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How many of you do actually come up here and pray? In Penang is not only famous for food as Kek Lok Si Temple is also one of the main tourist attraction when you visit Penang. One of the reason that you should visit this place as its one of the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia.

Back to the history of how it was build as the construction of the temple began in 1890 and was inspired by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple at Pitt Street. With the support of the consular representative of China in Penang, the project received the sanction of the Emperor Guangxu, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras. (source from wikipedia)

As the temple is still growing and expending, as below is the new section of the temple that building the new bronze Guan Yin statue was purely donations from visitors around the world that have visited this place.

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Besides the standing tall statue, every year during Chinese New Year, the whole temple is transform to temple of light that every corner and edge is well light up that make it so obvious to be miss if you are driving around as this temple is sitting at mid hill. During CNY, the temple had attracted many tourist from all around the region to flock at this place as it is only light up during 1 week before through 1 week after CNY.

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Of course we took the opportunity to come up here as well. As we reach, then we prayed and then make a good wish for year 2012 ad they have a wish tree that you just purchase these ribbon with many types of specific wish you wanted, good health, wealth, career, family and many more then write your  name behind it.

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of course there is a saying, the higher you put up, the chances of it to be more smooth for the year will be fufill.

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to avoid massive traffic jam coming up and down, its good to be up here before 7pm then leave before 9pm whereby after 8pm is the most people and congested traffic. You can even enjoy to be stuck in the traffic for at least 1 hour before coming up here. Viewing part of the island.

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As year of the Dragon, the place is decorated up with a few Dragon decor.

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Then thru donations around the world, usually we buy a plank/ piece of the rooftop tiles and write our name and for further construction, they will place this tiles up.

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If not you can buy a chunk of coins then put it on every base of this to make it a complete round.

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this is the bronze Guan Yin Statue that is still under construction on its final stage which is her roof.

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With the statue sitting at the top of the temple, and if you do plan to visit the bottom part of the temple, you can take a ride on this newly constructed rail train which cost RM2 for 1 way and RM2 for return trip.

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At 7pm sharp, the whole temple will be light up till 12am.

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Went up with the siau poh’s

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As night falls, its becoming more light up and nice.

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To head to another Pagoda tower, you have to pay RM2 per entry to visit this section then you get to climb to the top floor of the pagoda tower.

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Make another wish and ring the bell then put your donations accordingly.

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Well, this whole temple city being light up and its only happening once a year which is during Chinese New Year Period. If you happen to be around the city, do visit and enjoy the magnificent of the lights.

Map:

View Larger Map

Chinese New Year is just around the corner, which I could not believe myself too. Next weekend, all of us will be heading back for Reunion dinner. Nevertheless, alot of restaurants and hotels now do offer great food for reunion dinner as many families had opted to eat out instead of cooking at home because on ambiance and convenience.

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As for this round, we head to Checkers Cafe located inside Dorsett Regency Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

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Checkers cafe offers a great soothing ambiance which is perfect for family gathering as the whole place is comfortable, can be separate out with other diners also indulge with a very simple decoration to stir up the mood of CNY.

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Once we were seated, we were greated by this huge Pineapple as a special welcome drink called Prosperity Splash Drink (Mixtured of Pineapple, Mandarin orange, Dragon Fruit juice and hint of honey) indeed its a thirst quencher drink that you will never had enough.

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What we are having for the night is a 8 course dinner that prepared by a great Chinese chef.

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Of course like any other celebrations during Chinese New Year and before dinner or everything starts, we will always starts with ‘Lou Sang’ which is only a tradition that available in a few countries around South East Asia. The thick sauce is specially made with chef’s own recipe to enhance on the taste of the ‘lou sang’. Their unique of Yee Sang is that ‘Salmon Yee Sang with crispy Salmon skin’.

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Fresh Salmon ‘Yee Sang’ for the night . . . .

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As preparation, you mix everything what is next to the plate on sauce and other ingredients.

Pictures credit to: www.everydayfoodilove.com

In the process of Yee Sang, by using a chopstick and stick inside the Yee Sang then you say out loud your  “auspicious wishes”  for the year, every toss say one wish whereby mostly is high salary, good business, good health and many more. The higher you toss,

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This is usually the aftermath of lou sang and this consider not that bad, as for me and my friend, it did fly to someone’s hair before and the whole portion left half as another half is on the table. 😀

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A very delicious, savory with a bit sweet, sour, crispy salmon skin that kick a perfect start before dinner. One of a good Yee Sang that I have come across so far. . .

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Pan-fried Lamb Rack with Chef Special Sauce

This is the super star of the night as one piece would not be enough. I think I do not mind to have at least 5 pieces of this that it is well marinated till the sauce got into the meat, well quoted with the sauce that make it very juicy and not only that, the meat is so soft till it nearly melts, no lamb gammy taste which is a perfect dish for every one. Highly Recommended!

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Braised Shark’s Fin with Assorted Seafood

During Chinese new Year, Shark Fin will mostly fill onto the table as they are quite generous with the ingredient. I can eat chunks of crab meat, fish maw and assorted seafood every spoonful of it.

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Followed by Steamed Chicken with Herbs.

Juicy and soft meat with the herb sauce soak onto the meat and make every bite delicious.

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Deep Fried Cod Fish with Superior Soya Sauce

This is also another favourite dish for the night, as the fish being deep fried on the outer layer till its crispy then shower along with superior soy sauce. Always love the texture of cod fish which is soft and moist.  – Recommended

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Deep Fried Prawns with Seafood Sauce

Fresh prawn that indicates by the solid meat texture and the seafood sauce pairs it very well.

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Braised Fish Maw, Sea Cucumber, Dried Oyster and Black Mushroom with seasonal vegetable

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Fried Rice with ginger and salted egg

Fried hot from the wok with ‘wok hei’ a bit salty and I still add in some soy sauce to further bring up the taste. Its simple and good to further fill my stomach.

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Steamed Nian Gao which is prepared by the chef himself as its a bit softer compare to those I have eaten so far and I love Nian Gao alot as get to eat once a year. I love it to well coated with lots of coconut.

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Golden Sesame Ball with Red Bean paste

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For the first time I am trying Sweetened Red Bean Paste, as I mean the red bean had been blend into a very thick to make this desert out. Usually I eat this in watery base filled with Red Bean chunks.

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This is the Sous Chef Lai behind the wok that had created this great range or Perfect Dinner menu that have all what a Reunion dinner needs. In this menu many chinese believe in every dinner must have Prawns, Fish, Chicken, dried oyster and nian gao. All have their own meaning in a Chinese New Year Dinner.

I certainly would recommend for their CNY Chinese Menu if you wanted to go for reunion dinner at this hotel. Great food ~

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We were also given cup cakes with Dragon Icon and gold. The cake is moist and nice!

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If you do not like their Chinese NEw Year menu you can opt for their buffet that have a good range too.

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Reunion Buffet Dinner

22nd January 2012
Price: RM108++ per person
“Gong Xi Fa Cai’  New Year Brunch
23rd and 24th January 2012
12.00 noon to 4:00pm
Price: RM75++ per person
Joy and Luck Buffet Lunch
Monday to Friday
(25th – 31st January 2012/ 2nd – 5th January 2012)
Price: RM75++ per person
Prosperity Buffet Dinner
Monday to Friday
(23rd to 31st January 2012/ 1st February to 6th February 2012)
Price: RM85++ per person

*50% discount for children between the ages of 4 to 12 and senior  citizens of 55 years old and above

*Price quoted are subject to 10% service charge and 6% government tax.
For Reservation:  603-2716 1000
Great news for all Taufulou.com Readers, you guys will enjoy a 38% discount if you make your CNY buffet reservation by including my link and clicking on the link below :
Location:
DORSETT REGENCY HOTEL
172, Jalan Imbi
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: 603-2716 1000
Fax: 603-2715 5000

 

Till now, I still could not believe that its already Chinese New Year. . . Time really flies that it just gives me the feeling of CNY 2010 was like just few months ago. ..  .As now being the Eve of Chinese New Year, I am sure most of the people will do very last minute shopping by going wet market, hitting onto malls for clothing and doing some photoshoot too . . .

Here are just some of the snapshots I took at Pavilion for their Chinese New Year Decorations. . .

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Just in here, the picture was taken last year at House of Tang which I really miss those kind of photoshoot (click here for more). . .and I just want to wish everyone of you out there. . . My friends & Readers out there. . .

Happy Chinese Rabbit New Year 2011. . . .

&

May all of you have a prosperous year & Stay Healthy .. . .

Those who are driving back to their respective hometown, drive safe. . .

Fear not, when love is in the air around the corner, every boyfie is figuring out and extending their brain to look for place to dine during Valentine’s day and during this period of time, many restaurant owner taking this advantage to even open on the very first day of CNY. If you are looking not to burn a hole in your pock or dig deep into it, this restaurant will be one of your considerations. It’s located in the prime area of Kuchai Lama.

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What can you expect in from a restaurant operating in this area of course first comes with the pricing.

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Second is I just love their dim light setting with modern home feel setting yet very relaxing and cozy that is perfect hang out place for couples. This place is usually pack after 9.30pm which most of the couples sitting in it and relaxing or chatting on the sofa.

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The restaurant concept is to promote more on healty eating by using the right ingrediant to create the best out of it.

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What is look for in this shop which is, they specializes in tea which most of the women are a fan of it. The tea mixture is their self own discovery which they do have their very RnD team just for this. Their tea can help some adults in their mood, which some might be stress, angry, need a place to relax, insomnia which they are discovering to ease those people to relax for the night.

Then we were thought by a tea specialist lady explaning how they brew the tea and what is the function for each tea.

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Pu Er Rose (Pot) – Burns fat, opens appetite
(????—????)


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Globe Maranth Red + Rose (by the Pot)—With anti-oxidants to keep you looking young
(???+????–????)

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Linden + Rosemary + Lavender + Chamomile (Pot)–Prevents migraine
(???+???+???+??? -?????????)

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Lavender + Forget Me Not (Pot) – To help you wound down after a long day
(??? + ??? –????)

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Rose + Hawthorn Fruit (Pot) – Great for fat-burning
(????+??—????)
Osmanthus + Jasmine (Pot) – Chases away listlessness; rids insomnia
(??+???–????)

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Osmanthus + Jasmine (Pot) – Chases away listlessness; rids insomnia
(??+???–????)

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All their tea flowers can be purchase at their counter if you do find any of the taste suits you. It is not very expensive as you only need a flower or 2 to make your tea during the night.

If you are not a tea lover, then you can opt for their Cold Version.

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Strawberry soda (Soda Chiller) (????)
Pomelo soda (Soda Chiller) (????)
Chamomile Orange – Cold Mix Tea (?????)
Roselle Pineapple Mango – Cold Mix Tea (?????)
Peach Longan and Lavender – Cold Mix Tea (???????)

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1.Longan—??
2.Rose Milk—????
3.Lavender Papaya –?????
4.Roselle ice tea—????
5.Kiwi Verbena—??????

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After we bombard with all the drinks tasted then we were bombard with food. All drinks price range from RM5.90-RM13.90

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Starter of the night start of with ‘Sauteed Sausage with Ikan Bilis (with Cili Padi)’ Just love the taste of the solid sausage meat that blend in well with the crispy small little ikan bilis yet it’s a lil bit spicy that bring the taste more outstanding. I just finish this plate by myself.

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‘Shrimp Cocktail in Wasabi Mayo’ is next in the list that the shrimp is quite huge with its springy solid prawn meat which is the sign of freshness yet the wasabi is just the right taste that will just make you burst into tears a lil.

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I am a big fan of salad, therefore any salad that comes will directly go into my mouth, ‘Caesar Salad with a dash of Anchovy in Olive Oil’.

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If you are a sandwich lover ‘Roast chicken Sandwich Coated with BBQ Sauce’, with a side salad. The toasted bun is filled with a deboned chicken thigh brushed with BBQ sauce (or you can choose honey lemon mustard).’ Is something you cannot miss. RM10.90

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‘Prawn and Fish Paste Mee Hoon Soup’ is cook without MSG is something you can look forward for yet they can cook out the taste of the salty veggie with the sweetness of the prawns and fish paste to make the soup clear mild sweet taste. RM8.90

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One of the star of the night is ‘Black Pepper Seafood Udon (spicy)’. Not too strong black pepper sauce taste yet solid springy udon that did not overcook yet with wok hei is something we enjoy eating. This udon went manage to go only half of the table. RM16.90

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In pasta, ‘Creamy Mushroom Pasta (Mushroom Carbonara)’ is always my most preferred choice. Fried till a bit dry yet can still enjoy the stickiness of the sauce on the pasta that is a bit creamy, cheesy and not too strong of milk taste that suits everyone on the table. RM13.90

Another dish that were highly praised by the rest as I did not manage to try it out is ‘Aglio Olio with Prawns’ – flavoured with extra virgin olive oil, herbs and a sprinkle of paprika. Something which is simple yet they can make it tasty. RM13.90

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The smell of the lemon sauce on the fish flying around our nose trill already making us want to eat it, the fish meat was cook till very soft which is fresh yet the sauce is just perfect to bring up the taste of it. ‘Pan-grilled Dory fillet slathered with Honey Lemon Mustard Sauce, (which is a blend of wholegrain mustard with honey and lemon juice). No salt or sugar added here so the dish is even good for diabetics.

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In this shop, I just love their ‘Lamb Chop in Black-pepper Sauce’ juicy tender meat of lamb that is well balance part of fats and meat with the black peper sauce just bring the extra umph in the meat. RM18.90

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‘Sirloin Steak in BBQ sauce’ was cook medium rare as we prefer and with the size and thickness of it, we would say well cook as most of the foodie did not eat beef that night, I just enjoy this very great piece by myself. RM25.90

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Well fried on the edge and on the skin of the chicken yet the meat is soft inside that shower with brown sauce is hard to resist. ‘Chicken Chop in Brown Sauce’ .
***** All the western food you can choose on your dressing with ‘Brown Sauce, Black Papper Sauce,Honey Lemon Mustard Sauce and all serving is served with creamy pan-roasted potato cubes + fresh garden salad *****
By the time we reach till this point, we were very full and now when most people say we are full, there are always room for deserts.

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Snow Fungus + Rose Sweet Soup – home-made, unique in taste.

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Imagine of having one each and its simply price from RM2-RM6.90

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‘Jasmine+Green Tea Mousse Cake’ (rose-petalled melt-in-your-mouth mousse cake served with sliced strawberries and a cut-out chocolate heart. Green Tea base and top jasmine layer have a drizzle of rose and jasmine honey vinegar)

‘Cream Puff in Lavender and Blueberry Yoghurt’

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1.‘Chocomarie Bar’ – looks like a brownie but the use of chopped marie biscuits with dark chocolate is to give it a lighter taste.
2.‘Rose Mousse Cake in Strawberry Sauce’ (heart-shaped mousse cake)
3.‘Carrot Cake’

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1.‘Tiramisu’
2.‘Chocolate Mousse Cake’
3.‘Chilled Lemon Cheese Cake’

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Last but not least end up with this very special brew coffee. Just loving it with strong taste of brew coffee taste yet another unique taste of it is for you to ask the owner to introduce to you. If you are a coffee lover, recommended.
For Valentine lovers, this is one of the place you can consider. Their Valentine menu is at RM128++ per couple
Starters
Special Fresh Veg Salad &
Mushroom Soup

Main Course
Sirloin Steak/Lamb
King Scallop with Asparagus & Aglio Olio

Drinks
Societea’s Hallmark Fruit Shake x 2 (or Top up RM30 for 2 glasses of Red Wine)

Desserts
Rose/Green Tea Ice Cream x 2

With this dinner arrangement we all had a great time and really really full and of course thank you, Choe, for all this. Wishing you has a prosperous Tiger Year.

Location:
Societea Restaurant
Kuchai Lama Entrepreneur Park
No.16 Jalan Kuchai Maju 1,
Off Kuchai Lama, KL

Tel: 012-398 3921
*Pork Free

Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Every Chinese is busy replanish stock for other family members and friends to visit them. Traffic and parking is a pain in the ass but another thing that draws alot of people to the mall is to take picture of the deco. The deco in most of the malls now are really putting alot of efford and investment in it. Its very impressive as part of the crowd drawing. Did not went to alot of malls but just went to the very main few ones.

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The decoration of 1-Utama is the ‘Fatt Choy Mau’ Prosperity Cat.. When it was setting up, I always keep wonder will the hand move like what most restaurant display.

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Sunway Pyramid

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Mid Valley very ancient China feel

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and recently most people flock to this place for the Christmas Deco and now their Cny Deco also very impressive with alot of ‘Mei Hua’ deco on the side walk at Pavilion

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a good place for photoshoot

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Fresh flowers decorated along the hallway main entrance

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With lotus and water lily to act like a mini pound

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Not to miss their night view~

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After lunch at Ketam Village Steamboat before heading back to car, then my friend bought this I so called Pancake. Which they name ‘Kik Kok‘. Don know what is that.

The offering for the pancake is not bad. So the order is ‘Chocolate + Butter + Chocolate Rice’ RM2.50.
This was not my order, just look interesting and took up the pic which I found that the price that we paid is worth for it also as the banana the include it was quite alot Not like some other stalls might be half of the banana or a few slices..Ish~!~
Looks tempting for this 1.
This is our order. Mouth watering when I saw it.
Comes out to be a size of this which is similar to the rest of the pancake stalls out there.
I must say that the 1 that my friend order was it is rich of chocolate taste, with the chocolate rich and the butter taste everything is there. The best thing is it very crispy on the inside out. Like eating Kuih Kapit during CNY and can just listen to you bite that time ‘grak grak grak‘….Ish. thinking back will just go back and grab another one. If for weekend I believe it is gonna be pack of people as we went for weekdays also have to wait for 15 minutes already.

-= KA CHING =-

Food rating 9/10 , Very Good-Stamped-
-WARNING –This is based on my individual taste. Try it at your own risk-
Location:
Ikano Power Centre,
Lower Ground Floor
Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya

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