Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Auntie Anne's Malaysia


Auntie Anne's

How many of you been craving for snacks?? I love snacks too. Lately, been walking into Auntie Anne's corner for yummy pastry. Auntie Anne's is one of the famous pastry in Malaysian's heart not now but since 1996 with One Utama, Selangor was Auntie Anne’s Malaysia first outlet in the region. Today,  Auntie Anne’s bakers make 100 million pretzels per year (using enough dough in the process to wrap end-to-end around the earth three times.

Lot's of outlets in Malaysia especially you can find it anywhere at your nearest area in any listed shopping mall. Auntie Anne's famous for Pretzels. There's a history behind for this Pretzels, I might not want to go into details, but you can refer to Auntie Anne's webpage here.

The dough  of Pretzel shape

I'm curious how they actually they came out came out with Pretzel shape. I just called it the "ribbon" shape. I love to see "The Making" of Pretzel behind the kitchen. Dough, rolled by hand and baked to golden brown.

Sour Cream & Onion RM5.90

The choice was either Original Pretzel or Sour Cream & Onion. Oh my, I need to wait for long queue to get this pretzels. At last, I couldn't resist the sour cream powder, sprinkled on the Auntie Anne's pretzels while I was in Sunway Pyramid last Sunday. Bought is as light snack, sneak into cinema and enjoy it while it's hot. RM5.90 per piece. There's always set with a drink with a combo price. Anytime, any where for lovely pretzels. Soft, most and tender less oil too!! Yummy yummy xD

Ko Hyang Korean Country Delights @ Sunway Pyramid

Another Korean food which I like to highlight it out here. Among a few Korean food that I been to before, this Ko Hyang Korean Country Delights which giving me a special remembrance at my heart. I never fail to dine here when I'm craving Korean Food.

Ko Hyang Korean Country Delights is simple Korean food outlet established in 2008 in Malaysia. 'Ko Hyang' means hometown in Korean. We have brought with us our daily traditional recipe of country style home-cooked meals from our hometown in Korea. Ko Hyang now offers patrons in Malaysia the experience of savoring Korean home-cooked meals never before so authentic. As with the tradition, all meals are cooked without using MSG seasoning. The selection of rice, vegetables, meat and seafood dishes, as well as the traditional noodles, are truly an utmost healthy and nutritional meal for everyone.

Ko Hyang Korean Country Delights @ Sunway Pyramid

I always come here for the Sik Hae Korean Rice Tea [RM3.80]. It taste like rice tea, kind of herbal water for me.Cooling, easing dry throat especially during hot weather. I'm impressed with the services provided by crews there. Quick and faster service without waiting long. The only problem here was long queue, you just need to wait for seats.

Sik Hae Korean Rice Tea [RM3.80]

As usual the Banchan was served to us first as we waited for our food to arrive. There were just three varieties served and we enjoyed the Kimchi tremendously. Being the most common Banchan served in every Korean restaurant I've been to, I would say that Ko Hyang's kimchi is the best I've tasted so far! We have eaten some that tend to be a tad sourish but Ko Hyang's Kim Chi was absolutely delish and the taste was spot on. Spicy and pungent enough without being too overwhelming, I guessed what made it that good was that the pickled cabbage served was smaller than usual. So, it was very flavorful.

BanChan side dishes - free flow

Dot Sot Bi Bim Bap [RM17.90]

Bim Bim Bab is a signature Korean dish, and quite famous along with its presence on some popular Korean movies, dramas and shows nowadays. Dot Sot Bi Bim Bap [RM17.90] is actually Stone pot rice mixed with vegetables, chili paste and beef or chicken served with fried egg on it. The ingredients then are stirred together thoroughly just before eating. Stone keep the rice warm during winters in Korea.

Soon Dobu Ji Gae [RM15.90], Spicy soft tofu stew with beef and rice

Korean brown rice 

Soon Dobu Ji Gae, Spicy soft tofu stew with seafood and rice [RM17.90]

Soon Dobu Ji Gae, another well known Korean stew is prepared with dubu (tofu), seafood, vegetables and gochujang with other ingredients. A raw egg is added into the bubbling broth that heightens the richness of the stew. This has been my favorite order whenever I drop by as it’s tasty and spicy sauce was appetizing and you would want them with your rice as they are perfect for each other. 

Kim Chi Ji Gae, Thick and rich kim chi stew with rice [RM13.50]

This pot of soup is a traditional Korean Kim Chi soup which is sourly in taste. Not many will know how to appreciate this lovely soup but once you are into it you will not want to let go. This pot is normally cooked with some prawns, diced tofu, chicken meat, vegetables, onions, some chives, some red pepper and soya sauce for some added taste. Pretty good indeed.

Ra Myeon [RM13.50]

Ra Myeon is a noodle with vegetables and seafood for its toping; sounds simple, but very delicious. The padded Korean noodle with red spicy soup is a great mixture. The seafood supports the taste of the noodle, while the vegetables bring the freshness of overall dish. Ra Myeon is certainly a good recommendation for the noodle lovers who want to try the uniqueness of Korean noodle. Big portion with [RM13.50] love the soup very much, can't resist to drink it again and again.


Kimchi Pancake [RM9.50]

Kimchi Pancake [RM9.50] enjoyed it too with the chili oil dip. Though it came a bit burnt on the side, it was the burnt parts that enjoyed most as that meant it was crispier than the middle part which was softer. And since those who love the Kimchi, of course this Kimchi Pancake tasted delicious.

An overall pleasant dining experience with homecooked "country" Korean food indeed. I'll definitely be back again. From the economical side, the food prices at Ko Hyang are pocket friendly. With reasonable and affordable price, you already can get the impressive menu such as drinks, soup, noodles or rice. This is certainly suitable for people who want to experience a great Korean cuisine, you can find it here in Ko Hyang

Ko Hyang Korean Country Delights
Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall (Halal)
LG2.38A, Lower Ground Two,

Ko Hyang Korean Country Delights
1 Utama Shopping Mall (Halal)
LG116, Lower Ground Floor

Ko Hyang Korean Country Delights
The Gardens Mid Valley City (Halal)
LG K-05, Lower Ground Floor

Ko Hyang Korean Country Delights
1Mont Kiara (Pork-free)
Unit L1-21, 1 Mont Kiara, No 1, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara.

Ko Hyang Korean Country Delights
Viva Homes, Cheras (Pork-free)
G-02/02A, Ground Floor

Monday, May 28, 2012

Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant @ Paradigm Mall

Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant

Over the weekend, I been in Paradigm Mall for the Japanese food at Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant  and am glad to report that the food here fits the description of "good and affordable".

The founder of Japan Watami Group, MIKI WATANABE took this as an opportunity and created “causal restaurant”. Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant is a new type of tavern that concentrates on providing food with less emphasis on alcohol at affordable prices. It serves delicious Japanese food and drinks in a comfortable atmosphere. The dining environment is good for causal gathering and family.

First time dine here, greeted by friendly smart looking branch manager at the door entrance. Feel good with Japanese ambiance casual style. Make me like dining at home. Watami have more than 600 restaurants were developed in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Shenzhen and Shanghai up to date. Each brand has its own characteristics to provide the multiplex choice for the customer.

The Menu

Pair of chopsticks

The Unagi Kamameshi [RM21.90] Eel Pot Rice is served in a traditional steel pot and cooked tableside. It takes 20 minutes to cook, but do not be tempted to lift the cover to see what's happening as it will cause the rice to be undercooked. The rice is topped with bonito, carrot, shimeji mushrooms, tofu, root vegetables and topped with sweet Unagi.

Of course, I were simply too curious and lifted the cover for mere seconds just to see how it looked like. Luckily it did not affect the rice/cooking as it was delicious. When the 20 minutes was finally up, the room smelt lovely as the cover was lifted and the rice thoroughly mixed with the ingredients including daun bawang  and seaweeds before eaten. It does look pretty plain but the taste was good, thanks to the "secret" broth it was cooked in. Sweet Unagi melting inside mouth, served with warm rice together.

Unagi Kamameshi [RM21.90]

Right at the start, what's inside the hot pot

Ready to eat after waited 20min

Daun Bawang and SeaWeeds for toppings

Sweet Unagi

Watami Miso Ramen [RM19.90]

Anyway, here’s some of the new dish I tasted at Watami. Friend ordered Watami Miso Ramen [RM19.90]. I  give myself a try on this Ramen. I think they could have done a better job serving this in a nicer looking bowl, Chicken slices was tender and there was a sweet after taste. I thought it was a that salty and the ramen texture wasn’t great. The broth more like fermented bean curd taste [Tau Chu] style. However, I think there will be fans for this dish, especially if you enjoy ramen and if you usually order it from the likes of Sakae Sushi, or Sushi Tei; you will find the Watami Ramen better in terms of portions and taste. I wouldn’t go as far as comparing it to Marutama Ramen as it does fall flat in this case, but otherwise, but an all-rounded restaurant that doesn’t specialise in ramen, I think this dish would satisfy some of you.

I would say not bad for this restaurant. Still a lot of nice food to try it out. Tempting, will be back to re-visit again for some of other lovely food serve here. Below are a few branches in Klang Valley area.

Watami Malaysia @ Paradigm Mall
Lot 07, Level 1, Paradigm Mall,
1, Jalan SS7/ 26A, Kelana Jaya,
47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: +603-7886 9661

Watami Malaysia @ Pavilion KL Shopping Mall
C4.04.00, Level 4, Pavilion KL Shopping Mall,
168, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: +603-2141 6671

Watami Malaysia @ 1 Utama
1st Floor, Rainforest, 1 Utama Shopping Centre,
1 Lebuh Bandar Utama,
47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: +603-7727 1399

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Fish & Co. @ Paradigm Mall, Kelana Jaya

Been to this Fish & Co restaurant this afternoon for lunch at the new opening shopping mall in Paradigm, Kelana Jaya. Wondering what is so good about this restaurant, till long queue, colleagues suggested we dine in here perhaps grand opening will have some nice promotions here. Waited almost 15min to be seated.

Crowded and pack with  working people which actually drop by for lunch whereby their office are nearby to this new opening mall. Fish & Co restaurant is a Singapore based seafood in a pan. With the goal to provide a unique dining experience for her customers, Fish & Co. serves all food in a unique Mediterranean style - in a pan! This method of presenting freshly cooked fish & seafood meals delights the customers and further enhances the relaxed, friendly and engaging environment which the founders have set out to achieve.

Fish & Co. @ Paradigm Mall, Kelana Jaya

They have franchise here taken up by Toh Hong Keng, Margarette Tan & Family. I believe is family business running up here. Couldn't aspect much from this restaurant. Taking up 15 min just to take down our ordered. Understand, will first day opening we're comprising and bearing with it.

Menu for orders

Service rather messy and everything is out of order. I would said "kelam-kabut" things are not in order especially when it's full house time. Supposedly we ordered set lunch, add on additional RM7.50 to get a soup and drink but soup are too little to serve everyone in this restaurant. The process of delaying 20 min just for a bowl of soup which actually made us cancel it just go for warm water will do.

Bar for drinks sections

Table with fish ^_^

Culinary set

Rather disappointing, bar tenders taking up such a long time more than 30 min just to serve us warm water. Don't tell me you need to boil water? Lolz, we're just sitting at the bar corner watching every single steps what they're doing there. Ok, la forgivable first day, just telling myself just be patient. Let them handle it. We're continue talking and flipping Paradigm mall news letter while waiting for our drinks and food. Till team mates, getting pissing off and question out the waiter "where's our drinks?" -_-"

Looking at the news letter while waiting for food

Food arrived after 1hrs 15min. And I got the wrong ordered. This time really pissing off, already hungry yet we got our ordered wrong. Disappointing, hungry just accepted what ever they served. Team mate ordered Artic Fish & Chips RM16.95 Coated with our famed batter and topped with their signature lemon butter sauce. He said is lemon butter sauce was so so only. But the fish & chips remain crispy and crunchy.

Artic Fish & Chips RM16.95

Me and the other team mate, being served with the wrong ordered menu which were Singapore Fish & Chips RM15.95 topped with homemade chili crab sauce. I can taste chili crab not spicy at all. They commented this dish was actually better than Artic Fish & Chips, perhaps chili makes food more tastier. Fish  & chips remain crispy and crunchy. Portion quite big, it's enough to make you full.

Singapore Fish & Chips RM15.95

Food it's rather ok, the only thing is the service. I believe first day is rather stepping stone for them. More to improve on services. This restaurant have other branches in Klang Valley too.

Fish & Co.
Paradigm Mall
No.1, Jalan SS7/26A, Kelana Jaya,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

KimchiHaru @ SS15 Subang Jaya

Another Korean restaurant been growing like mushroom in Klang Valley recently. Korean culture which are more adapted to our Asian life style, bringing out their specialty of local food nearest to our heart in Malaysia. Hear of this KimchiHaru have many outlets, hence I took the nearest outlet which is located in SS15 Subang Jaya to try it out with family during dinner time.

Interior design

With Korean Pop songs

Well decorated during the evenings

Magazine to ease your boring here

comfy just like home

We were greeted by two waiter and waitress upon entering the rather small restaurant. Instantly, I couldn't help but feel at home in KimchiHaru. Why? I love the decoration in KimchiHaru which is very soft and subtle, comfort ambiance while enjoying my food. Menus were later placed on our table and we started to see what we should order. Friendly service provided here.

Well decorated menu with descriptions

If you're member of Standard Chartered credit card user, privileges on the 15% discount with minimum spend of RM150 in a single receipt when you dine in KimchiHaru restaurant.

Standard Chartered membership privileges

Korean Appetizer & Appetizer-Kimchi 

"Eat healthy at KimchiHaru", this is what I saw from their website. This restaurant is a little bit different from other Korean restaurants as it does not have "roasted meat" which is so called barbecue. Unlike other Korean BBQ restaurants, KimchiHaru provides only two side dishes which are fruit salad and kimchi. The one I always look forward is Kimchi, a traditional Korean pickled dish that is made of pickled cabbage in a spicy sauce.

 Bibimbap RM17 (you can choose either chicken/ meat/ pork)

Came here must try their Bibimbap (RM17) which is meat mixed rice. This dish is eaten with gochujang sauce. (The sauce was savory and pungent. I was told that it is typically made from red chili, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans and salt.) . The set came with free soup and some side dishes. The broccoli tasted a little pungent whilst the anchovies with peanuts was just nice for me. The two pieces of tofu had a unique flavor but was tasty.

Spicy Ramyun (RM 10.50)

The Spicy Ramyun was just noodles with kimchi in spicy soup, but the soup was tasty with a spicy kick enough to encourage me to slurp it all up on my own. Caution: Spicy dish!! You get burnt with spicy soup!! xD

Kimchi Fried Rice RM10.50

Kimchi Fried rice not bad actually, spicy with Kimchi (kimchi bokkeumbap) with pork.. Rice just nice not overcooked, unique in a way of Kimchi sauce were used inside. Plus sunny fried egg mixed with the rice, onom onom. xD

Savory Crispy Pancake 

A delicate savory crispy pancake filled with fresh juicy seafood topped with spring onions, it's actually a gift from KimchiHaru to us. Generous for our treats that night, small portion just nice for everyone, bloated after dinner. It tasted like eating fried flour cake, with filing and it's in salty rather than sweet pancake. I love pancake very much  ^_^

ChuickenKarae-bap RM15.00

ChuickenKarae-bap, is a Korean style thick curry cooked with juicy apples and honey served on a hot stone bowl with large chunks of tender chicken. Sizzled to it's finest, served with Banchan. You must eat with Kimchi, definitely you will love it  Not bad I would say ^_^

Soon-dubu Jigae RM15.00

The Soon-dubu Jigae not bad either, if you're fan of soup, you will like this dish. The description from the menu: silky soft tofu with wholesome fresh seafood boiled in spicy broth topped with an egg. Served with a bowl of rice and daily Bachan. It was really spicy. The seafood here is only lala, no prawns. Enjoy my food over here, with affordable price. =D

KimchiHaru
No.10 Jalan SS 15/4,
Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya,
세랑고르, Subang Jaya, 세랑고르 47500
Tel: +603-5612 0020

KimchiHaru
G55, IOI Boulevard,
Jalan Kenari 5, Bandar Puchong Jaya,
47100 Puchong, Selangor
Tel : +603 - 8076 9020

KimchiHaru
No.13-LG1 Block D, Jaya One,
No 72A, Jalan University,
46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
GPS: 3.118298,101.635294
Tel: +603-7629 8020

Monday, May 21, 2012

Starbucks @ Subang Parade


Me & Sue Liak

I had a night gathering with Starbucks fans on 24th Mar 2012. I don't know since when I'm addicted in Starbucks, but I know here's a place where I meet people, get to know more friends. I also knew here's food heaven too... hehehehehe xD

I met up with this kaki Starbucks lady named Sue Liak. She is a friendly lady that i ever came across in my mind. First time meeting her, I find she's so sweet and sporting, just like another good friend for an ear listening. She share out her favorite moments in Starbucks.

I'm shocked that she is so generous, treated us supper during yum cha session. This is her favorite Almond Ladies Fingers and Butter Scoth Cinnamon Roll that she recommend to us. Ever since my first time trying out Almond Ladies Fingers.

 Lady's Finger and Butter Scoth Cinnamon Roll 

It is said to be crunchy at outside and soft inside with cheese mocha filling. On the top layer, there is dash of granulated sugar that give extra crunch to the top. The texture is soft, which makes no effort to bite. Deep inside between two layers of sponge is cheese mocha filling. It is not too soggy nor too dry, which I like. Balance is the word. Overall it is still worth to have a try. RM6 per piece. One piece/slice will never be enough!

Essentially, it is cinnamon roll topped with sticky butterscotch toffee coated walnuts and sprinkled with cinnamon powder. It's crunchy but it's rather too sweet for me. Not bad I would say. Worth to try it's you're fan of cinnamon. RM4.80 per piece.

Mocha Praline Frappuccino & Mocha Frappuccino

I got myself Mocha Praline Frappuccino for the very first time too, each Frappuccino with its distinctive taste. If you are a fan of caramel, you will love it, because it tastes almost similar to Caramel Frappuccino except with sprinkles of tiny toasted nuts on the top, Mocha Praline Frappuccino has more of chocolaty taste in it. RM16.00 for Grande Size.

Mocha Frappuccino blended beverage which have a clear favorite, heavenly mix of espresso, chocolate and milk blended in ice. Both are beverages are awesome. Melting your savory and east your thirst of the day. A proper blend that create the finest and smoothest Frappucino of the day. RM16.00 for Grande Size.

Kaki Starbucks

Starbucks where the place hanging out with good friends, relaxing ambiance, beverages and food bringing everyone closer. Thanks to Sue Liak for a wonderful treats here. I appreciated friendship between you and me. Looking forward fore more outing together in the future with Sue Liak, I'm glad to meet you as a friend, nice meeting you by the way, you have a great ahead ya. Aside also thanks to Emmie for the beautiful gathering photos. God Bless! Cheers, for the Starbucks!! xD

Hand Sanitizer

Have you ever encounter difficultly in getting your hands clean where ever you're at outside especially in the public are whereby no soap and water for you to wash your hands? I it find difficult when there's no water and soap especially in the public toilets. Sometimes public toilet don't have soap for me to wash hands or I may find troublesome to wash with soap when I'm rushing. Wondering if your hands clean and free from bacteria after toilets.

There are many brands in the market to help you keep your hands free from bacteria. Here's a post which I like share out based on my own individual opinions. Handygel which a brand I that trusted and I find it useful for me. At affordable price in a bottle which is always convenience for me to carry around. I always dump it into my car, or I chuck it inside my bag. When ever I'm driving or I need it, I can use it at anytime. The advantage is I don't need to crack my head to find washroom or toilet for me to wash my hands. It's suitable for travelling purpose too, light weighted 250ml in a bottle. Handygel will last me three or four months, depending on individual usage.


Product information as below:-
Bacteria and viruses enter the body via different routes. Washing your hands frequently helps prevent these dangerous micro-organisms from entering the body. However, how well you wash your hands is important. Your seemingly clean hands may actually be teeming with germs picked up from contaminated surfaces.

Wash your hands thoroughly to protect yourself if you are likely to come into contact with pollutants or pathogens. This is especially important before preparing food and beverages, as well as after sneezing, using the bathroom, handling items such as money and visiting the sick.

Handygel contains cactus extract, among many other natural plant extracts. Apply a little Handygel onto hands without using water and rub hands together gently. This forms a protective layer that cleans and moisturizes your hands. Handygel is a convenient and fast way to clean your hands when water and soap are unavailable or if you need to ensure your hands are extra clean. This hand sanitizer is especially handy for schoolchildren.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Kissaten Coffee & Restaurant @ IOI Boulevard


IOI Boulevard is famous for food destination with variety of food to choose from . You name it from Korea, Japenese, Chinese, Western and many other more with their own signature food to impress from. Since then this is my first time here to hunt for good food, sister recommended me to dine here. She have positive comments on Kissaten Coffee and Restaurant.

According to sister, she said this outlet in IOI Boulevard is huge and spacious compare to the branch in Jaya One, as she step into the restaurant. Kissaten have nice and modern interior that have indoor and outdoor design.

Interior design of the shop

Kissaten  Coffee & Restaurant

The signature of this restaurant will be the porky burger. Came here without trying their signature dish is like missing the good ones. Caution: This is NON-HALAL restaurant!

Big, juicy, SEXY burger - RM10.90

Awesome stack of juicy pork patty, grilled to perfection, egg, veggies and a slather of sweet teriyaki sauce. (Messy to eat but it's a crowd pleaser and really great value for money) The Teriyaki Pork Burger came standing alone on the plate with a satay stick poking through it (to keep the whole thing standing together). Having such tall burger, it was quite difficult to hold the burger in both hands and biting them with my small mouth. So, I had to use the fork and knife for this nom nom surgery. At the end of the surgery, I was so bloated!!

Katsudon RM15.90

Pork katsudon ordered by my sister. There was a lot of meat underneath the egg. Quite a big portion and suited for big eater. I love the juicy pork slices. Never ever tasted like this before. Is like a real Siew Yoke crunchy on top. Recommended!

Kissaten Coffee

Salad & Mushroom Soup

Olio Spaghetti Set RM20.80

Lastly, sister craving for Spaghetti. She ordered Olio Spaghetti set came with coffee, salad and soup of the day. The Olio Spaghetti being served just the way it is , with olive oil, olive, garlic and dried chili slices. The pasta is cooked perfectly just the way it should be. Mushroom soup was thick and creamy, at the right taste.

Hall of Fame: Casual yet stylish restaurant with good selection of interesting selection of fusion Japanese-Western dishes (and some Asian food) for reasonable prices BUT nothing much to complain about - it's amazing they have kept their standards. There's a few branches out there, do check the details at below.

Kissaten Coffee & Restaurant
D-G-57 & 58, Block D, IoI Boulevard,
Jalan Kanari 5, Bandar Puchong Jaya, Puchong,
47170, Puchong, Selangor
Tel: +603 8060 6307

Kissaten Coffee & Restaurant
L12A-1-1, Palm Square,
JAYA ONE, 72A Jalan Universiti,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Tel: +603 7954 1190

Kissaten Coffee & Restaurant
Lot 10 Shopping Center
H8B, Hutong Village Food court
LG Floor. Lot 10, No.50,
Jalan Sultan Ismail,
50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603 2142 2287

Business Hours
Mon – Thu & Sun: 11:30am – 12:00 midnight
Fri – Sat: 11:30am – 02:00am