When Jien and I got hitched, he wanted to have our wedding dinner at a Chinese restaurant but out of respect to some of our guests, we opted for a hotel ballroom with pork-free menu. He’s been harbouring this unmet “desire” of having suckling pig ever since, as that’s one of his favourite things to eat at a Chinese restaurant.

Restaurant entrance

He was drawn to the promotion at Dragon Dynasty in Atria Shopping Gallery – RM168++ for a suckling pig and he was craving for one that night. Unlike many Chinese restaurants out there, you don’t have to call them in advance to reserve the suckling pig as it is available at all times.

Suckling Pig

Tastewise, we found it commendable as the skin was crispy and slices were thin enough to enjoy bite by bite. It gets cloying after a while, so this is a dish that better suited for a group of 6-8 pax. The Braised Chicken with Pumpkin and Yam in Stone Pot (RM28) came highly recommended as it tasted good with Martell XO.

Braised Chicken with Pumpkin and Yam in Stone Pot

For some reason, I feel both the Martell XO and Cordon Bleu Extra pair well with simple dishes like chicken and stew rather than abalone or fish. The chicken pieces were tender and coated with gravy that’s thickened with pumpkin and yam – a bowl of rice is a must if you’re having this.

Braised Fish Paste, Sea Cucumber and Brinjal in Claypot

The Braised Fish Paste, Sea Cucumber and Brinjal in Claypot (RM38) would have made a good dish but the sea cucumber had a strong, alkaline smell which put me off slightly. If it was cleaned and cooked properly (read: tender and odourless), I reckon it would have been a pretty tasty.

Stir-fried Asparagus with Bacon

Stir-fried Asparagus with Bacon (RM18) was just alright if you asked me – the bacon was too hard so it didn’t do justice to the vegetables. I regretted ordering this over the fried kalian with scallops – I suspect the latter would be a better choice.

Braised Bean Curd with Bamboo Pith and Fresh Mushroom

Most people would know how much I enjoy beancurd so naturally, I would order one whenever I get a chance. The Braised Bean Curd with Bamboo Pith and Fresh Mushroom (RM18) was not bad as you get sizeable squares of tofu that are deep fried and topped with light yet flavourful gravy. I like my beancurd dishes saucy in general so this one enjoyable for me.

Overall, I found the dishes at Dragon Dynasty pretty average save for the suckling pig and braised chicken. Ambiance is of course better than your normal Chinese restaurant but I felt the dishes could have been better. If you’re a fan of suckling pig, they’re running this promo price throughout Chinese New Year.

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Ambiance: 6.5/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 5.5/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: Decent ambiance but I find the food rather average compared to the other Chinese restaurants in town.

Dynasty Dragon Seafood
T13-15, Atria Shopping Gallery,
Jalan SS 22/23, Damansara Jaya,
47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: 03-7733 0242

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Mornings are not my best in general so I always try and sleep in during the weekends to make up for lost sleep during the weekday. Because of that, I missed out on trying the Nyonya nasi lemak at Restoran Sepetang thrice. Each time I get there by 10am, they’re sold out.

I find it nerve-wrecking to see the condiments reduce as I queue at the back of the line

Sambal prawns, cockles, wild boar curry, long beans, pork curry and sambal squid

It was only when I had to service my car at 8am last Saturday that I managed to drop by Restoran Sepetang in time to try the much talked about nasi lemak. At 8.30am, there is a queue of people selecting their condiments for nasi lemak and many of them opted for takeaway (at least 3-4 packets).

Wild boar curry

Fried luncheon meat

Some options for nasi lemak include wild boar curry, chicken rendang, pork rendang, sambal prawns, sambal squid and fried luncheon meat. I opted for the chicken rendang and a sunny side up for my nasi lemak, while Jien took wild boar curry, sambal prawns and a sunny side up.

Nasi lemak with chicken rendang and sunny side up

It is slightly nerve-wrecking if you’re at the back of the queue, watching as the food portions dwindle with every large order people at the front of the queue make. At least that was how I felt when I was waiting in line – worrying if there would be any chicken left for me.

Nasi lemak with wild boar curry, sambal prawns and sunny side up

Lucky for us, we still got what we wanted and by 9am, I was happily tucking into my plate of hot nasi lemak with rich rendang gravy and sambal. The chicken rendang is worth checking out as the gravy is thick, adequately spicy and aromatic from the addition of lime leaves. Definitely one of the better Nyonya-style rendang I’ve eaten.

I find this combination best

I like how the sambal has a “lemak” flavour to it, without being overly so. It’s not as spicy as the Malay version but enough to make your tongue tingle. Jien’s nasi lemak combo is also good as the wild boar is tender and packed with flavour from the gravy, and the sambal prawn is succulent and justly spicy.

We paid RM21 for three plates of nasi lemak

My father in-law who joined us said the sambal squid is also good; comparable to what Jien’s mother would make. Portion is a bit small to be honest – we all felt we could use a bit more rice on our plate. I reckon next time, I’ll order three plates to be shared between Jien and myself so we’re both satisfied.

The char kuay teow from the stall inside the coffeeshop was nothing to shout about

We paid RM21 for three plates of nasi lemak with condiment which is alright. If you want to try this, it’s best to arrive before 9am to avoid disappointment. By the way, there are other stalls inside Restoran Sepetang if you want something other than nasi lemak. I tried the char kuay teow which is pretty average and lacking wok char.

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Ambiance: 5.5/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 7/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: One of the better Nyonya nasi lemak I’ve eaten. Try the wild boar curry, sambal prawns and chicken rendang, and remember to go early.

Restoran Sepetang
54, Jalan Desa Bakti,
Taman Desa,
58100 Kuala Lumpur.

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Chinese restaurants have always been a popular pick among friends and family looking for a good meal together, where food is good and ambiance, presentable. Best of all, almost all Chinese restaurants in Klang Valley offers free corkage so you get to drink, eat and be happy. Here are ten restaurants to consider for your next get together, in collaboration with Martell.

Enjoy responsibly!

1) Hao Xiang Chi

This is said to be an establishment in Klang and a good friend of mine who happens to be a Chinese food novice speaks highly about Hao Xiang Chi. They have several branches across Klang Valley but I’ve only checked out the restaurant in Centro Mall.

Personally, I feel this is one of the best I’ve tried in terms of taste, ambiance and value for money. Read more here.

Hao Xiang Chi Restaurant
17, Jalan Batu Tiga Lama,
Kawasan 16, 41300 Klang,
Selangor.
Tel: 03-3344 8618

2) Ti Chen, Saujana Kuala Lumpur

It’s been years since I stepped foot into Ti Chen until recently, to explore this Chinese food guide. They have since relocated and renovated, offering diners a new and improved dining experience. The food is good, especially their Thai-style tofu and house special smoked duck which is a crowd favourite at Ti Chen.

The restaurant is packed during weekends and dinner time so it’s best to call ahead to reserve your table. Prices are fair considering the quality and portion. Read more here.

Ti Chen
The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Lapangan Terbang SAAS
40150 Shah Alam
Tel: 03-7843-1234
 

3) Sin Choi Wah, Bandar Menjalara

Sin Choi Wah is an establishment on its own in Bandar Menjalara – a reputable wedding and events venue I was told. I was told the food is quite commendable so Jien and I decided to give it a shot. Sin Choi Wah boasts ample of space and private dining rooms so depending on the number of pax and your minimum spend, you can request for a private room.

The steamed grouper is good here and if you’re into claypot seafood, they do a pretty decent version here. Read more here.

Sin Choi Wah Restaurant
Jalan 7A/62A, Bandar Sri Menjalara,
52200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-6277 1222

 

4) CWZJ, Kuchai Lama

The Home of Tea Kings in Kuchai Lama serves good double-boiled soups so if you’re into quality, do give CWZJ a try. Their braised pork belly with salted fish is by far one of the best I’ve eaten – I would return for just that!

As space might be limited, do call ahead to reserve a table. Read more here.

CWZJ Cuisine
No. 8, Jalan 11/116B,
Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park,
58200 Kuala Lumpur.
Business hours: 12noon till 11pm
Tel: 03-7981 8714

 

5) Heng Ong Huat, Klang

Heng Ong Huat in Klang was a pleasant surprise – I didn’t expect to be bowled over by the food but I was. We opted for their house specials like the tilapia in pepper broth, butter prawns and pork trotter. All were good in their own right.

The restaurant is also fairly new so if you’re looking for a change of environment, this is one place to consider when you plan your next dinner session. Read more here.

Heng Ong Huat Restaurant
88, Jalan Batai Laut 4,
Taman Intan,
41300 Klang,
Selangor.
Tel: 03-3341 3288

 

6) Yezi, The Roof

Steamboat or hotpot is often eaten during Chinese New Year so I figured I’d include Yezi in this list for variety. Yezi which stands for “coconut” in Cantonese claims to be the first in Malaysia to serve coconut based broth for their steamboat.

I sampled all 6 of their broths before selecting the crowd favourite and also the most premium on the menu – truffle mushroom broth. You get a delicious, heady broth that’s filled with mushrooms and also truffle bits. Pricing is on the higher side but you get quality ingredients and a view of the city if you dine al-freso. Read more here.

Yezi Steamboat, The Roof
First Avenue,
Bandar Utama,
47800 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 012-323 5841

 

7) Kajang Fei Chui

Kajang Fei Chui has been around for years and is said to be a reputable restaurant when it comes to banquets and Chinese cuisine. Don’t be fooled by its simple appearance, as the entrance from the parking lot leading up to the restaurant is grand.

Ordering is done via an iPad/tablet so it’s efficient and the food doesn’t take long to arrive. Their stewed chicken is really good – simple flavours but done well. Read more here.

Kajang Fei Chui
No. 1942, Jalan Wan Siew,
Sungai Chua, 43000,
Kajang, Selangor.
Tel: 03-8736 9999

 

8) Extra Super Tanker

I’m a fan of Extra Super Tanker when they were in Damansara Kim but the food seems to have taken a step back since they relocated to Glo Damansara. That said, the ambiance is definitely nicer and grander but the food although still decent, has lost some of it’s golden touches.

You will need to call ahead to reserve specialty items like Iberico pork ribs and also Peking duck. Read more here.

Unit No 2.18 & 2.19,
Level 2, Glo Damansara,
No, 699, Jalan Damansara,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail,
60000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-7733 7769

 

9) Dynasty Dragon, Damansara Jaya

I’ve been to Dynasty Dragon for weddings but never as a walk-in customer. The thing that attracted both Jien and I to this restaurant is their on-going suckling pig promotion which is reasonably priced at RM168 per portion. Service is swift here and food doesn’t take long to arrive, but if you ask me, Dynasty Dragon is more about the ambiance and service (especially if you’re planning to drink) rather than food. Read more here.

Dynasty Dragon Seafood
T13-15, Atria Shopping Gallery,
Jalan SS 22/23, Damansara Jaya,
47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: 03-7733 0242

 

10) Lucky Palace, Seremban

A good friend of mine is planning his wedding dinner reception so a part of me wanted to see if the food at Lucky Palace is good enough for him to proceed. The place is spacious and fits at least 60-70 tables comfortably, and food is somewhat decent.

Pricing is very reasonable so if you’re travelling this Chinese New Year and want to make a pitstop for lunch or dinner. Read more here.

Lucky Palace Seremban
Lot D15-D16,
Jalan Persiaran Utama S2-1,
Persiaran S2 B1,
Seremban 2,
70300 Seremban.
Tel: 06-601 1328

***

So there you have it – 10 restaurants to check out for your “sau gong”, “hoi gong” and Chinese New Year dinner with your family and friends. Note that all the restaurants offer free corkage except Yezi & Ti Chen. Do call ahead to inquire if they are able to waive your corkage fee.

For more information about Martell, visit their website here and follow them on Facebook here.

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Bangsar is a popular spot when it comes to café-hopping because most cafes are located along the same street or at the very most, a short drive from each other. From hipster cafes to pretty-
looking ones, here are five Instagram-worthy cafes I recently checked out in my hood.

Tiny Temptress

Tiny Temptress is located along the bustling Telawi 2 – a cosy little cafe where you’d find some of the prettiest looking desserts and cakes. Bear Necessity (RM14.90) is one of their best sellers, an
oolong infused chocolate mousse with marzipan sponge and passionfruit ganache on biscuit base. This was taken using the Live Focus feature of the Samsung Galaxy J7+ for bokeh effect.

I also like their selection of teas in pretty teapots; each of them personally sourced by the owner and baker herself, Wendy.

Naj & Belle

Possibly one of the most Instagram-worthy cafes around, Naj & Belle is a popular pick among the younger crowd. You’ll find most of them here, arranging their preferred flatlay and making sure
lighting is on point for that perfect photo. The Low Light feature from Samsung Galaxy J7+ makes my photos brighter in dim surroundings, which gives a more natural outcome in the photo itself.

Food-wise, this is one of my least favourite as all three items I tried from the best seller category failed to impress. I will however, acknowledge they do a pretty good matcha latte – thick and
creamy with a bittersweet finish. Service is a tad slow so while you wait, go admire the interior and take some stylish #OOTD shots.

PULP

I’ve always been a fan of Papa Palheta’s coffee since I had my first cup in Singapore many years back. When PULP opened in Bangsar, it became my favourite spot for good coffee, especially their special
brews. It’s a place I go to for my coffee runs and also work meetings, and the interior and exterior are both great for photo ops. The cold brew is pretty amazing and they happen to serve my favourite
brew – Ethiopian.

Upperhouse

Upperhouse is one of the newer kids on the block along Telawi 3 and are known for their plated desserts. I find their Mille Feuille very Instagrammable though personally, I prefer Textures of Chocolates in terms of flavour.

The place has large windows with plenty of natural light coming through so if you manage to get a window seat, your pictures will turn out pretty great.

Fittie Sense

Fittie Sense serves healthy nutritious meals that tastes good and keeps you fit. My yoga instructor highly recommended this place for pre and post workout meals, to ensure we stay in shape. I come
here for the chai spiced latte (RM13) and Cajun chicken chop (RM28) on a bed of millet quinoa pilaf – a portion is good enough to keep me full till my workout session in the evening.

I like the interior here as the lighting is good and the ambiance is cosy. If you’re there for breakfast, try their avo-chia-doe (RM19), a healthy start of coconut chia seed pudding with avocado soy
smoothie and fruit salsa.

*all photos were taken using the Samsung Galaxy J7+.

Find out more about the Samsung Galaxy J7+ here: http://www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-j7plus-sm-c710/SM-C710FZKDXME/

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I’ve heard a lot of good things about this place that serves “dishes that taste like mother’s cooking” called Lao Ma Zi, and prices are said to be reasonable. The original branch is in Jalan Ipoh but they recently opened a second outlet at de Foliage in Tropicana Selatan.

Reservations are required if you want to secure a table at their Tropicana outlet – I’ve visited the restaurant twice and ordered many of their specialty dishes to see if Lao Ma Zi lives up to the hype. Their smokey signature series is popular among patrons; many of them would go for the Smokey Platter (RM56) which comprise smoked pork belly and lychee duck.

Smokey platter

I found this quite good though I would have liked the belly to be more thoroughly infused with the smoky-sweet notes. The lychee duck had a good balance of sweet, savoury and smoky flavour; I liked how even the skin was seasoned nicely so there’s little gamey smell left.

Clam in Pepper Broth (RM30) was adequately tasty but Jien and I wished they added more ginger and rice wine to liven up the flavours. That said, the broth was light and sweet with a peppery kick from the ginger slivers.

Pa Wong Chicken Chop

“Pa Wong” Chicken Chop (RM15) is one of my favourites at Lao Ma Zi where you get a whole chicken leg (deboned), stuffed with a layer of salted egg yolk and deep-fried till crispy perfection. The chicken is then coated with sticky-sweet sauce for a richer flavour.

Salted spice brinjal

The salted spice brinjal (RM15 – small, RM25 large) looked promising but the batter was a tad too thick and hard, so there was no wispy texture when you bite into this. Lotus with cashew nut (RM15 – small, RM25 – large) was better but still nothing to shout about.

Salted Egg Tofu

My father in-law enjoyed the salted egg tofu (RM18) where the homemade beancurd is coated in a batter mixture of salted egg yolk, then deep-fried till crispy. The highlight at Lao Ma Zi is the braised grouper fish head, which requires a pre-order.

Braised fish head

The fish head pieces are braised in a gravy of black bean and ginger for plenty of flavour and aroma. I like how there’s a good kick from the old ginger slices and a rich umami flavour from the bean sauce. Really good with rice, this one.

Carrot & egg

Four angled beans

Carrot egg (RM15 – small, RM25 – large) is a house specialty which is becoming rarer to find these days. You get slivers of carrots fried with egg for texture. I liked this better than the four angled beans with dried shrimp (RM15 – small, RM25 – large) as the latter tasted rather ordinary.

Braised lamb

Lao Ma Zi also serves braised lamb with beancurd but it wasn’t to my liking. I found the meat a tad gamey and the meat texture could be more tender.

Pricing isn’t expensive at Lao Ma Zi – expect to pay between RM25-30 per head depending on the amount you order.

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Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 6.5/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: Try the braised fish head and smoky signature series.

Lao Ma Zi 老妈子家乡小菜 @ de Foliage
Lot 11, Kawasan Landskap Nursery,
Jalan Tropicana Selatan,
47301 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 010-242 1132
Business hours: 11am till 3pm, 6pm till 10pm
Facebook Page

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When it comes to dessert, tong sui always gets me excited. Especially if peanut paste and black sesame paste is available. I’ve been going to the dessert shop across Restoran Ruby (PMK) for years until a friend told me to try Restoran Ruby for comparison instead.

Tong sui done the old school way

It was apt timing too, as PMK Dessert wasn’t open and the bubbling cauldrons of homemade tong sui lined up in front of Restoran Ruby was too good to resist. We ordered everything they had – peanut paste (RM3.30), black sesame paste (RM3.30), almond paste (RM4.50), steamed egg custard (RM3) and steamed egg custard with wolfberries (RM3.50).

Menu

Almond tong sui in the making

The recipe for these tong sui is handed down through four generations and Restoran Ruby is helmed by Ricky Kan, known by many as the Chi Ma Wu king. Indonesian helpers man the front of house; each of them had a specific task and they spoke better Chinese than me.

Chi Ma Wu (black sesame paste)

Chi Ma Wu (black sesame paste) isn’t widely available these days and the places I’ve been to don’t do it proper. It’s often watery or worse, artificial tasting – as though a pre-mix was used. Restoran Ruby makes its black sesame paste fresh, by grinding the black sesame in the stone mill and cooking it slowly over slow fire for a thick and creamy consistency.

The chi ma wu is aromatic and rich, with grainy bits of ground sesame studded between the smooth mixture for character and flavour. It’s definitely tastier than the one at PMK and I like how it’s not overly sweet so you get a good balance in each spoon.

Prepping the peanut paste

Fa Sang Wu (peanut paste)

Thick, smooth and aromatic

Another favourite of mine is the peanut paste (fa sang wu) which features ground roasted peanuts cooked the same way as the black sesame tong sui. This has a stronger aroma from the roasting of the peanuts, and the tong sui is just as thick and creamy. I can’t decide which I like better, so I’ll be ordering both when I return next.

Almond paste

Almond paste is a popular tong sui in Hong Kong but it’s rarer to find in KL compared to the first two. Restoran Ruby serves a pretty decent version though I still feel the one from Hong Kong is still better. This was smooth and creamy, and of moderate thickness. You get a nice aroma from the ground almonds and a light finish at the end of each mouthful.

Steamed egg custard with wolfberries

Steamed egg custard (plain)

I’m not sure if it’s my luck at afternoon, but both the steamed egg custard I ordered had a strong egg-y smell. While it is afterall “egg” custard, I don’t fancy it being so heady – I reckon maybe the eggs used weren’t fresh, hence the outcome.

l-r: Steamed egg custard, black sesame, almond paste and peanut paste

That aside, the black sesame, peanut and almond paste are good stuff and definitely worth checking out. I’ll be returning for more of these soon! If you live in Cheras, lucky you for the best black sesame I’ve eaten is from this uncle who mans a pushcart in Taman Muda.

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Ambiance: 5/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 7.5/10
Verdict: One of the best black sesame and peanut paste I’ve tried.

Restoran Ruby (芝麻糊大王)
Jalan Sayur, Pudu,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 012-382 2262
Business hours: 11am till midnight daily
Website

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When I was in Japan last week, I couldn’t stop thinking about bak kut teh and how delicious it would taste when consumed during winter. This herbal pot of porky goodness is already tasty when eaten in scorching hot weather and what more, when it’s below zero degrees?

This reminded me of the bak kut teh I tried in Johor Bahru but never got around to writing about it – Tian Hua Bak Kut Teh which is located down the road from the famous Soon Huat. Jien and I initially wanted to dine at Soon Huat but the place was a madhouse that weekend so we settled for Tian Hua instead.

Soup bak kut teh

Yau char kwai is a must when eating bak kut teh, I feel

Tian Hua serves dry bak kut teh and the soup version, with other accompanying dishes such as otak otak, tofu and steamed fish. We ordered the soup bak kut teh for two pax and a portion of house special tofu and otak otak to share.

While the broth colour is dark, it’s not as herbal or thick.

Truth be told, this bak kut teh is pretty average as the broth isn’t the thick, medicinal kind I enjoy. JB’s version of bak kut teh is lighter and less herbal so if you like your bak kut teh lighter in flavour, you’ll enjoy this more.

Otak otak

House special tofu

The otak otak was tasty enough but nothing to shout about – it’s basically the same frozen variety you can buy from Muar for home consumption. I did however enjoy the house special tofu, deep-fried and served with chilli sauce for more kick.

Overall, the food was average at best but if memory serves me right, Soon Huat’s version isn’t that much tastier. It is also lighter than I like it to be. If you’re in the area and don’t want to wait too long for a table, give Tian Hua Bak Kut Teh a try.

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Ambiance: 5.5/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 5.5/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: Nothing great but if you’re craving bak kut teh in JB, this is an option.

Tian Hua Bak Kut Teh
2, Jalan Keris 2,
Taman Sri Tebrau,
80050 Johor Bahru.
Tel: 016-780 3304
Business hours: 11am till 3am
(closed Wednesday)

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Chocolates and desserts have always been Jien’s thing – he has a weaker spot for sweet treats compared to me. That’s also why our fridge at home is stocked with chocolates from our trips abroad. When we did BB10 last November, it was apt to have a dessert table with chocolates as a feature and we got Cocoraw to help us with this.

Simple, straightforward menu

Cocoraw also has a pop-up store in Bangsar called Cocodash and they serve handmade nama-style chocolate truffles and chocolate beverages, among others. Chocolate truffles have always been Jien’s favourite and since he didn’t get to try the chocolate truffles and brownies during our event, we paid a visit to Cocodash to have some.

l-r: Salted Gula Melaka, Local Kakao, Raw 70

The chocolates are made using high quality Belgian chocolates with fresh dairy for that melt-in-the-mouth texture and long finish. I’ve sampled quite a few of their chocolate range while I was prepping for our event, and enjoyed The Raw 70 and The GLN: Gin & Limau Nipis best.

The Raw 70 has the most intense chocolate flavour among all and I like how it’s bittersweet with a smooth and creamy aftertaste. The GLN has a good kick from the gin and I like the slightly bitter note from the lime. Other offerings include Local Kakao, Teh Tarik, Salted Gula Melaka, and The AA: Alcoholic Anonymous.

Brownies

Brownies are also available at Cocodash if you want something more substantial to go with your chocolate drink – this is rich, adequately fudgy and not overly sweet. You get to choose between hot or iced chocolate, with an option of going vegan (no milk). I say go for the hot chocolate (RM10) with milk as it allows you to properly savour the chocolate notes.

Hot Chocolate with milk

Iced chocolate

Iced chocolate (RM11) is good too, though I generally prefer my chocolate drinks hot for that tummy-warming satisfaction. Cocodash also serves coffee if you’re not into chocolates, but if you aren’t, you probably wouldn’t head there in the first place. #justsaying

To order your nama-style chocolates, check out their website here. Or better still, head over to Cocodash in Bangsar and you’ll get to sample some chocolates before making your mind on what to purchase. Prices start from RM30 per box of 24; pretty reasonable I feel.

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Cocodash by Cocoraw
(same premise as CzipLee)
1 Jalan Telawi 3,
Bangsar Baru,
59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 018-984 0228
Email: connect@cocoraw.me
Website
Facebook Page

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Eating healthier has come more naturally to me these days; my father jokes that I’m slowly but surely morphing into my mum. It was my yoga instructor that recommended Fittie Sense to me as I’m supposed to refrain from sinful food after a workout session. Fittie Sense is located in Bangsar Baru and it’s popular with people who care a lot of health and fitness.

Most of their customer base would come after a gym session or a workout class, evident from their apparel and gym bag. I like the chai latte here – it has since become my go-to cuppa when I need a fix. Service is friendly and the staff are ever-ready to make recommendations if you aren’t sure of what to order.

Cajun pan-seared chicken chop

Cajun pan-seared chicken chop (RM28) is the only thing I’ve been ordering so far as it’s packed with flavour and keeps me full till the next meal. I like that it comes with crushed avocado and quinoa, and the fact that it gives me more energy for my workout later in the evening. The chicken chop is nicely seasoned so it’s flavourful with crisp edges – hard to believe it’s healthy food.

Top right: Lean lamb spiced ragu “Shepherd’s Pie”

I tried a spoon of the lean lamb spiced ragu “Shepherd’s Pie” (RM32), which makes a filling meal. You get savoury minced lamb topped with fluffy mashed sweet potatoes, baked till the top is lightly crusty.

Coconut oil scrambled egg and avocado on toast

The avocado was unripe

I wasn’t as impressed with their breakfast items as the avocado from their scrambled egg and avocado on toast (RM21) was unripe so it was hard, crunchy and bitter. Not sure if that was intentional but it didn’t go well with the eggs on toast.

Spiced beef kofte in wholemeal pita bread

Spiced beef kofte in wholemeal pita bread (RM19) was better but it’s nothing to shout about. Portion is fair for this one but I didn’t think the flavours gel nicely. That said, the coconut chia seed pudding (RM19) was tasty and filling enough to keep me satisfied.

Coconut chia seed pudding

Prices are fair considering the portion and quality of food served but contrary to popular belief (from the numerous inquiries on my FB and IG inbox), there are only two things I enjoy at Fittie Sense so far – chai latte and Cajun pan-seared chicken chop.

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Ambiance: 7/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 6/10 (pork-free)
Verdict: Try the chai latte and chicken chop.

Fittie Sense
23A, Jalan Telawi 3,
Bangsar Baru,
59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2858 4023
Facebook Page

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With so many Indian restaurants in Klang Valley, I thought I knew enough about Indian cuisine. But I was so very wrong. Apparently, what Malaysians know about Indian food is barely the tip of the surface, as I soon learnt when I stepped into Flour in Bukit Damansara.

By noon, Flour is packed with customers. This was taken at 11.30am when they just opened for business.

Friendly kitchen team

Mango Lassi

Lime Juice

At Flour, don’t expect to see butter chicken or palak paneer. Instead, immerse yourself into the details of the menu, which I found very enjoyable and informational. Jien and I visited them twice and on both occasions, our visits were relatively pleasant.

Papadum

Lasooni Gosht

Lasooni Gosht (RM31) is said to be one of Flour’s must-try mutton dishes where the meat is cooked in spiced garlic curry for hours until tender. It was aromatic and moderately spicy, with plenty of flavour from the garlic and spices which veiled the gaminess of the mutton.

Served with Kulcha

We had this with Kulcha (RM8), an eggless Indian flatbread with coriander and sesame. I found the combination pretty good as you get that flaky, light texture from the kulcha which goes well with the rich notes of the curry.

Laal Maans

Tender mutton pieces

Served with Tandoori Roti

On our second visit, I opted for the Laal Maans (RM31) which Jien’s colleague from India said was a popular dish back in his home country. This mutton curry is prepared using yogurt, ghee and chillies, which is ideal for those who likes a good kick in their curries. Both mutton curries were delicious in their own right but I liked the Lasooni Gosht a wee bit better.

Dhingri Masala with Pudina Laccha

I liked the Dhingri Masala (RM24), a hot and appetising vegetable dish of mushroom cooked in thick curry. The dish has a subtle sweetness and creamy mouthfeel – delicious with Pudina Laccha (RM8), a multi-layered Indian paratha made using whole wheat flour and dotted with mint for aroma and flavour.

Paneer Nimbu Do Pyaza

Cottage cheese in creamy onion gravy with a twist of lime

Eaten with Laccha

In place of paneer with spinach, I ordered the Paneer Nimbu Do Pyaza (RM24) at Flour, said to represent a vegetarian version of butter chicken. This curry comprises cubes of cottage cheese in creamy onion gravy with a twist of lime for a bit of zing. This I had with plain laccha (RM6) which mopped up the curry well.

Mutton Briyani

The mutton briyani at Flour is by far one of the best I’ve tasted and according to some of our Indian friends, the smell and flavour of the briyani “takes them back to India”. I can’t vouch for that statement but the briyani is delicious – fluffy, nicely flavoured and the mutton pieces, tender and well-seasoned.

Batata Fritters

During our first visit, I bumped into a friend who told me I must try their Batata Fritters (RM12) said to be a popular snack in Mumbai. This tasted like a cross of curry puff and masala dosai for me. If you’re into either of them, you’ll like the fritters too.

I find portions quite small so if you’re planning to share, you’ll need to order more curries. Expect to pay between RM35-50 per head, including a drink. If you’re planning do go during dinner time, I suggest you call ahead to reserve a table as they’re often fully booked.

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Ambiance: 7/10
Price: 5.5/10
Food: 7.5/10 (pork-free)
Verdict: Good food but portions are a tad small.

Flour
71, Jalan Medan Setia 1,
Plaza Damansara,
Bukit Damansara,
50490 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 012-960 0053
Business hours: Tue, 6.30pm till 10pm; Wed-Sun, 11.30am till 3pm, 6.30pm til 10pm
(closed Monday)
Facebook Page

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Like most people, I have my go-to places when it comes to Japanese food but when the option in Bangsar closed, I’m left with little options. A friend suggested dinner at Koyaku Japanese Dining in Taman Desa, which happens to be his go-to spot for sashimi and rice bowls so Jien and I went.

Cosy interior

The place gets rather packed on a weekend so it’s best to call ahead or get there before 7.30pm. Service is alright in general but as the place fills up, things can get a bit chaotic. I had the rice bowl with karaage and mayo while Jien took the beef rice bowl.

Chicken karaage rice bowl

Beef rice bowl

Topped with a sunny side up quail’s egg

Both were good in their own right but I would recommend going for the beef rice bowl as it’s saucier and more flavourful because of the caramelised onions. Yakitori is a popular order here as well – so we tried chicken heart, chicken thigh, soft bone and quail’s egg. Decent stuff, but I still prefer the yakitori at Fukuda.

Yakitori // quail egg & chicken skin

Chicken heart and chicken thigh yakitori

Mushroom yakitori

Fans of sashimi will like that Koyaku serves them in thick slices, so you get your money’s worth. Tastewise, it’s pretty standard; fresh salmon that is firm yet melts in the mouth. I found the tempura batter a tad thick so it wasn’t as light and wispy as I wanted it to be.

Salmon sashimi

Tempura moriawase

That said, it was still decent enough and you get a good portion for the price you pay – somewhere between RM30-35 per platter. Koyaku also serves set lunch and dinner, which is reasonably priced so if you’re looking for good value, go for those.

M&M’s parfait — good for sharing but nothing to shout about

Expect to pay between RM40-80 per head, depending on what you order. I find the food decent and prices are reasonable so Jien and I will be going back every now and then.

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Ambiance: 6.5/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 6.5/10 (pork-free)
Verdict: Decent food, reasonable prices. If you’re looking for a fuss-free Japanese restaurant, try Koyaku.

Koyaku Japanese Dining
Faber Towers,
G9, Jalan Desa Bahagia,
Taman Desa,
58100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-7890 0555
Business hours: noon till 3pm, 6pm till 10.30pm
Facebook Page

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Part of the reason why I love incognito food hunts is the idea of experiencing unbiased food and service, just like everyone else. It is something Jien and I try to uphold for the Bangsar Babe brand, despite the lure of paid food reviews and complimentary meals. A fan of mine gave me a tip-off recently, about his favourite cendol and ice kacang spot – Kwong Wah Ice Kacang in Section 17.

Recommendations like this are of great interest to me as I like knowing what my readers and fans enjoy and experiencing things from their perspective. It makes my food writing more interesting too, I feel. Kwong Wah Ice Kacang is relatively new in Happy Mansion and is already popular among the residence in that area.

We were both under the impression that they serve Melaka style cendol as Kwong Wah claims to use Gula Melaka to sweeten the ice shaving. I remember eating the ice kacang when they were based in Section 14’s medan selera a couple of years back and it was quite decent. The shaved ice is soft and fine, so you don’t get rough bits of ice between each spoonful.

Cendol Gula Melaka

The cendol (RM5.50) is quite good I must admit – fine ice shavings with a generous lashing of Gula Melaka and santan. I like how the green cendol bits are firm yet smooth with a good hint of pandan aroma. While I generally prefer my Melaka-style cendol creamier and denser, Kwong Wah’s version is one of the best I’ve tried in Klang Valley.

Ais Kacang

Their ais kacang  (RM5.50) is as good as I remembered it to be at the Section 14 food court. You get bits of grass jelly, corn, agar agar and red beans under all the ice shaving; like how they make ais kacang in the old days.

Steamed yam cake

Kuih Seri Muka

Snacks like Mee Siam (RM3), Nasi Lemak (RM2.80) and assorted Nyonya kuih are available if you want to nibble. I tried the kuih seri muka and yam cake, both decent enough to fill the stomach. Nasi Lemak wasn’t available when I wanted to try so I can’t vouch for it.

Mee Siam

As for the Mee Siam, it was lacking flavour – I found the noodles bland and hardly tangy, which is how Mee Siam should be in my opinion. I guess if you want fried meehoon, then you’ll find this quite palatable but if you’re looking for good Mee Siam, this isn’t it.

Service is quick and efficient, but lacking warmth if I were to base this review on my second visit. For some reason, the person manning the counter didn’t seem pleased to be working that weekend from her facial outlook.

Nonetheless, the ice-cold dessert made up for the less than stellar service so I guess it’s even. Plus, Jien really likes the cendol here so I guess he’s going to want to have some every now and then.

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Ambiance: 5.5/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 6.5/10 (pork-free)
Verdict: Pretty decent cendol. Skip the Mee Siam though.

Kwong Wah Ice Kacang
Happy Mansion, Block C,
Ground Floor,
Section 17/ 13,
Petaling Jaya,
46400 Selangor.
Tel: 012-550 0975
Business hours: 11am till 6.30pm
Closed Monday
Facebook Page

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Honolulu Café is one of my must-visit spots in Hong Kong as the egg tart is one of the best I’ve eaten – buttery, flaky pastry with silken egg custard and an aroma that can entice one to call of their diet. I had a really difficult time restraining myself from ordering everything and my last visit was no different.

When I heard Honolulu Café was opening in Sunway Pyramid, I was thrilled because my job no longer requires me to fly to Hong Kong and it’s been more than 2 years since I sank my teeth into those delectable treats. But my joy was short-lived for the queue is said to be worse than the hoard of PRC folks at Louis Vuitton in Champ Elysees Paris. So I waited until the hype died down before paying them a visit.

The place is relatively quiet during lunch on a weekday so getting a table was a breeze. Unlike Honolulu Café in Hong Kong, you don’t get the smell of baked items wafting in the air so that took away part of the excitement for me.

Egg tart and bolo bun

Jien has been buying the egg tarts (RM2.95) for me over the past few months and they tasted pretty good after a few minutes in the oven. I feel the tarts are almost as good as the ones in Hong Kong; minus the delicious aroma of baked pastry to accentuate the experience.

Don’t be fooled by the butter; it;s only surface deep

I didn’t like the Honolulu Bolo Bun with Butter (RM3.80) as it was missing a crisp crust. In place of that was a crust that was fine and crumbly, and the bun was too soft for satisfaction. It was as though I was eating a milk bun. The cut of butter given looked ample as it was situated where the bun was sliced. In reality, it was too scant be spread around the entire bun so in all aspects, this was disappointing.

Four Roast Meat Treasures

Four Roast Meat Treasures (RM44.80) gives you the option of choosing from their roast meat selection – we went for roast duck, siew yuk, char siew and soy sauce chicken. We liked the chicken best as both the meat and skin were well flavoured. There’s a smoky sweet aroma and savoury finish in this.

L-R: Siew Yuk, Char Siew, Roast Duck and Soy Sauce Chicken

The roast duck was average at best – there was no crispiness in the skin and the meat was slightly gamey. I didn’t care much for the char siew as it was too lean for my liking, but this is the way the folks in Hong Kong take their BBQ pork. Siew yuk was better but nothing worth shouting about if you ask me.

Stir Fried Fish Fillet with Sweet Corn Sauce

We also tried their house specialty, Stir Fried Fish Fillet with Sweet Corn Sauce (RM20.80). Not something I’d recommend unless you like corn or fish dishes that are sweet. This tasted like fried fish, topped with thick corn soup. I found it rather bland.

Claypot Minced Pork with Eggplant

The Claypot Minced Pork with Eggplant (RM17.80) was decent but hardly a redeeming factor at Honolulu Café. Granted the eggplant strips were tender and the minced pork was flavourful, the gravy wasn’t caramelised enough.

Stir-Fried Beef Hor Fun

Their redeeming factor is the Stir-Fried Beef Hor Fun (RM18.80) which I found more enjoyable than all the savoury items above. You get that dose of wok fire in the noodles and a tender chew from the beef slices. A bit of chilli oil is all you need to take things up a notch.

For RM6.80 per glass, the Hong Kong Style Milk Tea was diluted – lacking flavour and aroma from the tea and body from the milk. Our bill came up to RM150 for all the above which isn’t exactly expensive but certainly not the Honolulu Café experience I was looking for.

That said, the egg tarts are good.

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Ambiance: 6.5/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 6/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: The egg tart and beef noodles are quite good. Other dishes were mediocre at best.

Honolulu Cafe
LG2.55 Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
No.3, Jalan PJS 11/15,
Bandar Sunway,
46150 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 012-388 4567
Business hours: 10am – 10pm
Facebook Page

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Ipoh pitstops are a must whenever Jien and I are travelling up north – there’s something about the aroma of white coffee that gets the mood up. We were looking for a place to stop for coffee on our way back from Penang last weekend, and I remember bookmarking Lim Ko Pi in Ipoh Old Town as an option after reading about it from one of the blogs.

Interior

5 Layer Sandwich

I was looking forward to dining al-fresco but the heavy downpour made sure we remained indoors. The 5 Layer Sandwich (RM8.30) is made of wholemeal bread with five different sandwich filling – ham, tuna, egg, cucumber and cheese. Nothing fantastic, but if you’re looking for a snack to fill the stomach, this will do.

Nanyang Coffee 98

I opted for Lim Ko Pi’s Nanyang Coffee 98 (RM3.60 – hot, RM4 – cold); thick and smooth with a rich, nutty finish. Unlike what I’m accustomed to at Sin Yoon Loong, the coffee at Lim Ko Pi has a smooth, buttery finish without much bitter notes. If you like your coffee thick and creamy, you’ll like this.

Milk Tea

Personally, I prefer my white coffee bolder so the ones at Sin Yoon Loong and Ah Chow is right up my alley. The milk tea (RM3.20 – hot, RM3.60 – cold) was too sweet for my liking but it was adequately thick from the addition of evaporated milk. I would recommend taking this hot as you get more aroma from each sip versus an iced version.

Ice Kacang

Lim Ko Pi’s Ice Kacang (RM5.20) is pretty good; old school with plenty of peanuts, jelly and sweet corn. The ice shaving is fine and light, and there’s a good balance between evaporated milk and sugar syrups. Good stuff.

Soup Noodles

Curry Laksa

We bumped into some friends who ordered the curry laksa and clear soup noodles – that said, I didn’t try either so I can’t vouch for them. I did however try a sip of the hot cham (RM3.60) and it was quite good. I’d definitely recommend going for hot coffee or tea while you’re here.

Hot Cham

I wouldn’t peg Lim Ko Pi as place to eat Ipoh food but it is a place to consider if you want decent white coffee and toast. If you can, do opt to sit at the courtyard as the ambiance is different and the lighting makes for much better photos.

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Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 6/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: Try the Nanyang Coffee 98 and Ice Kacang.

Lim Ko Pi
10, Jalan Sultan Iskandar,
30000 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel: 05-253 2898
Business hours: 8.30am till 5.30pm
Closed Monday
Facebook Page

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Just as coffee begins to hit a plateau, you find interesting coffee options to draw you back into the coffee drinking game. Like the one I tried at Caffeine Chemistry Coffee in Nagore Road, Penang two weeks ago. The café serves coffee beans from Catunambu but what interests me in giving them a try is their alcoholic coffee.

Cosy interior

The gelato is worth checking out

Namely the Frozen Tiramisu (RM20) which features a shot of Kahlua in ice blended latte. Most places are able to replicate this quite easily but the beauty of Caffeine Chemistry Coffee’s version lies in presentation and also flavour. The ice blended had a good dose of coffee flavour and I liked how the ice shaving is fine, allowing the kahlua to stand out.

Frozen Tiramisu

Injecting Kahlua into the mix

Gula Melaka and Coconut Ice Cream Ice Blended

Think of it as tiramisu ice blended, without the mascarpone. I was told the Hot Baileys Irish Latte is also good as it comes with two shots of alcohol, but that will have to wait for my next visit. I ordered their Gula Melaka and Coconut Ice Cream ice blended (RM15) which happens to be a signature. Good combo, as the nutty, vanilla notes from the coconut ice cream pairs well with the Gula Melaka ice slush.

Waffle with rum & raisin ice cream

Their waffles are worth checking out if you’re into sweet endings – we opted for the regular waffle set (RM15.50) and upgraded our ice cream to a scoop of rum & raisin gelato (add on RM8). While the waffles aren’t the best I’ve tried, the combination was quite good. You get a nice crunch from the waffles, and a bittersweet finish from the chocolate sauce, which complements the rum & raisin ice cream.

Caffeine Chemistry Coffee also serves hot food – we tried the pasta with salted egg yolk pork bacon (RM19) and rather enjoyed it. They make this ala minute so it might take time, but you’re rewarded with a plate of aromatic pasta, coated in thick salted egg yolk gravy with bits of fatty bacon bits. There’s an option of spicy or non-spicy – we opted for the former as chilli helps offset the richness of the egg yolk.

Salted Egg Yolk Pork Bacon Pasta

I was told they get pretty packed over the weekend but since we were there on a weeknight, Jien and I got to enjoy plenty of peace and quiet over a good coffee session. If you’re looking for a decent café in Penang, try this.

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Ambiance: 6.5/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 6.5/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: I like the frozen tiramisu and salted egg yolk pasta.

Caffeine Chemistry Coffee
No. 27, Nagore Square,
Jalan Nagor
10050 Penang.
Tel: 04-226 6518
Business hours: 3pm till 11pm
Closed Wednesday
Facebook Page

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Online reviews are generally a good indication of one’s would be dining experience at an F&B establishment, if you take the time to read them and manage your expectation accordingly. As the writer behind Bangsarbabe.com, my reviews are meant to help my readers make more informed decisions.

Kitchen area

Which is why I wasn’t quite sure if my food radar was off or the staff at Grub by Ahong didn’t quite hack it during my visits. Based on feedback from my friends who’ve been to Grub, they had good things to say about the food, backed by the many positive reviews I’ve read online. I was also told to make a reservation as they are always “booked out” come weekends so I did so accordingly.

Fuss-free setup

The RSVP process isn’t pleasant I must say – it took me two attempts before getting a table and the booking confirmation came the evening before I was supposed to visit, at noon. You basically place your order through a chit, and head downstairs to pass the staff your order and wait for them to confirm the dishes to avoid mistakes. Plates, cutlery and drinks are self-service to manage cost so do take note that you’re supposed to do it yourself.

Roasted beetroot, fresh fruits and feta salad

Roasted beetroot, fresh fruits and feta salad (RM13.50) makes a refreshing and palatable start. You get plenty of zing from the greens, and I like the combination of honey, jackfruit and beetroot. Feta cheese gives the salad a light yet crumbly texture; not bad for a start.

Ribeye Steak

Flank steak

Steaks are reasonably priced at Grub – you’re looking at RM35 per ribeye (150gm) and RM25 for either a New York Strip or Flank Steak (150gm each). The ribeye was commendable during our first visit, as was the flank steak which was adequately tender with a good flavour from the meat and char. The steaks come with a side of jambu ulam for a local twist.

Flank steak on my second visit — very tough

Grilled lamb

We weren’t as lucky during our second visit as the flank steak was very tough to a point it was almost impossible to chew. It reminded me of my dog’s chew toy, not that I’ve tried it. Grilled lamb (RM30) seems to be one of their popular picks where the lamb chops are supposedly slow roasted with percik sauce and served alongside mesclun salad, potato salad and lemon rice.

Lemon rice

I had this during my first visit and thought it was pretty good so Jien decided to order it for himself during our second visit. It tasted the same as what I had the first time (albeit an inferior cut) but when our friend ordered hers 10 minutes later, the lamb she got was so tough, none of us could chew without straining our jaw. Think chew toy. It’s a pity really, for the flavours were quite good.

Roasted chicken

The Roasted Chicken (RM16.50) features 2/3 of a chicken leg – that means you get a whole drumstick and half a thigh – on a bed of mash potato with roasted vegetables on the side. I didn’t think much about this as the chicken was a tad tough. I also got (what I think) is Yorkshire pudding, which was chewy and not quite like Yorkshire pudding if you asked me. I liken it to the texture of “ham chim peng”, without the filling insde.

El Grande

Jien’s El Grande (RM26) from our first visit was much better. You get a boneless chicken chop, flattened and deep fried, then topped with cheese with chicken ham on a base of marinara sauce for a tangy yet rich finish. I liked this a lot better as the meat is more tender and each bite gives you plenty of flavour.

Roasted vegetables

Ramen

You get to add on sides to your meal if you need something more substantial. The ramen tastes like maggi noodles so unless you’re too damn lazy to cook it yourself, I suggest you go for their chips. They go well with the cili padi sauce available at the self-service section.

Apam balik cheesecake

Desserts choices are interesting – we tried the apam balik cheesecake, which tasted similar to apam balik. I have to say, Grub offers some decent wine options if you’re planning to drink. Don’t go there expecting Bordeaux please, but prices are reasonable if you don’t want to bring your own. Corkage charge is RM7 per pax by the way.

Procesco

Because you compromise on ambiance and service, prices are reasonable at Grub. Unlike the many reviews and praises I’ve heard about the place, I’m not as impressed given the food quality during my second visit. If I were to average out the score from my first visit which was more positive, then Grub is still worth checking out if you’re into hearty dishes and fuss-free dining.

Ambiance: 5.5/10
Price: 7/10
Food: 6/10 (pork-free)
Verdict: Go with an open mind and dress comfortably. I recommend the ribeye steak and el grande.

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Grub by Ahong
608, Jalan 17/10,
Seksyen 17,
46400 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 016-923 2983 (WhatsApp only. They won’t pick up your calls)
Business hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 6pm till 10.45pm
Friday: 12noon till 3pm, 6pm till 10.45pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11am till 2pm, 6pm till 10.45pm
Closed Monday
Facebook Page

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There is plenty to like about living in Bangsar – central location, plenty of amenities, great neighbourhood and good food, if you ask me. But the one thing I find incredibly lacking in Bangsar is the presence of Chinese tai chow (big fry) places, which forces me to explore other tai chow options elsewhere.

Jien and I found ourselves near Kajang last weekend, so Leng Loong Seafood Restaurant in Taman Equine became an option for dinner. Our friend who used to live in Seri Kembangan told us about this restaurant, claiming the food was quite decent and reasonably priced.

Kong Xi Stuffed Taufu Pok

Leng Loong Restaurant is known for its Kong Sai dishes and the chef hails from Lenggong in Perak. That explains the stuffed taufu pok (RM12 – small) which features tofu puffs stuffed with a filling of minced pork and chives.

Dry pork curry

Could be spicier and more aromatic

Portions are generous, evident from the size of the dry pork curry (RM19 – small). I would have liked this dish to be spicier as this bordered on the mild side, with plenty of sweetness from the onions. That said, it was a decent curry dish which went well with white rice.

Three cup chicken

Three cup chicken (RM19 – small) was recommended to us by the girl who took our order and I rather enjoyed it. Opt for boneless and skinless chicken pieces for hassle-free eating – this could use more basil leaves for flavour and aroma but that’s just my preference.

Four heavenly kings

We also shared a portion of four heavenly kings (RM12 – small), a mixture of brinjal, petai, long beans and ladies finger in sambal gravy. Leng Loong’s version is lighter and not as spicy, but heavy on the dried shrimp for bite and umami.

They are also known for their handmade noodles but we didn’t try any that night. I did order a takeaway Cantonese yin yong (RM8) and it was not too bad. I guess this calls for another visit when I’m in the area.

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Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 7/10
Food: 6/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: Order the three cup chicken and dry pork curry.

Leng Loong Restaurant
21, Jalan Equine 9b,
Taman Equine,
43300 Seri Kembangan,
Selangor.
Tel: 017-247 1183
Business hours: 10.30am till 2.30am daily.

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Everyone has a neighborhood restaurant they patronise for good old comfort food, I believe. For a close friend of ours, it happens to be Cinta Ria in Damansara Jaya. It’s been a family ritual for him and he recommended the restaurant to Jien and myself.

Mushroom Soup — available ala carte and also a part of the dinner set. Nothing fantastic, but it was adequately chunky and thick.

If I’m not mistaken, Cinta Ria is managed by one of the family members of the folks behind Dave’s Deli. The place gets pretty packed on weekends, with regular customers tucking into their specialty dishes like roast chicken and local fare.

1/4 roast chicken leg (RM16.90, RM23.90 – set)

Whole chicken leg with mashed potatoes, coleslaw and gravy

I like Cinta Ria’s roast chicken — it reminds me of the one from Dave’s Deli but they use a slightly different marinade. It’s milder in pepper notes and the accompanying brown sauce is not as robust but equally tasty. The chicken I got was tender and flavoured right till the center, and came with a side of mashed potato and coleslaw to complete the portion.

Yong Chow Fried Rice

I was quite impressed with their Yong Chow fried rice (RM10.90); although simple, it was aromatic from the wok char and justly seasoned so you get plenty of flavour in each bite. Fried rice isn’t my default order but Jien’s, but Cinta Ria’s version is something I wouldn’t mind ordering when I’m there again.

Cantonese Fried Kuay Teow

During our first visit, I spotted a few old timers (I gathered based on the way they interacted with the staff) ordering the Cantonese fried kuay teow so I ordered that when I visited the restaurant a few weeks later. Not bad at all — the kuay teow itself had good flavour, so there’s not much need to have this with soy sauce. The egg gravy was more than sufficient in complementing the flavour. If you want more kick, eat your noodles (RM11.50) with cili padi.

Baked Cheesy Chicken Lasagna

Five layers of pasta topped with tomato, cheese, carrots and herbs

Cinta Ria also prides itself in its chicken lasagna, though I wasn’t a fan. It was too starchy for my liking as they used a few too many sheets of pasta in between layers of meat and carrots. I also felt there was more carrots than I liked in so I wasn’t getting a meaty bite in each mouthful. Then again, I like my lasagna meaty and saucy so you might not feel the same way as I did with Cinta Ria’s version.

Cendol with Gula Melaka

They don’t have much choices for desserts so you can either opt for the brownie or something local like cendol or ABC. I ordered the cendol which was pretty average to say the least. Service is prompt and efficient so your food won’t take long to arrive.

Overall, I find the food at Cinta Ria hearty and reasonably priced. While I didn’t care much for their lasagna, the roast chicken and Cantonese kuay teow is enough motivation for me to revisit.

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Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 6.5/10 (pork-free)
Verdict: Hearty dishes and good portions. Try the roast chicken and Cantonese fried kuay teow.

Cinta Ria
No. 78, Jalan SS22/25,
Damansara Jaya,
47400 Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-7726 8981
Business hours: 9am till 9pm
Closed Tuesday
(The signage outside the shop says they only open on weekends, but the signage inside states they open on weekdays except Tuesday. Best to call them to be sure.)

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Bangsar South is fast becoming a hub for food and coffee, given the recent opening of restaurants and cafés including the renowned Forty Hands Coffee from Singapore. Jien has been eyeing this place since we caught wind of its opening some time in February this year and finally got down to checking them out last month.

Interior

The place gets pretty packed on weekends so it’s best to go early (think brunch) or be prepared to wait a little for a table to free up. I like the service here – fairly attentive and the folks are helpful, especially if you need some help with recommendations. Since it’s Forty Hands Coffee we’re talking about, I have high expectations when it comes to their coffee as they get their beans from their sister café; Common Man Coffee Roasters.

Hot mocha

Skip their juices

I had a hot mocha on my first visit and found it pleasant enough – brownie points for the barista on duty that afternoon, for making me a different coffee art (sorry I thought it was a donkey when you intended for it to be a camel!).

40 Hands Cubanos

Hearty stuff

40 Hands Cubanos (RM28) is worth trying if you’re looking for something more substantial at Forty Hands Coffee. You get a hearty sandwich of mojo pork, honey-smoked ham, mayonnaise, mustard and jalapenos between a crusty baguette with Parmesan cheese. I liked the combination as there’s plenty of flavour from the ham and a good kick from the pickled jalapenos.

Salmon Hash

Mediocre at best

On our second visit, I went for one of their popular items – Salmon Hash (RM26). Not so good, as I found this rather bland and one-dimensional. The creamy potato mustard sauce didn’t do much to accentuate the salmon, and I found it a bit cloying after a while because of the lack of character.

Big Boy Breakfast

Not-so-runny poached egg

Jien’s Big Boy Breakfast (RM30) was better but still pretty average if you asked me. The breakfast comes with pork sausage, grilled tomato, mushroom ragout, pork bacon and flat bread, with your choice of eggs. He opted for the poached egg, which turned out poorly made. It was overdone and there wasn’t much liquid-factor in the yolk.

Perhaps it was our unlucky day for we were there at 11am and their head chef apparently comes in around noon. Or so I was told by an acquaintance who frequents Forty Hands. Skip the Homemade Granola (RM15) as it wasn’t much to shout about – I got to try a spoonful from a friend we bumped into during our first visit.

Truffle Fries

I do like their Truffle Fries (RM12) thought it’s just basic fries with truffle oil. It’s a great sharing item and one I cannot resist ordering when I see it on the menu. The one at Forty Hands Coffee isn’t fantastic but it’s good (and reasonable) enough to nibble on.

Lattee

The latte we had during our second visit was particularly disappointing and definitely off-tune from what I’d expect from the beans of Common Man Coffee Roasters. It tasted bitter; and the burnt-bitter kind rather than the aromatic, smooth coffee I was expecting.

Overall, we like the ambience at Forty Hands Coffee but note that the seats by the windows get pretty warm mid-afternoon. Food is average at best but I’d come back for their Cubanos. I reckon there might be a consistency issue with their coffee as it was pretty foul on my second visit. Will have to go back again for a coffee fix when I’m in the area to see if it’s just a teething issue.

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Ambience: 6.5/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 5.5/10 (non-halal)
Verdict: Order the 40 Hands Cubanos if you want a bite with your coffee.

Forty Hands Coffee
Unit G-6, The Sphere
No.8 Jalan Kerinchi
59200 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2732 0855
Facebook Page

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I still remember my first Ramly burger – Jien bought it for me when we just started dating and it was a sloppy, greasy and deliciously messy. And much to my mother’s dismay, it soon became one of my favourite things to eat. Friends have said good things about Sixty Bites Burger in TTDI, said to serve 100% ribeye patties in their burgers.

Waiting time is between 40 minutes to an hour an a half, so it’s advisable for you to WhatsApp them (012-354 7517) ahead to place your order. We did just that so our burgers were ready by the time we got to Sixty Bites.

Beef patties on the grill

The menu is straightforward; either a single or double patty with their version of sauces and toppings such as onion jam, grilled eggplant and chutney mayo. I opted for the double cheeseburger (RM16), a fairly  large assemblage comprising two thick yet compact beef patties with two slices of cheese, mustard pickled mayo, onion jam and tomato.

Double Cheeseburger

This was good stuff – the patties were juicy and cooked medium, and I like that they didn’t OD on the seasoning and sauces. It’s still sloppy, but not to a point you can’t taste the meat flavour. The combo works well as there’s a good balance of meat to cheese to sauce in each bite.

Maui

Chicken patty with pineapple & BBQ Tabasco Mayo

Jien had the Maui (RM13) which featured a lean chicken breast patty topped with caramelised pineapple ring and BBQ Tabasco mayo. Decent combination but paled in comparison to my double patty burger. Then again, I’m not exactly a fan of chicken breast so this burger isn’t something I’d order in general. I might feel otherwise had it been a fried chicken thigh patty since that’s my favourite part of the chicken.

Chezburger

Our friends had a single patty chezburger (RM10) and they told us it was good. If you’re not as greedy as I am, opt for the regular chezburger as it’s a smaller version of the double patty burger. But when you have to wait that long for a burger, you might as well double up to make it worth your while. Just saying.

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Ambiance: 4.5/10
Price: 5.5/10
Food: 6.5/10 (halal)
Verdict: Go for their beef patty burgers as that’s their forte. I would order the triple patty if they had one haha!

Sixty Bites Burger
(opposite Lim Tayar & Shell TTDI)
Taman Tun Dr Ismail,
60000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 012-905 4030 / 012-354 7517
Facebook Page

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