Motormouth From Ipoh – Asian Food & Travel Blog

Solaris Mont Kiara is an up-and-coming hotspot (or probably already is), overlooking the PLUS highway, but far from public transportation-friendly. Driving to the place may require some knowledge of its location in advance, given the fact that the place is so near to the toll exit, a few wrong turns may alter your plan of dining at any of the restaurants there (and there are plenty, believe that!), and instead lead you to a Rawang tilapia run (HERE and HERE for the lost ones).

Mont Kiara is the place for the elites, the ‘tai-tais’ (no translation, hehe), and the hungries. OK, two out of three, probably. From KL, go towards the Jalan Duta toll (correct me if I’m wrong), but take note of the green signboards indicating turning to Penchala Link, with Mont Kiara, Seri Hartamas, etc printed on them.

Schokolart (Chocolate + Art) – How tacky, but aptly named.

This outlet is located directly opposite Tenji Japanese Buffet, that Japanese buffet restaurant which started the 50% off craze, sparking some tough competition amongst the other Japanese diners; creating ripples, waves and howls among the foodies community in the Klang Valley and beyond (in the case of Motormouth here). Read the rest of this entry »

Since we’re on a roll here, let’s review another restaurant serving banana leaf curry rice (BLR – sc‘s the one who coined this, not me!) in Ipoh …. but feel free to look away if BLR’s not your thing. But Malaysians being Malaysians, who can say NO (!!) to heaps of white rice on a banana leaf, generously doused with curries, served with a meat of choice, and unlimited servings of vegetables. And a piece of those addictive, crunchy papadom for good measure.

Unlimited gravies, and vegetable side dishes, one can have a VERY heavy lunch and suffer the consequences. The post-lunch syndrome x 10 = Logs @ Work.

Previous experience at Samy’s left us wanting for more, Mr Z & FCOE recommended this outlet on Maxwell Road in Ipoh, simply named NS Curry House, an unassuming choice given the far from city location, as well as the lack of publicity thereof. But wait, since they’re foodies in their own rights (=P), we took their words for it, and ventured to this outlet one fine afternoon. (P/S : See? Mr Z/FCOE ; I’m skipping all backlogs for this post, dedicated to you guys …. hehehe …)

Chemor, in case you’re wondering, is a small town in Perak, about 25 km from Ipoh, and near to Sungai Siput, and Kuala Kangsar. Previous entry on Chemor’s food (and the only one, as far as I can recall!) was on Hoong Wan’s Fish Noodles, and that was ages ago.

A name most food enthusiasts in and around Ipoh would be familiar with ….

Samy Restaurant is one of the household name, a force to be reckoned with, so to speak, in this part of Kinta district. Serving delectable Indian banana leaf cuisine, the place is routinely packed with factory workers from the various industrial parks within the vicinity, namely Tasek, Chemor, Kanthan and Sungai Siput. On weekends, even tourists stop by for a finger-licking good meal while on the way to Kuala Kangsar (using the trunk road).

Red, fiery, and tantalising curries in claypots for your choosing

Be there early, before 12pm if possible, to beat the crowd. But the patrons here do not mind sharing their tables, given the fact that the set up mostly consists of long tables (ala canteen style), thus strangers may be sitting next to each other, licking their fingers while seemingly in trance from the addictive curry dishes.

White rice served on a banana leaf, with various vegetable dishes; Pickled cucumber, pineapple and onions, Curry potatoes, carrots and long beans, & The Usual …. Cabbage

First up, march into the shop, all the while stealing glances at the counter up front, picking your dish of preference. From curry chicken to dry mutton curry, as well as crabs, de-shelled prawns curry and squids, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Lest you come here with a few companions (makan kakis?), you’ll be better off picking ONE dish, rather than being ambitious and try one of each!

Drench your rice with the vegetable curry, complemented by a cup of Rasam and a crispy Papadam. To douse the fire (don’t worry, the dishes ain’t spicy), wash it all down with a cool, and sweet glass of Cow’s Milk

Curry Mutton with Potatoes

Curry Chicken with Potatoes

People tucking in to their serving of banana leaf goodness, completely ignoring the intrusion of privacy in the form of licking one’s fingers on the side

a sweet ending …. in the form of Laddu (50 cents)

RM28.90 for 16 mini ‘bottles’ of chocolatey goodness ….. with a twist

Makes REAL perfect ornaments for display eh? Pity they can’t weather the calls of nature …. as in the threat of EXPIRING.

Oozing REAL liquor … from vodka, to cognac and such. Blissful stuff.

Wondering where in the world Motormouth’s been these past few days? Sorry guys, I was literally ‘trapped’ in Langkawi Island, for a good (tormenting?) 5 days. Normal reaction to a 5 days break from work, plus spending that period on one of the most popular island destination in Malaysia, could only lead to EUPHORIA.

A plane with propellers …. now, that’s a new one.

Rather ashamed to admit, this was my virginal visit to the island. Yup, disgraceful I know, being a born-here-bred-here Malaysian and all. But the same held true when I left my initial footprints on Teluk Batik beach about a week or so ago. =)

Guess I’m covering new grounds …. domestically.

Of banana, chocolate and vanilla …. Kenny’s best offerings. Read the rest of this entry »

The updates may come slower than usual, as I’m still nursing a sore throat after so long. Since before Hanoi, to be exact. Probably the cold, dry air in Hanoi and Sapa, plus the extraordinarily dusty town of Lao Cai and Hanoi, resulted in worsening of my respiratory tract. Good to know that I’m not the only one feeling under the weather post-Hanoi trip. Hahahah …. 😉

The old church in Sapa town

After the trek, the nap, and the early dinner, we decided to explore Sapa town for a bit, as the weather’s cool, but not freezing cold. A stroll around the town revealed such diversity in cultures, peppered with commercialization here and there, street food lining up the roadside beckoning you over with the enticing aroma, and a serene surrounding in general. It felt like Cameron Highlands at times. Read the rest of this entry »

My last meal (more like desserts ….) for 2008 and my (un)officially first meal to appease that sweet tooth for 2009 (sans that lacklustre TENJI experience!) ….

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

Theobroma Chocolate Lounge has been on the blogosphere since last year, when the pioneer outlet opened in 1Utama. Since then they’ve opened another outlet in Pavilion, and has been gaining steam. Sort of.

Of course, with a name like Theobroma CHOCOLATE Lounge, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what type of food they serve. Mostly desserts, with some savoury options, if you’re not a fan of the cocoa, or something sweet, stay away.

The souffle was a disappointment. I was expecting the soft, crumbly type of souffle, but instead the chocolate souffle resembled a chocolate muffin at most. Yup, a little dry, though the dark chocolate was sweeter than I’d imagined. Fortunately, the chocolate sauce drizzled onto the strawberries was luscious, though left us hanging; Chocolate cravings un-satiated.

Thankfully, the Dark Chocolate Frappe saved the day. With a tinge of bitterness amidst the sweet concoction, with just enough whipped cream to not overwhelm the flavour, the beverage was rather filling. Had it been a tad thicker, with extra chocolatey-oomph, it’d be a perfect chocolate drink.

Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream

Blueberry and Apple Crumble

Where else for satisfying desserts, and a chatter under the shining spotlights, than at Delicious? The sinful chocolate cake still had me singing praises (click HERE for the virginal experience), and this time around, the sweetness was slightly toned down (thank goodness!), but still managed to evoke that sense of guilt+satisfaction, the instant the warm chocolate cake paired with the cold, creamy vanilla ice-cream entered your mouth.

Since most items on the menu were not available that evening, we had to rely on the waitress’ recommendation for a blueberry and apple crumble. Still prefer the peach and apple version, as the tartness of the blueberries, contrasting to the sweet vanilla ice-cream, and the warm crumbles may not bode well with some.

Here’s to a DELICIOUS 2009 !!! =)