Hard Rock Cafe Kuala Lumpur has been around for ages, in fact more than a quarter of century. Regardless of how you look at it, that’s an amazing feat for a restaurant.
After spending close to 10 years in KL and even having stayed at Hard Rock hotel before, this was actually my first visit to Hard Rock Cafe. All I can say is that I should have done it sooner.

Hard Rock Cafe’s authentic American cuisine is only part of the reasons to visit Hard Rock Cafe. The dishes also come in huge American sized portion that makes food sharing almost a must and more importantly, fun! If you enjoy live music then the live entertainment’s high-energy performance will literally rock your socks off.

Despite being pork free, their Original Legendary Burger @ RM56 still impressed us both visually and in taste. The patty is as thick as the bun so every bite you take feels gratifyingly meaty. Besides extra flavor, the fried onion ring and smoked turkey bacon add a crunch to the juicy burger.

Since October is World Vegetarian Month, Hard Rock Cafe also released a new meat-free menu to cater to customers’ demand for veggie fare. The Quinoa Arugula Salad @ RM55 has got to be one of the most delicious salads I’ve ever tasted.
The mix of salsa fresca, quinoa, arugula, spicy pecans, feta cheese and other fresh ingredients work like magic to provide a burst of flavor. Go easy on the citrus vinaigrette though.

Another vegetarian dish worth trying is the Cauliflower Wings @ RM25. But first lets set the expectations straight: this does not taste like chicken, at all.
It is however, outrageously delicious for a cauliflower. Every piece was firmly in shape with a soft center, encased in a moreish coating that you can’t get enough of.

For the sake of comparison we also tried the Rockin’ Wings with their Classic Rock sauce @ RM40. Naturally, they taste better for meat lovers like us.

Selected cities’ Hard Rock Cafe also encompasses some local cuisines into the menu. For example, you’d find Pad Thai offered in Bangkok’s outlet and Asam Pedas in Melaka’s under the special “Rock The Wok” menu. As for KL, it’s Satay, Nasi Goreng and Seafood Char Kway Teow @ RM32 as pictured above.
Obviously it’s catered for foreigners but we really wanted to try their interpretation of this street favorite. In short, it didn’t disappoint and it’s more of mamak style mee goreng – a tad moist than we prefer but tasted perfectly Malaysian.

Dessert wise the Hot Fudge Brownie @ RM42 is pretty much a no-brainer, especially if you love chocolate. Like the description says, it’s definite big enough to share – at least by three or four people.

After the meal ended, we sipped on a couple of mocktails while enjoying some classic rock tunes churned out by the live band. They totally owned the stage for the duration of their set, the songs were so good we could hardly tear ourselves away.

Before leaving, don’t forget to check out the Rock Shop for souvenirs like t-shirts, hats, artist inspired gifts and goodies. I liked the reply I got when I asked if I could take some photos of the shop. The lady basically told me “please do”. Awesome.

Hard Rock Cafe Kuala Lumpur

Ground Floor, Wisma Concorde, No 2 Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL
Tel: 03-2715 5555
Business hours: Mon – Thur (11.30am – 1.45am), Fri – Sat (11.30am – 2.45am), Sun (11.30am – 2am)

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Spanish food enthusiasts in KL have a reason to rejoice. Renowned Chef Jose Alonso is in the city and he’s cooking at The Library of the freshly renovated Ritz-Carlton.
Available for five days only (until 29 Oct) from 7pm onward, you will have the opportunity to enjoy his carefully curated 4-course menu of authentic Spanish specialties.

Allow me to cut to the chase – the dishes are brilliant and the price of RM150 nett (RM250 nett with Spanish wine pairing) is quite a steal considering the restaurant’s location, setting and Chef Jose’s reputation.
If you have been saving up to end the month with a bang then look no further. In fact, you better be quick to make a reservation because I was told that they are almost fully booked for the next four days.

Although it’s a 4-course menu, you can expect to sample at least 10 different dishes. We were lucky because we got an extra tapa thrown in for free, so we had 11 dishes in total. Every guest will also receive a free welcome drink, either Sangria or sparkling wine.

The meal starts a delicious selection of snacks and tapas:
1. Sandwich De Queso Fresco (Fresh Cheese Terrine Bikini) – crackling sandwich that gives way to a soft and creamy cheese center.
2. Berenjenas Con Meil De Cana (Fried Eggplant, Honey) – thinly sliced aubergine, deep fried into a crisp and coated with honey.
3. Croquetas De Pollo Y Huevo (Chicken and Boiled Egg Croquettes) – golden brown crust with a hot molten filling.
4. Tallarines De Sepia Con Sofrito (Grilled Cuttlefish) – springy strips of cuttlefish resembling flat noodle in an aromatic mix of herb sauce.
5. Mushroom Ravioli – not included in the menu, served on the house.
6. Pulpo A La Gallega (Grilled Atlantic Octopus) – layers of sliced octopus on top of boiled potatoes, then sprinkled with paprika for a touch of heat.
7. Calabacines Rellenos De Rabo De Toro (Baby Zucchini stuffed with Oxtail Ragout) – a hearty pairing that simply works, probably my favorite tapa of the night.

If you opt for the wine pairing, white wine is matched with the tapas. The pours are more than generous and are great to enjoy over conversation while waiting between the tapas.

For main course (matched with red wine), you will get Squid Ink Paella with Seafood and Braised Lamb Shank. Between the two, the squid ink paella is clearly the more memorable dish. Glistening, rich and studded with fresh seafood, every mouthful is just a burst of flavor.
The braised lamb shank on the hand is perfectly cooked leaving it a little pink in the middle. That said, the roasted Piquillo Pepper impressed me more, it tasted almost like a soft candy!

Desserts wise, there are also two of them. The Raspberry Sorbet and Wild Forest could be one of the most aesthetically pleasing desserts I have seen.
The tart and refreshing sorbet is meant to cleanse your palate to prepare you for the next dessert, which is traditional churros with chocolate sauce. Flaky on the outside and light and airy when you bite into it, the churros are exactly how I like them to be.

After that, it’s coffee or tea to conclude the meal.

For more information about Guest Chef Jose Alonso At The Library or reservations (recommended), call 03-2142 8000 or email dining@ritzcarlton.com.my.

** This was a complimentary tasting. **

The Library

Level 1, The Ritz-Carlton
168, Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur

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Creamery Boutique Ice Creams made its mark in the Bangkok dessert scene with their homemade ice cream and pairings with waffle and chocolate lava cookies.
Their first franchise outlet in Malaysia opened in JB about a year ago and now, they are also in Atria Mall. Ironically, I did not know that they had a branch in PJ, so I actually went to their HQ in Bangkok.

A visit to Creamery won’t be complete without trying their warm cookies ice cream. It is what they are famous for anyway. You get to pick from a couple of ice cream flavors, some are pretty unique such as Bacon & Eggs, Thai Tea, Sugus, Red Velvet and Counter Strike (pistachio/chocolate fudge caramel) to go on the cookie.
If your budget allows, you can even opt for their Salted Egg Lava. But we stuck with their original Cookie Chocolate Lava @ THB129, paired with Counter Strike. The cookie is baked upon order so you there’s some waiting involved. It arrives hot on your table and the handle is wrapped with oven-mitts to prevent any burn.
As advertised, the cookie’s center was molten and gooey. The ice cream on the other hand, is as good as the pints you buy from the premium ice cream store. The combination is sinful but worth the calories.

Our initial plan was to try only one dessert here. But the waffle looked too good to pass up and coupled with the fact that we came all the way here, we figured why not? For THB99, the Honey Waffle with Berry Cheese Cake ice cream did not disappoint at all. Recommended if you prefer a lighter tasting dessert.

Even though it was a weekend afternoon, the cafe was quiet and there were only two other customers besides us. Other cafes and dessert bars in the area seem to be doing a lot better. Not sure why, maybe the fad is starting to fade out?
Anyway, if you are planning to try Creamery Boutique’s ice cream in Bangkok, you might want to consider the other branches (check out their website) because this one at Sam Yan is quite a hassle to go to.

Creamery Boutique Ice Creams (Sam Yan)

U Center Chula Soi 42, Pathumwan, 10330 Bangkok
Business hours: 11am – 9pm
Tel: +66 987987098

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So, I have been to Thailand a couple of times right? In those visits, I have eaten my fair share of mango sticky rice too.
While they were all great – no doubt about that, none of them comes close to Mae Varee‘s. Some have great mango while some are good for the sticky rice, but rarely you get one where both of them are equally amazing.

So if you happen to be in Bangkok, try to make it a point to drop by Mae Varee Fruit Shop, which I think serves, hands down, the best mango sticky rice we ever had.
Getting here is a breeze, just alight from Thong Lo BTS Station, take the exit 3 and walk for about 3 minutes to reach the shop.

Besides mango sticky rice, Mae Varee also sells whole mangoes, a couple of other fruits, snacks and dried fruit products. Even though the mangoes do not look perfect like those you get at Or Tor Kor market, at least they look like they ripened naturally. And that’s always a plus in my book whenever I am buying fruits.

The price for a packet of mango sticky rice is displayed clearly and it’s THB130 (used to be THB100) now. Basically, you just need to tell the guy behind the window how many packets you are buying. Then, they will be handed to you still fresh and warm.
Only takeaway is available so you can either enjoy it on the spot or bring it elsewhere. Whatever you choose to do, just be quick because the taste difference is really noticeable once it cools down.

The mango we had was perfectly mature, firm and juicy throughout, yet not mushy. Incredibly sweet too in a natural way. As for the sticky rice, it had a wonderful chewy bite and the coconut milk was rich in flavor and aromatic. All in all, it was simply gratifying and essentially spoiled me for any other mango sticky rice.

Mae Varee Fruit Shop

1, Soi Thong Lor Road, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 10110, Bangkok
Business hours: 6am – 11pm
Tel: +66 02392 4804

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For a small city in Japan, Sakai is full of good and inexpensive food. After our satisfying lunch at Ginshariya Gekotei, we took a leisurely walk to Kan Bukuro for dessert, specifically walnut mochi or also known as Kurumi Mochi.

While Kurumi Mochi is quite common in Japan, the way Kan Bukuro serves it is uniquely available only in Sakai. The mochis are topped with green walnut paste and can be enjoyed either warm or cold even during winter. A small serving costs 360 yen and the portion is just nice for one.

Based on what I was told, the current owner Mr.Fumio Imaizumi (pictured above) is the 27th generation of the family which started making these rice cakes approximately 450 years ago.
After 4 centuries, the only thing that changed in the recipe was that salt was substituted with sugar after it became widely available. So Kurumi Mochi was a savory dessert when it was first made.

Ordering is pretty straight forward considering there’s only 1 item on the menu. If you don’t speak a word of Japanese the old point and smile thing works perfectly here.

Both the warm and iced version of Kurumi Mochi are equally delicious because they are essentially the same thing, just that the latter is topped with shaved ice. But if you only have a limited budget or stomach space, opt for the warm one to fully enjoy the walnut paste’s flavor.

The walnut paste has a rich and creamy texture that’s similar to sweet mung bean paste, minus the dryness. To be honest I have never been a fan of mochi but this might be the first one that I actually liked and would highly recommend.

Kan Bukoro is also accessible by the city’s rickety tram operated by Hankai, which is the one and only streetcar in Osaka. You could alight at the Terajicho or Goryomae stop and the shop would only be 3 minutes walk away.

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It has been a while since I posted about food in Kepong. So, here’s one. If you have been to Thailand you would have probably seen or tasted Thai pancake simply known as Roti by the locals.

It’s like a thinner and crispier version of roti canai but eaten with sweet and savory toppings, fillings and spreads. Since many Rotee stalls in Thailand are operated by Muslims, it can be enjoyed by everyone.

As I know, there are only a few places where you could get Thai pancake in KL. Tony Thai Pancake is one of them and it happens to be in Kepong. After getting bored working as a massage center’s caretaker, Tony went to Krabi to learn the Thai pancake recipe.
Eventually he found a Muslim lady who was willing to teach him as long as he keeps the recipe authentic and Muslim-friendly. The apprenticeship lasted for 2 weeks.

Currently, there are 10 flavors to choose from but you can still mix and match to create your own. For starters, try the original (milk and sugar) to fully appreciate the pancake’s aroma, texture and taste.
Compared to the ones we had in Thailand, Tony’s version is less sweet, and that’s a good thing if you ask me. Otherwise, it tasted exactly like how it is made in Thailand.

Cheese Thai Pancake @ RM5.

Nutella Thai Pancake @ RM5.

Mango + Milk + Sugar Thai Pancake @ RM6.

Among a couple of flavors we tried, the Nutella one was our favorite. Although they are not particularly cheap, at least Tony is generous with the toppings so you feel like you are getting your money’s worth. We were also impressed that the pancake stayed crispy after an hour.

But of course, those pancakes with fillings inside like mango and cheese won’t taste as crispy.

A variety of Thai drinks are also available here. Try the Iced Thai Milk Tea (cha yen) @ RM4, it’s as rich and sweet as we expected it to be.

Overall we liked what we had and we will definitely return for more if we are in the area. During our visit we saw a steady stream of customers buying from Tony, and many of them are Thais who work in the restaurants and massage parlours nearby.

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New restaurants are popping up around KL at a dizzying pace. For those who enjoy eating out, there is always a new place to check out and new food to try. Tiger Tiger is one of the latest restaurants to open in Sunway and their menu got my attention.

Tiger Tiger serves affordable Malaysian cuisine with prices similar to what you would get at the mamaks – maybe even cheaper. Here, you can also opt for extra or premium toppings to make a simple fried noodle or nasi lemak even more satisfying than it is.

For example, the nasi lemak biasa with egg shown earlier @ RM2.50 can be upgraded to Nasi Lemak Volcano @ RM10.90. Essentially, you get an extra chicken chop with curry gravy while the egg will be half-boiled to represent the lava of the volcano.
The presentation is pretty neat and matches its name. I like that the sambal is spicy which complements the savoriness of the curry and chicken. It tasted pretty good (though not mind blowingly good) and the large portion makes it good value for money especially for nearby college students.

For an even more elaborate version, try the Nasi Lemak Volcano Island @ RM29.90 which comes with a baby lobster. It is meant for sharing between 2 so the price also includes 2 drinks of your choice.
Portion wise it should be more than sufficient for 2 ladies. As for the guys, you will be delighted to know that an extra serving of nasi lemak is only RM1. If you do not fancy having the baby lobster, you can switch it for 3 pieces of tiger prawns instead.

Basically it’s the same for the rest of their food. Every dish has a normal version which you can further upgrade according to your budget and preference. So the Indomie Goreng with egg (RM2.50) can also be served with a baby lobster.

But if what you want is simply a more filling experience without breaking the bank, the extra side dishes available include fried chicken (+RM4.40), butter chicken (+RM5.40), chicken chop (+RM7.40) and gigantic squid (+RM12.40).

Nasi Lemak Goreng is not something new but Tiger Tiger’s rendition is probably my favorite – one that I would actually recommend after trying quite a few of them. It was expertly fried and the dish was tinged with an aromatic ‘wok hei’ that sets it apart.

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Bakery Cafe HACHI, a Japanese owned bakery is the latest addition to Sri Hartamas, which meets the community’s demand for high quality and healthy products that are preservative free.

More than 40 types of bread, bun and pastry are baked fresh daily as early as 3am by chief baker and chef Ms. Chinami Date who has more than 10 years of experience working in some of the best Japanese-French bakeries in Asia.

To ensure the authentic taste of their creations, only the finest ingredients like imported flour from Japan and French butter are used. Despite that, prices are very reasonable and affordable considering the level of artistry that goes into making these natural and handmade products.

Their signature HACHI Toast Bread is the must buy item here. It tastes delicious eaten on its own, or with cold cuts, cheese, or as a toast topped with butter and jam.
If desired, you can request for the loaf to be sliced in 6 or 8 pieces to suit your preference. When stored in the freezer, it can last for up to two days.

Besides being a bakery, you can also enjoy an array of sensibly priced hot drinks, warm toasts and sandwiches prepared using their in-house breads. The Cheese Toast with ham @ RM15.90 is filling dish that also includes a salad and yogurt.

After being toasted, the HACHI Toast Bread’s crust becomes crispy (not crunchy) while the center remains soft and delightfully chewy almost similar to mochi in texture. It also has a naturally light, sweet flavor that complements savory toppings and fillings.

If you like something more savory, try the Keema Curry with Cheese @ RM21.40. The toast is topped with mild homemade Japanese beef curry that even kids can enjoy.

The Salty Butter bun @ RM3.20 is not something you’d usually find at the normal bakeries. From what we were told, this is a popular item among the Japanese and after taking a bite, it’s not hard to understand why they love it.
The Melon Pan @ RM3.40 is also a must try, it’s almost like a mix of Mexican bun and Polo bun for having a thin layer of sweet and crisp cookie dough on top.

Plain croissants made with French butter is RM3.20 each, while those topped with custard cream and fruits such as mango and strawberry are priced slightly over RM6. Both are highly recommended, simply perfect with a cup of coffee.

To mark the grand opening of Bakery Cafe HACHI on the 25th of December, they are giving out 100 ⛄️SNOWMAN BUNS⛄️ for FREE on first come, first served basis starting from 10am. All you need to do is like their Facebook page or follow them on Instagram to be entitled for this special Christmas gift.

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Weaning Tots in MyTOWN Shopping Centre is a unique children friendly cafe that is also equipped with an indoor playground. It has a spacious interior that houses fun equipment for all ages, ball pool and a giant slide.

For those who prefer sit-down bonding activities, there’s a reading corner and modeling clay for play based learning. The calming setting of the space makes it suitable for playdates with other families and kids. A variety of good quality food and snacks are also available so you can always stay for a meal.
Weaning Tots promotes healthy eating (for kids, obviously) so their dishes are prepared with less salt and sugar, and plenty of the ingredients used are organic.

All the pizzas at Weaning Tots are hand tossed for that flatter, crispier crust that kids will definitely love. They are also great for sharing in a family meal and meatless options are offered too such as the Mushroom Pizza @ RM24. Instead of the usual button mushrooms, it’s topped with Enoki that has a juicy meat like texture. You can even design your own pizza here with

The Cheeky Beef with Sauteed Zucchini @ RM35 features a slow cooked beef cheek that melts in your mouth. Its savory flavor makes it a simple yet tasty combination with rice.

For something that’s lighter but equally satisfying, try the Avocado Wrap @ RM20. The creamy avocado spread and tender chicken chunks are great together as the filling. If you want to introduce avocado to your kids in a fun and easy to eat manner, this would work wonderfully.

If you only need a bite or two, the classic fries are available here but at a slightly healthier form as Fresh Fries @ RM12. Besides potato, zucchini and sweet potato are also used for variation of flavor and texture. They are delicious alright, as we can’t keep our hands off them.

But our favorite has got to be their cakes. Both the Red Velvet and Rainbow Cake were excellent and I think even the adults would find them enjoyable. Personally, I like that they are not too heavy handed with the frosting so the cakes don’t taste too sweet.

Drinks wise you will find the usual cold pressed juices (RM6) and smoothies @ RM10. The prices are on par with what other cafes and restaurants in the mall are charging.

Overall, there may not seem like a lot to do for the grown ups here but for families, I think you can easily spend a couple hours of quality time here.

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Among the many cafes we have in the Klang Valley, Le Pont Boulangerie is one of the best looking ones. If you have a soft spot for Western cuisine, desserts and coffee, this place would be great.

Le Pont Boulangerie is divided into a few floors. The ground floor functions as a bakery cafe for quick catch-ups and light snacks, while the upper floors are fitted with larger tables for meal gatherings.

Menu wise, it’s compact and not as extensive as most places – but at least they update it regularly with new offerings. In fact, a couple of new dishes we had here were only introduced recently.

For appetizers, I couldn’t recommend the Chicken Slider (new menu) @ RM21.90 enough. Totally homemade, the lightly seared tofu bun had a faint sweetness that complements the savoriness of the chicken patty.

It’s delicious enough on its own without the need for any extra condiments. Another version prepared with prawns is also available.

I had the 6 Hour Brisket @ RM35.90 which is a signature dish here. The portion of the brisket is satisfyingly tender and large, sufficient even for those with a serious appetite. It is also served with creamy green pea puree, grilled leek, red radish and shimeiji mushrooms for a balanced meal.

SL had the Seafood Minestrone @ RM28.90 that came highly recommended by the manager. Fresh handmade Fedelini (great texture similar to hand pulled noodle) topped with assorted seafood such as shrimps, oysters, crab claw and diced octopus. A rich and flavorful Minestrone broth is served separately in a pot, letting you control the amount that goes into the pasta.

For dessert, we had the Vanilla Waffle @ RM16.90 which was designed to be shared. It might not look like it, but a chocolate-dipped vanilla ice cream bar is actually sandwiched between the waffles.
Safe to say you won’t go wrong with this, as the waffle was truly enjoyable with that desirable crispy and chewy goodness – even after it had cooled down a bit.

Another dessert you should probably check out (if you haven’t yet) is the Trio Egg @ RM15.90. These ‘eggs’ are filled with surprises of mango, strawberry and passion fruit puree that make up the yolk. But you can’t tell which has which until you crack them open.
Personally, the texture of the faux eggs impressed me the most. You can feel the different layers that compose them from the thin and crispy shell to the creamy egg white and runny yolk.

There’s no shortage of drinks here. Whether you are looking for caffeine to help you power through the remaining day, or just wanting to relax and sip on something icy and refreshing, Le Pont Boulangerie has it all.
Their signature coffee @ RM16.90 is a coffee mocktail of Le Pont Bridging Blend, red fruit mix, tonic water that’s perfumed with orange peel. A pot is sufficient to fill 3 cups to last for a long conversation.

But for those who don’t fancy coffee, the rich and sweet Strawberry Symphony @ RM16.50 would be a great alternative.

Since it started to rain heavily just right before we wanted to leave, we decided to stay on longer because we would be stuck in the traffic anyway. So we ordered the Golden Salted Egg Yolk Calamari @ RM21.90 to munch on while hanging around. It’s as good as you expect it to be and still managed to stay crispy throughout our wait.

We also had two more servings of coffee (guess we were not planning to tuck in early that night) – Piccolo Latte @ RM10 and Rose Latte @ RM13. Both were seriously good but that shouldn’t really come as surprise given Le Pont Boulangerie has a team of dedicated baristas and coffee connoisseurs.

For more info and promotions, you can follow them at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LePontBoulangerie. I was told that they will have a Valentine’s Day special soon, so you probably want to stay tuned for updates.

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Seafood lovers, take note! In conjunction with Crab Factory‘s 4th year anniversary, you will get to add XL crabs to their Crab Lover value meals at a discounted price of RM24 each. Usually, these XL sized crabs (~500g) cost around twice at the normal seafood restaurants, so it’s a good deal alright.

For those who are not familiar with Crab Factory, they are the actually the pioneer who introduced Louisiana style seafood boil to Klang Valley. This unique dining concept immediately caught on and inspired many other brands to enter the market.

Since our last visit, Crab Factory has introduced a relatively new flavor of sauce – Salted Egg. As expected, it was well received and has become their top-seller now.
To try the Salted Egg sauce, we had the Crab Lover Shiok Set @ RM149 because it comes with a variety of seafood such as crabs (2 pc XL sized), King White Prawns, squids, mussels and Hamaguri clams. By ordering this set, you get to experience the sauce with different types of seafood in the same seating.

Besides the aforementioned seafood, the set also includes a generous portion of vegetables, 8 pcs of fried mantao and a big bowl of shallot rice. The fried mantao is great for mopping up any remaining sauces, while the rice is fragrant and delicious even on its own.

Crab Factory is also providing the option to add on extra cheese topping @ RM6.90 on any seafood cooked in their spicy sauces. The idea is to balance out the spiciness with the stringy melted cheese while also providing the seafood an extra layer of flavor. It might seem gimmicky at first, but the combination worked really well.

For that, we had the Freshwater Prawns in their signature Southern Bang sauce (ala carte @ RM93) which comes with 500gm of freshwater prawns and 200gm of King Prawns.
Some of the freshwater prawns were as big as they can grow. They peel effortlessly revealing a thick chunk of flesh that resembles a mini lobster tail. Firm and sweet in taste, they were satisfying to say the least.

To fully the natural sweetness of the King Prawns, they should be enjoyed in a non-spicy sauce such as the Garlic Butter sauce. The Seriously Prawns @ RM59 (500gm King Prawns) is sufficient to fill up an average person – provided that the potatoes and corns are also finished.

The last ala carte item we had was the Shell On (300gm Hamaguri Clams & 300gm Blue Mussels) @ RM59 in Jamba Jamba sauce. This uniquely tangy tomato based sauce is spiced up with a blend of traditional Cajun spices to give it a real kick.

The ‘shiok’ & ‘giler’ anniversary promo is available at both SS2 and Johor Bahru outlet from 10 Jan 2018 to 9 Feb 2018. It’s not to be missed, so make a reservation to avoid any disappointments. Terms and conditions of the promotion as follow:

Valid for Dine-In Only for the period of 10th January 2018 – 9 February 2018. Applicable to Crab Lover Shiok / Party / Giler sets ONLY. Add-on crabs are limited to a maximum as stated:
Crab Lover Shiok Set: 1pc add-on
Crab Lover Party Set: 2pcs add-on
Crab Lover Giler Set: 4pcs add-on

Not valid with any other on-going promo, vouchers and/or discounts. All Prices are subject to 10% Service Charge & 6% GST

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Lucky Peaches is a newly opened casual restaurant in Plaza Arkadia, Desa Park City. Their menu features both tried and tested and contemporary dishes that are prepared with an Asian twist.
Menu prices are reasonable considering the location, larger than usual portion size and quality of ingredients used.

The restaurant’s forte lies in its dishes masterfully cooked in a modern charcoal grill-oven fed with woodchips which give them a great smokehouse flavor. But of course, the menu also offers the usual pasta, pizza, vegetarian and other fare good for sharing.

For starters, we highly recommend the Taiwanese Wok Black Chilean Mussels @ RM29.90 stir fried in an irresistible fish broth infused with fresh Thai basil – so good you can drink it on its own. If you are not a fan of mussels, you can opt to swap them for clams at a reduced price.

Meat lovers will find plenty of options such as Oven Roasted Whole Leg of Chicken @ RM29.90, Grass-Fed Ribeye @ RM79.90 and Sliced Ribeye Brioche Burger @ RM39.90.
The burger is full of satisfying chunks of tender medium-rare ribeye, cooked to order topped with a creamy, mildly onion-flavored soubise sauce.

The Rainbow Trout is an extraordinary fish (ask for availability first) that’s not commonly available in KL, so it’s definitely worth a try.
Air-flown chilled for maximum freshness, it’s simply grilled and served with clarified butter to complement the fish’s flaky, delicate and slightly nutty flavor.

It’s also worth mentioning that the breads used at Lucky Peaches are supplied by Huckleberry, a reputable bakery-restaurant in Bukit Damansara. Same goes for the cakes too, so you will find deliciously decadent cake options here with some being gluten free. Handcrafted cocktails are also available for food pairing.

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Crab Factory‘s latest menu features a new sauce for their seafood boil, new burgers and rice dishes. The latter two are aimed at lunch patrons who usually have limited time for lunch break.
Last weekend, we had the opportunity to sample these new offerings. Personally, I am especially thrilled about their new Creamy Asam Pedas sauce. It’s delicious alright.

The Creamy Asam Pedas sauce was added to appeal to those who don’t fancy Louisiana flavors. Together with their Salted Egg sauce, you now have two local flavor sauces to choose from. That said, the manner of the food being served remains the same, as the seafood still arrives in bags and laid out on the table right before your eyes.

Despite being nothing Louisiana about it, the Creamy Asam Pedas sauce may be their best one yet. Asam pedas pairs excellently with seafood, this is no exception.
We had it with the Crab Coma (2 pcs of XXL crab) and found that the spicy and tangy flavor really accentuates the natural sweetness of the crab, or any kind of shellfish. Truly finger licking good and I highly recommend it.

Burger wise there will be Hot Chick Burger (fried buttermilk chicken, burnt Cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, fried enoki mushroom, homemade spicy sauce) @ RM16.80, Salted Egg Soft Shell Crab Burger (buttermilk soft shell Crab doused in creamy salted egg sauce, fried enoki mushroom, lettuce, tomato) @ RM25.80 and Double Ong Burger @ RM34.80, which is essentially a combination of the chicken and soft shell crab burger.

The fried chicken and soft shell crab taste pretty standard in a good way, so the sauces are actually what make these burgers worth your while. For an additional RM4.50, you can turn the burgers into a set meal with fries and iced lemon tea.

As for the rice, it’s called Nasi Wangi with Sambal Hijau Special. Basically, their signature Shallot Rice which is served with a deliciously spicy green sambal and your choice of main dish: fried buttermilk chicken wing, fried buttermilk whole chicken leg or fried freshwater prawns. These new offerings will be made available at both Crab Factory’s branches in PJ and JB.

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Tamagoyaki (Japanese Rolled Omelette) is a dish commonly available in every Japanese restaurant, but SHIN Tamagoyaki is probably the first and only shop in Malaysia that specializes in it.

SHIN Tamagoyaki is located at the basement of The Starling Mall. Their single page menu offers Tamagoyaki served in a dozen of ways: original in a block (RM14.90), on a to-go stick (RM5.90), with toppings or with rice. Besides Tamagoyaki they also serve a few other dishes such as Japanese fried chicken and rice bowls.

The founders of SHIN Tamagoyaki also manage the very-well received Udon Kobo Min Min which is literally just outside the mall. Safe to say they are not newcomers to Japanese cuisine so you can be assured of the food quality.
And as to maintain the Tamagoyaki’s intended soft yet firm texture, two custom-built machines used to cook the omelettes were purposely imported all the way from Japan. And although a machine is used, the process is not fully automated and still requires a skilled chef’s discretion in the cooking.

If you can only try one item, get their best-seller which is Mentai Mayo Tamagoyaki. The savory mentai mayo sauce pairs really well with the faintly sweet and delicate omelette which translates to a burst of flavor in every bite. Highly recommended.

For a more filling meal, you can opt for the Tamago Mentai Don @ RM13.90, which is basically Mentai Mayo Tamagoyaki served on Japanese rice. Both are equally enjoyable depending on your appetite at the moment.

Lastly, during their official launch on 10th March, they will be having a BUY 1 FREE 1 promotion for their Tamagoyaki sticks. So if you are interested to try SHIN Tamagoyaki (definitely worth checking out in my opinion), this Saturday would be the perfect.

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DreamWorks’s first Kung Fu Panda Kitchen was opened at Sunway Pyramid West a couple of months ago. Like the name says, the large restaurant focuses on Po – the main star of Kung Fu Panda franchise and his love for food.

So it’s no wonder the restaurant offers eat-all-you-can steamboat buffet @ RM79 nett (RM69 nett for supper session) and a couple of dishes inspired seen in the movies.

For the soup base, there are 6 types to choose from and you can pick any two of them. The options include Black Truffle (recommended), Cheddar Cheese, Spicy Szechuan, Seafood Porridge, Pumpkin and Herbal Blackbone Chicken.

Ingredients wise they are pork free and you can expect plenty of them to be seafood, meat and meatball based. All of these mentioned items used to be served in the buffet line, but have been changed to a la carte.
That said, you can still order them without limit and they will be served to your table. But if you ask me, you should probably focus on the seafood and meat items, as the meatballs are just alright. Our favorite has got to be the tiger prawns, they are large and fresh with a sweet taste, definitely a class above what other steamboat restaurants offer.

As for the drinks, noodles, desserts, vegetables and sauces (more than 30 of them), they are placed at a common area for taking.

To start, every table will also receive a bowl of Kung Fu Noodle as appetizer. It’s served with fried salmon skin, fish roe and mentaiko sauce – delicious if you like creamy and savory food.

Fried ice cream is one of the main attractions here, popular with everyone especially with the kids. We liked it a lot too and had seconds.

FYI, each buffet session is only limited to 120 minutes. RM15 is chargeable for every additional 15 minutes.

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If you are looking for a special cake to celebrate birthday, upcoming Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, you should consider Moonlight Cake House‘s Fresh Cream Durian cake.

This unique 3D cake is shaped like a real durian and it’s 100% handmade with a Musang King flavored sponge cake as the basic ingredient. The cake making process is quite tedious and requires attention to detail and great hand-eye coordination, especially during the piping of the ‘durian thorns’.

It’s hard to imagine the cake’s taste by its appearance. First timers would probably be surprised by its light and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Most of the Musang King durian flavor is concentrated on the sponge cake while the fresh cream is sweet. Although the price tag might be off putting, a bite is all you need to feel it’s worth it.

Since the Fresh Cream Durian cake is prepared fresh daily without any artificial preservatives, you are advised to consume the cake as soon as possible. When refrigerated, it could last for 2 days at most.

Besides, Moonlight Cake House also operates as a cafe and restaurant serving various Western and Asian dishes. Their menu also includes plenty of warm drinks, mocktails and desserts.
If you are here for a meal, do try the Piccata Chicken Breast with Mozzarella and Cream Yellow Mustard @ RM22.60. Personally, I think it’s one of the nicest chicken breast dishes in town.

FYI the Fresh Durian Cream cake is available at all Moonlight Cake House branches in KL and JB. It’s available in 3 different sizes (refer below) to match your budget and needs. To order, there’s a 4 days reservation required. Visit their website to find out all their locations.

Fresh Cream Durian price:

• 6 inches (550gm+, RM99)
• 8 inches (1.2kg+, RM199)
• 10 inches (1.8kg+, RM299)

The post 3D Musang King Fresh Durian Cream @ Moonlight Cake House appeared first on Malaysia Food & Travel Blog.

Feast on unique ice cream flavors such as onde-onde, sticky date, cendol, bandung, blueberry cheesecake and not forgetting favorites like durian and chocolate cookie dough – all at Inside Scoop’s ice cream buffet this Ramadan!

Besides ice cream and freshly baked waffles, they are also adding crispy apam balik in the buffet line up. There will be a apam balik stall stationed right outside the participating stores where you get them nice and hot.

This is the chance to try all the 80 flavors they have for a single price @ RM29 for adults and RM15 for kids under 12. 11 of their stores (including those in Ipoh and Melaka) will be rotating to host the buffet from 21st May onward. Don’t miss out this delicious experience!

Here’s the ice cream buffet schedule:

• 21 May (Mon) – Damansara Jaya
• 22 May (Tues) – USJ Taipan
• 23 May (Wed) – Sri Petaling
• 24 May (Thur) – Mahkota Cheras
• 25 May (Fri) – Old Klang Road
• 21-25 May (Mon-Fri) – IOI City Mall
• 28 May (Mon) – Bangsar
• 29 May (Tues) – Puchong
• 30 May (Wed) – Ipoh
• 31 May (Thurs) – Melaka
• 1 June (Fri) – Sunway Pyramid

There will be 3 time slots for the buffet each day:

• 7.30pm – 9.00pm
• 9.00pm – 10.30pm
• 10.30pm – 12.00am

* The ice cream buffet is subject to first come first serve basis.
* Maximum 2 scoops of ice cream and ½ buttermilk waffle for each refill.
* Present your empty cup at the ice cream counter to get a refill.

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Resort World Genting is not short of places to eat. The main challenge however, is to look for one that is worth your money. Safe to say, a meal up in the hills here will set you back at least RM20/pax if you are dining at a proper sit down restaurant.

Of course, you could always opt for the fast food chains if you are in the 20s or younger. But for people like me who are in the mid 30s, I think we prefer a decent meal especially if it’s a holiday trip.
So if we are in the same category, I do have a recommendation for you. For about RM60, you can get a satisfying and filling meal of claypot fish head curry for two at the Malaysian Food Street.

The curry is prepared with cod fish head, cooked to order and tastes on par with what you usually get at the average Chinese restaurants. The portion is quite large (you get a whole fish head) so the price is fitting considering its Genting Highlands. Compared to the dozens of other meals that I have had here, this ranks top in terms of value.

Though not mind-blowingly good, the Hainanese Chicken Rice @ RM21 is more than passable and checks all the boxes.

Another rice dish you could consider is the banana leaf rice set @ RM20 offered at Sri Paandi Curry House. The choice of meat includes chicken, mutton and fish.

For me, the Penang Char Koay Teow is only an option if you are really and truly desperate for it, or if you are not a Penangite. The cendol is alright, at least the pandan ‘worms’ do not taste overly frozen.

FYI, the prices listed are accurate before the SST was in effect early this month. So if you see a different price, then the management must have made adjustments after our visit.

The post Fish Head Curry @ Malaysian Food Street, Resort World Genting appeared first on Malaysia Food & Travel Blog.

Usually served as a side dish, mashed potatoes are turned into the star attraction at TatoTato which claims to be the first mashed potato shop in Malayisa.

Here, mashed potatoes are served in a bowl or as a sandwich filling with with a variety of toppings to choose from.

TatoTato’s mashed potatoes are cooked fresh daily from sachets of raw potato mix. The Classic Original @ RM7.90 comes with 4 scoops of mashed potatoes and simply topped with parsley flakes. If you are watching your diet, this would be the best choice.

As far as the mashed potatoes are concerned, I will say this – TatoTato’s version is actually quite nice to eat. It’s thick and dense with a buttery and smooth texture. For me, it’s definitely better than what you would get at say, KFC or at the average Western food restaurants where they have this powdery taste.

If you prefer a more savory flavor, you can opt for the Cheesy Tato @ RM8.90. An extra RM1 will get you 2 extra spoonfuls of sweet corn followed by a drizzle of cheese sauce. And for an additional RM1 or RM2, you get to pick an extra topping to go on your mashed potato.

You can also mix and match your own flavors by choosing up to 3 toppings @ RM12.90. Since they don’t place a restriction on the type of topping, it only makes sense to go for those which are the most ‘premium’ and natural such as octopus, smoked duck (microwaved) and shrimp.
Among all the toppings we tried including tofu and chicken ham, the shrimp was the most underwhelming one for being totally tasteless so you can probably skip that.

I am not sure if anyone could enjoy the sandwiches (RM9.90 – RM12.90) on the go without making a mess because of how the toppings are positioned. Fortunately, a plastic spoon is provided so that makes eating it more manageable.

If you are keen to try TatoTato, they have two branches at Cheras Leisure Mall and Melawati Mall. The one at Melawati Mall is having a “new opening” promotion where you can get 50% on any 2nd item, valid until 7th Oct 2018.

The post TatoTato – First Mashed Potato Shop in Malaysia appeared first on Malaysia Food & Travel Blog.

With more than 20 branches scattered across shopping malls in Malaysia and Singapore, D’Laksa is one of the most popular food chains that specializes in Asam Laksa.

It’s a no-frills and self-serving kiosk-style establishment that makes a good choice for an affordable meal while shopping. Also, approximately half of the branches operate at AEON stores in KL and Johor.

Despite having its roots in JB, D’Laksa’s asam laksa is prepared according to a recipe that originated from Penang. The broth is cooked fresh at the individual kiosks and customers could watch the entire process, including the ingredients used. FYI, canned sardines are used.

While it might not look like much, the serving size for a standard bowl of asam laksa here is respectable with sufficient slices of fish and garnishes.
Personally, I don’t fancy sour food so I find myself drawn to D’Laksa’s rendition of asam laksa which leans toward sweet and spicy. If you prefer your asam laksa to be not as sweet, simply ask for less prawn paste.

For small bites, both the asam fish ball and fruit rojak are great. I think they are probably some of the nicest snacks you can enjoy while shopping. Cheap too. Check out D’Laksa’s website or Facebook page to find out which outlet is the closest to you.

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