An Indian Spice Trail at Nook, Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral

This festival of lights, Nook will be presenting ‘An Indian Spice Trail’ featuring an enhanced spread of Indian delicacies on the buffet line for dinner headlined by Nook’s new Indian Chef, Kumaresan Chandra Sagaran as he will be spicing up the buffet line during dinner.

This promotion will feature authentic Indian dishes on the buffet with Chef Kumar, as he is fondly called serving up a variety of his specialty dishes on a rotational basis on the buffet line daily.

Potato Masala Salad

Chana Chat Salad

Coconut Fritters

Pakoras Salad

Crab Rassam

Chef Kumar’s appetizers will be offering diners Potato Masala Salad, Vadai in Yogurt, Chana Chat Salad, Tandoori Aloo Chat, Potato Bhaji, Coconut Fritters as well as Pakoras Salad.

They will also be serving Rassam, a spiced soup dish, with a rotation of either Crab Rassam and Tomato Rassam. Isn’t it appetizing just looking at these starters?

Biryani

Lamb Veruval

Chicken Curry Leaf

The main spread of casserole dishes will allow diners to indulge in the various Indian curries and Masalas. Amongst the dishes that will be available during this festive promotion, start your meal with a hearty plate of Jeera Pulao Rice and Matar Pulao Rice then paired with scrumptious dishes such as Dhal Terka, Vegetable Sambar, Madras Fish Head Curry, Sri Lankan Fish Curry, Lamb Veruval, Lamb Keema, Chicken Perattal, Chicken Curry Leaf, Bhindi Baigan Masala, Aloo Gobi, Palak Masala, Vegetable Jalfrezi, Cabbage Thoran and Chick Pea Veruval.

Baked Fish with Toum Sauce

Tandoori Chicken

Nook’s carving station will also be featuring Chef Kumar’s specials with the Roasted Lamb Tandoori with Mint Chutney and Baked Fish with Toum Sauce. For a twist of fusion, The Pizza station will be offering Chicken Masala Pizza and a Tandoori Chicken Pizza flavor made using Chef Kumar’s recipes.

To end the meal, some popular Indian sweets will also be featured on the buffet with the specials like Rasgula, Rasmalai, Coconut Candy, Palgova, Mysore Pak, Laddu, Gulab Jamun and Payasam.

Nook’s ‘An Indian Spice Trail‘ buffet is priced at RM 118 nett per adult and RM 59 nett per child aged 6 to 12 years old. It will only be available from 1st to 30th November 2018 daily for dinner from 6:30PM to 10:30PM.

Are you still deciding a venue to have your family dinner? For reservations and more information please call +60 3-2723 1188 or click here!

Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral
Address: No. 5 Jalan Stesen Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Contact: 03-2723 1188

xoxo,

Chen Chen BBQ Goose & Duck at Pudu

During lunch hours, Chen Chen BBQ Goose & Duck is one of the few popular lunch spots and gets really packed so you may need to wait for a while to get a table. Unless you don’t mind sharing!

The price here still remains reasonable for all and had always tasted the same since the first generation when the owner’s father started this business.

Duck & Salted Vegetables Soup

Soup of the day was delicious and simply whets one’s appetite before devouring into the star dishes! Its both salty and spicy yet flavorful from the salted vegetables and the ginger that is added.

Pork Meatballs Soup

I couldn’t help but to order some of these springy chewy meatballs as it makes a simple hearty soup extra comforting. I’m a sucker for meatballs.

Bean Sprouts topped with Fried Garlic

Some fat crunchy stubby sprouts with a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil is always the best companion for any roast meat regardless chicken or goose.

Roast Goose Leg

Here’s the greasy goodness of their mouth-watering roast goose most of the diners are here for. It was beautifully roasted with a slight gamey taste to it and still juicy on the inside.

Note: Dip them in their homemade plum sauce to make it a lot more palatable.

Roast Duck Breast

Other than their roast goose, the roast duck was definitely finger-licking as well. I really love how the skin does not have a thick layer of chewy fat making it so much more palatable.

Not to mention Chen Chen’s  crisp crackling roasted pork belly. Although it isn’t one of the few ‘starred dish’ to have here, its definitely still worth a try. If you didn’t noticed, there’s just a thin layer of fat on it as well.

Chen Chen BBQ Goose & Duck may just be just a hawker stall but the owner never fails to put on his chef jacket and keeps a bright smile to his regulars and new customers.

Best to visit before lunch hours to avoid the crowds!

Chen Chen BBQ Goose, Duck
Address: No. 24, Jalan Seladang, Wilayah Persekutuan, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 9AM to 6PM daily
Contact: +60 12-233 3083

Cheers

Rojak & Cendol Ali at Taman Yarl

Anyone who lives at or within OUG will know where to get the best rojak mamak in town. It isn’t too hard to locate the stall as you wouldn’t overlooked the crowds and queue especially during lunch hours.

Rojak Sotong | RM6.50

The ‘rojak mamak’ or Malaysian-Indian Salad consists of a base of crunchy washed and julienne vegetables, tofu, crispy fritters and hard boiled eggs topped with mouth-watering peanut sauce.

There’s just this really comforting feeling from the chunky peanut sauce that was served with piping hot complementing the rest of the condiments perfectly.

Cendol Biasa | RM2

To make this meal a little more overwhelming, ordering a bowl of cendol would cool off some of the heat. The finely shaved ice with almost melt-in-mouth texture with just the right amount ‘gula melaka’ along with the generous amount of kidney beans, cincau & cendol was simply irresistible.

I’d strongly advise to order them as takeaways to enjoy at the comfort of your own home as there aren’t much tables there. Bare in mind during lunch hours it could take awhile to get to your orders. Patience lah deyh!

Rojak & Cendol Ali
Address: Taman Yarl, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11:30AM to 6PM daily

Cheers,

Sen Kee Satay 仙记沙爹 at Desa Aman Puri

Sen Kee Satay has been operating since 1976 (42 years old) now along with Uncle Yap‘s daughter and grandson who’s currently the 3rd generation running the stall. It all started when Uncle Yap used to sell chicken and ducks at a local market.

He was also the poultry supplier for a satay stall opened by an Indonesian named Omar where he then discreetly learned how to make his own satay knowing this could help him during the economic bad phase.

“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and diligence!” – Abigail Adams

There weren’t many Chinese vendors who sells satay back in those days and oh, one skewer only cost 0.25 cents back then! But as there were getting more and more vendors popping about, Uncle Yap needs to come up with a unique selling point for his stall.

It sparks him when someone asked him “Why have you not thought of selling duck satay?” Though it was a rather hard protein to cope with, Uncle Yap didn’t gave up on trying different types of duck and marination to retain its moisture and getting rid of its gamey flavors.

Cucumbers & Onions Add-on (RM1.50)

Satay Sauce (RM11/500gm, RM22/kg)

Their peanut sauce wasn’t like the ones we often had topped with sambal. The peanuts were still carefully toasted by wok to give a touch of ‘wok hei’.

13-15 kgs of the sauce was prepared daily as he’d often get regulars (especially vegetarians) who’d just come for the sauce while having it with the sliced onions and cucumbers! Unfortunately they don’t offer ketupat rice cakes here.

Duck Satay (RM1.50/skewer)

Uncle Yap wasn’t jesting about how he was able to retain the moisture without even a tang of gameyness in the duck satay. It was absolutely pleasurable just having it by its own as well!

Chicken Satay (RM1/skewer)

Their chicken satay was pretty good and well marinated with just the right amount of char. Plain juicy lean meat without any chicken skin skewered in between.

Other than the Chicken & Duck Satay I’ve ordered, there’s Pork & Lamb Satay as well. Sorry, no beef.

Every night there would be at least 500 skewers sold but on the weekends it could go up to 1000 skewers! You’ve got to be there earlier to avoid the long wait.

Sen Kee Satay 仙记沙爹
Address: 8, Jalan Desa 2/2, Desa Aman Puri, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 6:30PM-10:30PM (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: +60 12-812 6933

Cheers,

The Stars of Culinary at Nook shine this August at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral

This August, Nook at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral will give center stage to 5 of its chefs, each with their own specialty dishes to be featured on the buffet line! Proclamations of “Merdeka” are often heard nationwide this August as it is our Independence Day on 31st August but as fellow Malaysians regardless what the occasion is, it is not a celebration without food.

The team of 5 chefs include, 36 years-old Mohd Haffizi Bin Aledul Ginani, known to all as Chef Fizi. He is the man in charge of the appetizers who sets one’s heart on their fellow diners appetite at Nook.

Gado-gado

The peanut sauce simply tantalizes my taste buds. As simple as this salad may look or sound, it was definitely a lip-smacking dish to begin with.

Asian Chicken Noodle Salad

Refreshing, light and healthy dish, I love how the noodles are not thoroughly cooked giving it some nice light crunch to it, Chicken was well-marinated and really garlicky!

Shrimp with Pomelo & Watercress Salad

Shrimp matches perfectly with bittersweet citrus fruit, making it such a lively appetiser to begin with. It reminded me a lot like the Yam Som-O I’ve had during my trip to Thailand.

The second chef to be featured for the month will be Chef Muhammad Hafiz Bin Izham, a 29-years old from Pahang who specializes in Malay cuisine. He will be serving up his specialty dishes as per below!

Fried Crispy Sea Bass with Green Curry Gravy

A simple rich, delicious and creamy green curry with sea bass was bursting with bright, bold flavors. You’ll catch yourself scooping for more green curry topped on a hearty bowl of rice.

Spiced Eel Soup

Warm and filling perfect for rainy weathers, this soup was truly heart yet so flavorful. The eel has a really nice texture to it and wasn’t too chewy.

Gulai Pisang Muda

One of the few dishes that got everyone’s head turning when served. Just the look on the rich and sweet coconut gravy makes one mouth-watered.

The Chinese cuisine on the buffet will be prepared by the hands of Chef Emmanuel Chang Lin Con, a 32-years old who hails from Malacca.

Kam Heong Chicken with Dried Chili

Fragrantly distinctive flavors from the sauce paired perfectly with the lightly crisp chicken. The aroma itself yearning for a bite.

Butter Prawn with Oats

One of the all-time favorite dish at the buffet counter, this dish is no stranger to Nook’s regular diners. The prawns were crunchy, juicy and evenly coated with oats.

Wok-fried Mussels with Black Bean Gravy

Beautifully wok-fried with dried chilies giving some nice heat to it. Mussels were really fresh and complemented the rich, fragrant black bean gravy really well.

Nook’s buffet will be also feature a spread of Western and Fusion dishes by their Sous Chef, Ahmed Zaki bin Harun, the maestro of fusion cooking will be plating up a variety of dishes.

Braised Chicken Rendang Pasta

This ultimate fusion dish, full of ri1ch and warming flavors will definitely have you grabbing for more. Chef Zaki does not jokes around when it comes to his fusion dishes.

Daging Masak Hitam

This rather famous ambrosial Malay dish was one of a kind. The beef was braised till soft and tender complementing the flavorsome dark sweet sauce perfectly. What’s missing right here is a bowl of rice!

Quattro Formaggi Pizza

Inspired from his days when Chef Zaki was based at Southern Italy, this classic four cheese pizza has to be one of the most wonderful combinations of bread and cheese imaginable.

No buffet is ever complete without a dessert spread. On the dessert bar, you’ll find delectable creations of Chef Zahrin Mohamad bin Madzlan.

Bubur Som Som

This local dessert was inspired by Chef Zahrin’s mother. A little drizzle of Gula Melaka to complement the coconut rice flour porridge with some freshly diced jackfruit. Perfect to have after a heavy feast!

Brownie Tower

And what’s a feast without brownie tower!

Pandan Tiramisu in a Coffee Cup

Decadent little tiramisu with a twist of local ingredient bursting with a shot of espresso.

Nook’s buffet dinner is priced at RM108 nett per adult and RM54 nett per child for kids aged between 6 to 12-years old on Sundays to Thursdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, tickle your taste buds and dive in series of tantalizing flavors of fresh mussels, prawns, crabs and many more at Nook’s Sea Meat Buffet Dinner priced at RM120 nett per adult and RM60 nett per child!

For reservations and more information please call +60 3-2723 1188 or click here!

Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral
Address: No. 5 Jalan Stesen Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Contact: 03-2723 1188

xoxo,

An Entertaining Lunch Hosted by Dee at Kuala Lumpur Tower

If you’ve not read my previous post about this luncheon, click here for the full details.

Their luncheon was indeed impressive from its ambiance to the food. Welcome drinks and canapes were served around the ballroom before everyone was to be seated.

A RM3000 cheque presented by Atmosphere 360 to be donated to Rumah Kebajikan Nur Hati.

Dee’s special appearance as Cik Timah created a lively ambiance during lunch service was indeed entertaining as promised. The outfits were amazing, LOVE the dress in this photo.

Dayang & the Sky Band performing all-time favorite local songs as we were having our lunch.

Here’s the 4-course meal we had:

Starter:

Caesar Salad served with Cajun Chicken & Oyster Tomato Shooter

A nice starter to begin with, I really enjoyed the chicken as it was quite flavorful while the oyster shooter was almost like having a Bloody Mary with a tingling sensation with a slight heat to it on the aftertaste.

Soup:

Bird’s Nest in Pumpkin Soup

Soup was served piping hot with a more lighter and watery texture to it however it was nutritiously delicious. Really did enjoyed the bits of bird’s nest from every spoonful I had.

Main Course:

Chicken Supreme served with Creamy Mushroom Duxelles and Chinese Vegetables & Grilled King Prawn served with Apple Rendang and Green Curry

This entree was the star in the menu, it was so hearty and comforting though it may have been a little cold. The prawns were beautifully paired with the Apple Rendang and Green Curry. Got to admit the Apple Rendang may sound a little odd but it tasted spectacular. Chicken was so moist and juicy, love how it goes well with the mashed purple sweet potatoes.

Dessert:

Durian Pancake & Chocolate Brownies served with Seasonal Fruits

Most of us were also swooned by the Durian Pancake, first bite and you get that instant oomph from the durian flesh. It was amiss to those who weren’t too fond with durian but at least there’s still a delectable piece of Chocolate Brownies to go for.

Thank you for the invitation, John and Dee for being a wonderful and lively host throughout the lunch. xx

If you’d like to know what are their upcoming events, click here!

Kuala Lumpur Tower
Address: 2, Jalan Puncak, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +60 3-2020 5444
Facebook: Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower Official)

xoxo,

Nasi 7 Benua @ Koo Boo Cafe at Bayan Lepas

Upon touchdown at the airport, I was craving for some good meal to kick start my trip in Penang island. We were starving and didn’t had the best sandwich on board. As I remember the Nasi 7 Benua was just around the corner, so be it!

You wouldn’t missed the restaurant as there’s a huge sign outside of their restaurant. Unless you or your Uber driver was speeding then probably.😅

This restaurant has been opened for 3 years and apparently they’re the first to start this whole 7-colored rice concept!  Ever since their rice dish has been viral all over social media, hundreds of plates were sold daily and there are even days where they’d be completely sold out. Be there at 11:30AM to avoid the lunch crowd!

Rice were carefully cupped into the little mould. It may not seem much but there’s literally a portion of a full bowl of rice there. What are the types of rice if you’re wondering?

• Nasi Putih (Plain Rice)
• Nasi Tomato (Tomato Rice)
• Nasi Kacang (Dhal Rice)
• Nasi Pandan (Pandan Rice)
• Nasi Minyak (Ghee Rice)
• Nasi Lamuni (Lemuni Rice)
• Nasi Hujan Panas (Rainbow Rice)

The varietal of dishes to go with the rice is simply scrumptious as well!

Isn’t it mouth-watering looking at them?🤤
Here’s what I had as suggested by the founder of Nasi 7 Benua, Nurul :

Ayam Masak Merah (Chicken in Red Chili Sauce) & Ayam Masak Kicap (Dark Soy Sauce Chicken) is a MUST HAVE! To be frank I wasn’t really convinced because most of the time when I have these dishes at a wedding luncheon or Raya meals they’re rather dry but I was wrong, both chicken was tender and juicy.

The Ayam Masak Kicap had us guffaw because Nurul told us the locals here would order it as ‘Ayam Negro‘.🙊 It’s a local thing, no racism intended.😳 

Its a great place for lunch and I’d like to thank Nurul and her family for the great hospitality.

Nasi 7 Benua Koo Boo Cafe
Address: Taman Tunas Muda, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Opening Hours: 11AM – 10PM daily (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: +60 17-439 7617

 

Cheers!

Lunch Date with Dee Jangan Ketawa at Atmosphere 360 Revolving Restaurant

On the 24th April 2018 (Tuesday), Malaysia’s most iconic restaurant Atmosphere 360 Revolving Restaurant will be presenting a spectacular lunch with the theme of ‘The Colorful Malaysia‘ that’ll keep you entertained throughout your dining experience at TH03 Megaview Banquet Hall. The food will be prepared by the amazing Atmosphere 360’s culinary team bringing best of both local and Western cuisines for an exquisite 4-course meal while having their in-house band, Dayang & the Sky Band performing throughout the event.

Not to be missed, you’ll have Dee Jangan Ketawa in the house, uplifting the ambiance to keep you cracking. He’ll also be making his special appearance for his fans by reprising his role as ‘Cik Timah‘. Feel free to ask Dee as many questions you want during his Q&A session!

From left to right: Mr. John Oh (PA to CEO & Art Gallery Director of Atmosphere 360, Mr. Syed Muradzi @ Dee (Event Host & Entertainer), Chef Ahmad Yusri Yunus (In-house Chef) & Mr. Khairul Azhar bin Baharuddin (Sales & Support Manager of Atmosphere 360)

A part of the fund for this luncheon will be donated to Rumah Kebajikan Nur Hati , which is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) shelter for who have suffered from abuse, neglected or abandoned backgrounds and is supported mainly from the public. As the number of people are growing, the shelter would require some funding for expansion. Atmosphere 360 will be donating RM 3000 and hopefully everyone else would make an initiative to fund too. Even at a minimal amount would help too. 

The price for this luncheon is RM 178 nett per person from 12 PM – 3 PM.

Don’t forget to put on your fancy dress for the Best Dressed Award!
The event will have tons of special freebies and giveaways waiting to be claimed!
Which includes:

• 4D3N trip to Bali for 2 worth of RM 2000
• Laptop worth of RM 1400
• 3D2N trip to Pulau Langkawi for 2 worth of RM 900
• Dining vouchers, attraction vouchers and many more!

For reservations and further enquiries, please call +60 3-2020 2020/2121 or drop them a message on WhatsApp at +60 12-5408 616. Reservations could also be made via email at reservation@atmosphere360.com.my

UPDATE: To check out how did the event go, click here!

Atmosphere 360 Revolving Restaurant
Address: Menara Kuala Lumpur, 2, Jalan Puncak, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Opening Hours: 11:30AM – 11PM daily
Contact: +60 3-2020 2121
Facebook: Atmosphere 360

Cheers,

Charlie’s Burgers at Batu Ferringhi, Penang

I wanted a different food experience and perception here in Batu Ferringhi because I’m vexed with people telling me there’s nothing good to eat here and almost everything was overpriced or too touristy which then I decided to do some research on what’s good in Batu Ferringhi and loved by locals. After a few word of mouths and researches, I’ve got a good feeling this was something I’m looking forward on for this trip.

Charlie’s Burgers has been opened for 37 years and they’re also one of the top ten Burger Stalls in Penang! Their stall used to be beside Ferringhi Garden Restaurant until its recent restaurant expansion where they had to relocate further down the road on the left.

Upon arrival, it was just auntie alone at the stall and she asked us what we’d like to order. I told her I’m here for their best-sellers and signatures which she then suggested us to go for the Oblong Lamb with Egg & Cheese and Jumbo Hot Dog with Egg & Cheese.

Note: Order anything with Egg & Cheese!🍳🧀

Oblong Lamb with Egg & Cheese (RM 9)

Though to many it may look like any other regular burgers you could get from other burger stalls BUT here’s the thing, it’s not how it looks like that matters, in the end of the day its all about the flavors. The buns were nicely toasted, there wan’t too much sauce in it and the lamb patty was moist, juicy and barely gamey! The trick was the mint sauce that brings this burger to a whole new level. Coming from a person like me who isn’t too fond with red meat, this was something really enjoyable and I’d highly recommend.

Jumbo Hot Dog with Egg & Cheese (RM 7)

The hotdog has that nice light crisp with a juicy munch to it, beautifully and thinly wrapped with egg and melted cheese hugged in a bun makes it an absolute comfort food.

I really enjoyed the freshly ground black peppers generously sprinkled on giving some nice heat and flavors to it!

To enjoy it even more with some more distinctive flavors, don’t be shy to ask uncle or auntie for a bottle of mustard then squeeze some of these on it!

Uncle, can I have another one please?

Salmon with Egg & Cheese (RM 10)

This burger was really remarkable! But for as weird-sounding as salmon burgers are, they are so extremely good and hearty which was also really nice for anyone who’d like to go for a more lighter yet satisfying alternative. The sauces combination may look crazy but it works! Salmon steak was so nice and tender. Would you ever expect this from a burger stall?

When uncle Charlie arrived, we had a chat on what got him wanting to open a burger stall and shared a little of his background story. After working different types of jobs, he strive to be his own boss as he was tired of working for someone which was why he started his own business.

“If you don’t build your dream, someone will hire you to build theirs!”

Here’s a piece of advice from uncle Charlie: As crappy as what we millennials often struggle or facing with right now, there’s always hope and we have to learn to stand our ground because the future is in our hands. We can beat the system.

Time does flies when you’re with the right company and good food. If you ever drop by Charlie’s Burgers, buy uncle Charlie a beer and have a good conversation with him while having some super burgers.
Charlie’s Burgers
Opening Hours: 7:30 PM – 3 AM daily (Closed on Wednesdays)
Address: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang
Contact: +60 16-456 4934 (Charlie)

Cheers,

Xiang Ji Satay House at Kampung Dua, Melaka

Pork satays are not commonly found and whenever I do think of one, it’ll be here. Their satays are known to be succulent and served with some really irresistible peanut sauce with pineapple chunks in it. No kidding, it’s actually so darn good. Their restaurant setting is pretty much like old-timer coffee shops so it may be a little stuffy when you’re visiting during a peak hour.

Their satay has a mix of lean meat and pork fat which makes it so sensational as you’re chewing on it. The fat is barely rubbery!

Satays are grilled in a cubicle to avoid smoking up the entire restaurant.

Otak-otak (RM 1/piece)

When you’re seated, 10 sticks of otak-otak will be placed on your table. It’s optional if you want to have some or you’re only here for the satay but I can assure you’d get your hands on them because it’s simply irresistible! Dip them with the satay sauce for a whole new level of tastiness.

Chicken Satay (RM 0.90/skewer) Pork Satay (RM 0.90/skewer)

We’ve ordered 10 sticks of chicken and pork. They may jumble up both chicken and pork when serving so to differentiate it, chicken is a little more yellowish and the meat is much softer but not as sweet and tender as the pork which you can tell from the picture is slightly more darker in color.
Thoughts? It may be thinner than many other satay stalls were to offer but taste wise is there. Flavoursome.

Their sauce isn’t any ordinary sauce as mentioned they’ve got some pineapple chunks in it which gives it a nice sweet and tangy flavor to it. To be warned, they don’t give a generous bowl of it so dip it wisely and if you want more of it? Pay for it.🤷

I wouldn’t claim it’s the best satay in town or Malaysia, but it’s definitely delicious.

Xiang Ji Satay House
Address: 50, Jalan Portugis, Kampung Dua, 75200 Malacca
Business Hours: 11 AM – 8:30 PM daily
Contact: 019-667 8868 or 019-627 8868

Cheers,