The Baba Nyonya heritage is one that’s so rich with history, culture and traditions that the hybrid Nyonya or "peranakan" cuisine takes on many facets. The unique blend of Malay and Chinese legacies from centuries ago has resulted in a cuisine that’s incredibly flavoursome thanks to the myriad of distinct spices and ingredients used, not to mention the painstakingly laborious processes. I know several true-blue nyonya chefs who all tell me the same thing: that nyonya or “peranakan” dishes … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2016
THE BOWERY KITCHEN & BAR, SOLARIS DUTAMAS – American Fares with Flair!
I had just returned from New York the week before I stepped into The Bowery Kitchen & Bar at the Main Square of Publika Solaris. So it was a pleasant surprise for me to discover that the restaurant has an American-centric menu. It was like stepping into a New York cafe all over again, albeit The Bowery being more spacious and “newer” than most eateries I’ve visited in my short stint at the Big Apple. Opened just in October this year, all 3,500sq ft of the restaurant breathed of … [Read more...]
YOOGANE – South Korea’s famous DAK GALBI Restaurant opens in 1-UTAMA!
One of the most popular Dak Galbi restaurants from South Korea is now in 1-Utama! Established in 1981 in Busan, there are now more than 100 outlets in South Korea with the very famous ones in Myeongdong and Hongdae catering to hungry crowds. Yoogane opened its first outlet in Malaysia last weekend and there was a crazy long queue outside the restaurant! So what is “dak galbi”? It’s a much-loved dish prepared from marinating chicken in “gochujang” - spicy red pepper paste for at … [Read more...]
Behold MEATOLOGY!
Meatology is the name of Chef Yenni Law’s celebrated cookbook and it was actually at the media launch of this book in early 2015 that I first met this dedicated and passionate chef. Read more about that encounter here. Yenni is also the owner of the former “Boathouse”, a popular restaurant in Taman Tun Dr Ismail for many years. “Former” because Boathouse has now been rebranded as “Meatology”, streamlining this identity with the success of Yenni’s cookbook. I love the classy new logo of the … [Read more...]
SECRET GARDEN @ Taman SEA, Petaling Jaya – Nourishing Home-style Taiwanese Dining
From the outside, the facade of Secret Garden looks just like any other shop-lot restaurant. The moment you step in, its refreshing whimsical interior decor will have you pausing in admiration. Its team of interior designers have done a good job in transforming the space into a comfortable and unique setting, reflecting its name. A natural foliage wall and hanging lights encased in bird cages set the pace for a secret garden while specially-commissioned hand-painted murals on … [Read more...]
THE DAILY GRIND, Bangsar Village 1 – NEW BRUNCH MENU!
There’s no shortage of places in Bangsar for brunch and that’s a fact. Every other cafe in this neighbourhood offers brunch in the menu. The Daily Grind in Bangsar Village is well-known for its gourmet burgers, milk shakes and cakes. This diner prides itself for its artisanal burgers made the traditional way and they have now decided to expand that expertise to include some innovative items for their brunch menu. Love the bright & cheerful vibes of The Daily Grind! The 9 brand … [Read more...]
A’ROMA DININGS, PARAMOUNT GARDEN, PETALING JAYA
It’s quite refreshing that Paramount Garden, predominantly a residential area, now houses a well set-up Italian restaurant. In the few rows of shophouses in this location, most of the eateries are casual types, more of the kopitiam-style than anything. Hence, a’Roma Dinings, with its chic restaurant, wine lounge and coffee bar is a class above the rest. The name a’Roma stems from the city of Roma and the team here strives to showcase authentic Italian cuisine using the … [Read more...]
Crabbing out at FEI FEI CRAB RESTAURANT, Damansara Jaya
As its name suggests, this is a restaurant for serious crab lovers. Specialising in seafood generally, with crabs as their highlight, Fei Fei Crabs offers a good variety of dishes cooked in ways that most Malaysians love. It’s located in a middle shoplot and looks like any other local neighbourhood eatery. The red plastic chairs contrast vividly with their bright yellow tablecloths - you can’t miss the place, trust me. It’s no-frills kopitiam-style set-up paves the way for some really … [Read more...]
All-You-Can-Eat DIM SUM BRUNCH @ TI CHEN, THE SAUJANA HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR
Have you checked out the new location of Ti Chen at The Saujana Hotel? It’s simply beautiful. It is now located in a standalone building facing the lake and the French windows/doors of the restaurant provide stunning views of the gorgeous gardens and lake. The visual feast is as sumptuous as the menu offerings, trust me. The interior of the restaurant has been given an elegant makeover. There are now classy wood panellings framed by chic white French doors and windows. As a Chinese … [Read more...]
FARM TO PLATE @ Damansara Kim – let the natural flavours shine!
Farm to plate, farm to table - these are the latest dining trends around town. It’s like a spin-off from the organic food craze, which is not a bad thing. People are now appreciating the value of chemical-free food and the next step is to eat food that’s freshly brought in from the source: the farm. For the ordinary folks, it may not be viable to consume farm-fresh food on a regular basis unless they own the farms. For some restaurants, it is a worthy venture to promote healthier food and … [Read more...]
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