Motormouth From Ipoh – Malaysian Food & Travel

Hakka Minced Pork Ban Tiao (RM6/USD2) – Yes, for only RM6 per bowl and substantial portion too. And this .. was at Pavilion’s Ying Ker Lou.

Affordable eating in malls sounds so distant nowadays. Especially when you add cheap, delicious food and Pavilion to the mix.

Ying Ker Lou Restaurant has a few branches in the Klang Valley; all of them located in shopping malls. Naturally, the true Hakka food connoisseurs shy away from the rapidly commercialized brand. Paying almost RM20 for a bowl of Lui Cha rice is one thing, being served a feeble attempt of a classic Hakka fare is another story altogether.

Thankfully, the ‘yum cha’ session during high tea was met with rapturous applause. Though it was only two of us. But the vast selection of dim sum; coupled with reasonable price tags made it all so tempting to go crazy on the orders. Read the rest of this entry »

Shoyu Ramen (Regular for RM25/USD8), Kara Miso Ramen (Regular for RM27/USD9) and the freebies thanks to Worthy Book‘s vouchers –  Gyoza with Pork Filling and Cha Shu (Roasted Pork Slices)

In a blink of an eye, Hokkaido Santouka Ramen has braced (more like breezed) through a tumultuous year filled with challenges from various ramen stalwarts mushrooming all over Klang Valley. The recent additions of Menya Musashi and Gantetsu at Eat Paradise @ Isetan, One Utama further entrenched this ramen frenzy all the way from the land of the rising sun.

But of course, our good neighbour down south (Singapore) has already been severely affected by the ramen wars (Read my review on Ippudo if you will). Since Santouka’s grand opening on 29th July 2011, the outlet has remained unfazed by the adjacent Japanese food joints (Suki-Ya’s still booming!) in Tokyo Street @ Pavilion, and clearly Marutama‘s not a strong contender either.

Read the rest of this entry »

Food of the GODS?!!! Wow …. I worship thee, oh chocolatey goddess!!!

Dark Chocolate Frappe (or something along the line …) RM12.90

Chocolate Souffle de Paris (RM14.90)

The strawberries drizzled with luscious, milky and thick chocolate sauce

Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

Blueberry and Apple Crumble

Here’s to a DELICIOUS 2009 !!! =)

Location : Theobroma Chocolate Lounge @ Lot C4.05.02, Level 4, Pavilion KL. Tel No : 603-2143 4149.

Location : Delicious Cafe @ Lot G316, Ground Floor,1 Utama Phase 2 (New Wing), Bandar Utama. Tel : 603-77241086

Not unlike the conventional conveyor belt sushi outlet … albeit with a twist

Salmon (smoked, maybe) sushi with melted cheese and roes

Salmon Avocado Roll

Egg Crepe Roll with Bacon and Lettuce

Hiyashi Chuka Soba (RM14.90)

Thin, springy (QQ) buckwheat noodles with multiple garnishing and ingredients thrown in

The strips of duck meat were not chewy, nor gamey. Sprinkled with lots of sesame seeds, the shredded meat and vegetables were perfect companion to the cold noodles, and the slightly spicy and sour sauce enhanced the overall experience a notch. Recommended, for the noodles alone.

Tempura Moriawase (RM13.90)

Kushiyaki Moriawase (RM15.90) for 6 pcs

Merry Xmas …. in Advance.

But seek solace in the Ministry of Food, a refreshing paradigm shift, a light at the end of the tunnel, a requiem for the masses. OK, for the sweet-toothed ones, at the very least.

Ladies & gentlemen, the newest (or at least, new to me!) addition to the ever-expanding line up of eateries in Pavilion, the MINISTRY OF FOOD !!!

Read about this chic cafe serving Japanese style desserts and beverages from other food blogs over the past few months. A timely resurgence of interest to Pavilion’s rather lacklustre range of restaurants and simple cafes. ‘Twas either too taxing on the wallet (restaurants on top floor, especially), or the meagre run-of-the-mill outlets at the lower ground floor.

Of course I can’t deny the appeal of some, the new Mr Baoz from Taiwan is interesting, but mixed reviews had me doubting. And when one’s craving for some snacks/desserts, it’s either JCo’s donuts (there’s a limit to the fresh appeal of the doughnut craze, and I’ve reached that long time ago), The Loaf’s pastries and still-delectable Uh-Hu-Hu Cheesecakes, and John King’s egg tarts.

Place your order and pay at the counter before you’re served

Cozy and bright ambience

Shira Sesame Hokkaido Gelato Mini (RM9)

Macha Mixed Imo (Soft serve with green tea sauce, red bean paste, yam and Japanese sweet potato) @ RM11

A top selection at MOF, and highly recommended by floggers alike, the Matcha Mixed Imo was served in a boat-like serving bowl, aesthetically-pleasing and leaving a lasting impression on the senses. The smooth and almost liquid-like texture of the soft serve (the soft ice cream made from Hokkaido milk, akin to McD’s soft vanilla ice-cream, but a bit smoother and none of the overpowering vanilla flavour) glided down the throat effortlessly, and the melting green tea sauce and sweet red bean paste intensified the flavours and complemented each other so well.

Imo refers to the imported Japanese sweet potatoes, and they’re deep-fried with light batter. The warm sweet potato and yam provided a hot and cold sensation when eaten with spoonfuls of the others. Blissful. But I’d recommend the sweet potatoes over the yam. (Note : you can have BOTH morsels of sweet potatoes, or BOTH yams, for the same price, if desired)

Location : MOF Japanese Sweets and Coffee @ Pavilion, Lot 1.02.00, Level 1, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03- 2144 1489

Those who helped in spreading the lurve : Masak-masak, Shell Food Station, and Yowazzup?

“Ahem, pray we dun sneeze … or our cover’s blown!”

Pose with human mannequins and run your itchy fingers all over the “statues”?

Join the crowd (it’s a Monday, mind you!) and queue for sickly sweet indulgences, nightmare for the diabetic souls ….

Or find requiem by tucking yourself in a corner, watching gluttons smearing their faces with sauces and relish, and satiate your hollow stomach, begging for rations … ?

Unlimited relish, dipping sauces, bottomless soft drinks – What more can you ask for?

Walking around in circle in Pavilion, I found myself drawn to various eateries, and even Food Republic. But, luncheon alone is not so acceptable in our country, unless you deviate your attention from the prying eyes, who may be wondering what’s the monster next table’s up to, ordering a meal fit for a crowd, and yet dining alone.

Crisp, freshly fried and hot French fries, showing some “skins” ….

Restaurants in Pavilion are a dime a dozen. From the posh Japanese outlet (Kampachi), Chinese fine dining (Silk Road) and steak house (Angus), to mid-range varieties such as Tony Roma’s, Madam Kwan’s, and Crystal Jade, you’re bound to find something that suits your palate and mood, on any given day.

However, fast food options are lacking, other than Nando’s, KFC, and Carl’s Jr, there’s basically nothing much to feed the junkie souls/teenagers/students. Food Republic may be a viable option, with the amazing array of culinary delights, but I seldom choose food courts, due to endless unfavourable experiences.

(=P) … Even the burger’s sticking out its tongue? Teasing poor, lonely me?

After much deliberation, I decided to park my derriere in Carl’s Jr, my second visit to the outlet here, in Pavilion. (The 1st outing was aeons ago, but I wasnt a blogger yet, therefore no pics, sorry!). Still remember the Chili Cheeseburger was pretty interesting (not necessarily delish, but interesting nevertheless!), while the Guacamole beefburger was forgettable.

In case you didn’t know, the “fast-food” here is a wee different from your usual McD, and Burger King. A full set for one, will set you back at around RM20-RM30/set, depending on your choice. Of course, the basic Cheeseburger set is slightly cheaper. Just slightly.

Western Bacon Cheeseburger – RM20.50 (Medium)

This time around, I opted for the Western Bacon Cheeseburger set, which came with regular fries and a medium-sized empty paper cup. Of course, I made a mistake. A small set costs less, around RM18 (before tax), but I accidentally pointed to the medium set, additional RM1.50 for a few more sticks of fries, and a larger cup. Why I felt stupid was because the drink’s refillable. Why on earth would I need a bigger cup? (Unless you’re a lazybum who can’t be bother to refill your cup, OR you prefer drinking from giant-sized cups, fine … )

Tastewise? The bacons were crispy, and the beef patty was good. Juicy, and flavourful. Unlike the previous visit. And the cheese was oozing out, PLUS there’s a whole fried onion rings sandwiched between the buns. It IS filling, don’t let my picture fools you. The fries on the other hand, were just heavenly. With bits of potato skins intact, and lightly salted, eat them with the salsa relish from the sauces counter. Addictive stuff. (Though it all adds up on the waist). Drinks choices include soft drinks, and iced lemon tea. Drink to your heart’s content … Or til your bladder can’t hold.

Location : Carl’s JR @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, on Lower Ground Floor. Next to KFC, Pizza Hut, and Nando’s. Easy to find, no worries. If you’re lost, go eat sand. I mean, go ask the kind staff at the help desk on ground floor. Or get a directory.

Question : What do you do after a full meal, when your belly’s weighing you down?

Go jump from this height. Kidding.

Watch and savour the camaraderie of people dancing, prancing around, and drums a-beating, feeling the beats from all over the world ….

It so happened on that day, the Malaysian Drum Festival was kicking in full force. Teams from all over the world were performing, ala street style, entertaining the casual shoppers, and curious on-lookers. (Btw, the event ended on Aug 2nd at Stadium Merdeka). Amazing performances, mind you. These guys (and gals) are professionals, beating their drums with such passion and flair, hundreds were watching, clapping, and some foreigners were eagerly dancing along, basking in the sense of festivity.

What a befitting way, to end my solemn, lonely and long-overdue soul-searching that Monday afternoon. Sometimes, walking around aimlessly IS therapeutic after all ….

P/S : I’ll be gone to Cameron Highlands over the weekend, followed by another round of KL visit-cum-work-cum-food tour (!!) until Wednesday. Staying near Jln Universiti, PJ area. Any recommendations for good food?