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Taufulou

My food & travel journey

Featured

King of Chi Ma Wu at Restoran Ruby @ Pudu

by Taufulou 24/02/2020

written by Taufulou

Restoran Ruby 祖传芝麻糊大王 or to be known as King of Chi Ma Wu at Pudu is one of a Chinese dessert or Chinese Tong Sui in KL to be. Waves of high praise for them upon their Sesame dessert.

We walk over from our pre-CNY dinner place at Restaurant Sek Yuen to here as just a stone throw away. Was told by my colleague that they are famous for a few dessert and try it out lo.

The stall looks more like herbal drink stall rather than a dessert stall.

Price is slightly on the high side.

Have you ever seen a nice dessert art on your tong sui instead of those nice latte art. This is the first. A lot of heart and creativity in this.

The only thing stand out is Black Sesame which suits on the sign board. RM 3.50

I have high hopes on this Steamed Egg Custard @ RM 3.50.. However it was quite a let down in both taste and texture.

Well a dessert place that I wont return but again really depends on your taste bud. I do see alot people making take away like at least 3-10 per bag. Also again, the build up hype and comments for many people give me this set of expectation.

*Pork FREE

-= Ka Ching =-

Food Rating 5/10, so so only!!!! -Stamped-

–Warning– This is based on my individual taste. Try it at your own risk-

Location:
Restoran Ruby 祖传芝麻糊大王
Jalan Sayur, Pudu,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 012-382 2262

Operating hours: 11am till midnight daily

24/02/2020 0 comment

Featured

MiyagiSays @ Uptown Damansara

by Taufulou 19/02/2020

written by Taufulou

A new eatery had pop up in Uptown Damansara and this is the new MiyagiSays. I really do give me an impression of Karate Kid movie. Not only that, I personally felt that it is a nice place to hang out with friends too.

This new bar in Uptown Damansara do have its own twist in both the stories and also their food. They are serving Japanese Fusion food with a twist of local infusion. More like a Japanese Mamak style. Hence you can see some of the servings are like Mamak version. This Japanese Bar in PJ also serve pretty well known Highballs. It is actually soda with whisky. One of a famous streetfood or yakitori moment that a must have drink.

A place which is minimalist interior with raw finishing and their lvl 1 will blow you away.

Starting off with signature Miyagi Highballs. A refreshing drink that have a nice balance of flavour, bubbles that I like and with a slice of Lemon.

Onigiri Original – with a Nasi Lemak Twist in it. Serve with fried popiah base and seaweed sheet

Miyagi Potato Chips. Crispy that goes well with my highball and to dip along chef special sambal which is not too spicy yet fragrant. Just nice.

Sup Tulang Nabe is more like a combination of Bak Kut Teh but they make it into a twist of Japanese version. Love the soup which is slight pappery that give you a hint of heat at the end.

Maggi Ox Tongue

I quite like Miyagi Nga Pou Kai Fan. Using Japanese Soy Sauce and Chicken being grill first before adding on top. Can ask for extra soy sauce if you want it to get a little salty. Just nice as the flavour really does goes well with the highball.

If you want some snacks to bite then Bak Kwa Pork Belly is pretty good. Nicely glazed and grilled.

Butter milk Kai

Cream Cheese Kai Si Fatt is da bomb! A must order if you like Kai Si Fatt (Chicken Backside)

Egg bomb turns out to be better than expected. Potato and mash with perfectly cooked egg in the middle with a bed of salmon tartar.

Another 2 drinks we got is Henny Highball and Sake Highball. The uniqueness of their highball is the tap behind is being imported from Japan that gives it a unique kind of soda water.

After that we adjourn to upstairs with liveband on every weekend. A different kind of look whereby the bar is fitted with white titles and alot of neon corner which is perfect for picture taking. Best to come here around evening.

There are 2 different menu being served as mains are only available downstairs and only some snacks are available in Level 1.

Continue our night with Gin with Plum (I think girls will like this a lot. Simple drink). Cocktail highball.

They also have a unique tai wah sek game. Do check them out.

Indeed a nice Japanese bar in PJ to chill out.

Location:
#miyagesays
52G, Jalan SS 21/35,
Damansara Utama, 47400
Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Tel: 03-7731 6195

Operating Hours: 4pm – 2am

19/02/2020 0 comment

Featured

Baby Limas Beans Salad

by Taufulou 17/02/2020

written by Taufulou

When a gathering with friends and their theme is pot luck, I will be always lost of what to bring over. While doing some research of what to cook, then come across an article that mention World Pulses Day which is quite interesting. I read further, this global event happening on 10^th February since 2018 is actually design by United Nations to share the importance of pulses like chickpeas, dry beans, lentils, dry peas and others.

It is rather simple after reading this article. Making a salad with pulses. Went to Village Grocer and start hunting for beans and to my surprise, there are actually lots of beans out there.

While I was standing there blankly on what kind of brands and beans to choose from, I saw quite number of shoppers picked up this brand S&W and then I narrow down to them. S&W uses U.S. Pulses products. Among all the cans of beans, capturing my attention is this U.S. Baby Limas Beans (Butter Beans) which I think would easily make a salad out of it.

Exploring further about this U.S. Baby Limas Beans (Butter Beans), is actually one of a large produce coming from the United States of America. Little did I know that, they are actually one of the largest exporters of dry beans into Southeast Asia. It is like some of the U.S. potato breed taste better in French fries in texture.

Last round I did created my own grilled water melon salad and many of you asked for the recipe. The results were overwhelming as most of my friends finish the first dish among the rest.

This round, these are some of the ingredients that I have chosen to create this salad out. A salad that give you a nice bite in both texture and flavours.

Recipe as below for serving of 2 pax:

1 can of U.S. Baby Limas Beans (Butter Bean)
1 x Australian Avocado : about 150 g
1 x box of Red and green coral vegetable : 50g
1 x orange : using half only
Edamame: 70g
Honey Cherry tomato: 150g
Red Onion: 30g
Garlic: 10g
Edible flowers: few petals
White feta cheese

Steps are rather simple. Finely cut 10 gram of red onion into small cubes and another 20 gram into slices.

Just open up the avocado and cut into any sizes that you like.

Then for the Butter Beans, just rinse with cold water, strain to dry. Try one to eat it right out from the can, it does give you a nice sweet, smooth beans texture and aromatic too.

I decided to pan fried it to give a nice slight burnt dry taste to bring up the beans flavour.

Add a dash of olive oil into the heat pan. Just slightly toss and pan fried for about 3 minutes.

Assemble all the ingredients into the plate and I finish it off by squeezing half orange to give a zesty flavour and dash of olive oil.

This is my butter beans salad.

Here you go. A salad for 2 pax.

My salad was gone in 5 minutes, as the feedback given was simply addictive, fresh ingredients punch with flavours. A good mix of salty, bitter, sour and sweet. The butter beans just pairs well that give a soft texture from the crunchy element of veggie.

17/02/2020 0 comment

Featured

Personalize box with Sweet Connexion

by Taufulou 12/02/2020

written by Taufulou

Who does not love surprises? Especially when you get a heavy box and the box is filled with lots of chocolates. I guess chocolate is a universal flavour that everyone loves. You can get this personalized sweet surprise boxes at Sweet Connexion. A new start up that is run by young group of passionate Malaysians.

A gift box that had been carefully designed to give a little surprise to the receiver upon opening up. You can either customize the box yourself or you can get a ready-made boxes to go, like Meraki, Eunoia, Serenity or Orenda, especially Serenity/Orenda boxes as they comes with their home made donuts, if you are indecisive.

I got a special box from Sweet Connexion. Filled with variety of chocolates and gummy bears. Best of all is that you can have a customized card in it too. Valentine’s is just around the corner, this would be a perfect gift box along with a personalize message and a stalk of rose.

Would you be my Valentine?

My box also comes with variety of great chocolate, especially Whittakers Artisan Chocolate. Not too bitter nor sweet yet just nice to my liking. Their chocolate bar is available too. Haribo Goldbears, Ferrero Rocher, Kinder Bueno, Kitkat Senses and Lindt Lidnor.

I am not a big fan of chocolate but in the pack, the Whittakers chocolate is da bomb. I finished the whole bar by myself while watching 1 drama episode. Indeed high quality chocolate received for the paying price Check em out.

FREE delivery for orders from Damansara, Klang Valley, certain parts of Selangor, Kuala Lumpur

12/02/2020 1 comment

Bar & Bistro

Sakura Den @ Off Old Klang Road, KL

by Taufulou 10/02/2020

written by Taufulou

When I was driving to this place, it seems like the area would not have a bar as it seems out from Old Klang Road. Indeed Sakura Den located at Off Old Klang Road is actually in Kampung Pasir area. After checking this place out, this would be one of a recommended speakeasy bar in Old Klang Road to hunt for.

This hidden bar in KL is head by Arsenio Mariano Jr., better known as Ash. Holding up as winner of the Bar Awards Luminaries 2019. With his vast exploration around South East Asia had is making his drinks quite adventurous. A local mixologist Sabahan that did pretty outstanding drinks with local infusion.

A place where the regulars come often for their usual drink with a glass or two before heading back to their home.

Cocktail’s Creed, which takes place every Sunday from now until March 2020, sets guests up for a surprise with every drink. Going against the grain, Ash prefers that you tell him the flavours or ingredients you don’t like, and he’ll conjure up a custom cocktail that just might make your favourites list.

Select 2 cocktails for RM70+ or 3 cocktails for RM90+ and journey with Ash through unique flavour profiles derived from using house-made ingredients such as ginseng flower and tongkat ali infusions, peach gum, and jujube syrup. Ask him about Mexican worm salt aka sal de gusano and he’ll be happy to oblige your curiosity.

For some quick snacks/bites, hit on their :

1. Tomato Salsa Bruschetta with feta cheese @ RM16+

2. Chili Garlic Prawns served with garlic bread @ RM18+

3. Fish Metti catfish with coriander, butter and Parmesan cheese baked with garlic bread @ RM18+

For a start, we try out his signature: Birds Nest – Kinsey Gin, Birds Nest, Peach Gum Infused With Longan Jujube Syrup & Ume @ RM 48. Clever mix of flavour that gives you hint of longan jujube along with peach gum gives you the substitute of bird next texture and gin that goes well with it. A nice balance of flavour.

Twisted Queen – Brugal Blanco, Carpano Antica Formula, Mangosteen Juice, Pandan Syrup, Lime @ RM 36

For a simple light drink to go with, as I want to maintain my palate for the night simple. Ginza Spritz – Kinsey Gin, Mathilde Poire Liqueur, Nigori Yuzushu, Shiso leaves, Lemon and a splash of Soda @ RM 38 is one of a right drink to hunt for. Simple yet spot on with few flavours that linger in your mouth.

This is like the limited edition bottle or its supply is very limited, only 1000 bottles produce a year. Ume Hi One of a very unique flavour. Its kind of must try if you are a gin lover. A clean and refreshing cocktail that uses Benichu 19° – an oak barrel matured umeshu.

Kopi Jantan – an espresso based cocktail with a local influence using our house-infused Borghetti liqueuer with Tongkat Ali root. A rather interesting cocktail that gives you hint of bitterness yet liquier is not too strong but slightly prominent.

I am a big fan of Negroni and especally smokey negroni. However for their version of Sakura Negroni – Sakurao Original, Umeshu,Chartreuse Gentiano @ RM 48. There is a slight twist. It is refershing yet, a strong lingering flavour of chartreuse and mild after sourness from umeshu is kinda interesting twist after it.

Now I really know there is this hidden speakeasy bar that serve pretty good cocktail. Even better if you are indecisive, just inform Ash on your flavour profile and ask him to surprise you. I think that would be quite adventurous.

Location:
Sakura Den
First Floor,
24, Jalan Kampung Pasir,
Kampung Pasir,
58200 Kuala Lumpur,

Operating Hours: 5pm – 1am

TeL: 012-393 8627

10/02/2020 1 comment

Featured Food Fusion K.L KL area Location Modern/Casual Fine Dining Other Pork Free

Playte Contemporary Dining @ Bukit Damansara, KL

by Taufulou 05/02/2020

written by Taufulou

Just would want to say, it is not good to put your expectation up before dining. One of a reason because of their background. Playte Contemporary Dining is one of the new kids on the block in Bukit Damansara, ,KL that is run by 3 young prominent chef with their establishment started since Aug 2019.

Run by 3 young culinary chef are Brendon Chen, Kae Huey and Sharina Aidid, who first met while studying in Le Cordon Bleu six years ago. With the talent Brendon, had staged at Taipei’s Mume (ranked seventh this year on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants) and honed his craft at KL’s own Nadodi (which CNN recently described as potentially being the world’s next great Indian restaurant) – this is the part that lifted up my expectation.

A dining place that is set up in modern interior casual dining space. Divided into 2 dining seating area. My preference is always on the bar bench as you get to enjoy chef in action. If you need some private space, then hit for their floor seating area.

I believe this is not their permanent menu, as like any other modern dining, their menu is seasonal.

Looking at the menu, decided to try out

Next is Squid – king oyster mushroom, mushroom broth, thyme @ RM 34. Squid cut to perfection in slices and in the same order of sizes. Broth is fragrant yet I find that the flavour do not match. Freshness of squid and the broth is quite separated.

Service here is definitely not top notch as I do have expectation that each plate to be cleared upon arrival of each dish. However my first 2 dishes plate still sits right next to me before arrival of mains. This is even I am seated at the bench and right in front of the chef’s.

I did not order the fish, guessing this is Threadfin @ RM 56. – thouchu butter & charred greens. It does looks good though, as the fish looks done to perfect.

My original order was Waygu Triptip and after seeing the first order went out on the Duck, we decided to go on this instead. The duck believe is sous vide as to keep the colour and the meat cook just right. I just wish the skin is pan seared to crisp. The sauce that comes along is quite interesting, bitter and sourness of it does pairs a little well. The char-grilled cauliflower do give the taste a little lift.

Duck is a tricky dish, should have stick back to my original order Wagyu as it does look much promising as below when they prep on it.

For dessert, we try on the recommendation from the floor staff that Gula Melaka Ice Cream is their signature. – warm chocolate mouse and roselle. Warm chocolate nicely done, warm and punch with bitterness. A ring of chocolate biscuti covered ontop to support on the ice cream. However, there is no hint of gula melaka.

Overall, I brought high expectation to this dining experience. A piece of advise is to go in without any and dine accordingly. This place perhaps might suits your palate.

Among other new young chef restaurants that I tried over past 6 months, the 2 below fares better for me.

Little Pig @ The Hub, SS2 – modern Spanish dining
Gooddam @ The Hub, SS2 – modern Italian with local twist
top 3 modern fine dining in KL

*PORK FREE

-= Ka Ching =-

Food Rating 6.5/10, it is alright! -Stamped- is

–Warning– This is based on my individual taste. Try it at your own risk-

Location:
Playte Contemporary Dining
G.01, Republik, Jalan Medan Setia,
Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur

Operating hours:
Daily: 11:30am–3pm / 6:30p,–11pm

Tel: 011-2698 5562

05/02/2020 1 comment

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