WorldWindows

Gooday Restaurant, Penang

2021-04-14T08:00:00.000+08:00

Getting lunch Tai Chow style in Penang esp in Tanjung Bungah may not be difficult. But truth be told, with the existence of some of the widest varieties of hawkers' fares, going for Tai Chow is furthest from many minds.

We booked a few tables for our lunch. With CMCO still in place, we can get 6 pax per table otherwise 3 to 4 tables will be sufficient.

The food was quickly done and set on our table feeding 30+ hungry mouths. The corner lot has a high ceiling and airy. The service was good and the staff makes sure SOPs were complied to.

The curry Black Pomfret was fresh fish in multi-flavoured spicy curry. A good appetiser that got this Hokkien crowd going. Then the big prawns are coated with oats. Perfecto - crunchy lightly salted oats with sea prawns. What is there to beat the feeling of the blessedness of being able to eat and eat well? Nothing right!

The battered and fried chicken with julienne Jicama and carrot topped with sweet and peanutty sauce got us going again. The fresh crunchy veggies matched well with the meat and gave the meat a triple crunch.

Finally, the obligatory veggie dishes. Sometimes, we do pay attention to the sauces being used. The stock base must be sweet and fragrant to impart aroma and flavours to the bland and subdue greens. So we had a spicy and a Cantonese style to round up and complete a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Address:

Gooday Restaurant

2J-G, Jalan Lembah Permai, Tanjung Bungah, Penang

016-263 5788

https://maps.app.goo.gl/niKLrRsM2KojWYCd6

Yap Chuan Bak Kut Teh, Puchong

2021-04-11T00:06:00.003+08:00

So, my nephew vouched for the quality of this BKT restaurant in Puchong. This is his preferred go-to fix for this very Klang Hokkien meal.

We got the small bone done clay pot dry style and a bowl of mixed soup clay pot. Though we came at about half an hour before closing but were welcomed.

The small bone has no bone. It could have come off or just a smaller portion without the bone. Much more lean meat and with great skin to boot, it's great for the pork lovers especially those older folks. My choice was not exactly a top option to some others as rind doesn't rhyme with their taste buds.

Anyhow the gravy was wet (not soggy) than most I have had. If you don't like to scrape the bottom and caramelised almost carbon gravies this would be for you. The taste was quite standard. Strong, bold and the sauces had the master's touch and mix.

Then the soup clay pot came with thick brown soup. Lightly scented with the normal spices and Chinese herbs, this I will jot call run of the mill but more of a good standard all BKT eateries must adhere to command a following.

The braised chicken feet were standard orders if possible and the taste was a bit bland and the skin on bones was also thin. But then the gelatinous layers satisfied a part of the yearning for collagen health food.

Address:

Yap Chuan Bak Kut Teh Puchong

叶全浦种(干)肉骨茶

53, Jalan Bpu 2, Bandar Puchong Utama, Puchong, Selangor

012-972 6293

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tr4DGxuwGGfYJm5Z9

Sri Siam Fish Head Curry, Relau, Penang

2021-04-07T08:00:00.001+08:00

Another day, there's another fish head. This is the famous fish head curry originating from Butterworth. The beauty was the deep layers of flavours from the spices carefully built up and in, through the cooking process.

A bit of the savoury and piquant. It's lighter creamy taste and feel that will not get your stomach bloated. More Thai and Nyonya-like. This is definitely a time consuming work and not the one pot cook all process with one dimensional taste.

Just love the freshness of the fish head which looked like a Jenahak. The skin was gel-like and was cooked to perfection. Flesh was firm, tasty and sweet.

Next came the curry lamb. Though a bit tough but it was packed deep with spice flavours. None of the gamey taste and smell and a definite winner with carbo companion.

Finally, we got what's left of the braised chicken feet with slices of skin from the pig's head. A decadent delicacy for the older folks. And for the younger set they can consider the collagen contributing to their dermalogical wellness!

Try it out when in Penang and come out a winner in both taste and value for money.

Address:

Lucky Eatery Food Court

Relau, Bayan Lepas, Penang

012-473 2774

https://maps.app.goo.gl/yZnUDYzSptwKCKyL7

Restoran Hin Hin Seafood, Paya Terubong, Penang

2021-04-04T15:06:00.003+08:00

Upon the hills of Paya Terubong stood this unassuming seafood restaurant. This family is in food business like shop lot restaurants, mixed rice and stalls in hawkers centres. Their network is in the hands and feet of family members rather than companies incorporated with the Companies Commission of Malaysia.

Two of us dragged our old Civic up the widened and modern road. Just be careful as the right turnoff appears quite suddenly if inattentive and there is a bend in front where oncoming cars may be trundling down. Slow and steady did it.

We choose our big huge mud crabs to be done chili-crab style. The gravy was soaked with the mini mantous (dumplings) for a sodden-satisfying carbo overload. Egg white was used to thicken it rather than cornstarch. A little watery but none of the sticky look and feel. A good balance of sauces ensured a good dish.

The crabs had roes and once cooked it hardened into a rich cake of creamy, fragrant taste and smell from the sea. Don't miss this and ask for it.

We ordered their signature noodles with prawns, scallops and thick large pieces of fried crispy lard. The broth and wok hei (breath of the wok) made the dish so appetising though we were kind of filled from the crabs and could not finish half of it.

I was also reminded next round not to miss the big blanched cockles here which are not available to the masses but only to select restaurants.

Address:

1057-J, MK13, Bukit Paya Terubong, Air Hitam, Penang.

018-462 1343

WAZE: Restoran Hin Hin Seafood

Restoran Lip Sin Red Tea House, Penang

2021-04-01T23:21:00.003+08:00

This is probably one of the best shop/mall style dim sum serving customers around Bayan Baru and Gelugor area for the longest time.

Though it's not as good as the Dim Sum's trinity of the Ipoh's Ming Court, Foh Shan and Yoke Fook Moon, Red Tea House has its attractions like the Fish Head Player and the Chicken Bao on a mantou slice.

The Steamed Fish Head Platter was like eating Fish head noodles without the soup and noodles. The taste was concentrated, intense and the meat was fresh. It was a Jenahak head with a lot of flesh. A tiny complaint - not enough head!

The rest of the platters were the regular dim sum of Har Kou variety, Siew Mai and fish balls. The prawns, pork and fish paste, were good enough for me though a tad sweet.

Overall, a good eat and relaxation for the tired and those in need of a quick and fulfilling bite.

Address:

56, Lorong Nipah 4, Taman Lip Sin, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang

012-461 8959

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tdNzqQZEPgJPkoQcA

Kopitiam Hock Seng, Ara Damansara

2021-03-29T01:00:00.002+08:00

Arguably one of the best kopitiam in Ara Damansara. Clean, airy and above-average food with lots of choices.

My favourites will be the Pan Mee, both dry and chili. Generous toppings and aldente noodles. Next would be the Prawn Mee with loads of shrimps (OK, I asked and paid for more). Third, pork noodles, despite not having intestine and don't use sesame oil and coat the meat with cornstarch, there are loads of minced and sliced pork and a bowl of good broth.

The rest featured here are Char Koay Teow, Hakka Noodles and Toast Bread with Kaya and Butter. I have also eaten from the Roast Chicken, BBQ Pork and Siew Yoke stall, Wantan Mee and Koay Teow Th'ng.

They have back-to-back corner lot shops. The one facing shops has the most stalls. The other lot opens till late and has a Tai Chow.

Address:

C-G-1, Block C, Jalan PJU 1A/20b, Dataran Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CkMvrdVjWPJu8GGs8

Restoran 99, Klang

2021-03-27T08:00:00.008+08:00

A Sunday lunch doesn't have to be tedious or slow esp so after an adrenaline pump morning. We adjourned for a Klangnites' lunch. Something strong like their Bak Kut Teh.

Restoran 99 has been around for 28 years, occupying this same two lots' corner with additional space. Airy and without the sun beating down on us, we relaxed and geared up for excellent eating. Popular with office workers, come early for a table during weekdays. You can even choose the air-con section. You can even select the air-con section. Weekends are more casual and less crowded.

Our Kerapu (Grouper) Fish Head fried with loads of julienne ginger and Soya Sauces. It came thick, robust, savoury and spiced hot with ginger. This has to go with a bowl of rice. The fish is probably a few kilograms in size as the skin is thick and the meat firm and fresh. What do you expect from Klang? Seafood as fresh as can be.

On to our Chicken with Soya Sauces (what?). I thought that in addition to the light and thick soya sauces, there might have some red coloured liquid sauces added. A unique blend and strong taste again. Did it taste the Fish Head gravy? No! I guessed it was the red sauce that widened the taste spectrum. Reminder to ask the captain next round I am there.

The veggie dish came with loads of Wok Hei. Nowadays, the cook may fry the veggies without oil in the wok to get the slightly charred look and some burnt smell. Dried Shrimps bits and perhaps Fish Sauce were added to heightened the taste. This dish is suitable for those searching for a veggie dish that steers clear of the more bland and subtle Cantonese style.

Address:

Jalan Lang, Taman Berkeley, Klang, Selangor

016-337 9663

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tgeanefhmGeiiMcVA

Ah Her and Samy Bak Kut Teh, Klang

2021-03-24T08:00:00.002+08:00

This is the breakfast for the champion labourers. That's what this staple was for in times past. Stories from Klang piled up relating to people eating BKT as breakfast without fail every morning. It is/was my father, uncle, friend's father, etc.

This dish has gone through the thick (fat) and the thin literally where the fatty side of the dish was accused as totally unhealthy at one time and now exalted as good for health.

Mindful that we have a few eateries to visit, we held our horses and did not flew off the handle but ate with dignity and moderation.

First, the soup was out of this world. How did I rate it? It was a balance of sweet, savoury, thick, light brown from sauces and fragrance from some Chinese dried herbs and spices.

It reminded me of how soup, in general, should taste and smell. It evoked emotions and tugged at my heart. The aroma and taste test passed with flying colours.

The meat was firm but not flaky, which is a sign of overcooking. We ordered parts that are mostly rind, tendons and cartilages. We needed gelatin and collagen (laugh here).

It's mostly the preferred portions of those who wanted something QQ, springy and bouncy, moist and not soggy, firm and not mushy. Even the chicken feet held their own. The skin and tendons were so soft but did not give way until it's likely sucked to the mouth.

A great morning has just begun.

Address and map:

Samy & Ah Her Bak Kut Teh

1, Jalan Lang, Taman Berkeley, Klang, Selangor

012-370 1217

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dM3HxDPGYvrTSTAn8

Kedai Kopi Taman Eng Ann, Klang

2021-03-21T08:00:00.001+08:00

One of those indefatigable moments where food flows and the stomach rose to the occasion. When with friends, good times roll and good things happen, ie, food.

After Bak Kut Teh (BKT) breakfast at Ah Her and Samy, we moved to enjoy a traditional Hainanese breakfast at the famous Kopitiam at Eng Ann. I was asked why BKT first, the order is reversed. No, in Klang, BKT takes precedence.

The beverages served were tops and generousity spoke through the drinks. Thick and sweet (albeit too sweet for me), ask for less sweet next round reminder. The soft eggs were done just right for a slurpee session, that was, slurping and sucking, from the plate after dosing it generously with soy sauce and white pepper powder.

The Bengali bread was as fresh as could be and steamed and toasted to perfection with thick slices of SCS butter and lovely thick and pasty Kaya.

At ordinary times, these were enough for a solid breakfast fit for the harried and rushing executive or working-class folks. But these were abnormal times; some of our friendships went back to 50+ years. More to come as we hit the road to another part of Klang for Banana Leaf Rice at Yap Kee and then a leisurely tapau at Regent Pandan Layer Cake.

Address and Map:

No. 1, Jalan Kasawari 5, Taman Eng Ann, Klang, Selangor

012-679 3799

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rQpGbkVL7d77hqcn8

Regent Pandan Layer Cake Shop

2021-03-18T09:16:00.002+08:00

Everyone knows this particular shop as it's a Klang institution. After a few rounds, we found this redoubtable shop tucked in the corner of Klang where time has stood still. For those who understand food, this only will portend well for a brand that has survived time.

They have four flavours with the latest addition, you guessed it, durian. The others are the original pandan flavour, yam and corn. All these are common ingredients in various Malaysian hot and cold desserts. In addition, the have different popular cakes to fill your fancy.

These layered cakes has five layers cake and another five jelly-like flavours of your choice set in between. It's firm and surprising, not soggy, as the cake did not suck up the slightly wet jellied layers.

They were not too sweet and too rich that gave the heavy feeling of having had too much of the good thing. It's best eaten as a dessert for a light munch with some tea or coffee and shared among friends.

Find out why 2nd generation are turning up with their children. I got for myself yam, pandan and durian. The lightness of the heart and head spoke volumes as I partook these lovely Western 'dim sum.

My heart welled up with good feelings; it actually stirred me emotionally. My head told me this was a good thing and hard to find. It gave me reasons like, the shop is so generous with the jelly-like pandan, yam and durian layers.

There was a good chew between the cake and chilled jelly, well balanced, each intermingling to good effects. They created the feeling of satisfaction and the thoughts of the next piece and the next trip.

Address:

Pandan Layer Cake

70, Jalan Raya Timur, Kawasan 1, Klang, Selangor

019-224 7433

https://maps.app.goo.gl/P26uUFwthybAoAfn9

Restaurant Hock Seng Kopitiam, Ara Damansara, PJ

2021-03-15T23:45:00.005+08:00

This Tai Chow opens for dinner (anyone can confirm if it's open for lunch?) and is part of the two corner lots which are back to back to one another. The one in front (depends on your orientation and preference) will close probably by 2 pm and consists of hawker stalls and Kopitiam stuff. I do have breakfast and lunch there regularly. Their hawker fares are above average.

I needed a quick dinner fix and this is just outside our house. A mere 2 min walk. Our first since they took over the shop from the previous operator (Ler Seafood Restaurant). The Tai Chow cooks are foreigners and they do a decent job getting our dinner out. The price is reasonable and the portion generous.

We had Claypot Pork Belly with Salted Fish, Squid with Dry Chillis and Stir-fry Kailan. The best was the Pork Belly. It was done with little caramelisation and lots of gravy which I like. The salted fish taste and smell were around but not overpowering. Sauces were generous and taste strong as they should be.

The Squid with Dry Chilis was a tad sweet and was mild and not hot (spicy) enough. Still, I got to munch on some seafood which made me happy. The Kailan veggies were obligatory roughage and sometimes consumed without much complaints whether, good, better or best.

Address:

C-G-1, Block C, Jalan PJU 1a/20b, Dataran Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CkMvrdVjWPJu8GGs8

Yik Kee Restaurant (Ara Damansara)

2021-03-09T19:15:00.001+08:00

The intention was to check out this new Chinese restaurant that has replaced one of my favourite Hunanese food joints.

The Cantonese style food here is without fanfare, subtle, light and non-greasy. But when called for, they can dish our a mean greasy meal.

A case in point was our caramelised crispy pork belly. It's greasy only because of the lard from the fat. Cooking was completed just as the fat just melted, leaving juicy, lardy crispy pieces of sweet pork.

The Lala in Superior Soup was light in all departments and was up to my taste. The Lala meat was done right, leaving it juicy and not leathery through over-cooking. I thought they stopped the cooking at the right moment.

The Ching Loong Choy was also right in taste but was a tad tough. The wood ears were nice culinary touch offering the extra texture and presentation.

Finally, the Ying Yong Wat Tan (Cantonese) noodles were of acceptable standard given not many shops can do it well enough compared to those in Ipoh.

Address:

I-G-12, Ground Floor, No.12, Block G, Jalan PJU 1a/20f, Dataran Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

016-243 8339

https://maps.app.goo.gl/K7HwVtzKmgtcyLXF6

Lao Heng, Klang Bak Kut Teh

2021-03-08T10:23:00.004+08:00

This BKT is a few doors before the crowded and famous Four Eye Bak Kut Teh, Klang. Check my post from the link.

We were offered 4 strands of tendons immediately, a delicacy hard to find. It was braised till tender yet firm—their herbal tasting and smelling thick brown broth appeal to the traditional type. You can ask for soup refills as you get just enough which is jot enough to many.

Their soupy clay pot is packed with meat and other fillers like tau fo pok (fried soya balls) and fu chuk (soya sheets) to soak up the soup. You get my drift. One up for those who love to lap up the broth. The meat was braised till soft and fell off the bones. Do you like that?

Finally, their dry clay pot pork belly is done without caramelisation but was still bound up with great taste and smell.

Overall, a good eat and reasonably priced and for those who can't wait at Four Eye, this can be an alternative, or they can move further afield for their meal.

Reference Address:

Four Eye Bah Kut Teh

9, Jalan Kepayang, Kawasan 17, 41150 Klang, Selangor

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PdhCmZjpDzQu3rja6

I Suka Restaurant, Teluk Panglima Garang

2021-01-22T16:17:00.000+08:00

We were buying fish from a local fisherman in Teluk Panglima Garang, then finished off the trip with some seafood.

I like fish head and my wife will go for mantis prawn. The recommended head was a huge Kurau. I would only be getting half of it and it's 1kg already. Nyonya was the way to go esp a milder form so as not to overwhelm the subtle taste of the fish. Any heavier, like the usual curry style, the fish taste will go under.

Fresh, meaty and we thought we had gone overboard. This torpedo-like fish is streamlined to swim fast and don't expect too much omega fat. But it's a boon to those who can't handle it. We were just nibbling away towards the end of the meal.

The mantis came precisely as the way my wife wanted. Dry and crunchy with a thin layer of the sauce coating the battered, deep-fried mantis meat. I must say that this is one of the best mantis dishes done with batter.

Address:

I Suka Restaurant Sdn. Bhd.

319, Batu 1 1, 2, Jalan Bandar Lama, Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor

019-328 8696

https://maps.app.goo.gl/NZ9pno3hbpDEfURR7

Sri Ananda Bahwan, Tanjong Bungah, Penang

2021-01-17T16:22:00.000+08:00

We were famished by the long drive, family visit, plus hotel check-in. Something quick and filling would do for now. We walked across the road from Flamingo Hotel and viola, we were comfortably seated at a dining area with tables well-spaced out. A multi-ethnic group was there.

Quickly settling down, we went for something quick. Naan and chapati are our usual carbohydrates. The Naan cheese was well done with a fair amount of cheese. The texture was bread-like but chewier with a lightly crisp exterior. The chapatis (I usually have 2) were soft, moist and dense just as I like it.

We ordered a clay pot chicken varuval. The aromatic and the hot spicy chicken came with the right amount of veggie fillers—a good balance. We quickly tuck in.

Our Sup Kambing came to our delight and surprise. It was not the type that you expect. This one has thickened gravy. The mutton meat was shredded. All good but I wish it was less sweet. The texture of the meat in thick gravy was an exciting introduction to perhaps a northern Indian dish. We went there another 2 times for more breakfast and lunch, always with chapatis, vadai and thosai.

Don't forget their Teh Tarik or Teh Halia. One of the better ones around. Beat all from KL's

Sri Ananda Bahwan

14, Jalan Tanjong Bungah, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang

04-890 9771

https://maps.app.goo.gl/h7QHM1bRN5oqSJLb8

Omega Pork Noodles - Kota Damansara

2021-01-15T10:56:00.003+08:00

The house of pork noodles and etc was full despite the pandemic times. Spacing and check-in were in compliance. The customers were turning over nicely for the incoming patrons to promptly secure a table.

The self-service counter was very quick and the menu was straight forward plus the waiter-cashier was experience and made selection plain and simple unless we are of the indecisive kind.

We got what we wanted sans the kidney. Maybe another time. The portion was very big and the porky parts generous. In fact the minced pork pieces/slices were huge.

One of the experience that grab at me will always be the msg content. As the broth takes time and money to produces some take the easy way out. Thankfully the broth here was good to go and passed my simple test.

We ordered extra - fish balls and some stuffed soya sheets, tau pok (puffed soya ball) and Lor Bak. These were to get a full meal, to some a bit overboard.

When the broth is good with toppings of fried garlic and its oil plus lard oil and lard pieces, there is nothing more to ask for in our pork noodles. We left fully satisfied and satiated. In fact, we couldn't finish. So be moderate when you order. And add on if needed

Address:

Omega Pork Noodle 猪肉粉1G,

1, Kota Damansara, Jalan PJU 5/4, Dataran Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

019-606 0118

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cer8uqTaV9KMDNAv7

Jatujak Bangkok Street Food, Ara Damansara

2021-01-14T11:26:00.003+08:00

Warning! This is Thai food overload for 2 pax. Blame the 'tangs' in the soul and the 'pangs' in the stomach. Surprise, they have moved a few doors away. Thankfully food just as good and most important fresh ingredients were used.

First personal favourite was Tom Yam Clear Soup. No santan and red chili and all the usual spices for me. Don't judge the book by its cover. This pack a big punch of tart, heat and sweetness. Just loves the complimenting veggies like Crunchy Beans and Firm Spongy Oyster Mushrooms that absorbed the soup. Sharp and major taste overload that causes the soul to sing melodious music.

The same went for the Glass Noodles Seafood Platter. Swirl the noodles to catch the clear gravies. Pick up the minced pork, i.e., well marinated and soaked in Thai sauces and lime along the way.

Paku Pakis is always one of our firm veggies' favourite. Fusion with some local belacan and Thai panache and we have this delicious no-frills dish. It's succulent and that makes it an easy choice as compared to Kangkung (Water Spinach).

I was so tempted to get 2 sets of Moo Ping, the grilled minced pork, done to perfection. A tad sweet, but then they were moist and QQ (springy) to the bite, yes, not sure how they did it.

We left somewhat feeling guilty and holding the tummies. The last visit here was a long time ago and we didn't recall eating Thai food elsewhere. Somehow it has to be here.

Address:

Jatujak Bangkok Street Food

23, Jalan PJU 1a/3j, Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

010-219 6359

https://maps.app.goo.gl/esDRvGHzyY9r3cen7

CRC Penang Restaurant and Kota Cafe

2021-01-11T07:24:00.004+08:00

We had a go with club's restaurant food when in Penang recently. Some Hakka dishes were on the cards. Easy and quick since the meat dishes were prepared beforehand.

The place spacious, airy and with a 50m Olympic size pool next to our dining area, there is no need for air-con and its a good thing during pandemic times.

Standard run of the mill Hakka Braised Pork with Black Fungus. The texture of the meat and fungus were all good. It passed the taste test, just a tad sweet. Our next dish was vinegar pork. Again texture, sauce consistency, presentation were all good. It all came down to taste and this was not tart enough to these KL folks.

The aubergine was unique and another thick sauce was used. This was cooked fresh and just of the wok. I wishes it was caramelised a bit more. The soy sauces again for our third dish.! Finally, a soup, refreshing and springy pork balls in fine nibcs and rough minced pork was thoroughly enjoyable. Subtle in taste and aroma, it is bright and light, a great end to our meal.

Full and contented, its time to get a refreshing drink under the canopy of trees and in Heritage District, we left for Fort Cornwallis, Kota Cafe for some coffee and spiced up (bunga kantan, lemongrass) lime soda

Address and Map:

CRC Restaurant

No. 3, Jalan Padang Victoria, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang

04-228 9787

https://maps.app.goo.gl/S44TAmsHh98EKGu58

Kota Dine & Coffee - when Francis meets rempah

Fort Cornwallis, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang

04-371 4929

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aaA4LpoHkhKHbKZ58

Address and Map:

Nasi Kandar Kayu Bayan Lepas, Penang

2020-12-28T15:34:00.005+08:00

My flight at noon was cancelled and my new flight was not the best of timing. After I visited my sick MIL, I got to my hotel and went out for supper at 11 pm.

Where else but Mamak? Just 3 mins walk away, this original Nasi Kandar was tops and still is in my estimate.

I just wanted 2 Chapatis and Curry Kambing to be washed down with Teh Tarik.

The Chapati was as soft and dense as I like it. Sticky but not staying around and in-between the teeth. The Curry Kambing was off the charts. The best I have eaten maybe in the last five years. And I eat a lot of Curry Kambing.

Aromatic, spicy, thick gray together with a thick cut around the leg. Well done and tender, what more could I ask for?

Address:

Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar

28, Lebuh Nipah 6, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang

018-762 6940

https://maps.app.goo.gl/E2jfyhJ1BUotz3XH9

Restoran Hong Yoon, Taman Kinrara, Puchong

2020-08-31T07:00:00.000+08:00

We went in search of Char Koay Teow with a good amount of cockles. The reward exceeded the desires of my heart. Why?

The style of frying was unique. Then the cockles were generous and half cooked. Finally, the size of the plate. Given, this was a working-class area and people need their food for energy for physical labour.

The style again, it was wet and dark. Seems like a scene out of a horror movie or book. It was tasty without the nasty like MSG. The Wok Hei was there also.

What more did I want? Enough was enough. Thank you for this Puchong-style platter, as was the proud reply when asked, "Where did this style come from?

Address:

22, Jalan Kinrara, Taman Kinrara, Puchong, Selangor

014-648 6208

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DyZjyFoTYQZ3AbAV7

Four Eyes Kid Bak Kut Teh, Jalan Meru, Kkang

2020-08-28T07:00:00.021+08:00

Four Eyes Kid Bak Kut Teh

The amicable and sociable boss greets customers and bids them well when he has downtime. Generally, the place is packed. We were fortunate to get a spot right in front of the shop. It was the lunch crowd, not forbidding as yet because the waiting staff was eager to help and get our orders going.

We had knuckle, half-fat half-lean, small bone and dry clay pot. Service was quick as expected in BKT shops as they are dealing with cooked food.

The meat was done just right, sturdy with some give. The rind was gelatinous without being tough, as the tough hide was boiled down. The fat was firm without being queasy and oily. The lean meat was firm but not hard or chewy. And the tendons were a feast, soften for the palate to be enjoyed.

The soup was out of this world. It should be the best in Klang. Thick ('nung' in Chinese) and with a layer of gelatin, it deposited into my mouth a feel-good layer of flavours from the herbs and meat that were dissolved in the gelatin.

If you are around Jalan Meru, pop in for a round of BKT well-done

Address:

Four Eye Bah Kut Teh 四眼仔肉骨茶

9, Jalan Kepayang, Kawasan 17, 41150 Klang, Selangor

016-741 2303

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PdhCmZjpDzQu3rja6

Best Prawn Mee in Klang Valley? - Yau That Khan Restaurant, Pinggiran Subang

2020-08-25T07:05:00.001+08:00

Johnny's Prawn Mee came highly recommended by well-known food personalities. I have been eating abound my neighbourhood esp those within 15 to 20 mins away. Pinggiran Subang is a short drive away. This is my second trip as my Saturday sojourn at 1 pm ended up badly; the Prawn Mee was sold out.

The noodles were topped up with what toppings available. So we had pig intestines and Pork ribs. Along with it, there were lots of de-shelled small and medium-sized prawns with pork slices. The soup was brimming. What is there to ask for?

Ths taste has the umami effect as the essence of the soup came from prawn shells and head. Little or no MSG. Just a tad sweet but with enough savouriness to make me happy. I dare say, one of the best around in taste and portion.

The Koay Teow Th'ng was also well-touted. Must try. So here it went. The soup again was excellent t. I heard from an interview Johnny mentioned that it came 16 hours of extracting it from boiling pork bones. Sweet clear soup with no flavour enhancer is hard to find. With that, it has won me over and coupled with the generous offerings of chicken and pork strips together with fish and pork balls, a bowl for those who can't take the spiciness of Prawn noodles.

An added attraction from this Kopitiam is the Chinese Cruller (Youtiao) and Ham Chim Pang with Red Bean Paste. Pack some for the black Coffee you are going to have, while waiting for your Prawn Mee. Yes, I waited for 25mins. All the best!

Address:

1, Jalan Bulan BL U5/BL, Bandar Pinggiran Subang, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RJ6tpBLV8LUpsW5BA

Sabah Keratang (Giant Grouper), Ara Damansara

2020-08-22T07:00:00.001+08:00

Some lovely days we decided to go Sabahan. Famous for their seafood, these giant Grouper called Keratang were sent over to the Peninsula to benefit their bro and sis here. Though frozen, it managed to retain enough of its texture and taste to satisfy any palate. If you want anything better, you have to fly over to the land under the wind.

The meat was smooth, firm, healthy and appetisingly white. In the taste department, it was sweet and inviting. You just couldn't wait to sink your teeth into it as the fish came in big chunks.

Not forgetting the fish's skin...it was so gelatinous and crunchy at the same time. There was no hint of it being rubbery. Don't miss this part of eating. I thought the skin was one of the best parts of this big fish. This 'skin' delicacy can't be found in smaller fishes.

I enjoyed the Keratang's lightly battered and deep-fried gently as well as just going straight, i.e., poached to perfection. I am sure they have paid some attention to the soup base as I have visited this place 5 times. It tasted sweet and smooth. It was also the first time we tried their Yee Meen, with fish chunks and Sabah prawns. So good.

Address:

8, Jalan PJU 1a/20a, Dataran Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

019-809 6373

https://maps.app.goo.gl/hTXG1wqR7PhjDypa7

Swiss-Cafe, Swiss Belhotel, Kuantan

2020-08-19T17:43:00.003+08:00

We arrived in Kuantan and settled in. From our windows, The famous Ana Ikan Bakar was just a stone throw away. Cars were streaming into the adjacent carpark. We decided to delay a little while. Big mistake. By the time we make it there, the entire complex with hundred-plus tables was occupied. Guess what, we couldn't find a table. No prize for guessing, it was the weekend.

So we went to the hotel and settled in for hotel food. We thought it was unfortunate to be eating hotel food. But we were tired and having just arrived, did not have the motivation and energy to drive to town. So, what's in it for us?

Well, interestingly the grub was good. Service was tops and the ambiance was comfy and luxurious. We comforted ourselves and making a note that we will go on Monday away from the weekend maddening crowd.

Our fried rice was not deprived of the wok hei. It has a strong smoky fragrance. Coupled with the local spices like belacan and sweet and savoury sauces, it was heavenly. it came complete with crackers, a must for Malays food, car, egg and prawns sambal. The plate definitely assuaged the growling tummies.

Another surprise was the aromatic Tenggiri (Spanish Mackerel) fish curry. The flavours found their way into my taste buds. Sweet, savoury and spiced up. And the gravy that came together was so generously dispensed. Naturally, we lapped them all up.

And to satisfy our carnivorous selves, we decided on the solid pieces of meat that came with the chicken and beef satay. This will be the precursor of Satay Zul. Yup, they said its good. How about these in from of us? After eating Zul's a few days later, I dare say they are not behind. Good taste all round, just a tad sweet, which is so common nowadays with our food. I wish they had put some more salt to it.

All things considered, despite the hunger and disappointment of missing out Ana Ikan Bakar, Swiss Cafe did a good job. We don't mind eating there again for their service, ambiance and lovely food.

Parkway Convenient Restaurant, SS19, Subang Jaya

2020-08-15T07:00:00.002+08:00

I am slowly eating my way into Subang Jaya SS19. There are quite a few busy coffee shops here. Blessed with some extra road shoulders, parking is more accessible than other places.

Highly recommended by regulars would be their Loh Yee Meen. It's Loh Meen style with the accompanying starchy gravy and black vinegar on the side (if you want). The earthy rawish deep-fried Yee Meen combines well with the pungent tart vinegar and the thick sauce. This is a good one.

The other would be their Pan Mee with curry soup. Not those curry Laksa type with santan and lemak. This is one has chili flakes straight and mean with a mix of sourish, probably from the tomato sauce. I was told this is not as potent as the dry chili Pan Mee. That will deliver a knock out blow for the unsuspecting.

Finally, we supplement with obligatory meat from the roaster's stall. The Siew Yoke is good; otherwise, in this competitive environment, they won't be able to make it.

Go and try their excellent and inexpensive fares if you are near.

Address:

4, Jalan SS 19/6c, Ss 19, Subang Jaya, Selangor

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QyDnmzvv98SiJ9Wz9