this one, trust me, can fill you up as well. What can expect in Gado Gado? Tofu, potatoes, tempeh/fermented soy and fresh raw vegetables. My this, Nava K's version is a vegetarian and grilled version instead of frying the items. Of course, you can, go ahead, include fried seafood, poultry, meat or whatever whichever.   

Curry Mee (Vegetarian)

Curry Mee. The vegetarian version (Penang Curry Mee & Home Made Curry Mee). The power house of any curry mee, definitely must be the curry itself. Get the curry right and you have achieved millions of curry milestones. Otherwise? Keep practicing until you have perfected the curry. Alternatively, what is this curry mee vegetarian recipe doing here? Of course, obviously, if you are considering a totally to vegetarianism or as a base for a non-vegetarian curry. Curry made from homemade curry paste, coconut milk, tamarind, lemongrass and pretty much the customary ingredients for any curry for the matter. Once curry is made, we assemble noodles alongside fried brinjal, fried tofu, green chilli and spring onion, followed by generously pouring curry atop. My cooking style to my Curry Mee Vegetarian? Evidently, says it all. 

Hanazen (Jaya One - PJ)

After reading some good reviews about this place, I wanted to give it a try myself. So I found myself in Jaya One (Coffee Ritual, Nagomi, Kissaten, Heng Kee and D'italiane) once again. Since my colleagues felt a Japanese meal at the end of the month is taxing to their pocket I ventured out alone. The place was rather empty during lunch hour and the décor is similar to what other Japanese restaurants. They even play similar songs. Oh well, I was there for the food. I scrutinised the menu closely and the range is what you can expect from a mid-range restaurant like this. However I was surprised that it doesn't serve any dessert at all. There was no drinks menu either. Strange but true.

Nyonya Delights Cafe - Aeon, Bukit Tinggi, Klang

Shopping obviously was the main reason why we were in Aeon Bukit Tinggi. And shopping by far, seemingly is like in tandem to eating right? I know. Each time we are out shopping, we must eat before heading home. On this particular day, right. Shopping concluded and then, which eatery it should be. Somehow, strange, both of agreeing to Nyonya Delights instead of? No, no, I am not going to speak about the dilemmas and debates we can have if we are not agreeable. Thank god. No dispute whatsoever. No long face of mine or his. Instead, into Nyonya Delights Cafe.