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[update 1/5/2016:Close Down] know now as Pretz and Beanz 

Coffee industry in Malaysia is picking up, as there are more and more of these stand alone outlets that offer different kinds of coffee to consumers. One of the latest brand which is Chilla Cup is growing fast around Klang Valley.

Solaris (1)

Tried their outlet in Solaris area which I have passby a few times. Right before my road trip, decided to drop by for coffee.

Solaris (2)

Design of the outlet are nice and simple with brick wall with sofa seating area.

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I must say that I am impress with the manner of the outlet manager not only that, as he found out that I am a blogger, Suprise.. besides that he is nice friendly and know what is the best offering in the outlet.

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Order came in with some of my friends that went to the outlet before, Chilla Cup Pretzels is a must try, order my classic flavour Cinnamon pretzel. It was prepare fresh, right from scratch that need to wait for 5-10 minutes, soft, and nice. I must say its good~ no wonder they love it.

Solaris (6)

Fruit pancake was recommended and looks great at its presentation. Not long after that, the whole thing turn soggy pretty instant because of fruit was use that cause water generate down to the pancake, we only finish half of it.

Solaris (7)

Latte large to start of with, it was rather dissappointed with the froth being in this version, not only that, it taste no comment.

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Mocha large was next, at least it taste slightly better and there are room for improvement. I only can comment that different barista will brew different quality out. They still need lots room of improvement to make a good cup of coffee.

Overall, it is not a cheap breakfast with paying nearly RM 40++ for 4 items. With the price being spent I could easily find other place that offer better food and coffee.

-= Ka Ching =-

Food Rating 5/10 so so nia . . -stamped-

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

Location:
Chilla Cup Solaris Mont Kiara
No. 2, Ground Floor,
Jalan Solaris 3, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel : +603 – 6204 9733

Road trip for food is definitely fun, especially when you go with a bunch of all hungry eaters that are responsible to eat and pay only, as on the way up north to Penang, we decided to do a little food hunt in Ipoh for early breakfast at Foh San (富山), and I have dine before at Ming Court Dim Sum which is quite disappointing  . .This round, we all agree to try out the famous Foh San Dim Sum which I heard so much over other bloggers or they rate it as best dim sum in Ipoh.

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We reach around 11am and there are still strong crowd inside the restaurant, with many people waiting for tables, as I have heard that strong crowd will pour into this outlet as early as 7am-9am which is the  most peak. .

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They used to operate in a smaller building as their business boom that had attracted many people from near and far, this is the new restaurant outlook which had expanded to 2 times bigger compare to their old outlet according to my friend.

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Modern tea house with nice floor titles, wooden chairs and marble and wooden tables are all well place around the restaurant. Now in order to get tables for pax of 10 person, all of us spread out equally into 4 sections, 2 at the bottom left and right and upper floor left and right. It really depends on your observation and luck to get a table, as you have to monitor your table closely with other public customer around too. . .

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If you come at 11am, quite a number of items are sold out, which is some of their signature item . .  will come back again for next round . .

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As all hungry eaters are ready to hunt for food and this plate I do not know what’s the name, its like a pao and sprinkle with pork floss, taste a bit dry and not my choice of item . .

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‘Malaikou’ is one of the best I had so far, super soft and spongy, and great in aroma . . have to eat it while its hot.

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Water-chestnut cake a bit more like jelly and slices water chestnut inside is fresh and something to eat after your hearty dim sum meal as closing ..

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A simple delight that must not miss is Siew Mai, Har Kau then followed by some corn pork dim sum . .

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Pai Kuat

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Chicken Feet

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 Lai Ngau Pau – is pronounce something like that, which is a must eat item! this was the last piece I manage to get as the pork meat melts in your mouth and the gravy inside is just nice to make it perfect! highly Recommended. . .

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Loh Mai Kai

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Porridge is also one of their signature which is also a must have item to try, as the texture of it silky smooth, mild in taste and just add a bit of soy sauce is just perfect. Highly recommended

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Fried loh pak kou, not many restaurant can fried this evenly and nice, as this restaurant is exceptional that fried till some edges are a bit crispy, not too big piece and got wok hei . .

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Their Egg Tart turns out to be impressive too, crispy side soft egg yolk spread in the middle. .

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By the end of the day, we were all very satisfied with this meal as we rate this one of the best Dim Sum so far we have come across, fresh, and not only that, the most important is their price which turns out to be pretty cheap, as we paid only around RM18 per pax for alot of dish!

Now only I understand why so many people flock to this restaurant, even I did a road trip down to Ipoh just to eat this dum sum and they like it, and ask when shall we drive down again. No doubt that this is one of my recommended Dim Sum place if you do pass by Ipoh.

*NON-HALAL

-= Ka Ching =-

Food Rating 9/10, Very Good..highly recommneded -Stamped-

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

Location:
Restoran Foh San Ipoh:
51 Jalan Leong Sin Nam, 30300 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel: (605) 254-0308
Fax: (605) 253-5432
N4 35.815 E101 05.168

http://www.fohsan.com.my/


View Foh San Dim Sum in a larger map

As discuss on Day 7, we were offer a day ride on Day 8 as we, could not feel more privillage for this last day trip, but we felt really pai seh to Mary’s auntie and her husband as they purposely took leave then rent a car come down all the way to Taipei City to pick us up then travel to Taipei County to see the Queens Rock and introduce all the places around the area.

day 8

As we left Taipei City very early morning 7.30 am to this place with the journey of 1 hour and 30 minutes drive. A cloudy morning could not be even better for us under this hot spell. The journey to Taipei County was a pleasent one when about to reach the area, they sure do have a beautiful scenery.

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By travelling to this area Ye Liu Geopark is a famous park and a must visit place. Is a piece of land out from the coast line with formation of the rock  form geologically and hoodoos. Admission to the park is NT 50

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Satalite view of the coastline. . ..

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It was 9am in the area and its getting burning hot. . .Expected temperature for the day was around 38 degree. . .

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We really wish to thank Mary’s Auntie and the husband for this wonderfull road trip

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The formation of stones that most of them do have bee hives holes.

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If you think abit off track then you will have another imagination which is similiar to something .. .:)

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Lets head to the main attraction of the area which is the Queen’s Head

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Its quite a walk from the main entrance to all the way to the end of the park.

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The human compas. . .

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This is the famous Queen’s Head, only will get a great view if you look it at certain angel. From the front view, it just look like a normal erode rocks. What we got to know that, this rock is falling apart soon with strong sea breeze and it is just the matter of time and years  . .. Just take your chance to visit this place while its still standing tall in there.

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After the first visit of the park we head to this great park YICF 2010 which had last been organize 4 years back during the summer time. Now the new local Yilan Goverment had bring this back to life to promote on their local tourist destination area with the theme Yilan International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival. More like a family gateaway during this hot summer time!

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In Taiwan, any places is all always about walking, it really give you a good fat burning. From Carpark walk into the main area takes about 5-10 minutes at it is a very big park.

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this is the entree free for the festival.

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This is how big the park is.. . . we took about 45 minutes to walk 1 whole round and you just imagine how big it is. It covers alot of area and I sure do wish Malaysia do have something like that on seasonal. Sure going to be very fun and a great boost for our local destinations also.

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These is what the have for the park with build up a big area with pond and every 1 just get soak wet and great RnB music and dance track played all day long. IT is like a day party. Then on the 3rd picture, its a ghost house in wet version. So tempted to go in but once go in, we all are just going to be very wet coming out as we did not bring any extra clothings.

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this is what I mean a family great gateway.. . . Feels so Japan in the summer with white sea of umbrella spreading accross the area.

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Then they do have international cultural performance for the kids and parents to participate. This sure going to bond all the family members.

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A big bridge walk way for you to overlook the whole park.

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I just so love this little cafe. Simple and nicely decorated.

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Some local performance along the way.

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For kids area, they can dance around with the stage performer, take lots of picture with them. . . or

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you can let your kids sit in this section, let them sit down and do some paiting on al this cute handicraft.

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Kids zone also have alot of outdoor things to do, with mini flying fox, burst up balloon area, little moutain climbing, and many more

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Next destination is we head to one of the main fisherman village that had used to be main fisherman port for Taiwan, with lots of sea vassel park in the area and huge rock build infront of the dock to prevent on the Typhoon.

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As all of us were quite hungry, then Auntie introduce us this place which is quite pack with people, serve nice food with very reasonable price.

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Guess what is this. . . .? This is the Fish eye! and you just guess how big the fish is going to be with such a big eyeball.

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The restaurant is pack with people or I guess is because school holiday, with many people visiting the place.

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This drink is definately refreshing with my favourite apple that have a bit of the skin and nata de coco alike jelly in there. IT is not too sweet too.

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The food here is awesomely good, most of it very aromatic just that we find the noodle is quite plain. Total damage per pax is around NT300 for 8 which we find it is a pretty good deal for such a big portion.

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This squid had been steam then put in fridge for a while till its chill and the skin is so chewy by dipping with wasabi is taste sooo good!

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Done with the meal, we are heading to the temple .

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As we were told that the one of the statue is made of crystal, that overlook all the fisherman to protect them during their journey out when fishing out in the sea. That is what the locals believe.

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This is where one of the main statue is located. . . .

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Next destination, we were brought by Auntie to the local souvenir shop to make a take away back for our friends and relatives.

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As this shop is famous for the ‘Dry Duck Meat’ that you MUST buy back to eat. . . . The price is average and the whole pack is air tight that makes it last quite some time before you open it.

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This is the famous duck meat in this shop. They have duck meat, duck liver and a few more other stuff, besides that they do sell some other local products that is very reasonable in price too.

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When I saw this building at traffic light, then I thought who would want to build such a weird house up there, then the aunty answer me that, that house is a huge bird nest.. .. Then we were like woah, what a nice build up house for birds. More like to harvest bird nest I guess.

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2 blocks away from the same strech of that shop, we reach this cake shop which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you to come if you do come to YI Lan City! I guess this place is called Cake Nobel shop cuz I do not know how to reach chinese.

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What they are famous for? They are famous for their very own style of Swiss Roll which is a MUST buy item in there.

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Their Signature Item, Swiss Roll Strawberry, which have really fresh strawberry in there and the taste of it, the outerlayer of the roll cake is so soft and the cream is not too thick yet its just perfectly nice to go along with the whole awesome flavour.

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They have so many flavours and if I do stand a chance I would really want to buy back but it was meant to eat it fresh and can last 2 days. By the time I bring back to Malaysia its already spoil.

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Their testing plate and one thing I love about Taiwan FnB industry is that most of the retailers are very generous in giving out their item for food tasting. You see the size of it, its quite a huge chunk and they seriously do not mind you to stand there and just eat it like that a few (if you do not feel embaress la).

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One of my favourite is the Yam  . .. . .

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With lots of creamy cream yogurt base like that. ..  It wont make you ‘jelak’ and I can seriously finish this whole roll by myself without any problem!

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And I just love their packaging. . .  so Creatively design . . . Do bare in mind that their Swiss Roll are selling like hot cakes and I do even see a guy buy 20rolls.

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We just bought a few just to eat for the night.

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Other item that selling in there.

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We love their bread range too, smells so nice and the bread are creatively design which their bread size and flavours are quite unique.

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This is the map on how to get there, and its pretty near the train station. Its a shop that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you are in that area.

For more information, you can always check out on their official website: www.cakenobel.com.tw/index.php

諾貝爾食品有限公司
網路專線 TEL:03-9610388、03-9613919    FAX 03-9610959
礁溪店門市 宜蘭縣礁溪鄉礁溪路4段68號 TEL:03-9885919

Location: 宜蘭縣羅東鎮公正路212號/ Luo Dong fair Ilan County Road No.212

Continuation of my Road Trip to Hatyai , after overnight at Penang for a night for some leisure and food hunting, and next after at the boarder getting stamping and head to a very nice restaurant introduce by Karen and quite well know to a lot of Malaysians too which is a restaurant by the lake side (click here).

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This is the kind of queue that you can expect at the boarder but we were there early and a day before, therefore it is not a hassel. Took us about 35mins to get through.

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The whole gang sot sot, as early morning already went to the duty free area and hantam beer already as cannot deny that the beer is very cheap with a large can of Heineken for around RM7 if not mistaken and each of them already had 2 cans each.

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After lunching, we drive up further north into the city of Songkla to check into our hotel. It took us about 35 minutes drive to reach. With no choice to choose from the list as this trip was a pretty last minute decision, the only hotel left that nearby the city was Hotel Daiichi and the rest in the city center are all fully booked as mostly a lot people from far and local came for this festival.

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When we went into the room, I was so shock of the room condition as if the floor had not vacumm for the past 5 tenants as I can see nuts, and it is very dusty, with my barefoot step onto the carpet, this is the first time I feel gross. With charges of RM175 for this festive season, I would say we have no choice but to bare with it for these two nights. Only one phrase would never return back to this hotel again.

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One of the most famous transportation in Hatyai or Thailand is this mini car, which they called it ‘Tut Tut’ with a charges of 20baht (= RM 2) per trip regarding on the distance within city area, it is one of the most convenience transport that they have as its everywhere and every corner.

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We were exhausted from driving, as for the first thing to do when we reach in Hatyai is to do massage first. They offer one of the cheapest massage.

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‘Siam Traditional Massage’ was one of the place introduce by Karen. If you compare the rates in Malaysia, your jaw will drop not only the time frame but with the RATES! RM24 for 2 hours, can you IMAGINE that… for the whole 2 hours for only RM24 as I could not believe it myself. In Malaysia it can be easily RM 80 – RM100.

While we are waiting this is what we do. . .

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Madammm . . . and hanndsoommmeeee.. . . . .

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If you do need any masseur we do have important with very good energy and inner power which is ‘Sui Mak Mak’ that you can choose from. All the local massuer are not available as they are fully book. We have Karencharak, Kenji Pom Pom, Lingnon and Bokrachak.

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This was not the best massage that I have gone but no complain with the rates, would go to another parlor to try out. After the little nap and laughter during the massage, we are now fully charged and going to raid the city.

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This is one of the main street that hosting this festival. If you feel you are too dry, then stop by.

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Most of the stalls are selling water gun as I have not got mine yet. Still looking for better rates and bargain as what I heard from my friends, they can go as high as RM80 per gun during the actual day, as it was eve of the day, the guns still sell around RM30 for 1.5L tank.

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Asking the rates but the gun colour and shape did not interest me. Till now, only me and Jon have not get the gun yet.

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walked towards one of the famous landmark in Hatyai is Lee Garden Hotel which is the complete area with food, and shopping paradise.

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behind me is all the street food and street shopping that you can get a t-shirt as cheap as RM5.

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All of us were very hungry as it is around 4pm after the massage and hit on the streets as Hatyai there are a few street food you must not miss .. . . . .

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which is big prawns selling for 100-200 baht depends on the size.

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Young coconut. . 10 baht for one.

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And three of them are on casting to host for upcoming makan makan channel that introducing what is nice as we going to shoot for fun ourselves. 3 of them pass!

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what is next?

Street Shopping. . . .

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Since when I was a kid that my parents brought me over to Hatyai for the very first time, I was so amaze with the air gun here and hoping with all my hear that I can actually own a few for my own collection and the price is very cheap, RM45 jus for one piece.

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But one of the good thing is that sometimes preventing from people owning one would be a good cause for example case like this, one would be eating too much that cause him to suicide cuz cannot support the input of the other half.

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This is the area where you need some drink and prepare used all your bargaining power to buy cheap stuff.

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Next as this is one of the market nearby Lee garden which is about 10 minutes walk (about 3 blocks away)

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In this area, it is more compact and easy for you to look for the food and stuff you wanted to buy but the alley is just ngam ngam 2 person walkway.

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After everyone been happy shopping, and stomach started to play drum, we went for another street food hunting again next to the market and wanted to go for restaurant which is highly recommended by Jonathan( which I will blog later).

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‘Fried Chicken’ @ 15 Baht

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I don know what is this, but it looks like Taiwan sausages.

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unique in taste but of course do not mind to try it out. 10 baht

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Next is we head for the fried pork bacon. A pack of full small pastic size only15 baht. Bite till your jaw got numb.

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One of the best street food that you must not ever miss is the ‘Mango Sticky Rice’ 20 baht per pack with one full mango inserted in it.

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this stall has unique sticky rice and its very flavourful.

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2 minutes walk from that stall we saw this kuih stall with so many people then we also stop by to look at it. My gawd!

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So many variety of it and all also look tempting. Then we bought every thing one piece as the owner previously reluctant to sell us in that order as he sold a packet of 3 pieces in it. 10 baht per pack.

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If you do eat ‘Chai Kuih and Bangkuang Kuih’ in KL or Malaysia, then this is the Thai Version.

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They pan fried it till both side of the skin are cripsy and the season ingredient in it are pretty similar.

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but it taste awesome that we regret did not buy more.

The street food above are along the road from Thanon Supasamrangsan till junction of Thanon Pracharak.

Map

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The night version of the ‘Tut tut’ is very different. This one that we took is lighted with blue neon and one of their favorite song that would blast away is Vengaboys – Boom boom boom. . . if you still remember this song.

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Went back to hotel to drop all our heavy load of shopping bags and round back to Lee Garden there to see how their night life is.

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With the army team lead by fierce and not so human Karen to the war.

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and without weapon we could not go for war and here finally I saw the gun that I like with white and blue colour.

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Buy –> store –>> load with water and prepare to go war!

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With this very nice guy he is selling us each gun for 250 bhat which is a good bargain so Jon bought one too.

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the very yeng seller that constantly shoot by kids.

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This is the eve of the water festival and every one is already at war! We went back to HQ (hotel room) to take the rest of the gun and declare war with these people. . . . !!!!!

Food in Hatyai is very cheap cost from 50-500 bhat! with our currency which is RM1 – 10 Bhat
How we go for war? look out for next post!

The last foot that I step into Melaka was about 12 years back with my family. Been recently, that Melaka had changed a lot and reading a lot of people blog and great pictures about this place had make me curious about this historical city besides my very own hometown Penang.
Then got this opportunity to visit this place and drag along a few people down for the road trip. What I know also that this place is famous for its food. So a plan of food hunt begins from the very moment we set foot in this place. The very first stop for our breakfast.

Looks like another place of O-town but have its own style rather than alot of shops in KL with similar names. Paria betul.

A very simple and nice set up place.

With the historic of it.
A huge selection of toast and some hawker food available and they just order and order sounds like alot of food to eat till an extend I asked them, you guys can finish boh so many. Cannnnnnnn..don worry..~
‘Fresh Lime’ RM3.90. Need something to wake you up, this would be a great choice. Sour enough to change your face expression.
I have taste normal teh, but never thought of this teh taste a bit weird cuz they put in Gula melaka that makes it ‘Melaka Teh’O’ RM3.60
I used to hate cinamon till few years back, this had been my favourite in bread or toast. ‘Cinamon Toast’ enjoy this alot. RM1.80
If you need something to get you to go pang sai in the morning, ‘Banana Toast’ you can cosndier this. Fresh flavorful banana with nice and crispy toast and a layer of butter just makes you want to have 2nd plate. RM2.80
Being a fan of Otak-Otak, ‘Otak Toast’ will not be miss, taste weird on bread but its somethng new to me. RM3.90. Something worth a try.
‘Peanut Butter Toast’ is a classic for breakfast, which you shall not miss it to go along with a cup of Kopi. Wahh..stim~ RM1.80
If you like something to much in the morning, then ‘Crunchy Toast’ is something you must order. RM2.80
Great peanut taste, with butter base ended up we crave for more.
Something like Old Town. ‘Egg Toast’ is well maitain in the half boil egg. Will wet your mouth through. RM2.80
‘Curry Chicken Bread’. We loved the curry chicken very much, quite mild yet a bit of santan taste and not too thick in curry sauce is just perfect to dip with bread. RM3
‘Americian Breakfast Set’ RM6.90 add ‘Ham’ RM3

I would say, the price justify the amout given.
‘Tomyam’ erm, just not the right thing to eat for breakfast. After trying out sweet and abit curry stuff just that my taste bud doesnt accept this taste. Taste so so only for this. RM7.90
After eating and some of them after smoke, we were all very full and satisfied. A great start of they day. Surely, this place is Recommended by me for breakfast. I even miss it on the 2nd day.
-= Ka Ching =-
Food Rating 10/10, Veli good, satisfy n Recommended~ -Stamped-
–Warning– This is based on my individual taste. Try it at your own risk-
Location:
245,Jalan Melaka Raya 1,
Tel: 06-292 1139

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