Foong Lian Claypot Foods and Cafe 丰年瓦煲美食馆 @ Pudu, Kuala Lumpur.

A close competitor (and neighbor) to the ever-popular Heun Kee Claypot Rice at Pudu, Foong Lian Claypot Foods and Cafe 丰年瓦煲美食馆 is often the back-up choice for many when it comes to Claypot Rice. It has a clean, comfortable dining space with less crowd. Menu-wise, it offers a good variety of Claypot Rice with different toppings, Soups and some Vegetable side dishes. The quality is fine, comparison with Heun Kee-aside, we thought this is a decent place for Claypot Rice without the hassle of joining big crowd and queuing all the way to get in the restaurant. 

Tamarind Hill @ Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

A short walk from Pavilion Bukit Bintang- Tamarind Hill sits on a slope along Jalan Sultan Ismail (Bukit Bintang). The Michelin-selected restaurant has been there since 1999 and known for its Thai-Burmese cuisine. It takes a bit of effort to traipse the stairs to the entrance as the restaurant is hidden in the lush greens. Step in the place and you will welcomed by the calm, tranquility of the restaurant. There is also a garden at the back of the restaurant. Seats are well-spaced to ensure guests have the comfortable dining experience. For this visit- we had the opportunity to try their 3-Course Executive Set Lunch (Rm 45/ pax) which is only available on weekdays.

Many Thanks to Tamarind Hill for hosting us

Nong Geng Ji Hunan Cuisine 农耕记湖南菜 @ The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur.

Originated from China, Nong Geng Ji Hunan Cuisine 农耕记湖南菜 set foot in Malaysia few months back, opening its first Malaysia outlet at The Exchange TRX Mall (lower ground floor). The Chinese restaurant joint has been doing very well since its opening- with relentless queue and big crowd waiting eagerly to get their seats. As suggested by the name, the restaurant focuses on Hunan Cuisine so expect the menu to consist of some really spicy, salty Xiang cuisine. The prices are unfortunately on the higher side, expect to spend at least RM50 per pax here. Fortunately the food quality seems to be good (at least to us and plenty of good reviews online) and the flavor-combos are unique; do check it out if you happen to shop at TRX Mall.

Reuben's Restaurant and Bar @ Ativo Plaza, Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

A friendly neighborhood restaurant at the Bandar Sri Damansara area, Reuben's Restaurant and Bar is a fairly new restaurant (opened in mid 2023) but has garnered an appreciate following. The menu features an array of playful but carefully crafted dishes with a mix of South East Asian flavors (like Malaysian, Cambodian, Balinese etc). Dishes are reasonably priced at Reuben's, Cocktail lovers would be delighted to know that the restaurant churns out specialty drinks and Cocktails too (many are priced below Rm 30). The restaurant can be found at Ativo Plaza Bandar Sri Damansara, at the end of one corner... next to Hero Market. 

Many Thanks to Reuben's Restaurant and Bar for hosting us.

Mil Toast House @ The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur.

Popular bakery cafe- Mil Toast House from Seoul (South Korea) has finally landed in Malaysia following their oversea expansion at Bangkok earlier. The brand has chosen The Exchange TRX, the latest premium retail mall in the heart of Kuala Lumpur... opening its first branch in Malaysia. The menu features its signature steamed Bread as well as some sweet dessert Toasts with a selection of beverages. We were there during the opening weekend and due to overwhelming responses, many items on the menu were sold out and we were left a few choices only. 

Dai Cha Dim @ Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur.

Many would be spoilt for choice at Pavilion but our recent trip brought us to Dai Cha Dim, one of the latest additions to the mall. Found on level 6, the Chinese restaurant has a big Hong Kong-influenced Chinese menu with a mix of local delights (like KL Hokkien Mee and Yong Tofu etc) and an array of Dim Sum dishes. There are plenty of seats available and service is generally considered quick. Given that it is housed in an upscale mall, the charges are reasonable. More like a family restaurant suitable for all age groups. 

[Hotel Review] E&O Residences KL @ Kuala Lumpur

There is a plethora of options when it comes to short-term accommodation in the heartland of Kuala Lumpur but if you are talking of about a spacious, comfortable suite with full amenities and offers easy reach within the city center's attractions, look no further than E&O Residences Kuala Lumpur. Sharing the compound with St. Mary, E&O Residences is strategically located near to the Raja Chulan Monorail station (a short 2-minute walk) and the mega shopping mall- Pavilion. Getting your daily food supplies can never be easier... grocery supermarkets and fancy restaurants are within walking distance. As for the suites, they are all fully furnished with home appliances... making it ideal for both leisure staycation or business travelers. 

Many Thanks to E&O Residences for hosting us.

Han Wa Dam Modern Korean Grill @ Manara Hup Seng, Kuala Lumpur.

One of the greatest things about Korean barbecue would be the fun, shareable joy is to freshly grill the meat and enjoy with different types of seasoning and condiments; better if served with boozy Soju (Korean distilled rice liquor). Strategically located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city and housed within Menara Hup Seng, Han Wa Dam Modern Korean Grill has since garnered an appreciate following since its opening few years ago. The Korean restaurant specializes in offering Korean grills (with premium cuts)... but the kitchen also highlights delicious Korean dishes like stews and rice dishes (as well as the flashy seasonal Ban Chan of course).  Like a classic Korean restaurant, Han Wa Dam offers privacy and spacious dining space to diners- tables are well-spaced and each outfitted with barbecue burner. There will be dedicated servers to do the grilling, the personalized service is to ensure diners are getting the best quality of meat. It is noteworthy that Han Wa Dam is a pork-free restaurant.

Many Thanks to Han Wa Dam for hosting us that evening.

Dean & Deluca @ Pavilion, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

Opened in late August 2018, Dean & Deluca, a Thai-owned New York deli-cafe has made its debut in the city's premium shopping mall- Pavilion in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The brand is known to offer premium quality gourmet food and has presence in many international markets. The outlet in Pavilion is the brand's first outlet in Malaysia. It occupies a corner lot on Level 3 of the mall, offering large, comfortable space to diners. Step in the place and you will be welcomed by rows of Dean & Deluca merchandises, followed by eye-pleasing bakery items at the display fridge (next to the order counter). It is very likely that you will be approached by a friendly server by then, whom will offer you a menu comprises of their signature delights and special offerings. Though pretty much the standard cafe fare but you will notice the items are on the finer sides (and the prices too). Superior food quality and definitely worth your time checking it out.

Ristorante Porto Romano @ The Intermark, Kuala Lumpur.

There is no shortage of Italian/ Mediterranean restaurants in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city but Ristorante Porto Romano, one of the few restaurants under the group; the place is welcomed by the office workers working in the vicinity... for the quality food with inexpensive price tags (considering you are dining in a restaurant in KL city center). Though some websites online suggested that the place is a Mediterranean restaurant but both the menu and the name (Porto Romano) suggest otherwise (sounds pretty Italian to us). The menu features a wide options of Anti-Pasti, Pasta and Pizza. Great ambiance but the food was nothing out of the ordinary.

Fatt Kee Roast Fish (发记招牌特色烤鱼) @ Pudu, Kuala Lumpur.

Inspired by the Chong Qing-Grilled Fish, Fatt Kee Roast Fish has recently gained a lot of attention from netizens due to its gigantic serving with loads of Seafood swimming in the huge pot. The concept is not new- Deep Fried Fish with Seafood (like Prawns, Squid, Flower Clams) and vegetables soaked in a spicy-savory Seafood broth; served in the way similar to Hot Pot/ Steamboat. The spiciness varies and can be tuned accordingly but the heat-intolerant should be extra careful on selecting the spiciness as it can be lip-burning hot. It can be then enjoyed just like an ordinary Hot Pot, with extra condiments like Udon, Vegetables and Seafood to be added. Do note that there are two branches and both locations are near to each other; one is air-conditioned while another one is al-fresco setting. The flavors were fun and the combination was exciting, a place worth visiting.

La Juiceria- Cold Pressed Juices Is In Penang!

Get your daily boost of nutrients and drink your way to better health by visiting one of the local juice bars; La Juiceria has become the de-facto purveyor for fresh cold-pressed juices especially in central region since its humble establishment in 2013. As you walk pass La Juiceria, you will be greeted by the bright and vibrant colors of the freshly pressed juices and healthy drinks. With more than 20 types of nourishing drinks available, La Juiceria is set to please any palate- whether you are the hardcore health-freaks or just looking for something to quench the thirst. All drinks are juiced fresh daily using natural ingredients with no water and sugar added. The drinks menu is standardized across the nation but healthy foods are only served in La Jucieria Superfoods at Mont Kiara and Avenue K as well as Goodness Greens Cafe in TTDI KL.

KTM Electronic Train Service (ETS) from Butterworth, Penang to Sentral, Kuala Lumpur

There are plenty of options for one to travel south from Penang- by way of car or air but for a hassle-free journey down south, taking the new high-speed Electronic Train Service (ETS) may be a good option too. Started in July 2015, the train runs north to Padang Besar or south to Gemas (via Kuala Lumpur). For Penangites intend to travel south (KL-bound), there are 5 trains in a day (different time slots) with 2 different price points- the Platinum (Rm 79 nett/ per way) and the Gold (Rm 59 nett/ per way). Travelers intend to take the ETS must get on board at the KTM Butterworth Station and the travel time will depend on the train-class (whether Platinum or Gold). 

Differences between Platinum and Gold Class:

Platinum- Rm 79 for one way/ Rm 44 for children:

• Shorter travel time- 4 hours 5 minutes
• Meal and drink provided
• Lesser stops
• Two trips per day

Gold- Rm 59 for one way/ Rm 34 for children:

• Longer travel time- 4 hours 30 minutes
• No meals or drinks provided
• More stops
• Three trips per day

Flight Club @ Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang, Selangor.

A false impression by many... that getting a good, affordable and healthy meal is nearly impossible. If you are concerned of the potentially dissatisfying plane food, it is always wise to have a quick fix before jetting off but with so many options choose from, it can be a little overwhelming. If the stomach is rumbling, get yourself a healthy fix at Flight Club without worrying the fat factor. Strategically located at the Mezzanine Floor of the Satellite Terminal (of International Departure), Flight Club is one of the dining labels under Plaza Premium Group and offers a selection of healthy cuisines to air travelers. "Herbs & Seeds" is the concept heavily promoted in Flight Club, all dishes are supplemented with a selection of herbs and seeds for better health benefits. Budget watchers would be glad to know that dining in Flight Club would not break the bank, a satisfying breakfast starts from Rm 16 nett or a glass of cold pressed Fruit Juice (from Rm 16 nett) would give you an opportunity to dine-in the restaurant with spectacular airport view and unlimited usage of high speed WiFi. The restaurant is not exclusive and opens to all public. 

Many Thanks to Plaza Premium Group for hosting us.

Nana's Green Tea and Madame Waffle @ Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur.

Nana's Green Tea and Madame Waffle are both famous in their respective fields, the former brand is renowned for churning out superior Green Tea products (or sweet treats) while the latter name implies they are the Waffle-specialist. Both brands can be found in major shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley but we had our first experience with them at Mid Valley Megamall.

1) Nana's Green Tea

Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum Malaysia (添好運) @ Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur.

One of the much lauded Michelin Starred Dim Sum brands- Tim Ho Wan, has certainly stirred up the interest of many Dim Sum aficionados since its opening in 2014. Relentless queues can still be spotted at all branches across the nation. The highly boasted One-Starred Michelin branch has a standardized interior decor across all branches; the vibe is a reminiscent of those busy and fast-moving Hong Kong Cha Chaan Teng- noisy, narrowly spaced seating and simple furniture. It was more of a fast-food joint in lieu of a upscale Dim Sum restaurant. Food was alright for novelty experience but given the hefty price tags and unpleasant dining experience, we have no reasons to call for a second visit. 

The New Delicious Menu and "A Delicious Christmas" Specials by Delicious Group @ One Utama, Petaling Jaya.

With the holiday season fast approaching, you are probably looking for places for your annual meet ups and family gatherings. Delicious, one of the most renowned dessert-specialists in town celebrates Christmas in style by offering a few meticulously crafted timeless traditional Christmas dishes. In conjunction with the jolly season, Delicious is also launching a new A La Carte Menu... the list can be overwhelming, with 16 new and improved dishes that are true to the Delicious brand. Chef Steve, CEO of the Delicious Group, has recently returned from a research trip to Europe and found inspirations to enhance the group's existing menu. With a name like Delicious, the brand practically guarantees quality and tastiness; at Delicious, you will feel the young and vibrant vibe as well as a sense of neighborly from the expert service. Those with a sweet tooth would be glad to know there is a huge display counter featuring an array of their fresh bakes; some notable highlights are Chocolate, Coconut and Pecan Cake (Rm 14.50), Coconut Cake with Fresh Thai Coconut (Rm 13.50), Macadamia and Salted Caramel Cheesecake (Rm 15), Banoffee Pie (Rm 13.50), Lemon Meringue Pie (Rm 13.50) and Strawberry and Chocolate Pavlova (Rm 15).

Many Thanks to Delicious for hosting us that afternoon.

Churros Royale @ Tropicana City Mall, Petaling Jaya.

Churros, Spanish Fried Fritters or Doughnuts are not easy to find in Malaysia. I once had Churros at San Churros back in Perth and it was so good. Hence, I was thinking to hunt for some in my recent Kuala Lumpur day trip. It seems like Churros Royale has two outlets in Malaysia, one at Puchong and the other one at Tropicana City Mall. The exact location at Tropicana City Mall is a bit tedious, where it is situated at the mall's Lower Ground Floor, nearby Carefour. We were wondering what should we order and try and the friendly staff offered us two types of Churros (2 sticks each) at the price of Rm 8.90 nett.

Mango Cha Cha @ Pavilion Mall, Kuala Lumpur.

I was having my 1-day trip to Kuala Lumpur few days ago and I happened to be in Pavilion Mall for some shopping and I came across this dessert shop named Mango Cha Cha. Mango Cha Cha is a Taiwanese based Franchised-dessert shop offering a range of Mango Desserts. The type of Mango they will be using is Irwin Mango, a type of Taiwan Mango which said to be smooth, sweet and flavorsome. Mango Cha Cha promotes healthy dessert where no preservatives nor additional Mango sugar syrup. It is not hard to locate Mango Cha Cha, its situated at Level 4 of Pavilion, right opposite to Chatime. Price is definitely on the higher side, taste-wise, let us see how it justifies...........

Petaling Street Famous Porridge @ Kuala Lumpur

During our previous visit to Malacca for the event-- A Date With Bloggers 2012, we actually stopped by at Kuala Lumpur for the transit. We arrived there too early for the LRT to operate and hence, we have decided to hunt for some food for our early breakfast. Criz from Crizfood.com suggested that we search around the Petaling Street area since its just a stone-throw distance away from Pudu Bus Terminal. The place should not be too hard to locate as the whole Petaling Street will basically be very quiet and dark except this stall. Ambiance-wise, please do not expect too much as this place is a market area, and you should expect it to be that range.