Moom Sabai Restaurant - Taman Bayu Perdana (Klang)

Indian food again for dinner (A MuthuHouse of Briyani)? Nooo! Of course not. Impossible (more at Hua Xing Restaurant). Thai food at the close by Moon Sabai Restaurant, also, a familiar ground for my friend we agreed should be the take. Absolutely (Thai Thai Sunway), anytime for the truly loved quintessential Thai flavours (Thai Green Crab Curry & Thai Laksa),  thankfully the route to Moom Sabai was not through the massive jam across the shop lots on this Friday late evening. But, quite frustrating it was driving via the inner roads haphazardly double parked almost all the way from the apartments behind. Anyway, instead of the typical Malaysian mentality of double parking albeit availability of parking further up, we somehow carefully maneuvered to the nearest parking spot. 

Bunga Kantan/Ginger Torch Bud Pineapple Cucumber Salad

I love all things Malaysian herbs and spices. Must I also mention that I am a typical Malaysian who will never ever compromise our Malaysian food (Mutton Rendang, Nasi Kerabu & Nasi Ulam) for anything else in this world? Our Malaysian cuisine? They are such a tremendous delight and on the whole, when we speak about our Malaysian salad? Generally, in the family of Malay salads. How can we go wrong? We can't in fact. Our Malaysian raw salad (Kerabu Taugeh, Kerabu Kacang Botol & Kerabu Mangga) is so easy to put together. In fact for a fact, most raw salads (Vegetable Raita, Asian Watermelon Salad, Mango Cucumber Salad, Apple Cucumber Salad & Cucumber Yogurt Salad). Bunga Kantan/Ginger Torch Bud Pineapple Cucumber Salad? The central master key for the scent and aroma is obviously, bunga kantan (ginger torch bud) which I am still struggling in growing. Just can't get right no matter what so far. Nevermind, we can still buy? A dollar most probably for one. Making this salad? Ingredients listed below, but no hard and soft rules to the amount of ingredients. As little or as much as you like. Bunga Kantan/Ginger Torch Bud Pineapple Cucumber Salad? Crunchiness, tadbit of spiciness, tanginess and wondrous aroma of ginger torch bud. 

Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip

Me and avocado, me and dip? Like a strange thing right? Me, the typical Malaysian who is mostly showcasing our local sambal dip (Sambal Belacan) or Indian style chutney (Indian Mango Chutney), and all of a sudden, you actually see a dip made from Avocado in this precious space of mine? Honestly, to tell you the truth, maybe you already know it as well, me settling for our local produce and for a change, I decided I will pay for Avocado. To say Avocado is pricey, I am not really sure. RM5.00 for a single avocado? What do you think? I suppose once a while paying a bit more for ingredients, especially for an imported ingredient should be a fair deal right? Right. Back home with the single avocado, and already by then I had visualized a dip, this Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip (Creamy Mushroom Soup & Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry) came into our food picture. Yogurt of course as you know is one of my favourite ingredients (Cucumber Yogurt Salad) and yogurt pulsed alongside avocado, mint leaves, olive oil, salt and pepper for this Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip, served with fresh salad (Asian Watermelon Salad) and crackers. Platter food (Gado Gado).

Cucumber Yogurt Salad

Vegetarianism? A must? Is it compulsory? Is it if you are not a vegetarian, you should feel guilty? Seriously, I really give a damn about vegetarianism (Mixed Vegetable Soup, Vegetarian Sandwich & Cauliflower Fritters). If I can every now and then, I will and if I can't, please leave me alone. Stop preaching about your profound need for vegetarianism which you believe will make you a holy grain Hinduism. Well and good, good for you. Can I live my life according to my what I believe is best for me? Thank you. Regardless, its a fact as well in my house we prefer, when a veggie side dish is a concern (Kailan Oyster Sauce, Carrot Poriyal & Indian Style Mustard Greens), we love wholesome vegetarianism instead of adding meat inside for stir frying or even salad. We basically like the concept of totality for a side dish because on the other side, since it will be paired alongside a non-veg main dish, we respect our style to our own vegetarianism. Salads of course, as you know, what else should I say? Especially all about showcasing vegetables? Healthiness, simplicity and easy cooking raw style right? How about this Cucumber Yogurt Salad? Cucumber, onion, yogurt, (Mor Rasam & Bengali Yogurt Fish Curry) coriander leaves and tadbit of spiciness from chillies. Toss all of it and Cucumber Yogurt Salad is on the go (Mango Cucumber Salad & Apple Cucumber Salad). Rawwww!!!

Mango Cucumber Salad

 

The simplicity to food and the simplicity to cooking. What else is there for me to say? Home food of course without a doubt is the best and as far as I know, home food does not have to drain our energy. Pretty much anything goes right (Malaysian Fried Rice)? Literally anything, from soups and easy preasy one pot dish (Mixed Vegetable Soup & Corn Soup). Nevertheless, when time is on our side, maybe during weekends, we won't mind sweating a little longer for stir frying a side dish (Aloo Gobi, Brinjal Stir Fry, Beans Thoran, Carrot Poriyal & Bean Sprouts Omelette), known as oil splattering, followed by thorough cleaning of our kitchen and kitchen top. Last week, in between one the days when time became, really, the crisis call for me, I decided. I decided in keeping it clean in my kitchen. Clean and mean. How about a raw salad, I ask myself since it will also be a meal on my own (Apple Cucumber Salad). So, the first mission accomplished. What should I put up for my dinner. Next mission of course, so easy, for this notably Indian style fruity (Fried Apple Fritters) veggie salad. The fact as well all ingredients, as usual, awaiting me in my fridge and as you know or don't, generally, our Indian salads are yogurt inspired (Moor Kulumbu/Yoghurt Curry). Vibrant, attractive, tangy and sweet, above all, there's no hidden magic formula to making this Mango Cucumber  Salad. Dice, cut and toss all the ingredients together. Done!

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.