mflovesfood

Tai Ping @ Royale Chulan

2015-01-19T07:58:00.001-08:00

Tai Ping is Royale Chulan's Chinese restaurant. As its name suggests, you will end up too peaceful so much so that you may be the only diner there. Specializing in Cantonese cuisine, the restaurant is halal. The overall rating for this place is pretty much explained by its award for being one of the best restaurants under Malaysian Tatler for year 2013.The restaurant doesn't have that many selections in the menu. The price range would be an average for a hotel. Vege dishes, fried rice and noodle dishes for a pax of 3 - 4 ranging from RM40 to RM60 while its seafood range is based on seasonal price per gm.

The broccoli with braised mushrooms, sea cucumbers and baby abalones dish is worth the try. The sauce is so sweet and natural and tasty. My favourite is the steam hong chou with teochew style. The soup based fish dish is superb. The dinner was hearty and delicious, and the perfect meal ended with sea coconut with baby ginseng root.

Chan Meng Kee, SS2

2015-01-18T09:10:00.001-08:00

Chan Meng Kee Noodle House

Jalan SS2/66, Petaling Jaya

* non halal*

There are tons of reviews on the internet about the famous Chan Meng Kee wanton noodle outlet. Some positive and some, well, not so positive. Now, let me share mine. I have tried wanton noodles from some 5 star restaurants, with prices ranging from RM18 to RM28 for a plate. With that price range, the plate of noodle should have been terribly good, right? Not necessarily. I have tried bad tasting noodles, served by 5 star quality restaurant/hotel with a fancy price tag (I wont quote from which as my blog is not to defame others).

Chan Meng Kee's wanton noodle is comparatively one of the better ones you can find in Petaling Jaya. Among its peers within the prices of RM5 to RM10, Chan Meng Kee serves the most juiciest Char Siu, crispy roasted pork and crispy chicken. Taken over from the legendary 'Ho Weng Kee', they are doing very well in preserving the standard. Their noodles are springy and tasteful with lard fritters. The meat servings are cut through thick slices.

Their price is affordable. A normal char siu wanton noodle at RM6 (regular) and RM7 (for large). Plenty of varieties to select from. They serve a wide array of side dishes such as braised chicken feet with mushrooms, stewed curry pork ribs, braised beef briskets and more. Their char siu is thick, juicy and succulent.

On contrary to the traditional style, they also serve wanton noodle curry based soup. This is also one of their best sellers. Come on down to SS2 and give Chan Meng Kee a try. Be early though, the queue can be extremely long.

Yummy durian desserts

2014-12-06T11:17:00.006-08:00

Durian has been called 'King of fruits'. The cream colored flesh with the pungent and penetrating aroma and its unique taste evoke from deep appreciation to intense disgust.

Durian has been used to flavour many types of food, such as ice kacang, ice cream, cakes, sweet desserts and lately in the trend (and expensive too), the mooncakes.

Lately, I have tasted durian desserts from 2 places that are worth the mention :-

1. Durian pancakes - Lai Ching Yuen, Grand Millenium KL (ala carte order)
2. Durian cheesecakes - Mandarin Oriental (part of the buffet counter and it is seasonal)

The list may go on as I will make some trips to venture more durian desserts. So stay tuned ...

Durian pancake @ Lai Ching Yuen, Grand Millenium KL

Wrapped in soft, fluffy crepes, the generous portion of durian flesh with whipped cream is fantastically divine. The pancakes are served chilled and they make great desserts for after meal session. Not-to-be-missed when you pay your visit here at Grand Millenium.

Durian Cheesecake @ Mandarin Oriental

Cheese and durian are an excellent pairing. In Mandarin Oriental, only the top-notch durian quality is used. I had this during one of my buffet experiences and I will never forget the creamy cheesy durian taste as it is one of the best I encountered.

The Three Little Pigs and Big Bad Wolf @ Bangsar Village I

2014-08-05T11:57:00.001-07:00

Craving for a huge chunk of generous porkie in your dish? Try 'The Little Pigs and Big Bad Wolf' Restaurant. A modern and sophisticated café at Bangsar Village, this restaurant has got some interesting dishes, extremely yummy to tantalise your taste bud, the American style :)

Lot G1A, Ground Floor Bangsar Village,
1 Jalan Telawi Satu,
59100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +603 2283 2270

* Non Halal*

The place seemed to be buzzed with excited energy and was comfortably full with seemingly satisfied patrons. On weekends, better to make a call and place reservation in advance as the chances of waiting in line of long queue is quite highly possible.

The pork burgers are one of the best-loved meals around here. The patty is flavourful, juicy and meaty. Portion is good enough for 2 as the gigantic burger comes with generous serving of fries and a bowl of salad as sidelines.

The Mighty Piggy Burger :- RM29

The coffee beverages ranging from RM10 - RM11. They taste very average. Given the same pricing range, I think I would go for Coffee Bean and Starbucks. Here, the size is small. Plus they are not very artsy with the foam.

2 thick slices of roasted pork, still with its crispy skin. You will hear yourself making crunchy sound for every bite. No regrets with this dish. I forgot to take down the name and price. So do explore on your own.

We also tried their quiche of the day which is on promotion. RM18. It has some chunky bacons in it and the fruit salad makes the whole dish refreshing.

Meanwhile for the side of Pasta choices in the menu, Three Little Pig and Big Bad Wolf serves up to 14 varieties, ranging from RM19 to RM29. We did not try any pastas, but I will make a mental note to try the salmon avocado and 'The Wolf's Favourite'.

The restaurant serves 2 choices of breakfast set :-

I Am So Hungry I Could Eat a Wolf - RM28 that comes in 2 perfectly done sunny side up, a hash brown, 2 slices of healthy multigrain bread slices, a delicious pork sausage, sautéed mushrooms, a grilled tomato and a small serving of baked beans in tomato sauce.
Little Piggy's Breakfast - RM18. This is a smaller set that comes in a more simplified version of the set above. 2 sunny side up, mini maple flavoured breakfast patty, hash brown and sautéed mushrooms.

It has a nice room for privacy, perfect to host gatherings of 10 - 12 pax.

Minced Pork with Century Eggs & Salted Eggs Congee

2013-08-05T10:30:00.001-07:00

I prefer smooth and watery porridge, and yet not over diluted. Minced pork with century and salted eggs porridge has always been one of my favourites, especially home-cooked with generous portion of both the century and salted eggs in it *yummy*. The typical recipe for this porridge would suggest to sprinkle some spring onions for garnishing but my version is replacing the spring onions with some broccoli.

INGREDIENTS

PORRIDGE
1 cup of rice
4-5 cups water (you may adjust to put more water depends on preference for thickness of porridge)
* you may also replace the water with chicken broth

OTHER INGREDIENTS
100gm minced meat (marinated with some soya sauce and pepper)
1 century egg (peeled and diced)
1 salted duck egg (peeled and diced)
some salt to taste
Broccoli (washed, boiled/steamed and cut into smaller pieces)

SEASONING
some sprinkle of sesame oil

METHOD

1. Bring rice and water (or chicken broth) to a boil, and then simmer rice till soften.
2. Add in minced pork and let the porridge continue to simmer till minced pork is cooked.
3. Add in some salt
4. You may adjust the thickness of porridge by adding more water (depends on your preference)
5. Transfer into serving bowls.
6. Add some broccoli and the diced eggs (salted duck egg and century egg) lastly.
7. Sprinkle some sesame oil. Serve warm.

Steamed Ginger Fish

2012-10-14T10:24:00.003-07:00

Ginger is a type of herb and also medicine. Young gingers are juicy and fleshy but taste mild. In
opposite, old mature gingers are fibrous and nearly dry. In food and beverages, ginger is most often use as flavouring agent. Here, i am using ginger as part of the ingredient for the steamed fish. In my case, i blend the ginger and steam together with my fish. In this particular recipe, garoupa fish slice. Steamed ginger fish, a common chinese dish. Healthy and not oily. Easy and mess-free. Hope you like it :)

INGREDIENTS
A slice of fish of your choice (in my case, garoupa fish)
some minced garlic
younger ginger (blended)

SEASONING
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
some salt to taste
2 tablespoon sesame oil
3 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon shaoxing wine

METHOD
1. Blend young ginger with 3 tablespoon water
2. Heat up oil in work and fry minced garlic
3. Add in blend ginger, oyster sauce, salt and then shaoxing wine
4. Stir evenly and bring to boil.
5. Pour ginger sauce onto fish and steam for 10 - 15 mins
6. Dish is ready to serve. Optional : chopped spring onion.

Old cucumber and sweet corn soup

2012-08-23T08:29:00.006-07:00

Old cucumber soup is one of my favourites. It is clear and very soothing. The old cucumber according to chinese, has cooling element and is perfect for blistering hot day. This soup is also known for 'nourishing' the lungs.

The 'aged' cucumber has thick brown-yellowish skin and gelatinous coating seeds in the inside. Remove the seeds and the flesh is ready to be simmered into a hot tasty soup.

The old fashion recipe to this hearty soup is to add in main ingredients like dried cuttlefish, red dates, scallops, roast pork bones and dried duck meat ... For me, i like to keep it simple. Chicken breast
as the soup will not turn oily and sweet corn to enhance the 'golden' taste.

INGREDIENTS

1 old cucumber

1 sweet corn

2 pieces of dried scallops

1200ml water

250gm -300gm chicken breast or chicken pieces

Seasoning

Salt/soy sauce and pepper to taste

METHOD

1. Remove skin and seeds from old cucumber. Cut the flesh into smaller pieces.

2. Scald chicken meat in boiling water, rinse and put into cooking pot
3. Rinse dried scallop and cut sweet corn into pieces

3. Put all ingredients into the cooking pot and bring soup to boil for 20 minutes

4. Transfer soup to slow cooker and simmer for 2 hours

5. Add seasoning

Serves 2 pax

Creamy egg mayo sandwich

2012-08-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

Eggs are by far, one of my favourites. Such dishes like Pan Mee, Yee Mee in claypot or any type of hot soupy meal, I never fail to request an egg to go along with it. Egg sandwiches is some of the easiest sandwiches in the world to prepare and they are super-delicious! They're perfect for breakfast, tea-break, picnic or just about anytime and anywhere! Here's my version of classic egg sandwich to share :-

INGREDIENTS

1 loaf bread (preferably Massimo wholewheat)
5 large sized hard boiled eggs
3 - 4 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably Lady's Choice mayonnaise)
Some lettuce
salt and pepper to taste
Butter or marjerine to spread the bread

Optional
Handful of fries
Salad of your own choice

METHOD

To make hardboiled eggs, prepare boiling hot water and put in the eggs and have them boiled for at least 5 mins. Drain water from the pot and add cold water to have the eggs cooled (this method is used so that its easier to remove the shell from eggs).

1. Mash the hard boiled eggs with 3-4 tablespoon mayonnaise. Add some salt and pepper.
2. Trim the sides of the bread and spread the bread (on alternate sides.

Trimming sides of the bread is optional. You may have your sandwich with the 'kulit'.

Mashed egg mayo

3. Spread the bread with butter of marjerin (in my case, i prefer Naturel's Olive spread).
4. Add in on one side of the bread a spread of egg mayo and put a leaf of lettuce and alternate with egg
mayo on top of lettuce and lastly, top a slice of bread on top.

5. Slice the sandwiches into halves.

The sandwich is now ready!

You may serve the sandwiches with some sidelines like salads or chips/fries.


A meal of sandwiches (you can have O'briens at home too!)

Spaghetti with Chickadee Meatballs

2012-08-16T12:09:00.001-07:00

There is nothing like a yummy plate of spaghetti with tender, flavourful minced meat and chicken meatballs cooked with simple traditional Italian tomato sauce.

There are many ways to cook a spaghetti meal, but this is the most simple to prepare and yet yummylicious.

INGREDIENTS

1/3 pack of spaghetti (I use San Remo)

SAUCE :
4 cloves garlic
1 bottle of 350gm Kimball tomato spaghetti sauce
6-8 shitake mushrooms (sliced thinly and sauteed lightly)
150gm - 200gm minced meat (marinated with Maggie seasoning sauce and pepper)- either pork and chicken
20 chicken meatballs

SIDELINE SALAD :
1 mini butterhead lettuce (available at Jusco, priced in between RM3.99 - RM4.99 in a pack of 2 mini
butterheads)
6-8 pcs cherry tomatoes
Thousand Island (you may toss with the salad sauce of your preference. May not has to be thousand island).

You may actually create salad of your choice. Be creative and include in other ingredients like carrots, capsicums, boiled potatoes, etc.

Optional : You may also add in oven grated parmesan cheese and sprinkle over the top

serves 2 pax

<---- Kimball 350gm spaghetti sauce

METHOD

1. Prepare the sauce :- Heat 3-4 tablespoon oil on medium heat. Add in garlic and cook till brownish and
fragrant.
2. Add in minced meat and cook till 1 min followed by sauteed shitake mushrooms into the pan later.
3. Add Kimball spaghetti sauce and bring to boil.
4. Add chicken meat balls, reduce heat and simmer for 3-5 mins.Gently stir occasionally.

5. Prepare cooked spaghetti :- On another pot, bring water to boil. Once the water is boiling, add a little bit
   of salt.
6. When the water returns to a boil, add spaghetti. Let the pot uncovered and put on high heat with vigorous
    boil.
7. Drain the water when spaghetti is cooked (dont have them too soft. perfect is when its cooked and still
    firm). Toss 1 tablespoon butter/marjerin so that the spaghetti will not become one big lump.

8. Prepare the sideline salad :- Place a few (up to you, approximately 6-8 leaves of butterhead lettuce) and
other salad ingredients.

9. To serve, you may line your salad in the corner of your plate. Place spaghetti on the plate, add sauce onto
spaghetti.

Penang's famous Char Kuay Teow

2012-07-26T09:18:00.001-07:00

I was on work trip at Penang this week and managed to grab a bite the char kuay teow that is said to be the best in Penang. at Kafe Heng Huat @ Lorong Selamat.

The owner, usually wearing red barrette and an apron whipped not only the most delicious, but also the most arrogant plate of char kuay teow. Notoriously famous for her arrogant and rude attitude, other blogs may have confirmed that her stall was once attacked with bricks by an unhappy customer.

Though ridiculously overpriced (RM7.50/RM8/RM9.50), but this plate of char kuay teow worth every dime and every minute!

My verdict :- the noodles were springy and every single strand was coated with flavour and 'wok hei'. The char kuay teow definately has the 'wow' factor. The gigantic prawns (3-pcs) is also part of the attraction. And not forgetting the lup cheong (chinese sausages), definately enhances the aroma and tastes good with the char kuay teow.

I love DURIAN by the way

2012-07-19T07:06:00.003-07:00

I had an enjoyable durian feast this evening - nothing beats the smell and the sweet succulent taste. I was on buffet spree and went Mau San Wong all the way. Thanks to my colleague for extending the extra seat and of course, courtesy from RHB Bank. What else can one ask for? Fresh, fleshy with custard texture and aromatic durian by the pool side :- my day end with a smile :)

I'm in the mood to share some facts on durians :-

Durian, is a popular local food that emits strong ordour, has strong empowering taste and exquisite flavor. Some people regard durian as fragrant, but others may find the aroma of this fruit disgusting. The taste that prompted people to intense disgust has been described variously as rotten onions, turpentine and rancid cheese and funnily, toilet.

The name of this fruit is named after Bahasa Malaysia 'duri', means thorns. Available in many different breeds, namely Ang Hae (red prawns), Ho Lor, XO and Mau San Wong (Gua Musang) and more common ones such as D24.

What constitutes a good durian? For us, the durian must be ripe, flesh must be starchy, taste must be flavorful and strong, and most importantly, the durian must be free from larvae or insects.

Here's a page where you can explore more like how to select good durian and easy method to reap open a durian :- http://www.penangdurianfarm.com/our-durians.html

Paradise Dynasty - Legend of Xiao Long Bao @ Paradigm Mall

2012-07-09T09:20:00.002-07:00

Paradise Dynasty - Legend of Xiao Long Bao @ Paradigm Mall

* NON HALAL*

Paradise Dynasty is said to be originated from Singapore. Famous for its 8 flavours xiao long bao (soup dumpling), the hot broth in each dumpling is uniquely different :- Original, foie gras, black truffle, crab roe, cheese, ginseng, garlic and Szechuan (RM23.80++ for 8 pcs). You may however order any one type in 6 pcs or 10 pcs in a tray (prices ranging from 12.80++ - RM23.80++).

My favourite is xiao long bao. My tastebud came a long way with these soup dumpling from Shanghai to every corner in Malaysia. Personally, i still prefer the original.

Like any other modern chinese cuisine, i noticed the open kitchen concept which displays professional chefs at their culinary skills in preparing the yummy food.

Dine with the fantastic view of the buddha statue. The restaurant is certainly well propped with fine decors.

Besides famous for its xiao long bao, Paradise Dynasty is also popular with its signature 'hand pull' La Mien. The silky smooth la mien comes with hands full of varieties ranging from 15++

La Mien with shredded pork and egg in signature pork bone soup RM15++

La Mien with pork dumpling RM15++

La Mien in Szechuan RM16++

Left : Deep fried scallion pastry (2-pcs) RM5.60++
Right : Radish pastry (3-pcs) RM7.80++

Level One, Paradigm Mall, Kelana Jaya.
(next to Sushi Zanmai)
Tel: 03-7887-5022

Li Yen, Ritz Carlton KL

2012-06-30T03:13:00.006-07:00

Dim Sum lunch at Li Yen, Ritz Carlton KL

*NON HALAL*

Li Yen located at on the 2nd floor of Ritz Carlton is famous for its dim sum lunches and authentic Cantonese cuisine. The award winning restaurant, very typical, is elegantly decorated and has terrific oriental table setting.

Cold dish : chicken

Siew Yuk

Pan fried yam cake

Vegetarian siew yuk (made with yam)

Fried prawn dumpling

Steamed fish maw

Siew Mai

Fish paste wrapped with beancurd skin

Seafood dumpling

Brocolli with scallops

Steamed cod fish

Herbal Jelly (guai lin kou)

Coconut pudding

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2nd Floor)

Tel : 03 2142 8000

SHANGHAI, JW Mariott

2012-06-30T02:42:00.004-07:00

SHANGHAI, JW Marriott Hotel

* NON HALAL*

The award winning restaurant at JW Marriott KL, 'Shanghai' specializes in exquisite Shanghainese cuisine. The oriental decor :- Deep red velvet carpet with motifs and authentic chinese paintings on the wall provides an ambience of the original old shanghai restaurant set from back in the day.

Left : Cold dish - sliced chicken in special sauce - FOC
Right : onion pancake RM10 (2 pcs)

Our starter for today was the complimentary duck in special sauce from the 'cold dish' menu. A terrific appetizer to start a lovely meal. We ordered a few more dim sum dishes. The lau sar pau was not up to Jin Xuan's standard. The custards were not creamy and buns not entirely filled up like Jin Xuan's.

Pan fried yam cake RM12++

Pan fried chee cheong fun RM13++

Steamed shanghainese dumpling meat (xiao long bao)RM9.90 for 3 pcs

Lau Sar Pau 5 pcs RM17.50++

Pan fried beancurd skin with shrimps RM13++

Baked chicken pie with walnut 5-pcs RM22.50

Asparagus in belacanRM53++

Chilled cream of sago with mango and pameloRM13++

Some kinda dessert which i forgot to take note but it definately has some wine in it :- RM13++

Sunny Fried Rice

2012-05-01T02:21:00.001-07:00

Fried rice is a popular meal in chinese cuisine. The main key to prepare yummy fried rice is using rice that has been previously cooked. Day old rice is fine, but rice that is 2 or 3 days old is best.
Fried rice can be served as main meal or as side dishes. In chinese banquet, fried rice is served at the end of the course, right before dessert.

My version of fried rice is fluffy rice tossed with roast pork, chinese sausages, french beans, eggs and sometimes shrimps.

Serves for 2, non halal

INGREDIENTS

Fluffy white rice (preferably a day old) - 4 rice bowls
Some garlic (chopped finely)
4 small eggs (2 scrambled eggs + 2 sunny side up)
French beans (approximately 20 sticks) - chopped
Roast pork (approximately palm size) - chopped to small cubes
2 pieces baby chinese sausages - sliced thinly

Seasonings :
Salt to taste (optional)
Pepper to taste

Garnishing :
Iceberg lettuce (few big slices, enough to cover the base for your plate)
Spring onion (optional)

METHOD

1. Heat wok with oil and put in garlic
2. Add in roast pork and the thinly sliced chinese sausages. Stir fry for
approx 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in the chopped french beans and continue to stir fry.
4. Add in the rice and toss everything in the wok evenly.

5. On a separate pan, cook the scrambled egg (2 eggs) and add into the rice mixture in the final stage of cooking.Mix them well.

6. Add pepper and salt. If you find that after adding the ingredients like chinese sausages and roast pork makes the rice well taste enough, then adding the salt wont be neccesary.

7. Prepare 2 sunny side up

To serve, prepare 2 plates and place iceberg lettuce as the base and scoop rice onto the plate.
Place sunny side ups on each plate of fried rice.

Your meal is ready to be served.

Purple Cane Tea Restaurant

2012-03-18T02:06:00.000-07:00

LG floor, Mid Valley Megamall (next to Din Tai Fung)

Tel : 03 2283 6090

Gourmet infused with 'tea'

* PORK FREE*

The value of tea goes beyond the average. It has taken to another step :- delicious and yet, healthy dishes. You may find this concept at Purple Cane Tea Restaurant. Such restaurants have tremendous potential since the trend now is the healthy food. The food here is creatively infused with tea, with lesser oil and salt in their cooking. Some may find the taste abit bland, but hey .. its healthy food, what do you expect?

Overall, the staffs were friendly when we walked in. The interior of this dining place is very much influenced by Asian touch and the walls were fully decorated and shelved with tea products.

Interestingly, their soup is served in a mini teapot.You may find chicken pieces and herbs inside. Many varieties of soup from the menu that may tantalise your taste bud :- Tea & wine chicken soup, lotus root chicken tea soup, burdock chicken tea soup, ginseng chicken tea soup and more! All are priced at RM6.90 except Lei cha tea soup which is slightly more expensive than the others :- RM7.90.

For me, i tried the Burdock chicken tea soup. Not bad. It has almost zero oil and tastes super healthy!

The amount of chicken and also i suppose the timing of boiling provides a very quality soup.

Rice is steamed with tea mill ... tastes good and fluffy in texture.

Braised beancurd & golden pumpkin in tea sauce @ RM15 for regular (fit for 3-4 pax).
A must try dish! Pumpkin sauce makes the best combination with beancurd dish.

Chicken simmered in black tea @ RM18 (fit for 3-4 pax).

The chicken was super tender and tasty as though it has been simmered for weeks! Came alongside was the tofu and braised beans.

(Left) : Hairy gourd with minced meat with tea sauce RM15 (fit for 3-4 pax). Thumbs up for this!

(Right) : Stir fried egg with tomatoes, prawn and tea mill RM12 (fit for 3-4 pax).

Some snapshots of their menu :-

You may also end your fantastic meal with healthy and yet yummy desserts.

Purple Cane Tea Restaurant is also available at the following venues :-

THE SELANGOR CHINESE ASSEMBLY HALL

Tel : 03 2272 3090

SHAW PARADE

Tel : 03 2145 3090

Black bean and peanut soup

2012-02-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

This recipe is for calming the heart and is good for eye sight and kidneys.

Black bean is cold in nature and tastes sweet. It helps to tonify our kidneys, calm the heart and is good for eye sight.

They are very high in fiber, folate, protein, antioxidants, and vitamin B, along with numerous other vitamins and minerals.

INGREDIENTS

30gm black beans

50gm peanuts

2 pieces of dried scallops

8 pieces red dates (in my case, i am using giant red dates, therefore 2 pieces)

1200ml water

300gm chicken breast or chicken pieces

Seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

1. Rinse black beans and peanuts and soak in water for 30 minutes

2. Scald chicken meat in boiling water, rinse and put into cooking pot

3. Put all ingredients into the cooking pot and bring soup to boil for 10 minutes

4. Transfer soup to slow cooker and stew for 3-4 hours

5. Add seasoning

Serves 2 pax

Double-boiled lotus root with dried scallop and cuttle fish

2012-01-27T05:52:00.000-08:00

Lotus root can be enjoyed in many ways :- sliced and stir-fried, sauteed, braised, steamed as dessert, toss in salad while the mature lotus roots are thick and starchy, making them wonderful for delicious soup.

Health benefits :-

Lotus root has traditionally been used to to treat various respiratory problems namely asthma, coughing and tuberculosis.

Here, I wish to share my simple yet delicious and nutritious soup recipe.

INGREDIENTS

1000ml water
200gm lotus root (cleaned and sliced - thickness approx 1cm)
Approx 8-10 pieces red dates
3-4 pieces dried cuttle fish
1-2 pieces of dried scallop (size of 20 cents coin)
200gm - 250gm chicken breast

Seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Top : Dried cuttle fish (soaked in hot water for approx 10 mins for cleansing)

Left : sliced lotus root, Right : red dates and dried scallops

METHOD
1. Soaked dried scallop and dried cuttle fish in hot water for cleansing
2. Scald chicken breast in hot water
3. Bring 1000ml water to boil and put in all ingredients
4. Bring the whole pot to extreme boil for 5 mins and transfer to slow cooker
5. Double boil for 2-3 hours
6. Add seasoning

Serves for 2 pax

Oriental Sweet & Sour Fish Fillets

2012-01-18T08:36:00.000-08:00

Sweet and sour dishes are probably some of the most popular dishes in Cantonese cuisine. The sweet and sour sauce is used to flavor a number of stir-fried meats, such as beef, chicken and fish. It also makes an excellent dipping sauce.

Easy to prepare but tough to resist! Sweet and sour fish fillet, as the name implies, is fried fish fillet dipped into a combination of sweet and sour tomato sauce. You'll be impressed with the bright yellowish color, sweet and sour flavor, and being crispy outside and juicy inside.

This dish is usually served with white rice.

RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

(A) SEASONING SAUCE TO MARINATE THE FISH

Salt

Pepper

Sesame oil (1 teaspoon)

(B) FRYING THE FISH

500gm dory fish - cut into slices and cleaned

Some cornstarch (to coat the fish slices)

Oil for frying

(C) SWEET & SOUR GRAVY

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1 medium onion (chopped)

1 Ginger (thumbsize) - finely chopped

Some garlic - finely chopped

Tomato puree (half can, add the rest if required)
1 - 2 pcs tomatoes (sliced)

1 tablespoon vinegar (add a little first, add the rest if required)

1 teaspoon sugar

salt to taste

Some hot water (adjust your own)

extras : cornflour mixed with water (to thicken gravy)

METHOD

1. Cut fish into pieces

2. Marinate fish with ingredients (A) - approx 1 hour

3. Coat the dory fish slices with corn starch

4. Heat the oil and add the fillets one by one into the frying pan. Avoid having the fillets stick together.

5. To prepare the thick sweet and sour sauce, heat up a pan with 1 table spoon oil and fry the onions, ginger and garlic till brownish.

6. Add in the rest of the gravy ingredients (ingredient C).

7. Tip in the fried fish fillets, and stir gently.

8. Add in the cornflour mixed with water solution to thicken the gravy

9. As soon as the sauce thickens, turn off the heat and serve

Serves : 4 persons

Pasta Zanmai

2012-01-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

We decided to have dinner while in Mid Valley Megamall for CNY shopping today. My best bud, Lai Mei introduced me and my mom 'Pasta Zanmai' - located at 1st Floor (next to Madam Kwan), Mid Valley Megamall. The dining experience was very pleasant with great food at reasonable price.

Traditionally, pasta is associated with Italy, but over the years became global and Japanese came to adopt the liking of pasta and thus, created pasta in Japanese version : Pasta Zanmai first opened in One Utama and now mushrooming to about 7 outlets.

I had my first 2012 Yee Sang! Right here, at Pasta Zanmai today!!

Prosperity Yee Sang : 1-2 pax RM13.80 2-4 pax RM23.80

The menu has wide spread of ala-carte and set meals. Their desserts ranging from cakes to tarts and interesting ice creams, giving diners plenty of options to select (I have not tried their desserts yet. Will do so on my next visit!).

Yee Sang is tastefully prepared!

3 of us shared the two mini pasta sets (due to generous portion). The mini pasta meals are priced affordably RM23! The rice sets are good for two pax!

ice cream platter that comes in 3 flavours - sesame, chocolate and green tea : RM12 per platter (3 flavours)

Pasta Zanmai is conveniently located at the following shopping malls near you :-

Status : Pork-free

: Moist Choc Mudcake

2012-01-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

What comes to mind when you think of chocolate cake? Is it the creamy, chocolatey, rich taste? Or is it the way the chocolate melts in your mouth, creating a sensation of sweetness?

This recipe will guide you through a simple process and yet a rich chocolate cake that looks like it took hours to make! Hahahaha ...

INGREDIENTS

CAKE

150gm butter

250gm brown sugar

2 eggs (large)

250gm Blue Key Self Raising Flour

45gm cocoa powder

200ml boiling water

CHOCOLATE COATING

500gm cooking chocolate

Some fresh milk

Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder tastes very bitter and gives a deep chocolate flavor to baked goods. Its intense flavor makes it well suited for use in chocolate cakes.

Self raising flour is plain flour with self raising agents added. Self raising agent in the flour reacts during cooking to produce carbondioxide and the mixture expands to give a light and airy texture.Because the raising agents are blended with it during manufacture, self raising flour is more convenient to use than plain flour.

Additional info : Blue Key Self Raising flour is conveniently available at retailers near you!

Brown Sugar

Butter

METHOD

1. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy

2. Add in the eggs slowly and cream till light and smooth

3. Add in boiling water, cocoa powder and flour alternately. Mix until well-blended.

4. Bake at 175 celsius for 30 mins.

5. Melt cooking chocolate (heat the chocolate on a bowl over hot boiling water) and add some fresh milk to it. Stir well until smooth.

TIPS : boil water at 1/3 of the bowl level so that there is ample buffer not to let the water splash into the bowl of hot chocolate.

6. Pour the melted chocolate over the cake and let it set.

TIPS : test the cake with skewers and if it comes out clean, means its 100% baked. You may allow it to cool for 5 mins at least before unmoulding it.

Serves 6-8 slices

Emperor Golden Pumpkin Soup

2012-01-02T05:22:00.000-08:00

Pumpkins are incredibly rich with nutrition. They are one of the vegetables which is very low calories; and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; but are rich source of dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins.

Pumpkins can be used in variety of delicious recipes either baked, stew fried; but eaten best by steam cooking in order to get maximum nutrients.

Here, i would like to share with you my delicious and easy to prepare pumpkin soup.

INGREDIENTS
Pumpkins (quarter slice of medium sized pumpkin)
Dried red dates (approx 8 - 10 pcs)
Dried baby scallops (approx 1/4 hands full)
Dried cuttle fish (2 - 3 pcs)
Chicken meat (either chicken breasts or cut chicken pieces)
Water

Seasonings :
Salt to taste
Soya sauce - 2 tablespoon
pepper to taste

Optional : spring onion to garnish

METHOD

1. Clean and remove pumpkin skin and seeds
2. Scald chicken meat in boiling water and place all ingredients into pot.
3. Bring it to boil and transfer to slow cooker for 1 - 2 hours.
4. Add seasonings
5. You may add garnishing :- spring onion (optional)
6. Soup is ready to serve

Double boiled bitter gourd soup with dried scallops & oysters

2011-12-28T05:20:00.000-08:00

One of my favourites is the bitter gourd. Be it fried, in juice, in soup or as yong tau fu. Here, i would like to share not only a nice bitter gourd soup recipe, but also some nutrition facts about the tropical vegetable.

Bitter gourd health benefits are brought about because of its high density in precious nutrients. As the name suggests this vegetable has a bitter taste. However, the consumption of this vegetable is very high, since there are several health benefits of bitter gourd that are well known of. Some examples below :

Controls diabetes : The melon family vegetable and diabetes are closely linked to each other, since ancient days as herbalists believe that bitter gourd possesses powerful qualities in controlling the blood condition.

Purifying blood : The bitter tonic properties that are present in this vegetable help purify the blood, by getting rid of all the toxins and impuritie.

Fighting off cancers and other conditions

RECIPE

Ingredients :
dried scallops (depending)
dried oysters (3-5 pcs with mediun size)
red dates (approximately 10 pcs)

bitter gourd (medium size)
water
chicken meat

seasonings: salt and pepper to taste

Method :
1. Rinse and clean all ingredients
2. Clean the seeds in bitter gourd and cut into pieces.
3. Scaled skinned chicken meat and put the meat into stewing pot together with the rest of the ingredients.
4. Pour in water and stew for 2-3 hours.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Tips : Choose scallops with a golden yellowish colour as they taste good, such as japanese scallops.

Lameeya (Damansara Utama)

2011-12-26T01:23:00.000-08:00

Lameeya, deliciously famous for its 'Lam Mee' is also one of the favourite noodle dishes among the Chinese central and southern part of Malaysia. Besides the original Lam Mee version, the cozy and comfortable restaurant offers wide variety of Lam Mee versions (such as mushroom lam mee, char siew chicken lam udon, chicken kuey teow soup and etc) accompanied by the many different choices of side dishes (fried dumplings, fried foo chuk, meat balls and many more) that will cook up your appetite at the most affordable price.

For those who are interested in healthy fresh juices, Lameeya has a whole list of vegetables/fruit juices.

Original Lam Mee (RM9.80) - DELICIOUS!

Prawn mee (left) at RM10.80, Mushroom Lam Mee (right) at RM10.50 - thumbs up for this!

Fried Kuey Teow (RM8.80) - thumbs up for this!


Side dish : fried foo chuk and meat balls (comes with a set with your lam mee if you dont mind topping up RM2-RM3 to your ala carte noodle order) RM4.80 for 3 pcs

Side dish : fried dumplings (RM4.80 for 3 pcs)

Wine and ginger ommelette (approx RM9)

Rice set : Minced pork + vege + watercress soup + rice (RM21.90)

Prawn Mee RM10.80

Chicken Hor Fun RM8.80

Pricing

Ala carte noodles : price ranging from RM8.80 - RM11.80 each

Rice/noodle sets : RM11.80 - RM23.80 per set

Refreshing pure fresh juices : RM8.80 each

Soups : RM8.80 - RM12.80 per pax (choices of ginseng chicken, watercress, ABC, white radish & more)

Paulaner beer : RM15 - RM24 each

Venue : 45 & 47 Jalan SS21/37 Damansara Utama (Uptown), 47400, Petaling Jaya.
Tel: 603-77259513
Fax: 603-77289513
Status : Non Halal

Fresh Unique Seafood Restaurant

2011-12-23T18:06:00.000-08:00

Satisfy all your seafood cravings here at Unique Seafood Restaurant (Jalan Kemajuan Section 13). With wide seafood range, fresh from the water tank, Unique Seafood Restaurant knows how to prepare your selection of seafood flavourful. If you’re generous with your wallet, you may want to try Alaskan Crabs, Australian spider crabs, oysters, geoducks and some nice abalones.

I had a yummy dinner session with colleagues after our business review. One of the dishes in menu was the steamed mantis prawns. Steaming is the best method of retaining the best sweet flavour of the prawns. Steamed fish (my bad as i am not familiar with the breed of the fish) is steamed to perfection with flakey, tender juicy meat.

The meal then followed by Lala dish, grilled lamb, stir fry kai lan with garlic, vegetarian tofu dish and seafood noodles.

Name of restaurant : Fresh Unique Seafood Restaurant
Location : Lot 9B-3, Jalan Kemajuan, Section 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya
Tel : 03 7960 2088
Status : Non Halal