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.

Lamb Fried Rice

From Ghee Rice (Ghee Rice, Tomato Rice & Jeera/Cumin Rice), lets proceed to Lamb Fried Rice. Of course rice story in my house will forever be on the go. After all, we Malaysians? I don't know about you, I must admit I am the biggest fan of rice and when we speak about fried rice on the whole, there will be on end (Kampung Fried Rice, Belacan Fried Rice & Chinese Fried Rice). Lamb Fried Rice (Lamb Pho/Vietnamese Noodle Soup)? Leftover cooked rice, minced lamb, potato, red capsicum and we Malaysians, how can we say no to spiciness. 

Ghee Rice (Nei Choru)

Ghee Rice, aka Nei Choru! Walla! Imagine the scent and richness of ghee and also spices in ghee rice (Tomato Rice & Cumin Rice). Furthermore, ghee rice made from basmati rice? What a mini or major revelation of tastiness right? Pairing for ghee rice? Endless (Mutton Dalca, Mutton Kurma, Masala Mutton Curry, Ayam Masak Merah, Chicken Curry Potatoes & Bitter Gourd Prawn Curry). Oh, add some cashew nuts as well.   

Grilled Salmon

If you are beginner to salmon, in other words, you have not much explored salmon or have not cooked before, let me show the way. The cooking way of course (Malaysian Indian Fish Curry, Chilli Soy Fish, Fried Kembung Assam Sauce & Ikan Pari/Stingray Sambal). Salmon unlike our local catch. They pretty much don't need much messing around in terms of ingredients. All you need? Some seasoning of dried oregano, dried mint leaves or other suitable dried herb, plus some crushed black pepper, salt and a tiny bit of oil for pan grilling (Grilled Fish In Banana Leaf, Otak-Otak & Grilled Fish Stuffed With Sambal). In fact, can be done in a jiffy and a dash of lemon juice atop grilled salmon. My-My!  

Bitter Gourd Prawn Curry

Bitter Gourd. I know. Of course I know. Bitterness right? Obviously. Think again. Bitterness of bitter gourd is healthiness and when bitter gourd and prawns have become best friends in this spicy Indian curry. Believe me. Tolerable bitterness which also will be overpowered by spiciness and sourness (Tamarind Prawn Curry) and in return, Bitter Gourd Prawn Curry on the whole as a mouth packing delightfulness (Prawn Spinach Sodhi). So, what are you waiting for. Get the ingredients ready and get cooking. 

Valakkai Chips/ Plantain Chips

Valakkai, plantain or green raw bananas? They sure are a delight when fried as crispy chips? Of course. For a matter of fact, anything fried (Lotus Root Chips, Crab Stick Chips & Fried Shrimp Wantons)? I bet you know what I am talking about? Valakkai Chips. For crunching as a snack or as a side for our rice meals. What is outstanding about my style to frying valakkai? I added curry leaves and shallots. Otherwise, its all equal as other valakkai chips. 

Coconut Flower (Teluk Gong - Klang)

When my cravings for crab started, it was hard to find a suitable place to have it. I didn't want to go back to a seafood restaurant in PJ as the prices are exorbitant and the taste is about average. A friend who stays in Klang recommended this place. According to him, it used to be a small hut selling toddy (fermented coconut liqour) and it got its name from there. In Chinese the drink is loosely translated to coconut flower. He said the prices are ok and service is quick. So we crawled through traffic and braved big trucks before arriving to the place.