Motormouth From Ipoh – Asian Food & Travel Blog

Turkey Ham Aglio Olio (MYR20.90/USD7) – Strips of pan fried turkey ham served with al dente spaghetti tossed with olive oil and weird enough; spring onion as garnish. Oh well.

Back in October 2008, I wrote a review on SSTC (short for Spaghetti Sweet Tea Cafe); an above average dining experience yet I could not help but wondered aloud;

“How can an outlet serving pasta and risotto priced at above MYR20 per portion, plus tiramisu at MYR15 and coffee at almost MYR10 survive among the giants of Ipoh; hawker delights at a fraction of the price?”

Mind you, aside from Indulgence, Citrus and Brewster’s (back then was operating in old town, then moved to Greentown and now closed), not many cafes could survive 6 years ago with prices like that. And after a deluge of new yet lacklustre cafes in Ipoh recently, I have almost given up hope on dining in boutique cafes until I stumbled upon SSTC again.

Like a rendezvous with an old friend, the revisit after 5 and a half years came up to be a bittersweet experience. Read on to find out why.  Read the rest of this entry »

Tiramisu & A Latte to Save the Day?

First thing I’d like to say is … SORRY.

I apologize for not replying the comments, e-mails, tweets and much less active on the Facebook page now. It’s been a tumultuous crossover from 2012 (when the world’s supposed to end … but it didn’t. Thankfully) to 2013 with barely a few days to catch my breath in between.

I guess the same could be said for the year before; when work commitments took over my life literally without a moment to spare for proper year-end highlights and recollection of travel stories.

Josephine Cafe & Bistro

Josephine Cafe & Bistro; capturing hearts since 2008/9. Wait a minute. Is this the same Josephine that I wrote a scathing piece of review back in 2009; largely due to the below par food served at unreasonably marked-up prices? Yes dearies. I found myself back at their doorsteps over the New Year (seems like ages ago, but was barely ten days ago!) for tea time.

Was this redemption or an affirmation of my previous stand? Read the rest of this entry »

JOSE & DELI – Josephine Cafe & Bistro’s latest venture of one all-day eatery + delicatessen in Ipoh

Ready for a fresh avalanche of Ipoh food reviews? Let’s kick the series off with Jose & Deli; a new all-day eatery-cum-delicatessen situated on the 1st floor of the refurbished landmark named French Hotel along Cockman Street, Ipoh.

I guess finally, our pleas have been heard and fulfilled. As here we have another eatery that opens all day, without a break in between from 7.30am until 11.00pm everyday. Perfect spot for the in-between-meals cravings and gatherings with family and friends.

Read on to find out more about this place. Read the rest of this entry »

Gossip Jazz’s “The Best Sang Har Mein” (RM25/USD8) (no, it’s really named as such) comprises of deep fried wantan noodles (egg noodles) and two large freshwater prawns.

Have you heard of this new place named Gossip Jazz in Greentown? A wine bar coming to life with live jazz performances every Thursday to Saturday night, and relaxing jazz and blues music playing over the background at other times.

Psst. Let me drop you another hint; they don’t joke when they claim that their Sang Har Mein (Freshwater Prawn Noodles) is the best in town.

Read the rest of this entry »

Western food in Ipoh has grown leaps and bounds since the days when it was either Rendezvous, First Coffee House, Scotch Pub, Miner’s Arms or to some lesser extent (catering to simpler, fuss-free palates of the younger ones), Crazy Ice Cream House. Back when we were still watching Ultraman, Voltron and still idolized turtles with weapons and talking trash (somewhat), dining out at any of the above was a cause for rejoice.

Okay, drop the last one, since Crazy Ice Cream existed back in the 90’s if I’m not mistaken (and still operating the last I heard). But only Scotch Pub managed to last well over its prime. And surprisingly, still attracting a loyal legion of fans come lunch hour. (*Though one of the comments in that same post came from an avid fan of theirs, and seemingly the owner is selling off the quaint eatery!)

Fresh Oxtail Soup (RM17.50/USD5.80) – Thick, creamy and robust taste of freshly stewed oxtail in a tangy tomato base cream soup, served with garlic bread. This could be a main dish, for all I know.

Anyway, fast forward a decade or so later, Maria’s Cafe came to the scene. Indefinitely, this was a cafe in a class of its own (back then), we shuddered to think of having dinners there since being students and all … the price was not so agreeable. Especially when this was THE place for good steaks and cakes, and a full-blown 3 course meal at Maria’s could have rendered us incapacitated for days without lunch money.

But that was then, and let’s fast forward again to present day. When the sight of Western food outlets (Cafes, Bistros, Steakhouse, Restaurants, etc) at every corner of the eye in densely-populated by commercialization area (Greentown, 1Casuarina, Ipoh Garden East) becomes the norm. And Maria’s Cafe still holds strong amidst the strong competition (Movenpeak, MP, Brewster’s, Yeolde English are merely walkable distance).

Read on to discover the sheer number of  food tasted in this review, and how Maria herself fought off competition and retains loyal customers with food cooked with the freshest of ingredients and delectably-homemade desserts ….. Read the rest of this entry »

Strawberry Strudel (RM29.90/USD9.70 for Whole, RM7.50/USD2.40 per slice)

Back in the end of May 2010, we went on an excursion to Cameron Highlands; and thus were duly introduced (albeit rather late) to Strawberry Moment Dessert Cafe in the town of Brinchang. Cool breeze and crisp, fresh air marks a pleasant respite from the hectic/routine lifestyle on the lowlands; punctuated with a delightful array of strawberry desserts and beverages.

A spacious, bright and airy ambience with a chic finish; designed by one of the owner herself. Even the menu was designed in-house, further saving up on the operational cost.

Then they decided to branch out from their two outlets in Cameron Highlands, bringing the taste of their delectable desserts and signature creations (especially their commanding Strudels) down to Ipoh. A smart choice, considering the fact that back then, De Garden was devoid of a proper hangout spot for desserts and drinks, save for Pappa Rich.

An astonishing number of desserts (more than 20 types) dominate their menu, with emphasis on desserts made with fresh fruits (majority of them with strawberries; of course), chocolates (from their very own chocolate factory in Cameron Highlands named Avant), and various beverages including Illy coffee, fresh juices, milk shakes, and tea.

Read the rest of this entry »

Who Needs Fork & Knife? Basted with a finger-licking droolworthy BBQ sauce, the Pork Ribs Special @ Berlin’s Bier Houz just begged to be devoured using hands and all.

A new watering hole opened in Greentown Business Centre recently, named Berlin’s Bier Houz (www). Specializing in imported German beers, and a mish-mash of German-European cuisine, I came to know about this place recently from a colleague, and decided to venture over for lunch.

This place reminded me of Bavarian Bier Haus @ The Curve, with almost the same setting, cuisine, and imported German beers.

The front facade of the restaurant/bistro, located at the new premises in Greentown Business Centre. Berlin’s Bier Houz faces the row of shops housing Movenpeak and Assam House.

The menu covers mostly liquors in all manners, served in half-a-pint sizes, full pints, in bottles, and even cocktails/mocktails. Indeed, a haven for those who appreciate the finer forms of German beers, with names such as Erdinger, Stella Artois, Blackthorn, Tetley’s and Connor’s. Pardon me for being ignorant, for I’m not an avid drinker myself.

So let’s see what type of cuisines Berlin’s Bier Houz has to offer …. Read the rest of this entry »