KampungboyCitygal: Malaysian Food Blog

Shift House! Pindah Rumah! Ban Jia! Boon Ngok!

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 14:43:00 +0000

http://kampungboycitygal.com/

PLEASE UPDATE YOUR LINK PEOPLE

We would appreciate that and rewards you with more tantalizing food pictures...

KampungboyCitygal is Two Years Old

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:41:00 +0000

On the 30th of December 2005, tiny slices of Keropok Lekor has ignited our intention to start a food blog and this is why KampungboyCitygal was borned. It is a typical real life example of how little things can make a big difference.

Food Blogging has gave us a lot of surprises and changed our perception towards food. We used to think that food is just some lifeless combination of carbo, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals that releases energy through the process of digestion. Well, something like that lar, I read it somewhere.

As time goes, food has taken on a whole new meaning. Food means friendship, from time food has been used to bring together people for celebrations and occasions. Food means culture, a devotion to authenticity and to celebrate how good food enriches our daily lives. Food is an art too, feast first with eyes and then with mouth, this is a saying said from everyone.

All in all, we were grateful that we have manage to go this far (2 years / 24 months/ 730 days) because I have not always been a persistent person. From today onwards, we will move to a new site (http://kampungboycitygal.com), a place that belongs to us, finally. So update your link people!!

See you guys at our new home......

Click to Our New Home

Floggers' Award Night @ My Elephant, Seksyen 17

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 03:45:00 +0000

Dear friends

It's been awhile since our last gathering at Sandias, so let's get together before the end of the year and create a ruckus, eat till our seams burst and throw up everything after that (what fun)!!!

This is a theme party - A Very Retro Christmas - at My Elephant, Section 17, Petaling Jaya.

Date: 28 December (Friday)
Time: 7.30 pm
Dress code: Retro lah.

-LL-

We knew that the second big gathering is hard to be missed because the previous floggers’ gathering at Sandias was awesome. It was a hangout and bonding time together for people who share the same obsessions in life - food. Eventually friendship has been forged over a shared passion for food.

My Elephant at Happy Mansion has a look of elegance sophistication with some small little details such as daisies, candle light and cute elephant painting. The quality of food has somewhat wavered due to the large crowd. This has not hampered our enjoyment because the award giving ceremony was far more interesting. We’ll definitely return for the ala carte menu due to positive reviews from other floggers’ previous visit.

The Menu

Pandan and Krachiap Coolers

Pak Choop Pang Tod (Thai style vegetable tempura)

Choo Chee Goong (Thai Yellow Curry with River Prawns)

Kom's Chicken Wings with Mango-Kiwi Dressing

Som Tam Malakor (Green Papaya with Dried Prawns with Peanuts)

Tom Klong - Northern Thai Tom Yum with Fish Cutlets

Steamed Fish ala Thai Style

Red Duck Curry with Konnyaku, Avocadoes and Rambutan

Teckiee, Citygal, Christine, Sid, Ai Wei and Xiu Long Bao

Back: Jason, Chris, Ekeng, Jackson, Teckiee, Xiu Long Bao Front: KampungBoy, Sid

Cam-Whoring with Jackson's Sunglasses

We can't put up pictures of everyone because most floggers would love to remain anonymous hence the repetition of people in the pictures.

Award List - Click to Enlarge

The undoubted highlight and surprise of the evening would be our Award Giving Ceremony. It’s pretty obvious which flogger should go with the title because we just know each other so well. Grin.

Our award for being the sweetest couple - Gula Melaka Kristal. The gift came in time cause I just ran out of sugar and you know how the price has hiked up over the months. Thank you so much.

Not many people I'd be able to mingle around because I’m afraid that my sore eyes would scare you people off. Don’t worry, it’s not conjunctivas, apparently my eyes were ‘dehydrated’ from the long hours of wearing it.

All in all we had a blast! Can’t wait for the next big floggers’ gathering again. The sisters (WMW, Lyrical Lemongrass, Precious Pea) are awesome, they kept the party going on and make sure that everyone is taken care of. Thank you so much for such a wonderful, entertaining, memorable evening!

Block C-G4 Happy Mansion
Section 17/13
46400 Petaling Jaya
Business Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (except Sunday lunch)
Lunch: 12.00 p.m. - 2.30 p.m.
Dinner: 6.00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m.
Tel : 012 328 5028 ~ Patrick

Location Map to My Elephant (Click to Enlarge)

San Francisco Steak House @ Damansara Intan

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 07:29:00 +0000

KampungBoy and I had an impromptu date where I get an hour of notice beforehand. It led us to San Francissco Steak House at Damansara Intan who went from being a special-occasion restaurant to one equally suited for an impromptu date.

The restaurant is located in somewhat of a quirky location; a full of chaotic commercial area during the day and surprisingly a quaint place at night.

Complementary Bun and Butter

Velvety smooth and rich in flavor, the Mushroom Cappuccino with frothy top has definitely won my heart.

San Francisco Steak House offers an extensive menu but prices are on the high side and as such obviously we resorted to the value for money set dinner. The set dinner consist of caesar salad with chicken/soup of the day, dessert, coffee or tea with a choice of main (grilled tenderloin with mushroom sauce or béarnaise sauce/grilled sea bass with spinach and mass potato/spaghetti aglio olio with grilled kign prawns and asparagus) at RM 38.90++.

To cure our hunger pangs, Potato Wedges with Bacons are ordered. A not very wise decision I shall say, some of the wedges are hard and undercooked and it is sprinkled with lots of burned and charred bacon bits. My main of chicken is unforgettable too, bland and tasteless.

The declared winner was the grilled tenderloin of beef, with a melt-in-your-mouth cut and grilled to perfection. The sides of mashed potatoes and greens are delicious too. It may not be a good looking slab of steak, but you do get the ounce for ounce of satisfaction.

The restaurant needs to fine tune its' serving timing though; we had barely been served our mains when we are done with the entrees. The gracious ambiance and the juicy cut of steak are the only factors that make our evening a memorable one.

San Francisco Steak House
G01, G03, G05, Ground FloorBlock A,
Damansara IntanNo 1, J
alan SS20/2747400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
(Also Available in Submit USJ, Mid Valley and Suria KLCC)
03 7118 2988
Open Daily from 12 noon to 12 midnight.

Easy Apple Crumble Recipe for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:27:00 +0000

What does Christmas smell like to you? Mint? Candies? Nutmeg? For me, the sweet smell of Christmas would be cinnamon. The smell that tempts my senses and reminds me that Christmas is just around the corner when I’m nibbling on my aunt’s home baked fruit cakes during my younger days.

To bring up my fond memories and relieving all the Christmases that I’ve had, I’m going to bake a fruit cake! Lo an behold, did I just mean a dense fruit cake filled with pre-soaked fruits in rum, brandy or other liquor that is deeplu spiced and full of surprise? I’m pulling back my words, an easy and yummy apple crumble sprinkled with lots of cinnamon will do.

The crumb topping is wonderfully light and muesli added an extra bit of delicious texture and crunch to this heartwarming dessert. I smell Christmas with the cinnamon scent in the air, the delicious smell is tempting my senses. It tasted divine when it is still fresh from the oven or even better when it is chilled. Serve it with maple syrups and a scoop or two of ice cream.

Filling:
8 apples, peeled, washed and sliced
3 tbsp of brown sugar
2 tbsp of cinnamon

1 cup of raisin (soaked in rum, if you prefer)

Crumble:
2 cups of natural muesli
2 cups of flour
125 gram of butter
2 tbsp of brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Cook the apple over slow fire until it turns soft. In a large mixing bowl, stir in brown sugar, cinnamon and raisin and cooked apple. Pour the mixture in an 8” baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine crumble ingredients other than butter. Rub in the butter into the mixture using your fingers or two knives to mix thoroughly. Sprinkle the crumbles over the apples. Bake 30 to 40 minutes in a preheated oven at 180°C.

If you are expecting guests, pouring some soft state ice cream into Ikea's ice cube tray overnight and voila - you get some cute little heart shaped ice creams. For hygenic purpose, store the tray in a zipper freeze bag. Alternatively, serve them in either white-wine glasses or tall champagne glasses.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Foh San's Dim Sum Galore

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:35:00 +0000

Apparently I love to visit Foo San Dim Sum on a Sunday because they have this Sunday Only unorthodox looking dim sum. I think that I have this minor youth Alzheimer's syndrome that I could not remember the name of these lovely goodies that I have to made it up myself!! Please bear with me people...

Sun Rise - The salted egg yolk played well with the the other textures of the dim sum; the thinner outmost layer is crispy, followed by another layer of bouncy fish cake and lastly the seaweed.

Triangle Love - Unrequited love between century egg, prawns and pork has created a very romantic yet complicated relationship (ermm taste).

Loh Mai Kai in Bao Blanket - Yes, actually loh mai kai is keeping itself warm by hiding beneath a layer of soft and fluffy pao skin.

Har Gao Just Got A Face Lift - There were light and crunchy bits of carrots and sengkuang giving it a refreshing change from the typical fillings of shrimps only.

Peking Duck Wrap Minus the Peking Duck - Wrap Skin? Checked. Cucumbers? Checked. Hoi Sin Sauce? Checked. Crispy Duck Skin? MIA. Bits of pork floss and a slice of char siu is actually a better combination than the crispy duck skin itself.

Typical Stir Fried Radish Cake Pretending As Dim Sum - The radish cake cubes are evenly coated with the thick and sweet savoury dark sauce. I can't stop nibbling on the crunchy dried shrimps, salted radish bit and the XL sized bean sprouts of Ipoh.

After numerous time of eating and fighting for a table in Foo San, I've come out with my own strategies - Be there as early as 7 am or as late as 11 am. Its hard to get a table during peak hour, and after you get seated bring your bill to the cart and take your own dim sum as the waitress are too busy to entertain you.

Foh San Dim Sum
No. 2, Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar (used to be known as the Ozbourne Street)

Restoran Yu Ai @ SS2

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 08:40:00 +0000

More than two decades ago, Yu Ai Seafood Noodles took root at Segambut as a humble little noodles place. Today, it has become one of the most famous eating establishment around Klang Valley, giving us the impression of a place that lures loaded consumers who are willing to pay ridiculously high price for a bowl of noodles (fyi, RM13 for small and RM15 for big).

Numerous positive reviews on the seafood laden bowl of noodles from floggers piqued our curiosity and we had to check it out. Now that it has spawn into another two outlets around SS2 and USJ 9, we have no excuse for not paying a visit.

Within minutes a steaming hot bowl of curry seafood noodles appears before you, rich and satisfying like nothing else. Seafood such as squids, clams, mussels, fish slices and prawns fill the bowl to the brim that you can hardly see the noodles. A little unctuous, but there's not denying that the creamy rich broth is very flavourful.

The most sought after broth after the santan laden curry broth would be the fiery red tom yam. Of course, for non spicy offering you can opt for clear broth. The broth is nothing exceptional with the obligatory spicy, sour and slightly sweet taste.

We find it to be slightly overrated, you know when people rant and rave about the place and you set your bar of expectation higher and eventually it leads to disappointment.

Restoran Yu Ai
PJ SS2 Branch
No. 58, Jalan SS2/10, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: 03-78778117
Open Hour: Daily 11am - 9pm
Located behind the Chow Yang kopitiam (Lim Mee Yoke prawn noodles)

Hung Kee Wanton Mee @ Jalan Loke Yew

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 08:36:00 +0000

Having heard so much about the best wantan meen place at Loke Yew, but we have yet to been there. One fine day when everyone is not too famished, KampungBoy and his ex-colleagues braved the traffic to Hung Kee located along Jalan Loke Yew . It was started in 1965 by the Phoon family as a small shoplot but business is so good that it has been expanded to two air conditioned shoplots now.

Everyone’s patience is tested to the limit as it is almost impossible to get a proper parking space and you have to actually wait for a table on a weekday lunch hour. We do hope that the food will actually make the hassles that we have been through all worth while.

The thin strands of wantan meen are hand-made. Everyone loves the springy texture of the noodles tossed in dark coloured soya sauce. Each servings of wantan meen come in a big bowl of wantans. Other than the obligatory glistening and sticky sweet char siu (bbq pork), you can opt for other side dishes such as siu yoke ( roasted pork), roasted duck, siu kow and braised chicken feet mushroom too. The char siu and siu yoke is not as good as expected though but Hung Kee is still a decent place for a good plate of wantan meen.

Hung Kee
28-5 and 28-6, Jalan Loke Yew
Pudu
Kuala Lumpur
(Non Halal. Open from 7 am to 10 pm daily)

Location Map curi-ed from EatinOut

Nyonya Colors @ One UtamaNyonya Colors

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 08:14:00 +0000

Nyonya Colors is the place to go whenever we are hankering for some Nyonya food affairs. Nyonya food is actually the marriage between Malay cuisines and Chinese cuisines, so a lot of ingredients are used and the preparation is just tedious which is hard to be replicated at home. So it makes more sense to dine out rather than cooking it, at least this is the thought of a lazy people like me.

Take a look at the endless array of multi-coloured and layered Nyonya Kueh. It is truly a heaven for someone with a sweet tooth like me.

Anyway, who can resist luscious creamy coconut milk and sweet aromatic palm sugar paired with rice or glutinous rice?

They have taken some effort to create a cozy and lay back settings with these colourful wooden benches and tables.

Cucuk Udang (RM 1.70 per stick of 3 pcs). Cucur udang also known as traditional prawn fritters, is the combination of bean sprouts, spring onion, prawns and flour.It was crispy and light, but the shrimp is almost non-existence.

The aromatic, spicy and tangy gravy soup is served with oodles of rice vermicelli and topped with a fresh garnishing of onion, pineapple, mint leaves and fresh chilies. The curry broth has a subtle but distinct flavour and the ricer vermicelli is fine enough too.

From Top: Tapioca Banana (RM0.80 per pcs), Talam Keladi (RM0.90 per pcs), Sweet Potatoes aka Three Sisters (RM0.80 per pcs). The bite sized kueh is really good that Nyonya Colors has become the default place for tea whenever we are around One Utama. We have to fight our ways through sometimes, when the crowd is big during weekends.

Nyonya Colors
F66, First Floor, Old Wing
1 Utama Shopping Centre
Bandar Utama
WebSite: http://www.littlecravings.com/

Wong Siong Wong @ Sunway Mas Commercial Centre

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 07:51:00 +0000

We have been frequenting Sunway Mas Commercial Centre lately, mainly because of parking is a breeze and the traffic line is not as congested as other PJ/Damansara area.

Few weeks ago, we found ourselves to have the craving for bak kut teh but balked at the thought of traveling a great distance to Klang. 15 minutes later, we were sitted comfortably at Wong Siong Wong, overlooking the drizzling dark night. Just the perfect weather for some bubbling hot herbal soup! Wong Siong Wong is run by the Wong’s family where Kenny and Kin Meng are the main chef behind the screen.

Crispy chinese crullers and herbal soup arrived shortly. A good way to start our meal and great to cure our hunger pangs too.

The Johor style bak kut (RM 9 per pax) is served in a claypot with obligatory ingredients such as intestines, cabbage, button mushroom and bean curd. It might not be the best bak kut teh around, but we love the light and fragrant herbal taste of the soup.

Wonder from where does bak kut teh originated and what is the story behind? Read "The Fun Facts About Bak Kut Teh".

The lamb stew (RM 9 per pax), marinated with Chinese five spices powder are stewed together with garlic, onion, ginger and pepper before it is cooked in a claypot with garnishes such as carrot, celery, bean curd, fungus and Chinese wine. The chunks of meat are perfectly done where we couldn’t find a hint of the annoying lamb smell. A very appetizing dish because the thick gravy goes really well with rice.

Chinese Tea is great to wash down all the delicious meaty and greasy and meal.

Restoran Wong Siong Wong
21-1 Jalan PJU 1/3F
Sunway Mas Commercial Centre
Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Tel: 03-78051576, 016-3238200
Business Hours: Monday till Friday (10.30am-9.30pm), Saturday and Sunday (9.30am-9.30pm)

Wai Sek Gai @ SS2

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:44:00 +0000

Food Bloggers have the occasional another no-idea-where-to-eat-moment that strikes in too. While we drove around PJ area, we were moved by a dispute over where to go again.

"Food court with multiple vendors and plenty of choice would be the option."
" But which food court is it?"
"Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park Food Court and Pudu Wai Sik Gai?"
"Against the economic principal to travel such a great distance for dinner lar"
"Asia Cafe SS15?"
"A great place for sight seeing, plenty of hot college girls, but we dressed sloppily!"
"Ming Tien Taman Megah"
"Not Again?? "
"SS2 wai sek gai!!" We yelled concurrently and agreed on that finally.

A war has just been stopped from breaking out. Pheeew! That was so close!

No more day counting to be back in Thailand to savour the real thing because there is this stall no.25, selling authentic Thai food and runned by two beautiful Thai women.

Our plate of som tam (RM 6), heavily dosed with garlic and chilis looks dangerous. The great colour combination of shredded unripe green papaya, green beans, tomatoes, slices of octopus and dry-roasted crushed peanuts make it looks more palatable. The spiciness is just intolerable; with every bite, I got hotter that my tongue went numb and my lips tingled. However, we enjoyed every single bite of it.

A long queue was seen infront of stall no. 78, Baba Nasi Lemak. Somehow, kiasuness and curiosity is evoked that we joined the queue! They have a very interesting selections of Malay/Baba Nyonya style chap fan (economic rice) with dishes such as sambal petai, assam prawn, curry stingray and telur sambal.

The dishes, with the greasy and delicious gravy, paired fairly well with the rice. Two thumbs up to the chicken rendang; the chicken pieces is tender while the gravy is great to be poured over rice. Total damage? RM 8, not your usual chap fan price but it is fairly reasonable.

Grilled Fish (RM15)

We should have taken heed not to overindulge because our tummy is rebelling and rejecting against the fiery hot goodies the next day...

Dong Dong Ju - Korean Rice Wine

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 05:48:00 +0000

Insa-dong is the place to shop for Korean traditional goods. The streets are full of Korea’s historical artifacts, and the alleys are filled with Korean restaurants and traditional teahouses, galleries, antique shops, and more. We were brought by the Korean girls to this little traditional bar at Insa-dong for some Dong Dong Ju drinking experiences.

One of the things I love and will miss tremendously about eating in Korea is that the entire table will be completely covered with dishes of food once you sit down.

Three large gourd filled with Dong-dong is served right away. We were required to dip our cups into the communal bowl. Bear in mind that when somebody offers to fill your glass, hold it up with your right hand and place your left hand lightly under it.

Way to go for Dong Dong Ju! The 7% abv Dong Dong Ju has a creamy mouthfeel, a touch of sour taste with little alcohol burn.

Mun Lin, Yi Quen, Su Yen, Han Seum, Shang Hee

Eun Ji, Na Hee, Me, Lee Ping, Hyo Ju

Albeit the abv (alcohol by volume),of a mere 7 %, one can easily get drunk after 10 to 12 shots, just like him! He ended up lying his face down on some bench at the very happening Insa-dong and threw up eventually.

puke

"we don't know him, seriously!"

tourists who wish to take a picture with drunkard

I guess the next day's after effects were well worth the memories.

CoDo @ Mid Valley Megamall

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 04:54:00 +0000

Codo is truly a hidden gem at Mid Valley Megamall. It is situated above Little Vietnam at the cinema floor and apparently both Vietnamese restaurants are under the same management with different menu and approach.

As for the ambiance, it is very quaint and humble. The tables and chairs of Asian decor are separated, giving it a very exotic and private dining experiences.

Set A (RM 35++ Free Ice Lemon Tea/Soya Bean)

Vietnamese Siu Mai

Chicken Meat Steamed Rice Wrapper Roll

Lemongrass Fish Stick

Clam Rice

Prawn Clear Soup Hu Tieu

Set B (RM 35++ Free Ice Lemon Tea/Soya Bean)

Lotus Root Pancake

Vietnamese Spring Roll

Dragonfruit Salad

Tomato Fried Rice

Chicken or Beef Ball Soup Hu Tieu

Set C (RM 35++ Free Ice Lemon Tea/Soya Bean)

Grilled Eggplant Skewer

Golden Lychee Chicken Ball

Steamed Wrapper Roll

Spicy Hue Beef Slice Soup Hu Tieu
Spring Onion Fried Rice (No Picture)

Authentic Vietnamese Cold Vermicelli Grill Set (RM 35++)

Chargrilled Lamb Set (RM18++)

Village Chicken Set (RM18++)

Lemongrass Beef/Chicken Hot Pot Set (RM 15++)

Chargrilled Beef Set (RM 18++)

The dim sums are really good and delicate but the portion are smaller than usual. The fried rice are too wet and bland without any additions while the soup based noodles are fairly good. Overall, we would recommend CoDo for its friendliness and great services, and the food is beautifully prepared.

MBA Holder Sells Cha Siu @ Famous Seremban Favourites Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 05:26:00 +0000

The quest for the best char siu in town brough us to the vicinity of Sunway Mas Commercial Centre where it is better known as the place where a MBA holder sells char siu.

Slices of shiny glazing char siu is served with a plate of sweet sauce instead of drenched or drizzled with these sweet gravy. We requested for “bun fei sao” (half lean half fat) for our virgin famous seremban favourites char siu encounter. It is sweet but not sickening sweet, plump and the melt in your mouth texture helped by the rings of fat within it.

Lean meat were ordered on the second visit, even the leanest pieces are tender and delicious with the perfect amount of carmelized crust. I can boldly acclaim it as the best pieces of Char Siu I ever had in my life.

Their version of Siu Yoke (roasted pork) with golden brown bubbly crispy skin and tender meat is perfectly alright but still the grace of the holy char siu has totally outshine it.

We can’t savour on the char siu alone without some staples (we wish to do so but were so timid in front of the name of ‘fats’, ‘calories’ and ‘cholesterol’) so stripes of flat long noodles topped with generous amount of minced pork and spring onions comes. It is a lighter version of Hakka Mee, unlike the Ipoh version laden with dark soy sauce and sesame oil.

No salicylic acid is added to the nice and springy fish ball to increase its palatability, so feel safe to indulge! No complains on the pork balls too, thinly shredded dried cuttlefish is added in to enhance the flavour.

However, the wantons’ filling of savoury minced meat and shrimp were a bit bland in taste and the pastry wrappers were too thick. The fried dumplings and Yao Yee Mai Fun (Cuttlefish Rice Vermicelli) are pretty tasty too.

The humble little place has a wide variety of food and good services, but the killer is still the char siu. Food is served without much of waiting despite the crazy lunch hour crowd. We have been frequenting the place ever since, but have never bump into the char siu slut, wmw and sexy beast. Let’s go together-gether next time OK?

Restoran Famous Seremban Favourites (Map courtesy of the char siu slut)

Address: 80-1, Grd Flr, Jalan PJU 1/3B,
SunwayMas Commercial Centre,
47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Telephone: 017-2798582 (Bill Khoon)
Operating Hours/Days: 7:30am - 4:30pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Char Siu starts selling from 10.30 am

Mei Chi Xuan @ Kota Damansara (Revisited)

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:55:00 +0000

The boys from Big Boy Oven has make friend with Chef Steven and family ever since our previous eating out experience at Mei Chi Xuan. We thought we’d try the restaurant again, so we dropped in for lunch on a Sunday noon with the guys.

The first dish whipped out was Spicy Chicken Chunk (lat zhi gai) with mouth watering spicy and fragrant aroma. Onions, garlic, dried chillis and dashes Sze Chuan peppercorns give the juicy meat that deep, seared flavour.

Lala in Superior Soup. The superior soup base is too sweet for my liking because a generous amount of robust rice wine is added in. Nevertheless, we were fairly satisfied with the huge, juicy, plump clams and no empty shell is found, unlike some dai chou places around.

It was really nice of Chef Steven to dish up a complimentary dish, Curry Prawn and Cheese in Bread Roll that requires booking in advance. Everyone would like to tuck into the nicely presented dish. The outer coating is crispy and not greasy at all because I was expecting the oil to splashed over my mouth once I sank my teeth into it. Thumbs up to the chef because the eccentric combination of curry, prawns and cheese can never tastes this good.

Fresh Clams

Restaurant Mei Chi Xuan
No. 32A1, Jalan PJU 5/10, PJU 5,
Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara
47810, Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 03-61416122
(For map, please refer to our previous review on Mei Chi Xuan)

Kee Kee Chicken Rice @ Kelana Jaya

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:50:00 +0000

Kee Kee Bentong Chicken Rice, located at Restoran Yat Yeh Heng is a chicken rice place that gets nods of approval from the chicken king aka Tankiasu, and the crazy crowds too, i suppose.

The owner, Mr. Lim Ee Choon has brought over the expertise and recipe from my Bentong, Ipoh in year 1992. Like most chicken rice vendor, the steamed chicken is dipped into ice cold water to ensure that the meat will be cool, firm and tender.

Bizarre Food! This would certainly ignites Andrew Zimmern's interest. The chicken intestine is something that we ordered out of curiosity. Initially, I find it hard to stomach it down, but after some chewing and biting, I'm in love with this springy and crunchy innards.

The firm and tender steamed chicken does live up to its reputation. Mind you that the minimum order here would be quarter chicken, there is no such thing as single servings. The roasted chicken with crackly crispy skin and tender moist meat has won KampungBoy's vote too. It is definitely one of the best chicken rice place around KL/PJ area.

Location Map curi-ed from Tankiasu

Kee Kee's Bentong Chicken Rice
33, Jalan SS 4D/2,
People's Park,
47301 Petaling Jaya.

Telephone: 012-629 4807

Operating Hours/Days: 10:30am - 2:30pm, Closed on first Tuesday of the month

Sri Nirvana Maju @ Jalan Telawi

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 08:36:00 +0000

Time to break away from the mundane Chinese food and indulge on some burning or hot sensation Indian cuisine without burning a hole in our pocket. So here we are at Sri Nirvana Maju on a Sunday noon, parking is hell at Jalan Telawi even though there were ample of parking inside bangsar village where they charge by HOURS.

Very often that we get some soggy and overcooked magi goreng at mamak stalls but their version of Maggi Goreng (RM 4) is cooked to perfection as the noodles are al dente with the right amount of spiciness and ingredients.

Some drinks to sooth the erupting spiciness along your tongue – Teh Ice and Air Kosong

For something more substantial, we opted for the banana leaf rice meal (RM 5.50). Rice and vegetables are a prominent feature where white rice is served on a Yele Sapede (banana leaf) with an assortment of vegetables, pickles, a selection of curry dishes such as Rice Meen Curry (Fish Curry), Koli Curry (Chicken Curry), Dhal (Boiled Lentils)and papadum (Indian Crackers).

During the first visit here with my ex-colleagues, we had the deep fried calamari (RM 18). Lightly seasoned and deep fried to golden brown, it comes with some curry leaves, dried chillies and onion. A squeeze of lime would give it the extra oommpphh.

Chicken Masala (RM 4) is a westernized Indian dish based on baked chicken chunks (chicken tikka) cooked in a curry sauce. It was very well marinated and flavourful but the chicken chunks are a tad too dry.

Lamb curry (RM 5). Tender pieces of boneless lamb are served in a thick and rich curry concoction. Two thumbs up to the tender chunks and rich curry but it is not something for those who can’t even stomach the smell of lamb meat because the smell is quite heavy.

Sambal Egg (RM 1.50 each)

Another banana leaf rice place that we will definitely drop by again, if only parking is a breeze (sigh).

Restaurant Sri Nirvana Maju
No. 43, Jalan Orkid 2B,
Sec BS2, Bukit Sentosa,
48300 Rawang, Selangor.
Tel: 03-6028 3526

No. 43, Jalan Telawi 3,
Bangsar Baru,
59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-22878445

Lin Yuan Steamboat Kitchen @ Queen's Park Cheras

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 06:10:00 +0000

It’s an early birthday celebration for KampungBoy’s fourth sister, Tong at Lin Yuan Steamboat Kitchen at Queen's Park, Cheras. It was our very first time to Queen’s Park, the open-air retail park concept is quite a unique shopping experiences.

Lin Yuan is reputable for the freshest seafood brought in from Pulau Ketam everyday and it takes 4 – 5 hours to make the soup base everyday by using tender chicken meat and quality dry seafood, no MSG or preservatives is added in the cooking process.

Apart from steamboat, Lin Yuan also serves Chinese cuisine from simple Chinese dishes such as mouth-watering Fried Yee Mee to delectable Fried Crab with salted egg. While waiting, KampungBoy’s sister ordered the Fried Mee Hon with Stewed Pork to cure our hunger pangs. The canned stew pork is sinfully delicious melt in your mouth texture, and the gravy is evenly soaked up by the mee hoon.

Instead of the normal clear broth, tom yam or herbal soup base, we had the 'Golden Pumpkin Porridge' soup base which is a very healthy choice. The thick soup base, being the first in Malaysia (DUN PLAY PLAY) is sweet and creamy.

Deep Fried Bean Curd + Deep Fried Dumplings

Abalone Slices + Wanton

Pork Balls + Fish Balls

Homemade Bean Curd + Fish Wanton

Fish Paste

customary bottle of wines for the celebration

What we love about Lin Yuan is the open air concept with spacious seating of 60 seats and over 300 carpark bays. Of course, the EXCELLENT services and freshest ingredients will definitely lure us back for a second visit. Total bill comes to RM 170 for 7 pax, which is quite reasonable because we had double serving of everything shown above. Thanks to Tong and BF for footing the bill.

Location Map of Lin Yuen Steamboat Kitchen, Queen's Park Cheras.
(Click to Enlarge)

Uncle Cheng Beef Noodles @ Seksyen 17

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 08:16:00 +0000

Uncle Cheng beef noodles needs no further introduction as it has been numerous time by our fellow food bloggers. Lured by the positive reviews, KampungBoy, being the beef fanatic dropped by.

It is easy to understand why this place has gained popularity in such a short time. Having made its name around its selection of beef, Julian has successfully inaugurated a refreshing novelty concept for the locals that is so easy to love. You must be wondering why is a young chap like Julian is known as Uncle? Uncle Cheng is actually Julian's dad where he inherited the cooking skill from.

Beef Noodles (RM 6). The dried version of beef noodles is different from the famous Ngau Kee and Sin Kee where it is top with preserved vegetable, peanuts and sesame seeds instead of minced beef sauce. Only lai fun is available at Uncle Cheng's stall. True to it's fame, the beef slices is tender and delicious while the beef ball is bouncy and beefy.

Beef Tenderloin (RM 8). This cut is about as good as it gets. Julian is extra careful with the cooking hour because the beef cut will turn hard and chewy when it is overcooked. The broth is so delicious that KampungBoy where he slurped the soup till the last drop.

Dried Beef Slices (extra order = RM 2.50). The extra order of dried beef slices that come with our order of beef noodles turns out to be very flavourful and delicious too.

It is a food blogger friendly place. The owner, Julian showed KampungBoy the sweet mung bean dessert, a TeoChew specialty but he was too full for that. Maybe next time?

Why I Want to Eat at Friday's

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:27:00 +0000

Non Food Review

TGI Friday's needs no further introduction as they are doing such a smashing business in Malaysia. Upon entering the bright restaurant, no one can miss it with the red and white awnings and brass railings. But why I want to eat at Friday’s……

When it is a place meant for all the ‘atas’ and loaded people?

TGI Friday's often gives people the perception that the food is really expensive. Good news for students strapped for cash, and those living on a tight budget because TGI Friday's is offering a three course meal that is reasonably priced at RM 39.90 for a choice of appetizer, entrees and dessert. It will certainly satisfy your taste buds and still allow you to give your family and friends an affordable meal.

Choose from 4 Appetizers, 10 Entrees and 2 Desserts at RM 39.90 (Click to Enlarge)

Appetizer - Friday's Mushroom

Entrees - Chicken and Shrimp Diablo Pasta

Dessert - Chocolate Malt Cake

When they humiliated the birthday boy/girl with a soggy rendition of song and were asked to give a birthday speech standing on the chair?

Most people look forward to their big day all year long and can barely contain their excitement as it approaches. All the while, the birthday celebration evolves around people singing "Happy Birthday" to the Birthday Boy as he got ready to dig right into his very own little birthday cake. Why not we have something for a change at TGI Friday’s?

The young and wacky crew will came around with an utterly delicious chocolate cake and sang Friday's traditional birthday song. It’s a tradition at Friday’s where the birthday boy/girl have to stand on the chair and give out speech on a bottle of ketchup microphone. This is his day and he gets to be in the spotlight. It gives everyone, including the birthday boy, a good laugh.

Happy Diners

Birthday boy Terry with his new toy, the one that he is grapping?

When their burger cost a whopping twenty bucks when I can get a burger for a mere RM 2 from any of the Rxmls joint?

TGI Friday’s burgers are humongous with ½ lb of thick and juicy patty sandwiched between two butter toasted bun. The cheese covered patty is tender and juicy, well seasoned and one will keep salivating at the juicy scents wafting up. Apart from that, it comes with an abundance of fries, eat till you drop fler! Who says size doesn’t matter? BURP

BURP

When I have to pay so much for the drinks? I could get a proper meal outside!

The ultimate drinks are served in an 18 oz. glass, and often made with fruit juices and pure liquors. Ultimate margarita is “a blend of Jose Cuervo Gold with our triple-citrus margarita mix of lemon, lime and orange flavors. Served with fresh wedges of lime and orange”. It is very reasonable consider the price that you are paying for. For non-alcoholic drinker, bottomless drink would be perfect. The crews are really prompt in getting your glass refilled.

Ultimate Margarita

TGI Friday’s is place where everyone's desires can be satisfied. The menu is extensive, the environment is fun and the serving staffs are really friendly. Now this explain why I want to eat at Friday's......

Extensive Menu

Village Park Restaurant @ Damansara Utama

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 08:19:00 +0000

I have always found Village Park to be bustling with customers, often times crowded near the entrance because of great word of mouth about their very delicious malay dishes.

Giving in to our kiasuness and curiosity, we dropped by on a Sunday morning. It is much easier to get a place during the weekends.

Teh Ice (RM 1.70)

Nasi Lemak Ayam (RM 6). It comes with the usual condiments like sambal, fried ikan bilis, chicken, cucumber slices and egg but it tastes unusually delicious. The rice is aggregated loosely together, instead of wet and clumpy. The restaurant owner steams the rice in a wooden container, a traditional method that most Malay mama still adopt. I asked for extra serving of sambal because the fiery red and thick sauce that has been cooked for 8 hours has the right kick of spiciness.

The chicken is something not to be missed at Village Park. It is well marinated overnight in a secret concoction of spices and matches the crispy outside and tender inside criteria perfectly. Trays after trays of these goodies are finishing off in a short while. I have to say that size does matter, the huge slab of chicken is truly satisfying.

A lot of positive feedbacks are given to their lauk pauk, nasi dagang and noodles too. We will definitely come back to give it a try, will be having a hard time to resist ourselves from ordering the nasi lemak again. The lunch for two costs only RM 15 (5% government tax included), definitely great food that is easy on the pocket.

Village Park Restaurant
5, Jalan SS21/37,
Damansara Utama,
47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: 03-77107860
Open from 7 am to 8pm daily, 7 am to 6 pm on Sunday/Public Holiday

Catering Services Available

Tagged by Mei Yen

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:54:00 +0000

Name one person who made you laugh last night?
That Cute Fella lor

complaining about his eye bag

What were you doing at 0800?
8am: Sleeping
8pm: Stretching and Work Out

Hangat Hangat Tahi Ayam

What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Blog Hopping

What happened to you in 2006?
Both Streesful and Care Free Student Life

Care Free vs Stressful

What was the last thing you said out loud?
Dun Kacau Lar!

How many beverages did you have today?
Liters of plain water and two cup of coffee. Ops

What color is your hairbrush?
Black Colour

What was the last thing you paid for?
Taxi - RM 13

Where were you last night?
At Home Lor

What color is your front door?
Dark Brown

Where do you keep your change?
Coin Pouch

What's the weather like today?
Hot Sunny Day

What's the best ice-cream flavour?
Rum & Raisin YAY

What excites you?
FOOD FOOD and FOOD

Do you want to cut your hair?
Yeap. Getting it trim every month!

Snip Snip Snip

Are you over the age of 25?
NOP

Do you talk a lot?
All The Time :D

Do you watch the O.C.?
Used To Watch. Heart Rachel Bilson and Mischa Barton!

Do you know anyone named Steven?
My Ex-Coursemate

Do you make up your own words?
Keke all sort of funny wanky name for KampungBoy

Are you a jealous person?
I guess NO?

Name a friend whose name starts with the letter 'A'.
Abby

Name a friend whose name starts with the letter 'K'.
Kenny

Who's the first person on your received call list?
KampungBoy

What does the last text message you received say?
Okayz, will give u a call when i reach.

Do you chew on your straw?
NO

Do you have curly hair?
NO

Where's the next place you’re going to?
Mid Valley

Who's the rudest person in your life?
Noone

What was the last thing you ate?
Rice, Pork Chop, Enoki Mushroom, Miso Soup, Tofu and YUM YUM as dessert

Will you get married in the future?
Wish To

What's the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
50 First Date from my pile of old DVDs

Is there anyone you like right now?
Yeah

When was the last time you did the dishes?
This Morning

Used to do a lot of dish washing at Cyberjaya

Are you currently depressed?
NOPE. Happy Go Lucky

Mahjong - The Best Medicine

Did you cry today?
NO

Why did you answer and post this?
Give face to Mei Yen mar and I'm bored

Fellow bloggers and readers, feel free to complete the tags yah!! Let us know more about you!!

Kedai Kopi Kwong Hong @ Gunung Rapat Ipoh

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 04:02:00 +0000

Yong tao fu, literally means tofu stuffed with fish paste or pork paste. Nowadays, the term is widely applied to variety of stuffed vegetables or deep fried bean curds. The best yong tao fu that I’ve ever eaten comes from Kwong Hong @ Gunung Rapat, Ipoh.

There’s always a line of people waiting to put in their orders during lunch hours. The waiter will jotted down your order of noodles and the yong tao fu are then cooked briefly in boiling water to be served either in broth as soup or in a separate bowl for the deep fried goodies.

What I like about the place?

1. Spoilt for Choice
The normal variations that we always come across are oddments such as eggplants, shiitake mushrooms, bitter guard and lady’s fingers. However, it seems like Kwong Hong has the ability to stuffed every single type of vegetables with the fish paste, i.e. abalone mushroom, broccoli, capsicum, kangkung, and even seaweed.

2. Out of the World Fish Paste
The fish paste is 100% hand made with the core ingredient of Mince fish and seasoning such as salt, pepper, water and tapioca flour. Stir in one direction to get a sticky paste with a springy texture. You need to take handfuls of the fish paste and throw it against the sides of the bowl till the paste becomes springy. How they distinguish themselves from the rest? The secret would be the addition of some dried shredded squid that enhance the flavour of the fish paste. It involves a lot of hard work.

3. Heavenly Noodles

The dried tossed version is splashed with a generous portion of sesame oil and deep fried shallots, so aromatic and delicious. My ultimate favourite would be the curry broth served with stalks of paku while the famous assam laksa is only available during the weekend.

4. Sweet Treat

The same family run the whole shop; including the drinks and tong suis. Cincau served in a bowl, red bean tong sui, green bean tong fui, barley bean curd tong sui are selling like hot cake.

Ipoh Mali and Klites who happen to be around Ipoh, do drop by Kedai Kopi Kwong Hong. For gluttons who are coming from KL, exit at Simpang Pulai toll, turn right at the traffic light, go straight all the way until you spotted a 24 hour Mcdonalds, make a U turn and turn left at the traffic light to enter into the main street of Gunung Rapat. Kedai Kopi Kwong Hong is located on your right hand side.

Umai-Ya Japanese Restaurant @ Damansara Uptown

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 05:38:00 +0000

The occasional craving for Japanese Food struck. Umai-ya seems like the right place because we aren't looking to spend that much or venture out of the neighborhood.

Situated next to Izzi, Umai-ya is occupying two floors and has a casual, subdued feel to it. The restaurant uses the "tatami" style seating where you're sitting on an elevated dining room sunken well for your feet.

The buffet menu is available on Saturday/Sunday from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm where it is priced at RM 45++ per head.

Since it is a quiet Monday, we go for the bento set to enjoy 15% discount (15% off for all bento set on Monday, Wednesday and Friday). CK ordered the fried rice set with fried kushiyaki while I opted for the grilled mackerel set.

Every bento set is pretty standard, it comes with a very refreshing vege salad, smooth and silky chawanmushi, a bowl of miso soup and a small fruit platter.

Slowly grilled to perfection, the skin blistering and slightly charred salted mackerel is so juicy! I finish every bit of the flesh until nothing is left attached to the fish bone. A squeeze of lemon give it a slightly sourish taste and reduce the oiliness of the grilled mackerel.

The fried rice, according to my friend, is flavourful and aromatic. However, it would be better if the rice is served soft and fluffy instead of wet and clumpy.

Kushiyaki is actually breaded seafood or poultry in a skewer. With generous portions of filling piled into the skewer, CK is having a hard time to finish it off.

Umai-ya’s bento set and buffet definitely fits the bill as well as being easy on the pocket but the ala-carte item is price at the higher side. The staff is very helpful but unobtrusive by refraining me from taking pictures. (GRRRR). I feel that the food falls in line with the Japanese cuisine style, but nothing is a specialty on its own.

Umai-Ya
49G, Jalan SS21/37,
Damansara Utama, Uptown.
Tel: 03-77264410

G-3A, The Place, Jalan PJU 8/5D
Bandar Damansara Perdana
Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-77290015

SS20 Fish Head Noodle @ Medan Selera MPBJ Damansara Kim

noreply@blogger.com (KampungboyCitygal) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:18:00 +0000

Another lovely Sunday morning where the sky dawned bright and clear. Since it is such a nice day, so the last thing I want to do is tackle the pile of aftermath in my kitchen from any cooking and baking.

Just when we were having dispute (as always) on where to eat, Sid called, “food invitation to a fish head noodle place at Damansara Kim”. Lovely, double lovely, so here we go again.

You see stray cats when there are fishes around. Cats naturally eat fishes so they best describe the meaning behind the Chinese Idiom “None of the cats say no to fishes”. Right? LOL

According to flogger, Tankiasu, this place has been an open secret among Damansara’s corporate slave, so they are doing a brisk lunch time business. It is obvious that there exist a lower weekend crowds in contrast to higher weekday crowds.

Once we (BBO, Jackson, Us) were sitted at a table where we can have a glimpse on what’s going on in the kitchen, the owner served us with some cool soothing herbal tea, cincau soya, cendol soya and cendol ice.

Look at the crispy coating of these huge chunks of fishes and fish head being deep fried to golden perfection by the owner.

(From Top Left)

Fish Paste with Rice Vermicelli. The fish paste is 100% hand made and no flour is added, resulting in a soft and pleasantly chewy texture.

Fish Paste with Chinese Spinach in Superior Soup. . I might be biased because I love Chinese Spinach very much. The superior soup boiled with dried anchovies and cloves of garlic for long hours tastes very good as it glides down my throat.

Deep Fried Fish Head with Rice Vermicelli is cooked with the usual ingredient such as preserved vegetable, tomato, ginger, spring onion in evaporated milk infused broth. The fish chunk itself has imparted a slightly sweet taste to the sour-salty broth.

Fish slices with Rice Vermicelli. The owner has done a very good job in eliminating smelly water and mud taste from fishes. No evaporated milk is added to create the dense and creamy soup this time.

Another special variation would be Nai Fun that is commonly found in Assam Laksa. Unlike their far distance cousin, lean and slim rice vermicelli that soaks up the broth in a jiffy, Nai Fun can be left with the broth for quite some time.

The owner’s wife, Jenny is a multi talented steel lady that makes very good soy drink, tau fu fah and pastries. They never call it a day when it the sun goes down, in fact they transform into food vendors, selling the soy based drinks and desserts at TTDI pasar malam.

This particular stall gives their customer the option of deep fried/non deep fried fish head, broth with/without evaporated milk and also the type of noodles. My ultimate combination would be a mixture of deep fried fish chunks and fish slices that comes in a milky broth with oodles of soft and slippery Nai Fun. Come and experience it yourself if you doubt my option.

SS20 Fish Head Noodles is certainly a hidden gem with very decent fish head noodles. I have to say that they are pretty generous with the fish slices, fish paste and portion for the price that we are paying (RM 6 and above). Unlike KaSoh’s version with the oh so good smell of Chinese cooking wine and accompanying lards, this stall is the place for patrons who prefer something light and subtle.