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Fizzy Cafe Mee Udang- Ketam @ Bayan Lepas, Penang.

May 10, 2016, 5:31 pm
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Serving food on the table seems to be one of the coolest things to do for now; after the successful launch of Crab & Lobster at Straits Quay, the folks at the South-West district of Penang Island welcome another Seafood-eatery that serves Seafood with the similar style. Fizzy Cafe is manned by a Malay family, the place is well-known for serving on-the-table Seafood but Fizzy serves no imported Seafood and we are not surprised. The strategic location of Fizzy at Bayan Lepas grants easy access to Fishing Villages in Penang (ie: Teluk Kumbar) so sourcing fresh local produce is not a big concern for them. 

To find Fizzy Cafe, drive from Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah and head straight. You will find a T-junction after passing by Cargas Nasi Kandar shortly. Take the right turn into Taman Sri Bayu flats (along Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim). Follow the path and you will find Fizzy Cafe on your right.



Combo Set Shellrock (Rm 70/ serves 2 to 3 diners)

The most-ordered combo set in Fizzy Cafe is definitely Shellrock, the Rm 70-combo set consists of 2 large Flower Crabs, 3 medium-large Prawns, 300 grams of Flower Clams and 300 grams of Clams as well as some crunchy greens. Diners can opt to enjoy the Seafood with complimentary White Rice. The Flower Crabs and Flower Clams were doused in a sweet Chili sauce while the Clams were coated with peppery but addictive Black Pepper Sauce. It somehow reminds me of Chili Crabs in a way (too bad they don't offer Mantou here). The Clams and Prawns were fresh but the Flower Crabs were less-satisfying. There was a nary of meat contained within the shells (due to religious issues, Meat Crabs are not served here). To be frank, we thought the combo set was small and should only be sufficient to feed 2 small diners. 


Mee Udang Special (Rm 15)

If Rice is not your thing, try their Mee Udang Special. The Yellow Noodles were carefully cooked to the right al-dente texture (though some of us thought the noodles were underdone) and with the sweet chili sauce, the dish was especially tasty. The real draw of the dish was the huge Prawns; not only they were fresh and succulent, they were perfectly cooked to the right doneness. Our only possible criticism... the lack of crunchy greens in the dish. For that quality of fresh Prawns, we did not feel shortchanged (for Rm 15).


Limau Asam Boi Ais (Rm 1.50) and Barley Ais (Rm 1.50)


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 935, Jalan Kampung Bukit, 11920, Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Business Hours: 6 pm to 12 am. Closed on Saturdays.
Contact Number: 6018- 974 2272
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[Year 2016] Food Hunting- of Cafes/ Must-Eats @ Ipoh, Perak.

May 12, 2016, 5:58 pm
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The fast-changing food scene at Ipoh is especially attractive for foodies like us, especially with more and more exciting cafes mushrooming in the district. On our 2 Day 1 Night trip this year, we have managed to visit a good mix of both cafes and classic local eats. 

1) Nam Chau Coffee Shop (南洲白咖啡)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: 54, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000, Ipoh, Perak.
Business Hours: 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. Closed om Wednesdays.



Ipoh Dry Curry Mee (Rm 6)


Ipoh Chicken Hor Fun (Rm 5.80)

One of the busiest coffee shops around the old town area would be Nam Chau Coffee Shop. The shop is famous for its Ipoh Curry Mee- cooked Yellow Noodles and Vermicelli Noodles heavily doused with thick and rich Curry Paste. It was something similar to the Curry Chicken sauce we have here but the flavors were robust. Squeeze in some Lime juice for the extra acidic tinge... to cut through the richness of the Curry. Nam Chau was very generous with the Chicken Meat, though beautifully cooked, we thought the dish was standard-average with a very weak "wow" factor. 

If you would prefer something light and easy to kick start the day, go for their Chicken Hor Fun, served with a dash of Shrimp Oil. We have had something similar before but Nam Chau's possessed a peculiar fishy smell which we did not know how to appreciate. 



2) Famous Ipoh Buntong Chicken-Bean Sprouts Hor Fun (文冬口老字号驰名芽菜鸡)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: Yes 6%
Address: 849, Jalan Guntong, Buntong, 30100, Ipoh, Perak.
Business Hours: 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Contact Number: 6017- 578 7251


Soup Noodles (Rm 1.80/ bowl)


Blanched Bean Sprouts (Rm 3.50/ small)


Deboned Chicken (Rm 13/ small)

If you are bored of the famous tourist traps (for Chicken Hor Fun/ Chicken Rice) at Ipoh Old Town, try Buntong's. The place is rather secluded and housed within a housing area, the drive takes approximately 10 minutes from town center. The Hor Fun was pretty standard-average but the real draw was the clear but delicious soup. It was light on the palate yet robustly flavored. The Chicken was good, though can be smoother and more tender. The highlight however, goes to the tangy home-made Chili sauce with a dash of grated Ginger. The combination introduces a gentle heat, the heat that can be accepted by all range of diners. We enjoyed our Chicken-Hor Fun combination with some crunchy-plump Ipoh Bean Sprouts. For the quality and amount of food we had, we thought this might be a better place to enjoy Ipoh Chicken Hor Fun rather than those throat-cutting tourist traps.

Special thanks to my friend- Claire (Ipoh Blogger whom writes at Reanaclaire.com) for introducing the place to me. 



3) Dessert Street a.k.a Tong Sui Kai (糖水街)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: Jalan Sultan Ekram, Taman Jubilee, 30300, Ipoh, Perak.
Business Hours: 6 pm till late. Opens Daily.


Sweet Herbal Tea with Egg/蛋茶 (Rm 3.80)


Prawn Crackers spread with Rojak Sauce (Rm 1 per piece)


Cuttlefish with Chinese Watercress/ 鱿鱼蕹菜 (Rm 8/ small)

Tong Sui Kai is a pilgrimage site for many, one of the must-visits for foodies in Ipoh. The street has a long stretch of hawker stalls (though some are repetitive), some of the dishes are not to be missed. One of the items that is hardly seen in Penang... Sweet Herbal Tea with Egg, though not many would know how to appreciate the bitter-sweet tea, yours truly found it particularly comforting. It was not monotonously sweet, it comes with a peculiarly addictive bitter-end. It resembles Gui Ling Gao... in liquid form... and probably sweeter. The Egg serves no purpose, purely for the sake of filling stomach space.

Ipoh's Cuttlefish with Chinese Watercress is not the same as ours. I was told that some would even include Pumpkin into their sauce but this particular version carried bold Curry flavor. Our untrained taste buds struggled to appreciate the dish.



4) Tuck Kee Restaurant (德记炒粉)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: 61, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30300, Ipoh, Perak.
Business Hours: 5 pm to 2 am. Closed on alternate Tuesdays.
Contact Number: 605- 253 7513


Stir Fried Lou Shu Fan (炒老鼠粉/ Rm 6/ small)


Stir Fried Hor Fun topped with Egg/ Yut Kong Hor (月光河/ Rm 7/ small)


We have visited Sun Tuck Kee on our trip in 2015, so we decided to Tuck Kee this round... which said to serve (arguably) some of the best Wan Ton Hor in Ipoh. There seems to be some connection between Tuck Kee and Sun Tuck Kee but let's just leave it there, we shall not elaborate on this matter. The menu seems to be smaller than Sun Tuck Kee's and some dishes were not available on our visit. To put on a fair comparison, we had to order their signature Yut Kong Hor... Stir Fried Hor Fun topped with a raw Egg. Tuck Kee's rendition had lesser Pork Lards and probably more fragrant than Sun Tuck Kee's. The beautiful marriage between Pork Lard and Dark Soy Sauce worked perfectly well. 

Despite the signature dish, most of us thought that their Stir Fried Lou Shu Fan fared better. The texture was slightly chewy-bouncy and the dish was expertly seasoned, cooked to perfection. The "wok hei" further enhanced the dish by introducing a smoky dimension to the dish. 



5) Gui Ling Tong (龟宁堂)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: 72, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, 30300, Ipoh, Perak.
Business Hours: 12 pm to 12 am. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 605- 241 4815


Herbal Jelly with sweet Soya Milk/ 豆奶龟苓膏 (Rm 8.80)


Matcha-flavored Steamed Custard Egg/ 抹茶炖蛋 (Rm 4.80)

Assuage the guilt of over-indulgence of heaty-food with a serving of cooling-invigorating Herbal Jelly. We did not want the usual Herbal Tea but we settled for a novelty Herbal Jelly with sweet Soya Milk. The combination was fun and would only be suitable for the adventurous. The Herbal Jelly carried a hint of bitterness while the Soya Milk possessed a creamy-sweet Soya flavor. Not particularly mind blowing but more than pleased to be eaten as late supper. 

The usual Steamed Custard could no longer satisfy us so we opted for something new and naughty. The Matcha-flavored Steamed Custard Egg was served chill and was especially comforting to combat the sultry hot weather. The Matcha flavor though weak, can be still discerned. Sweetness was well-balanced but we thought the dessert was rather monotonous and may be a little too much for one to finish it entirely. 



6) Kong Heng Coffee Shop (光兴茶室)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: 75, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000, Ipoh, Perak.
Business Hours: 7 am to 5 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.


Chicken Hor Fun/ 怡保鸡丝河粉 (Rm 6/ small)


Beef Noodle Soup/ 牛腩面 (Rm 8.60/ with Beef Balls added)


Original Salted Egg Yolk Bun/ 原味流沙包 (Rm 4.90 for 3)


Sweet Peanut Bun/ 花生包 (Rm 4.90 for 3)

Kong Heng Coffee Shop is strategically located in city center and the latest tourist attraction- Concubine Lane at Ipoh. The Coffee Shop is right opposite Concubine Lane and could be easily noticeable from far... thanks to its clamoring cloud. There are a handful of note-worthy eats here, one of which would be their Beef Noodle Soup. The Soup was clear and light on the palate; though reasonably seasoned, it carried a nary of Beefy flavor. The ingredients were toothsome, we love the doneness of the Beef and the bouncy home-made Beef Balls. If you are an exotic eater, go for the Beef innards and most importantly, request for more of their tangy well-spiced Chili sauce.

Equally tasty would be their Chicken Hor Fun; unlike Nam Chau's, Kong Heng's rendition possessed lesser Prawn flavor. With that being said, milder Prawn-stench too; but the seafood-sweetness was not compromised. 

If you are visiting on a weekend and the luck is on your side, be sure to check out a humble stall outside of the Coffee Shop that sells Liu Sha Bao/ Chinese Molten Salted Egg Bun. The stall sells quite a few unique flavors that are hardly seen elsewhere, some of the notable ones are Pandan flavored Liu Sha Bao, Black Sesame Liu Sha Bao, Matcha Liu Sha Bao etc.



7) Ming Yue Confectionery (明裕食品)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: 50, Jalan Peh Kee Koh, Taman Kampar, 30250, Ipoh, Perak.
Business Hours: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 605- 255 4128


Cantonese is one of the largest Chinese ethnic groups in Ipoh, hence, the Cantonese-pastries are not to be missed too. One of the best places to get freshly baked pastries would be Ming yue Confectionery, a stone's throw distance away from the famous Pasir Pinji Yong Tau Foo. The place draws both local crowds and tourists from all over Malaysia... for its Kaya Puff and Peanut Candies. The Kaya Puff was most delicious- with flaky-fluffy skin and fragrant-sweet Kaya filling. We did not get to try the Peanut Candies though, the patrons were forming a snaking-long queue. Other items available are Salted Egg Pastry, Lou Poh Peng, Biscuits with sweet Mung Bean filling etc.



8) Cafe De Eight (八号咖啡洞)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: No. 8, Jalan Koo Chong Kong, 30000, Ipoh, Perak.
Business Hours: 12 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Thursdays.
Contact Number: 605- 241 2758


The 3 Little Pigs (Rm 17.50)


Fruit Juices (Rm 11/ glass)


Matcha & Black Sesame Mousse Cake (Rm 12) and Creme Brulee Caffe Latte (Rm 11)


Earl Grey Creme Brulee (Rm 9.50)

A short walk from Nam Chau Coffee Shop will land you at Cafe De Eight, a curious cafe that is named after the address of the shop lot. Step in the cafe and you will be welcomed with a huge wall. Customers can purchase the postcard at Rm 1.50 nett (additional Rm 1.50 nett for postage) to be mailed to someone (can be yourself, friends or family) in the future (or at least, present day). There will be dates indicating there (clearing stating months and days) so you wish the postcard to be mailed on a particular day, just dump it in the pocket with the right date indicated.

On the menu, it has a standard cafe-Western menu but we did nto manage to try everything. The 3 Little Pigs was unique, 3 petite burgers were all different. The meat patties were marinated differently, one of which was marinated with "Mui Hiong" Salted Fish. While they were rather special, we did not think they were of something praise-worthy.

The sweet treats were not any better either, the Black Sesame Matcha Mousse Cake was moist and carefully sweetened but the flavors were weak. The Oreo-cookie base overpowered the whole cake and the Matcha-Black Sesame combo did not turn out as overwhelming as expected.



9) Burps & Giggles and Buku Tiga Lima
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: Yes 6%
Address: 93 & 95, Jalan Sultan Yusoff, 30000, Ipoh, Perak.
Business Hours: 10 am to 6 pm on every Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 8 pm on Weekends. Closed on every Tuesday.
Contact Number: 605- 242 6188


Gigantor (Rm 23)


Cempedak Gelato (Rm 14) and Cendol Gelato (Rm 14)


Cake 11 (Rm 11)

Ipoh's Burps & Giggles is on the same status as to Penang's China House; it's one of the most well-known cafes. The location could not be more strategic, it is within walking distance from the old town area. There two cafes housed under the same place- Burps & Giggles and Buku Tiga Lima; separated by a "living room". The "living room" sees a stall selling knick-knacks on weekends and public holidays (such as name-engraved key chains, name tags etc).

Many would prefer to dine in at Buku Tiga Lime... for the more comfortable and chilly air conditioner. The place was thronged with crowd over the weekend and we did not get to choose but to settle with Burps & Giggles. Both cafes share the same menu.

The Gigantor seems like a decent choice for brunch. The hearty portion contains a foot-long Chicken Sausage, slivers of Turkey Ham, a Spinach Cake, 3 Cheese-Toast, Stir Fried Button Mushrooms and a piece of Tomato. The Chicken Sausage was standard-average but the Spinach Cake was a disappointment. The Buttery-aroma overpowered the fragrance of Spinach and it carried a nary of Egginess. Salinity was compromised either. The only item we found worth-eating was the Button Mushrooms. They were carefully seasoned though a tad oily to my liking.

Sweet endings were mere letdown. The home-made Gelato may seem interesting, with some playful flavors such as Cendol Gelato and Cempedak Gelato but they were way past my sugar tolerance level. For the hefty price tag of Rm 14 per scoop, we thought they were highly priced (not that other items on the menu were inexpensive anyway).



10) Hello Elvis [Cafe]
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Address: 124, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000, Ipoh, Perak.
Business Hours: 2 pm to 11 pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 1 pm to 11 pm on Fridays to Sundays. Closed on Tuesdays.
Contact Number: 6017- 634 7720


Little Red Riding Hood (Rm 8.50)


Curious Churros (Rm 9.50)

We were worn out during our trip, partly due to the sultry hot tropical weather but in one of our serendipitous finds at Ipoh, we bumped into Hello Elvis. When asked who is Elvis? The server replied with a grin. Hello Elvis' offering is not complicated- Soft Serve Ice Cream with various of add-ons and condiments. We asked for recommendation and we were introduced to Little Red Riding Hood- Vanilla Soft Serve with Red Velvet Brownie brittle. The Soft Serve was light and easy on the palate, delicately sweetened and somehow resembles the characteristics of McDonald's Sundae Cone (less-sweet version) but it was not something that could leave someone with a deep impression, we reckon. 

Curious Churros requires at least 15-minute wait. The waiting time was worth-while though, the Chocolate Soft Serve was chocolaty and carried a bitter-aftertaste. It paired beautifully with the sweet Churros (with sprinkles of Brown Sugar). The bitter-sweet combination was well-received by many of us.



11) Sabah Tea Garden STG Boutique Cafe 
Pork-Free
Service Charge: Yes 10%
Government Tax: Yes 6%
Address: 20, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 30000, Ipoh, Perak.
Business Hours: 12 pm to 11 pm on every Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 11 pm on Sundays. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 605- 243 3116


Afternoon Tea for two (Rm 58)


Belgium Waffle (Rm 15)

Ask an Ipohan on where to find decent Afternoon Tea and many would introduce Sabah Tea Group (STG), available in few locations. One of which would be the strategically located STG Boutique Cafe, within the heritage zone. The setting is most convincing, with seemingly classy and sophisticated layout... same goes to the menu.

The actual offering however, was a huge disappointment. The Afternoon Tea Set consists of some Scones (stale), a piece of Cake, Brownie, some Macarons, Truffles as well as Sandwiches. None of them managed to impress us and we were left underwhelmed.

The joke of the day was however, their Belgium Waffles. Not only they were ordinary Waffles (a misnomer, not even close) but they were badly done. The Waffles were served to us in a soft, slouchy and greasy texture. They were then topped with a scoop of Magnolia Ice Cream (suspicious). The texture was a nightmare, as though we were having some uncooked Waffles. We took a few bites and we threw the white flag. All in all, our experience at STG Boutique Cafe was somewhat bad, a contrary to those positive comments over the net. 


Tea that comes with the Afternoon Tea Set/ Top up Rm 2 for Sabah Tea


Iced Chocolate (Rm 13)


Lemon Lavender Mocktail (Rm 14) 

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Sebaidee Thai Restaurant @ Batu Lanchang, Greenlane, Penang.

May 15, 2016, 6:03 pm
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Sebaidee Thai Restaurants sits in the middle of a housing district, safely tucked away from Batu Lanchang. The seductive secret is well-kept by those who are in the know, it is not hipstery nor posh but a simple corner house within the neighborhood that serves authentic, home-styled Thai delicacies. The ambiance and setting are less-exclusive, more like a home-styled restaurant with simple setting but the plus is, the restaurant is fully air-conditioned so it's a great relief for the heat-intolerant. They have an extensive menu to offer but the only downside is the dishes are priced slightly higher than normal price point. Nevertheless, the place is especially worth-a-go for those who favor Thai food. To find Sebaidee, drive from Jalan Batu Lanchang and turn into the junction opposite KFC of Batu Lanchang. Drive along and you will find a playground on your right, Sebaidee is opposite the playground. 



Som Tam/ Thai Mango Salad (Rm 18)

Our starter was sweat-inducing Som Tam, the quintessential Thai Mango Salad; Sebaidee's was served with Sambal Belacan, raw-fresh Cabbage and Long Beans as well as a Deep Fried Chicken Wing? We were confused with the Chicken Wing but we shall ignore it. The Som Tam was brilliantly seasoned with a balanced medley of sweet, sour and spicy notes. The flavors were addictive and comforting. We enjoyed the dish thoroughly. 


Thai-styled Steamed Red Snapper (Market Price/ Rm 48 for ours)


Steamed Squid and Clams with Thai Lemon Sauce (Rm 20/ small)

We asked for recommendation and the server recommended their Thai-styled Steamed Fish. The broth was something akin to Tom Yum (but the flavors were not as bold as Tom Yum), it carried a hint of acidity but it was at a comforting level (not jolting sourness) and a sleek spiciness. The Red Snapper was fresh and there was a nary of fishiness. 

Steamed Squid and Clams with Thai Lemon Sauce was great but a pity that the Squid were in small sizes... even smaller after the continuous heating. On the contrary, the Clams seemed to be bigger than usual. The sauce had minced Garlic, Bird's Eye Chilies... plenty of them. Not too shabby but we found it too sour to drink it just like that. It worked better with White Rice. The Seafood were fresh if you must know. 


Green Curry Chicken (Rm 20/ small)


Stir Fried "Four Seasons" with Sambal (Rm 18/ small)


Pad Thai/ Stir Fried Thai Koay Teow (Rm 8/ person)

We unanimously agreed that Sebaidee's Pad Thai was the best dish of the evening. Not only that the noodles were expertly cooked to the right chewy texture but they were carefully seasoned right on the dot. The dish was enhanced with the alluring "wok hei". The portion was generous and the ingredients were plentiful. Another common dish at most Thai restaurants- Green Curry. Sebaidee's rendition had Thai Eggplants, Chicken pieces and a handful of Thai Basil. The Coconut-Milk concoction was creamy but sweet.... a tad too sweet to our liking. The Chicken however, was tender and well-marinated. 


Tab Tim Krob/ Thai Red Rubbies served with Coconut Cream (Rm 5)

Tab Tim Krob is always my favorite when it comes to Thai restaurant, Sebaidee's rendition is rich, thick and creamy but we thought the Coconut Cream might be a little too thick to our liking. The other elements were... standard and average. It was satisfying but we did not find it especially outstanding. 


Ratings:
Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: No. 1, Lintang Batu, 11600, Green Lane, Penang.
Business Hours: 5 pm to 11:30 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 656 8891
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Hong Kong : The Shining Gem of Asia

May 17, 2016, 7:41 pm
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Looking for a nice and pretty, yet, affordable holiday destination in Asia? Hong Kong could be a great idea. If a weekend is all you have, Hong Kong offers the famed Disneyland and great shopping experience. Here are a few things to do for a weekend in Hong Kong:

Hong Kong Disneyland
For the Disney fan, Disneyland Hong Kong offers you the magical land without having to fly too far away to Japan or the US. The park offers endless attractions to try and entertainment to see. The castle will bring your fairy tale dreams come true. This park is great for families with kids and young lover birds. Honeymoon destination?

Victoria Peak
Skyscrapers might not awe you anymore, the high-rise buildings in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore or Jakarta can make you sick of them, but Southeast Asia doesn’t have the Victoria Peak: everything you heard about the metropolitan life of Hong Kong is confirmed by the view you get from the Peak.

Temple Street Night Market
If you're up for a night walk, this market is worth a visit. Located in central Kowloon under the glaring street lights, this market offers everything from street food to fortune-tellers. This would be a great spot for you to see and learn how the locals spend their time on a night out.

Jump in a Ferry
Jump in a ferry-ride across the harbor, this little ride will take you pass through shipping vessels of all kinds and allows you to see Hong Kong coastline from Quarry Bay to Western. The ferry will stop mid-way to let passengers take pictures of Hong Kong.


Hong Kong, with the growing economy and tourism offers many places to stay, but to save some dimes you can use travel booking sites like Traveloka.com or Agoda to find the perfect hotel deals that suit your budget, here are a few options to stay in Hong Kong:

1.    The Royal Pacific Hotel & Towers (4 stars)
33 Canton Road Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

This four-star accommodation offers you a ranged of nice and comfortable rooms from as low as RM450 to RM1550 for a guaranteed comforts and luxury. It’s close to the Kowloon Park, and the Temple Street Night Market to ease your trip.

2.    Regal Kowloon Hotel (4 stars)
71 Mody Road Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Located in the heart of Kowloon, the hotel doesn’t just give you great facility with guaranteed comforts but also ease your way to the Hong Kong History Museum and shopping centre in Nathan Road. The rooms are available for just RM400 to RM800 per night.

3.    Langham Place, Mongkok, Hong Kong (5 stars)
555 Shanghai Street Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

For the special occasion, or to simply add the perfection to your holiday this hotel offers high-end services and facility. It is located near to the shopping and city centre, makes it great for one who aims for a lazy, shopping holiday. The rooms are available at RM600 for the lowest to RM1200 per night.
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Breakfast at Pek Kong Cheng (大山脚伯公埕) @ Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

May 17, 2016, 11:12 pm
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You may raise your eyebrow when someone tells you that there are a handful of delicious local delicacies surrounding a historical Chinese temple. Those who are in the know will tell you where to find good hawker food; in the heartland of Bukit Mertajam town, Pek Kong temple has become one of the important local landmarks. The area is often packed with cars and is especially busy in the mornings, you will find traders pushing their carts crossing the streets and parking space is especially scarce in the vicinity. However, the wait is worth-while and if you come here too late in the day, you will miss the opportunity to savor some of the best local delicacies. Below are some of the items that you should not miss:

1) Pek Kong Cheng's Famous Duck Meat Koay Chiap (伯公埕驰名鸭肉粿汁)
Business Hours: The Duck Meat Koay Chip is closed on every Monday. Opens from 6:30 am to 11 am.



Pek Kong Cheng's famous Duck Meat Koay Chiap (Rm 5/ regular)

It's hard to miss this stall as there will be many regular patrons surrounding it. The broth carries a different hue as compared to what we have here. It's lighter in color but definitely not the flavors. It possesses a bold Duck-gamey taste and would only be suitable for those with an acquired taste bud. The flat Rice noodles on the other hand, were chewier than the ones we had. Something unusual but only meant for those with trained taste buds.



2) Loh Mee or Hokkien Prawn Mee
Business Hours: The Loh Mee is closed on every Monday and Tuesday. Opens from 6:30 am to 11 am. 


Loh Mee (Rm 5/ large) 

We were too late and their Hokkien Prawn Mee was sold out. We opted for another alternative- Loh Mee. We were surprised to find that their version of Loh Mee was somewhat different to the conventional ones. It reminds me of Singapore Loh Mee in a way. We didn't like the absence of the five-spice flavor, probably we were accustomed to our very own version here. Also, the broth seemed to be sweeter than usual.


3) Curry Mee
Business Hours: The Curry Mee only opens for business on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. 


Curry Mee (Rm 4/ regular)

This particularly stall of Curry Mee has an attitude; it only operates on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. If you are keen to try, make sure you get your dates correct. Their Curry Mee did not look like anything usual, more like a hybrid between Mee Jawa, Curry Mee and Hokkien Mee. The broth was veering towards the sweeter side while the condiments were odd... Shrimp Crackers were added. It was exactly as creamy as we were expecting and the Chili did not possess the quintessential smokiness. Not bad for a change but on a regular basis, I'd stick to my old favorite Penang styled Curry Mee.



4) Red Bean Tofu Fah
Business Hours: The Tofu Fah is closed on every Wednesday and Thursday. It opens as early as 10:30 am and closes as late as 6 pm.


Tofu Fah with sweetened Red Beans: Rm 2 for a bowl (Rm 2.20 for takeaways). 

Right beside the main entrance to the temple, there's an unpretentious Tofu Fah stall. It didn't seem attractive to us at first but when we got to know that they serve Tofu Fah with an attitude, we went ahead and checked it out without hesitation. The highlight is the sweetened Red Bean, somewhat similar to what a standard bowl of Cendol would offer but instead of serving them on a mountain of Ice, they are served on hot Tofu Fah. To my surprise, the flavor-texture combination was nice, reasonably sweetened with silky smooth texture of the Tofu Fah and the nutty element of the Red Beans. A creative but delicious touch to the conventional bowl of Tofu Fah. 


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: 5.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Ambiance: 5.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: Off Jalan Pasar, 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
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Mushroom Chicken Hor Fun @ Tuck Sai Coffee House, Georgetown, Penang.

April 5, 2016, 9:26 pm
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We hear that there's a mysterious stall (behind the former Federal Cinema) housed under the Sri Pelangi Apartment that sells decent Mushroom Chicken Hor Fun. Out of curiosity, we decided to explore. The owner runs the business with an attitude... that he is never punctual for his business operations; depending on your luck, you might need to wait for a while before your bowl of Hor Fun is served. Finding a place to park is an issue, especially on weekends. To find Tuck Sai Coffee House, drive from KOMTAR to Dato Keramat and turn left before Starview Restaurant (formerly known as Federal Cinema). Follow the road and turn right once you hit the T-junction. Once your right, the first apartment is Sri Pelangi Apartment. 


[Dry] Mushroom Chicken Hor Fun (Rm 4.50/ small)


[Soup] Mushroom Chicken Hor Fun (Rm 5/ medium)

Regulars start to flood in the place once the clock ticks 7 pm. Empty tables were beginning to be occupied with patrons anxiously waiting for their bowl of soup-licious Hor Fun. We had both Dry and Soup versions, the former one had a slightly bolder flavor than the latter one. We believe the pull factor of this stall is their home-made Mushroom Chicken that lightens up the entire Hor Fun dish. To my dismay, it was exactly as delicious as we would have hoped. The meat was rough and the Mushrooms were thinly sliced. We thought it was just average.


Seafood Porridge (Rm 15.20)


Deep Fried Black Pomfret (Rm 6/ 5 pieces)

To add in variety to your dinner, walk up to this humble stall behind to see what they can offer for the day. On our visit, we were lucky that their Deep Fried Black Pomfret was available. Every single piece of the Black Pomfret was deep fried till perfection... so crispy that the entire fish was edible. For a refreshing touch to the fish, we added a dash of Lime Juice to counter-balance the greasiness. 

If you are in the mood for some Seafood, try their Seafood Porridge or Noodles. Diners are to pick their preferred Seafood at the display counter; some of the fresh catch on our visit- Prawns, Squids, Fish Fillet, Flower Crabs and Frogs. The broth was brimming with Seafood sweetness and a nary of oil was seen. It would be even better if they could provide the mushy-watery Cantonese Porridge in lieu of Hokkien Rice-Porridge.


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 5.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: Sri Pelangi Apartment, Jalan Bukom, 10150, Georgetown, Penang. 
Business Hours: [Mushroom Chicken Hor Fun] 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
[Seafood Noodles] 5 pm to 12 am. Closed on Mondays. 
Contact Number: N/A
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Two Seven Coffee @ Icon City, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

May 5, 2016, 7:44 pm
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The first thing that hits you when you step into Two Seven Coffee is the bright and spacious interior, though the facade suggests little impression about the cafe. The interior is a mix of rustic-industrial vibe, the whole combination was comforting. The choice of color seems to be comfortable and the tables are well-spaced out. The cafe serves a standard Western-menu with some familiar dishes such as Aglio Olio, Grilled Chicken, Sandwiches etc but priced on the higher side. As far as the food quality is concerned, there are plenty of rooms for improvements.



Tapas (Rm 25.70)

Two Seven Coffee's Tapas are certainly inflected forms of Crostini. To our dismay, the "Tapas" were served on dry and stale Baguettes with weird and exotic combinations. From left to right- Stir Fried Button Mushrooms with Onions and served with home-made Yogurt, fresh Cherry Tomatoes topped with Basil and served with home-made Yogurt, fresh Japanese Cucumber slices served with Goma/ Japanese Sesame Salad Dressing, Grilled Chicken Breast topped with Basil and served with Yogurt and Smoked Salmon with Chili-Ginger Sauce. We did not seem to enjoy any of the Tapas and thought that they were overpriced for the petite portion and below-par quality. 


Arrabiata Spaghetti (Rm 18.70)

Two Seven's rendition of Arrabiata was alright but some fine-tuning is still required. The Tomato-based sauce with a gentle heat was expertly crafted with the right thickness and consistency but the pasta was overcooked. Not slightly overcooked but a slouchy, soft mess. We could not agree on the texture, though the flavors were well thought out. The Chicken pieces were equally disappointing as well, a tad too dry and hard to the bite. For the premium that we have paid, we'd certainly expect more from them. 


Black Forest (Rm 12.70)

We ended the meal with a serving of beautifully presented Black Forest. The Cake was moist and delicately sweetened but the Cherry-filling was limited in which we were left underwhelmed. There could be more given that price tag but if you are just looking for fair piece of Cake without much Black Forest-element, Two Seven's fine. 


Ratings:
Taste: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 6/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 27, Jalan Icon City, Icon City, 14000, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
Business Hours: 12 pm to 12 am. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 506 2772 
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Classic Teddy Cafe @ 1st Avenue Mall, Georgetown, Penang.

May 19, 2016, 1:50 pm
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Show some love to the cuddly London Teddy Bear at Classic Teddy Cafe, 1st Avenue Mall Penang. The newly opened Classic Teddy Cafe is home to the cute and fluffy London Teddy Bear; the place is appropriately decorated to the theme (arguably). Step in the cafe and you will be enveloped in a cute atmosphere... start with the famous London Red Telephone Box, coupled with two big Teddy Bears. Walk straight in the cafe and you will find many Union Jack on the furniture, or at least the color combination that works along the line. While the cafe is named as Classic Teddy Cafe, we were surprised that there were not much Teddy Bears in the cafe- 2 near the entrance, 6 on the wall and some near the counter only; customers were not given some to play with. The menu is small and has little or no connection to the cuties; we thought the offering is weak either (the standard boring cafe menu).



Aglio Olio Chicken Breast (Rm 18)


Chocolate Walnut Muffin (Rm 6.50) and Long Black (Rm 8)

There were limited offering on our visit, There were only 3 types of Pasta left so we thought it was wiser to pick the safest option. We had their Aglio Olio (Chicken Breast), they were quite generous with the portion but the texture was disappointing. The Pasta was overcooked and the flavor was a little bland. It was monotonous. The Garlic flavor did not stand out and the spiciness was too soft to be discerned. Fortunately, the Chicken meat was nicely executed with a touch of citrusy flavor.  

To end the meal, we had their Chocolate Walnut Muffin. The Cake was fresh and moist but the Chocolate element was weak. For Rm 6.50, we thought it was overpriced. We washed it down with a cup of Long Black.


Ratings:
Taste: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 6.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Ambiance: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: Yes 6%

Additional Information:
Address: 4-18, 4F of 1st Avenue Mall, 182, Jalan Magazine, 10300, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 10:30 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 261 8633
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Arashi Shabu-Shabu @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

May 16, 2016, 1:35 am
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Warm your body up in this rainy season by enjoying Hot Pot at the newly opened Arashi Shabu Shabu, Gurney Plaza. The Hot Pot chain is well-established in southern Malaysia but this is their first branch in Penang. Their concept is simple- one Hot Pot per diner (you may opt for sharing nevertheless) but the real pull factor is probably the unique Japanese-influenced broth; from sweet to savory, Sukiyaki to Kelp or Curries. Each Hot Pot package is carefully thought of, to cater both carnivores and herbivores but unfortunately, they come with hefty price tags too. The relentless queue over the weekend was horrible but lucky for us, we had to queue for 10 minutes only (we were told that some had to queue for more than half an hour). 



Mix Pork and Beef Combo (Rm 28.90) with Hot & Spicy Milk Broth (additional Rm 2)


Grilled Beef Bibimbap (Rm 22.90)

Amongst the ten broths available, we opted for the most exclusive type- Hot & Spicy Milk Broth. It may sound unusual at first but the flavors are familiar. We had a sip and it instantly reminded us of White Curry Mee. The Mix Pork and Beef combo carried the quintessential meat slices and some Meat Balls with crunchy Greens, Glass Noodles, Crabsticks, Mushrooms and crispy Beancurd Sheets. We thought they could be more generous with the meat, we only got a few thinly sliced Beef and Pork. The note-worthy requisite sauce- Arashi Shabu Shabu's home-made signature Spicy sauce was a beautiful complement to the meat. Though it was lip-numbingly hot, the acidic-element in the sauce makes it addictive and especially refreshing to be used a dip for the meat.

Arashi Shabu Shabu's Bibimbap is probably modified to suit the local palate. The Korean-origin dish has many crunchy greens but Arashi's rendition had some julienned Black Fungus, Bak Choy, Kim Chi and some Grilled Beef; doused over a sweet-savory Japanese sauce. The concoction was delicious but they may have overdone with the sauce. As a result of that, the Bibimbap was overly moist and the crispy crust could not be formed at the bottom of the Stone Pot. I would not say the Beef was entirely tender but it was  brilliantly marinated to the right dot. We added in some of their sweat-inducing signature hot sauce and boy, it was brilliant. Our only possible criticism is the price, which does not justify the portion. 


Chawan Mushi (Rm 6.90)


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 6/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Service: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: Yes 10%
Government Tax: Yes 6%

Additional Information:
Address: 170-03-85, Gurney Plaza, Persiaran Gurney, 10250, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 10:30 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 229 8688
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Cha Yen Cafe @ i-Avenue, Bukit Jambul, Penang.

May 29, 2016, 7:25 pm
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Cha Yen Cafe's humble beginnings started at Armenian Street, an unpretentious stall selling the popular Thai Milk Tea- Cha Yen. They have since expanded their business operations all over the state and recently, a proper cafe entirely owned by the brand. The menu is small and most of the items are not as exciting as some of the establishments in town (unfortunately). The only possible item that caught our attention was their Roti Bakar with Thai-styled Coconut Custard and Coconut Ice Cream. Apart from these snacks, the mains carry a nary of Thai element. If you are keen to explore for your own, they can be found at i-Avenue (a few doors away from Eastern Wishes). 



Cha Yen Cafe's signature Roti Bakar served with Thai-styled Coconut Custard (Rm 4.20) was a disappointment. It was so much different than the one we had back in Bangkok. Steamed Bread was used in lieu of Toast. The former one gives a soft-comfortable texture while the Buttered Toast will vie for attention and there might be too much of flavors competing each other. The Coconut Custard on the other hand, was alright though not comparable with the one we had during our trip to Bangkok. The Coconut Cream-element was weaker than expected. The only thing that we would agree... was the well-balanced sweetness. 


Not too sure if Mama-Miya is associated with Cha Yen Cafe but at Cha Yen Cafe, they serve Mama Miya's Coconut Ice Cream (Rm 7) with Sweet Corns, roasted Peanuts and Nata de Coco. Instead of creamy Ice Cream, it was veering towards the sherbet-type of texture. It was tasty, sweet but packed with bold Coconut flavors. They were kind enough to scoop up the Coconut meat for us. The only possible criticism could be the portion, which we thought it could be larger for that price.  


Thai-Styled Milk Tea/ Cha Yen (Rm 5.50)


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Paring: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: i-Avenue, 11900, Bukit Jambul, Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Business Hours: 9 am to 10 pm on Weekdays, 9 am to 11 pm on Weekends. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 6017- 441 0041 
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De Paella Spanish Restaurant @ Lebuh Melayu, Georgetown, Penang.

May 31, 2016, 6:00 pm
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Don't be surprised if you could not locate the main entrance to De Paella, as the Spanish restaurant is housed within the two-storey pre-war heritage house along Lebuh Melayu. The restaurant's on the second floor, the first floor's occupied with a Chinese Steamboat Restaurant- Little Yong Sing Hot Pot. Push open the doors and you will welcomed by a server, if you wish to dine in De Paella, you will be escorted through the narrow path right beside the restaurant. Traipse yourself up the flight of stairs and you will find De Paella there. The soft but warm lighting seems to have set the tone perfectly but the distance between tables is too near. On the menu, it features some of the classic Spanish items like Paella, Octopus and Clams but the offerings are limited. We found most pleasure in the Paella. 



Spanish Paella (Rm 75.99/ serves 3)

De Paella resembles the name "Paella" so that would probably suggest the confidence level in serving Paella. True enough, their Paella did meet our expectation. In fact, we thought it was the greatest version that we have ever had! A must-order dish at De Paella.

The Spanish Seafood Rice was served in the standard pot and covered with all the lovely Seafood. The Rice was expertly cooked, every single bite of it possesses the al-dente texture, with a slightly uncooked characteristic in the middle of the Rice. The Seafood was fresh and succulent, the best part... they were perfectly cooked to the right doneness. We squeezed some fresh Lemon over the Paella and started to enjoy those near the edges... for the golden-brown delicate crust that we could possible scrape (from the sides of the pan). Every mouth was a burst of the Seafood essence. We can't get enough of the Paella and thought that the portion was rather inadequate (for 3 diners).


Pulpo A La Gallega/ Slow-cooked Octopus (Rm 17.99)


Tortilla Espanola/ Spanish Omelette (Rm 10.99)


Almejas Al Vino Blanco/ Clams cooked in Green Sauce and White Wine (Rm 18.99)

We had a few of their Spanish Tapas before our actual main and amongst the orders, Almejas Al Vino Blanco stood out. It has some Asian twist, particularly the Lemongrass and Bird's Eye Chilies but the overall flavor combination was a winner. There were many elements vying for attention (ie: Garlic, Basil and Lemongrass) but the overall package was comforting and toothsome. Our only complaint for the dish? A tad too greasy to our liking.

Pulpo A La Gallega was alright, the Octopus was tender but it barely registered any flavor. The overall impression was... elusive. Tortilla Espanola was disappointingly average. It lacked of the salinity or the fact that the dish was mere Potato with Egg, the pull factor was weak for us. Unless necessary, we'd recommend to skip the Tapas and go straight to their Paella.


Chocolate Truffles (Rm 12.99)

Some of De Paella's signature desserts were not available on our visit so we had to settle for their Chocolate Truffles. The chocolaty-creamy Truffles were served with some tangy Lime froth, the acidity counter-balanced the sweetness of the Chocolate. The sweet ending was dramatic but given they come in hefty price tag, we are unsure if we would order again....


Luis Felipe Edwards Pupilla Chardonnay (Rm 75.99/ bottle)


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 5.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 31 & 33, Lebuh Melayu, 10300, Georgetown, Penang. 
Business Hours: 6 pm to 12 am. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 604- 263 6333
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Kith & Kin @ Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

June 2, 2016, 7:50 pm
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A new kids-friendly restaurant just started its business operation at Vantage Desiran Tanjung over the weekend (many weekends ago/ this article was written many weeks back then) and was well-welcomed by the nearby residents. There is a small corner- "The Playroom" dedicated for children to hangout, with some toys for them. The interior decor has shades of Plan B... the greyish-industrial vibe with hanging light bulbs and funky paints adorning the walls. Seating is comfortable with well-spaced out table and chair arrangement; the menu certainly looks promising... with a range of Western-Oriental dishes but none of the dishes we had were impressive. Unless you are a parent with kids (and you wish to let your kids to hangout with others), you must be prepared to sign up for an exquisite dining experience- with kids chasing and screaming over each other, the noise level is of a new league.



Warm Beef Salad (Rm 16.90)

A Scottish-Egg inspired dish- Warm Beef Salad was able to impress us by its presentation. An egg was wrapped using ground Beef and deep fried till perfection; served over a bed of fresh Greens. The Egg was slightly overcooked, it would be perfect if the Yolk could be served runnier. The Beef was well-seasoned but unfortunately, it was a tad too greasy to our liking. Towards the end of the meal, the poor Arugula was swimming in a pool of Oil (the greens were tossed with Olive Oil and Vinaigrette too). Some refinements needed for this dish. 


Grilled Rempah Chicken (Rm 15.90)


Salted Egg Barramundi (Rm 19.90)

Those with an Oriental palate can opt for Grilled Rempah Chicken, a carefully marinated then grilled Chicken served over White Rice and some of their sweet Gado-Gado-alike sauce. It certainly reminds us of Ayam Percik or Grilled Chicken with Gado-Gado. If you could relate, the sauce is veering towards the sweeter side (just like Ayam Percik). We thought it was a little too safe, as though it was an ordinary plate of Malay-influenced Chicken Rice. Disappointingly average.

Salted Egg Barramundi is a misnomer. We were excited by the name- Salted Egg but to our disappointment, the sauce carried a nary of Salted Egg element. It was more of an usual Cream sauce and it was not able to complement the fish. The fish was alright but even better if they could brown the skin further... for a crispier texture and a more alluring aroma. 


Cheezy Meatball (Rm 16.90)

The Cheesy Meatball shares common characteristics as the Warm Beef Salad, both were ground Beef while the Cheesy Meatball had some Mozzarella stuffed inside. The Bolognese Meat sauce was flavorful, they were quite generous with the meat and the acidity was cleverly balanced. It would be even better if they could add in a little bit of crunch such as Capsicum or Onions. The Spaghetti on the other hand, was horrible. The texture was soft and slouchy, not even close to al-dente.... perhaps to suit the taste buds of children.


Upgrade to Set- Soup of the Day and Iced Lemon Tea (Rm 6.90)


Ratings:
Taste: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: Yes 10%
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: A-G-9, Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Jalan Desiran Tanjung, 10470, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 11:30 am to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Contact Number: 604- 898 1813
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[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Busan (釜山), South Korea (韩国).

June 5, 2016, 6:19 pm
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The second largest city of South Korea (after Seoul) is Busan Metropolitan City, which located at the southeastern tip of the country. Busan gained its popularity and international spotlight through its annually-held event- Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Celebrities, film directors, producers from other countries all over the globe will gather and hence, receives international spotlight. The event started many years ago; fast-forward to now, the city has turned into a center for medical tourism. Nevertheless, Busan is also famed for its astonishing natural landscape.

Busan is easily accessible whether by plane (internationally/ domestic) or train (domestic). If you are flying in from Malaysia, you should land at Gimhae International Airport, approximately 30 minutes away from Busan Station. If you must know, we flew in to Incheon International Airport, Seoul and transferred to KTX Train to Busan. 


If you are planning to visit Busan soon, check out HotelsCombined for the best hotel deals for your stay! 

Transportation to Busan Station from Seoul Station: KORAIL/ KTX
Cost: 3 Day KORAIL Pass (must back and forth- from Seoul Station to Busan Station) @ 97,800 KRW (would be cheaper if you travel in a group). For your reference, we bought 2 tickets in one go at 175,800 KRW.



Foreigners are required to pre-book KORAIL tickets before their arrival to South Korea but the amount would not be charged to your credit card until you have exchanged it with the actual ticket at Korea. Tickets can be booked via their official website. You may choose to travel from Seoul Station (to Busan) or directly from Incheon International Airport (to Busan) but the tickets from Incheon International Airport are selling like hot cakes (we touched down as early as 6 am in the morning and immediately went over to the counter *though the immigration took us a while to clear*, the train running from Incheon Airport to Busan was fully booked) . 

Look for the KORAIL counter and they are able to do the exchange of tickets for you (with the booking ticket you printed out). In order to secure a comfortable seat (unless you prefer to remain standing throughout the journey), it is wiser to exchange for your return-trip ticket too. The KTX Trains runs punctually and the seats are comfortable. Passengers are allowed to purchase food and drinks to be brought to the train and enjoy (there's also an in-house vendor that sells food... at a premium rate of course). For those who can't live without internet, high speed wifi is installed too.

Our trip was a swift and comfortable, the journey from Seoul Station to Busan Station took us approximately 2.5 hours.

The places we visited during our trip:

1) Haeundae Beach (海云台浴场)/ Haeundae Market
Direction: Metro Line, Haeundae Station (exit 3 or exit 5), walk approximately 600 meter towards the beach (there will be directions indicated in the subway station). You will walk pass the Haeundae Food Alley, a short 10 minute-walk before you could reach the beach.
Admission Fee: Free


Hotteok (1,000 KRW)


Mizu Shingen Mochi (30,000 KRW)


Taiyaki (3,000 KRW)


Soy Milk Jelly (1,500 KRW)


Tteokbokki (3,500 KRW) and Korean Fishcakes simmered in broth (500 KRW/ stick)


Haeundae is strategically located (40 minute train ride away from Busan Station)... blessed with many food eateries and tourist attractions around. Plan your itinerary carefully, though the process can be tedious. If your itinerary is centered around the Haeundae district, we'd recommend you to stay here for easy access to food and planned destinations.

There was no shortage of food during our stay at Busan, especially with Haeundae Market was within walking distance from our hostel. There are countless of traditional Korean delicacies available as well as some newly invaded Fusion treats. One phenomenon we noticed was the patrons will hold at least one serving of Hotteok per person, we followed them to a stall with the longest queue. Mochi-like (chewy Glutinous Rice dough) dough (dusted with Cinnamon Sugar) will be deep fried till perfection and generously stuffed with sweetened Sunflower Seeds and Pumpkin Seeds. The outside was crunchy while the filling was nutty-sweet. It can be rather addictive.

We wondered how the strange-looking Soy Milk Jelly would taste like and decided to give it a try. The Soy Milk was extremely thick and creamy... possibly seasoned with Salt. It carried a sleek salinity, the overall flavor was peculiar and only those with trained palate would know how to appreciate. While we've tried very hard to finish the whole thing, we'd literally have to think twice if we were to be offered another serving. Some notable highlights include Tteokbokki, Korean Fish Cakes, Korean Rice Juice, Korean Fried Chicken etc. 

2) Stir Fried Sea Eel with Spice
Location: Haeundae Food Alley
Price: 38,000 KRW (for 2 pax)
Business Hours: Evening till late


Curiosity kills Ken! On our first evening, we noticed a long snaking queue congesting this particular shop and thought we should check it out on the next day.... and so we did. The shop specializes in serving Sea Eels; there's a lady near the entrance, showcasing her trained skills in beheading the Sea Eels and slice them off in preparation to be served to the diners. 

Movements were noticed on the freshly killed Sea Eels, a huge splash of chopped Garlic was served along with condiments (Onions, Spring Onions and Cabbage) heavily dressed in Gochujang sauce. The server assisted us in cooking (one of the servers speak Mandarin) and the dish was ready in no time. The Gochujang sauce did not overpower the dish, the sweetness was brilliantly balanced to our liking. What caught us by surprise was the crunchy texture of the Sea Eel. Having eaten grilled Unagi and Anago for many times, we did not expect the texture to be so different! The Mandarin-speaking server told us that the correct way of enjoying the dish would be to wrap the cooked fish using Sesame Leaf and Lettuce. This is one of the traditional Korean dishes that brave food explorers should never miss (be sure to reach there as early as 6 pm)!


It's not wrong to say Haeundae Beach is one of the most representative tourist attractions in Busan, the beach is always happening and constantly filled with excitements (Polar Bear Swim Festival on every January and Sand Festival happening every June). If you are in the mood, there's a casino housed in Paradise Hotel... facing the beach and accessible from the beach (you will need your passport, only foreigners are allowed to enter the Casino). We'd recommend visiting the beach in the evenings and if you are lucky, there will be street performances too.


3) Beef Gukbap Street (牛肉汤饭)
Direction: Metro Line 2, Haeundae Station (exit 1) and walk towards Haeundae Beach. You will need to make a left turn when you notice a stretch of shops selling Gukbap. The street is also opposite to Hotel Riviera Haeundae. 
Price: 4,000 KRW per serving
Business Hours: Morning till late 


Beef Gukbap (4,000 KRW per portion)


If you are staying at Haeundae area just like us, walk to the Beef Gukbap Street (5 minutes walk away from the Metro station). The Korean Seonji Rice is best eaten as breakfast. We toured around the area and found this particular shop with the most regular patrons.

It didn't surprise us when we found out that the shop was established since 1962 (apparently the name is read as 48-nyeon Jeontong Haeundae Wonjo Halmae Gukbap). We visited in May so the weather was comforting but the wind can be chilly in the morning. A good portion of piping hot Gukbap would warm our stomach so much.

Gukbap literally refers to Beef Rice Soup; Korean Rice simmered in Beef broth with a generous serving of Beef Tenderloin and topped with aplenty of crunchy greens. The Beef Tenderloin was expertly cooked to the right doneness, chewing was unnecessary. It was so tender (yet maintaining the shape) that it literally melted in the mouth! The broth was expertly seasoned with a gentle spicy-kick. We enjoyed every single bit of the Gukbap and would recommend you to try it out (if you do eat Beef).

4) Jagalchi Market (札嘎其市场)
Direction: Metro Line 1, Jagalchi Station (exit 10), walk for 300 meters toward Jagalchi 1-gil.
Business Hours: 5 am to 9 pm. Opens Daily.
Admission Fee: Free


Mountains of Sea Pineapples


Sea Intestines


Fresh Live Seafood ready on sale


If you visit Busan and have yet to visit Jagalchi Market... you haven't really visited Busan after all. It is one of the must-visit destinations in Busan. Jagalchi Market is also known as the largest fish market in South Korea. It's the ideal place for one to understand the local food culture and the importance of seafood to the folks in Busan. There were some uncommonly seen seafood over there (Sea Pineapples for instance) so it was an eye-opening experience for us. For your information, the Koreans believe that eating Sea Pineapples will bring medicinal benefits.

The walking distance from the Metro Station to Jagalchi Market is approximately 10 minutes. You will have to walk pass a stretch of seafood stalls before reaching the building. The 6-storey tall building named Shindonga Market houses many fresh seafood stalls (on the ground floor) and countless of seafood restaurants on the first floor.

Visitors can purchase their preferred seafood from the market and bring them up to the restaurants. The restaurants will prepare them for you... at a cost of course. We've tried asking the locals and it seems like the difference (in prices) is small. 


Steamed Fresh Abalones (6 for 30,000 KRW)


Live Octopus (30,000 KRW)


[Sashimi] Sea Pineapple/ Steamed Scallop/ Steamed Prawn


Flat Fish and Stingray Sashimi


The Korean's way of eating Sashimi


Korean Pancake


Fish Pot

We don't speak Korean and thus, did not purchase any Seafood. We went straight into the restaurant and ordered the food there. Unless you are well-versed in Korean, buying things at Jagalchi Market is not easy (most of them don't understand English). Besides, not like the total bill could be cheaper... just that you get to pick what type of Seafood you prefer. 

On the second floor, there are plenty of Seafood restaurants available. Most of the servers do speak Mandarin and they will try to grab you so be careful and stay firm on your decision. From our experience, the Seafood may be fresh but the prices are not cheap... at all. You can probably get cheaper rates out there, not too sure if this is again... another tourist trap. It is a quintessential thing to do nevertheless.

We picked one restaurant that offers Sea view and were immediately greeted by the Mandarin-speaking server. Most items on the menu are expensive but if you must order, go for their Set Meal (in our case, 30,000 KRW). The set meal consists of Sashimi platter (in huge portion), Ban Chan (Korean appetizers), steamed Scallop/ Prawn, Korean Pancake and Fish Pot... while other dishes are priced exorbitantly. Imagine the live octopus being priced at 30,000 KRW per portion (equivalent to Rm 105).... The texture was somewhat different to what I was expecting- crunchy and slightly resilient but well-coated with Sesame Oil. We could taste the natural seafood sweetness of the Octopus and not a nary of fishiness can be discerned. If only the price could be lower...

Anyway, we finally get to taste the Sea Pineapple, a type of sea squirt that is not commonly seen in Malaysia... unfortunately, our untrained taste buds could not approve nor appreciate the delicacy. It possesses slimy texture and fishy flavor... adding salt to the wound... it carries an exquisite acidic-bitter-after taste. It was an extraordinary gastronomic journey for us nevertheless. 



5) BIFF Square
Direction: Metro Line 1, Jagalchi Station (exit 7), walk 300 meters toward Daeyeong Cinema.
Business Hours: Daytime


BIFF Square resembles the characteristics of Avenue of Starts in Hong Kong. There are celebrities' hand prints on the floor but apart from experiencing the booming of filming industry in Busan, you get to shop and try out the different types of local delicacies available as well. The entire area spans across few streets and most brands can be found here (including skin care brands like Nature Republic, The Face Shop etc).

BIFF Square is within walking distance from Jagalchi Market and it is highly recommended that you check out the market first (perhaps for brunch) and take a casual stroll at BIFF Square. 

6) Gamchoen Cultural Village (甘川文化村)
Direction: Metro Line 1, Toseong Station (exit 6). Once you are out of the subway exit, walk straight until you reach the first intersection. Continue walking up the slope until you find a bus station right in front of the Busan Cancer Center. Take bus 1-1, 2 or 2-2. Alight at Gamcheon Cultural Village. The bus trip should cost approximately 900 KRW.
Admission Fee: Free


Also known as the Machu Picchu of Souh Korea, the winding yet narrow alleys in the form of colorful terrace houses on top of the sloppy coastal mountain would make an attractive pull factor for tourists. The walls are artfully decorated with art work; handicrafts and Korean snacks are sold along the alleys. We'd recommend spending an afternoon here if you wish to fully explore the area.

7) Gamnae Cafe
Location: Near the entrance of Gamcheon Cultural Village, few minutes walk away from the Bus Station
Business Hours: 10 am to 7 pm. Opens Daily.


Persimmon Bingsu (5,500 KRW)


There are countless of cafes and small eateries at Gamcheon Cultural Village and one would be literally spoilt for choices. We did not know what to choose either, nor little did we know what they offer (we don't read Korean). We tried our luck at Gamnae Cafe, a short walk from the bus station at Gamcheon Cultural Village.

There's a steep flight of stairs right in front of the cafe, the al-fresco setting is amazing, overlooking the entire Gamcheon Cultural Village. The standard cafe beverage menu is of course available but one specific item that lured our attention was their Persimmon Bingsu. Sweetened Iced Persimmon served atop of shaved ice and sweetened Red Beans as well as Walnuts. The shaved ice was lightly flavored, with some milky element but the real draw of the was the Persimmon. They were robust in flavor, not entirely mushy but just firm enough to pull out the ideal texture (biteable, not entirely squashy). It makes a good match with the shaved ice, we could go without the sweetened Red Beans though. 

8) Taejongdae Natural Park (太宗台)
Direction: Metro Line 1, Busan Station (exit 7); walk out to the bus station (note that there are few bus stations along the street, go to the third out, confirm by checking the bus number written on the notice board). Transfer to Bus 88 or 101. Alight at Taejongdae, a few minutes walk from the main entrance.
Admission Fee: Free (2,000 KRW for the Danubi-train)


Head south to the most southern point of Yongdo Island, Taejongdae Natural Park offers spectacular sea views. According to the official tourism brochure, Taejongdae is the closest point to the Japanese island of Tsushima. 

Unless you wish to walk for hours or sweat like a pig ; there are two other options available- Danubi Train or sight-seeing boat. We chose the first option... at the cost of 2,000 KRW per person. The Danubi train runs from 10 am to 7 pm daily. Train riders can purchase the tickets near the bottom of the hill (but approximately 5-10 minute walk from the main entrance); you can opt to alight at any point during the journey and ride on the next train (after you have completed touring the area) but do be mindful on the last train that runs at 7 pm. Those with good stamina can opt to walk down the cliffs... which will bring you scenic grandeur of the sea. It's good for those who enjoy natural landscape or to take a break from the stressful shopping.

9) Gwangalli Beach
Location: Metro Line 2, Gwang-an Station (exit 3 or 5), walk 700 meters towards Gwangalli beach (approximately 20-30 minute walk)
Admission Fee: Free


For a breath-taking landscape view, take your chance to Gwangalli Beach; few metro stations away from Haeundae Beach will bring you to this 1.4 km long beach. The authorities have taken good care of the environment- pristine clear sea water and fine sand. The best time to visit would probably in the evening (for sunset and the evening breeze). There's a stretch of eateries facing the beach so if you are in the mood of a leisure afternoon tea to stretch your shopping legs, this district is an ideal place to explore.

Have Fun in Exploring Busan! 
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Feng Yi Dumplings (凤姨粽子) @ Weld Quay, Georgetown, Penang.

June 7, 2016, 7:12 pm
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Bak Chang or Glutinous Rice Dumpling is probably one of the favorite festive foods for many and it takes a lot of trouble and effort to make a good one. The preparation can be strenuous. Feng Yi Dumplings, one of the oldest Glutinous Rice Dumpling establishments in Penang; has been serving their regular patrons for many years. In the recent few years, they have managed to expand their business and opening a new outlet at Weld Quay (they were previously selling in one of the houses in a small alley at Weld Quay). Most regular patrons would opt for takeaways but if you are in the mood to dine in, there are a few tables with simple setup available either. 



Crystal Dumplings/ 水晶粽 (2 pcs/ Rm 3)


Glutinous Rice Dumpling/富贵粽 (Rm 7)

There are a few types of Glutinous Rice Dumplings available here at Feng Yi... and that includes the much-sought after Nyonya Glutinous Dumplings but all of them were not available on our visit, it could be different on special occasion nevertheless. The usual Glutinous Rice Dumplings come in three different tiers, the inferior ones, the usual-average ones and the premium ones. We opted for the usual ones. The flavors were weak and it did not really hit us with a very deep impression. Some of us were in the opinion that the fats/ lards were insufficient and thus, affecting the overall texture and dimension.

Crystal Dumplings (also known as Lye Water Dumplings or Kee Chang) were sold in pairs and they come in larger sizes than usual. It is usually served with a generous helping of Brown Sugar, doused over the shining-yellow hue Dumplings. The texture was chewy and resilient, would be best enjoyed while cold (in my opinion). All in all, we thought their Glutinous Rice Dumplings were alright and nothing out of the ordinary. I'd keep it in mind and in the event that I am in serious crave for Glutinous Rice Dumplings, I'll probably visit again. Not the casual place that I'd visit on a regular basis.


Vietnamese Spring Rolls (2 pcs/ Rm 6)


Jicama Dumplings/ 水晶菜粿 (Rm 3.50)

We noticed there are a couple of familiar Vietnamese dishes at Feng Yi and Spring Rolls are one of them. The filling was something unusual that my untrained taste buds could not discern. It was mushy in texture and lacked of the crunch. The Jicama Dumplings were generously stuffed with julienned Jicama and we like how simple it was done but the skin was less than satisfying. It was way too soft in texture, it melted without any bite... not the slightly chewy-gooey texture that we would have hoped. 


Koay Teow Soup/ 南洋粿条 (Rm 7.50)


Golden Bean Dessert/ 金沙汤 (Rm 3)

As if Glutinous Rice Dumplings were not calorific enough for us, we had an extra order of their Koay Teow Th'ng, the noodles were smooth and light while the broth was clean and easy on the palate, paired with some Meat Balls and Shrimps. The real draw was the sweet and tangy Fish Sauce with chopped Bird's Eye Chilies.... which added a Vietnamese dimension to the dish. It was alright but not particularly amazing.

For a sweet end, we had their Golden Bean Dessert... which was served to us piping hot. The Mung Bean flavor was weak or perhaps, overshadowed by the fragrance of Pandan. It was delicately sweetened with an agreeable thickness. Though not outstanding, it was a comfortable warm dessert to enjoy on a regular basis. 


Ratings:
Taste: 6.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Non-Halal
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 123-G-04, Pengkalan Weld, 11300, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 10 am to 10 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
Contact Number: 604- 262 2506
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[Year 2016] Food Hunting @ Hong Kong- Lady M Cake Boutique New York and Yat Lok Roast Goose (一乐烧鹅)

June 9, 2016, 7:23 pm
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On our recent trip to South Korea (only one post thus far, more to come!), we flew with Cathay Pacific and intentionally picked a long transit so we could sneak out for some food (and shopping of course) in Hong Kong. The shopaholic in us convinced that we should go for shopping and thus, the food hunting time was compromised. We did not get to try a lot of food this trip (we only had 10 hours). Also, luck was not on our side, we wanted to try the Afternoon Tea by the One Michelin Starred restaurant- Seasons, Olivier E but was told that the bookings were full and they could no longer accommodate us. Nevertheless, we had Lady M New York and Yat Lok Roast Goose; the reviews are as follows:

1) Lady M Cake Boutique Mille Crepe New York 
Address: 2096A, 2nd Floor, International Finance Centre (IFC) Mall, Central, Hong Kong.
Business Hours: 10 am to 9 am on every Monday to Saturday; 10 am to 8 pm on Sundays.
Contact Number: +852 2295 3308
Service Tax: Yes 10%
Government Tax: No
Wifi Available
Direction: Take MTR to Central Station and Exit A. Cross the famous Central Bridge and walk for approximately 10 minutes walk to IFC Mall. Lady M is on the second floor (a stone's throw away from Starbucks and Apple Store).



Signature Mille Crepe (HKD $68)


Gateau Aux Marrons (HKD $62)

Hailed from New York, Lady M is (arguably) said to offer some of the world's best Mille Crepe cakes. The brand has taken Hong Kong and Singapore by storm. We visited on a weekday afternoon and the place was thronged with visitors! Left with no choice, we joined the queue. The queue was not long but it took us approximately 15 minute-waiting time due to the limited tables.

There are many interesting and promising Mille Crepes (Mille Feuille too) but we could not afford to try many (due to limited tummy space and hefty price tags). The signature Mille Crepe was mind-blowing. The texture was pleasingly firm and the layering was well-organized. The cake maintained its shape throughout the meal (unlike those we had in Penang... landslide will usually happen). The Vanilla-milky flavor stood out, it was delicately sweetened with comfortably creamy. Best wash down with a cup of Tea.

For a change, we've tried their Gateau Aux Marrons, a close relative to Mont Blanc... The Chestnut-infused Cream possessed a hint of Chestnut (not too bold). All elements were so harmonized, as though we were eating actual Chestnut... well-inflected in the form of cake. We enjoyed both flavors and would recommend you to try them out too.


2) Yat Lok Roast Goose- One Michellin Star (一乐烧鹅)
Address: Ground Floor 34-38, Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong.
Business Hours: 10 am to 9 pm on every Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays.
Contact Number: +852 2524 3882
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Direction: Exit D2 of MTR Central Station. Ask for directions to Stanley Street, the walk should take approximately 8 minutes. 


Roast Goose Noodles/ 烧鹅濑粉 (HKD $48)

Yat Lok Roast Goose is not easy to find, it takes a while to walk from the MTR Station. You will need to walk pass a sloppy road and Yat Lok is located at the end of that road. Just like most restaurants or Cha Chan Teng in Hong Kong, the table-seating is tightly arranged. You may need to share table with others during peak hours. 

The name might suggest their strength- Roast Goose; unfortunately, we were travelling in a small group and had other eating-plans so we can't afford to order for half bird. We settled for their Roast Goose Noodles (to sample). The Roast Goose was mind-blowing, unlike something that we can find here, the remained intact-skin was crispy and as thin as a paper. The fats attached to the skin were far-gone, leaving that crispy but addictive thin sheet of skin. On the meat, we intentionally picked the Goose Breast but to our surprise, the texture was tender and most succulent. 

On the broth, it was clear but brimming with flavors. It was robust with the fragrance of the Goose meat (though some would argue that as gamey) and was extremely comforting for us (it was drizzling back then). The noodles (Lai Fun in Cantonese/ 濑粉) on the other hand, was less-satisfying. The texture was a little too hard to our liking... sort of reminds us on the under-cooked Vermicelli Noodles. Nevertheless, if you are a meat lover, do include this place in your eating adventures (in Hong Kong).


Good Luck in your Food Hunting in Hong Kong! 

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Urban Daybreak @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

June 13, 2016, 12:58 am
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There are many good Chefs in Penang but not many are as dedicated and driven as Chef Aldrien, the young executive Chef has been committed to constantly offer good food to the folks in Penang. In his latest venture- Urban Daybreak at Beach Street, the cafe seeks to offer Western Brunch (Australian-influenced) menu at a different level. Brunch is no longer about the ubiquitous Big Breakfast but extended to a range of Waffle-goodies and artisan Waffle-items. Prices seem to be on the higher side but they commensurate with bountiful servings (ominous warning to those with small appetites). Urban Daybreak settled in a heritage unit along Beach Street and minimal renovation is done to the place. It is truly a space that marries heritage with modern cooking style. The fully air-conditioned cafe is easily noticeable from far but it does take some effort to locate the signage. 



The wait was longer than expected. We waited approximately 20 minutes before our first dish made its appearance. Brioche French Toast (Rm 19.50) sees a familiar old-fashioned combination of Maple Syrup and Bacon; the mess was completed with a caramelized Banana. The Toast was soft and fluffy, well coated with Egg. As a result of that, the dish was filled with the eggy-aroma. The Maple Syrup was cleverly added, the amount of just spot on. It was not too sweet, just good enough to introduce the sleek sweetness and to pair with the savory-smoky Bacon, it was just perfect. Just you thought the dish could be a little monotonous, the ever-filling Banana is there to give you a fruity kiss. 


At first glance, Such A Good Waffle (Rm 18.50) did seem promising to us and we were sold for the Salted Egg Hollandaise. We were surprised to see the humongous portion; home-made Waffles and slivers of Gammon Ham were neatly arranged and finished with Baked Beans. Sunny Side Up was served at the side. We did not like the Waffle, for its soggy and dense texture; so did the Salted Egg Hollandaise for unable to live up to our expectation. The flavors were muted. Gammon Ham on the other hand, was delicious with a sweet-barbecue aroma. The Sunny Side Up was perfect, the Egg Yolk was as runny as I would expect it to be. All in all, the combination seems to be too safe for us and lacked of the wow factor. 


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service Charge: Yes 10%
Government Tax: No
Non-Halal
Wifi-Available

Additional Information:
Address: 338, Lebuh Pantai, 10300, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 7:30 am to 3 pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
Contact Number: 604- 262 9693
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[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Jeju Island (济州岛), South Korea (韩国).

June 14, 2016, 5:41 pm
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Known as the "Hawaii of South Korea", Jeju Island is no doubt one of the most popular holiday destinations by both domestic travelers and international tourists. The natural wonders- Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes were inscribed into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The island is 45% larger than Penang State as a whole (1,848 sq km for Jeju VS 1,031 sq km for Penang State) but less populated. The island is fairly big but the transportation system is less-advanced as compared to the country's metropolitan cities.

How to go to Jeju-do from Seoul, South Korea?

We departed from Gimpo International Airport, Seoul and flew with T'way (47,900 KRW per person/ return ticket) to Jeju International Airport. The experience flying with the carrier was alright (they provide complimentary 15kg check-in baggage allowance) but there were slight delays in schedule. Checking in was smooth and easy. Considering the prices we paid were lower than the famous Jeju Air, we thought it was a good deal.

Car Rental in Jeju Island?

Jeju Island is not small and the tourist attractions can scatter around the island. Public transportation is not as convenient as it seems and the bus-waiting period can be quite long. After some research over the internet and we thought it would be wiser for us to rent a car. To drive legally in South Korea, Malaysians are required to present International Driving License to car-rental provider. Getting one is easy, in case you are wondering, it costs Rm 150 and you may check out their website for more information.

We booked via RentalCars.com and it costs us approximately USD $110 for Kia Morning *Picanto in Malaysia* (including full insurance for 3 days 2 nights). The process of getting the car was easy and fast but with AJ Rent A Car (the car rental provider), we had to take a Bus (free) to their office (not within walking distance from the airport) and proceed with the booking. Hertz on the other hand, has an office directly opposite the airport (within walking distance). Driving on Jeju Island was fun, the road users were generally friendly but South Korea is a left-driving country. Do get yourself familiarized on the rules before you hit the road. Also, another word of caution... the petrol in Jeju Island is not cheap. On our trip, though we did not drive a lot (we've only used up 20% of the full tank Petrol) and it costs us 19,000 KRW!



1) Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak (城山日出峰)
Direction: Enter Phone Number: 783 0777 or 782 0104 into your car's GPS. For public transport, take any buses to Jeju Bus Terminal and transfer to either Bus No. 710 or 710-1, all the way to Seongsan Ilchulbong.
Admission: 2,000 KRW per adult


The iconic Volcano Tuff Cone that makes its appearance on most major marketing collateral of Jeju-tourism. The hill was formed many years back due to volcanic eruption, fast-forward today, it has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in Jeju. Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak is far from Jeju-si or Jeju City, it took us approximately 1 hour-drive to get there. Finding a place to park was a challenge for us, we eventually took a few turnings before we could find one. 

The trail has uneven surface so please ensure that you are physically fit before climbing the hill. Though the journey took 40 minutes, we were rewarded with glorious view. Also, at certain hours (say 2 pm), there will be performance by Haenyo Divers (otherwise known as Korean Mermaids) by the sea but we were not keen to check it out. 


Going down the stairs was hassle-free but make sure you are wearing the suitable shoes or you will might ended up with bruises all around the feet. Also, another word of caution for those who can't stand under the sun for long or those with medical condition, please make sure you are fully protected before climbing up the hill. The whole process may take up to 40 minutes (depending on your speed).


Hallabong Ice Cream (4,000 KRW)

Before you leave the place, do make sure you have tried the Hallabong Ice Cream... which can be found in one of the stalls right next to the car park (right in front of the ticket office and main entrance to the mountain). Ice Cream might be a misnomer, it was more of a sorbet kind of texture but it was extremely tantalizing with its slight tangy-acidic flavor but cleverly balanced with sweetness (topped with the Hallabong Jam). Not cheap but worth a try.

2) Jeju-Rang Korean Restaurant [Halal]
Direction: Enter Phone Number- 782 0104 into your car's GPS. For public transport, take any buses to Jeju Bus Terminal and transfer to either Bus No. 710 or 710-1, all the way to Seongsan Ilchulbong.
Business Hours: Morning till night
Contact Number: +82 010-3698-7030
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No
Wifi-Available


Abalone Porridge (13,000 KRW)


Grilled Mackerel Rice Set (15,000 KRW)


Complimentary Ban Chan

Considering the distance to Seongsan Ilchulbong, you may want to settle your lunch here. Be spoilt for choices, you will be surprised with the amount of Seafood restaurant in the vicinity. We walked down the slope to find a "Halal" restaurant (we met some Muslim Malaysians there too) and we decided to check it out.

Abalone Porridge is seen as one of the famous Jeju offerings and we did not hesitate to take the opportunity to try it out. To our dismay, for the price of 13,000 KRW per bowl, it did not come with loads of Abalone; in fact, only a few miserable pieces were seen. The Porridge comes in an emerald-green hue; as promising as it seems, we thought it lacked the salty-touch.  The texture can be softer, it reminded us of Teo Chew Porridge. As luxurious as it seems, we thought it was a mediocre dish and probably not worth the money spent.

Grilled Mackerel on the other hand, was toothsome. The Fish was expertly grilled to perfection, the skin was a crisp while the pristine white flesh with a hint of fish oil was most delicious. It was veering towards the salty side but we had no issue with that as it was supposed to be eaten with Rice.


3) Dongmun Market Place (东门市场)
Direction: Enter Phone Number- 752 3001 as your GPS coordinates. 
Business Hours: Morning till evening (approximately 7 pm). Opens Daily.
Admission: Free


Hallabong Orange (I bought one premium quality Hallabong Orange at 5,000 KRW)


Mulberries (2,000 KRW per cup)


Pay a visit to the wet market and you will understand the local culinary culture better, also to learn more about the daily happenings in the Korean society. If that reason is not good enough for you, what if I told you that there are plenty of cheap Jeju-souvenirs here? Everything is about Hallabong in Jeju- Hallabong Orange Jam, Hallabong Orange Perfurm, Hallabong Chocolate, fresh Hallabong etc. Cheaper bargains can be found here, we bought the Hallabong Jam (delicious stuff, regret for not buying more) at 3,000 KRW per bottle. I was shocked to find the price is doubled in Jeju Airport (they are selling the same brand, same size at 6,000 KRW each)! Also, I bought the mediocre Chocolates... 3 boxes at 5,000 KRW (they can be more expensive at other places).

Also in Dongmun Market Place, you will find many local fresh produce. Strawberries, Mulberries and Cherries can be bought in cups; the Sashimi lovers can explore the Seafood section. There are plenty of pre-packed Sashimis for you to choose from, all freshly sliced and reasonably priced (around 10,000 KRW per packet).

We explored the entire market and found no restaurant inside. It seems like most restaurants are located outside of the market so it's more sensible to take a walk there and proceed with your lunch/ dinner at somewhere else. You may opt to walk to the Black Pork Street if you wish (not that far).

4) Chilsungro Shopping Town and Underground Shopping Centre
Direction: Enter Phone Number- 752 3001 as your GPS coordinates.
Business Hours: 11 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.



Yours truly have a confession.... that I am a shopaholic. Chilsngro Shopping Town, just across the street from Dongmun Market Place is the perfect place for me to shop in Jeju. The entire shopping district is filled with retail boutiques (more than 120 brands available according to the official website), notable brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Calvin Klein, Armani Exchange, Top Ten, Nike, Adidas, Onitsuka Tiger can be found here. 

5) Shin Dang Tong Topokki (新堂洞辣炒年糕)
Direction: Exit 10 from Underground Shopping Centre or enter "724-8685" as the phone number for GPS coordinates
Business Hours: 12 pm to late. Opens Daily.
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No


Stir Fried Tteokpokki with Seafood (20,000 KRW/ serves 2)

A stone's throw distance away from Robero Hotel, Shin Dang Tong Topokki is said to be the only restaurant that offers similar product in Jeju Island. There are a few types of Topokki available but we opted for the Seafood version. For 20,000 KRW, the portion was monstrous but there could be more Seafood. There were no doubt, plenty of Topokki, Jap Chae (Korean Glass Noodles) and Korean Ramen (that instant noodles) but the Seafood element was weak. No Prawns, Scallops, Squids or whatsoever... except for Black Mussels and Clams; of course, more than enough of carbohydrates. The taste was alright but not good enough to leave us with a very strong impression.


6) Gogi Guksu Noodle/ Ramen Street
Direction: Enter Phone Number- 727-7056 as your car's GPS coordinates. 
Business Hours: Morning till evening. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 727-7056
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No


Signature Pork Ramen (6,500 KRW)

A 10-minute drive away from the township of Jeju-si would land you at Jeju's Ramen Street where you will find aplenty of Pork Ramen outlets in the vicinity. The folks in Jeju have showed great love to their domestic pig breed- Black Pork; not only do they barbecue them but they have incorporated the yummy delicacy into noodle-dish as well.

All Pork Ramens are cooked using Black Pork, we took a short walk around the area and found this place with most awards and accolades. It is opposite to Park where we parked our car there and walked over to the place. The restaurant has a homey ambiance, with the mother being the Chef while the 2 sons serve as servers.

The signature Pork Ramen comes in a huge portion, with creamy milky-white meat broth. The Ramen noodles were smooth and al-dente, something like Spaghetti... in slightly softer form. The broth carried a weak salinity but a bold pork-notes that we were not quite fond of... too strong that it became a nuisance. The broth could be saltier but we had it together with some Fermented Bean Paste. It was a good experience overall, but definitely not something that I would like try again.



7) Traditional Korean Walnut Cake (Hodo Kwaja)
Direction: Enter Phone Number- 723-0054 as your car's GPS coordinates. Near the end of Chilsungro Shopping Town
Business Hours: Morning until evening. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 723-0054


Walnut Cakes (3,000 KRW for 12/ smallest portion)

When taking a leisure stroll around Chilsungro Shopping Town, we stumbled upon an unpretentious stall by the road that sells Hodo Kwaja, a type of Walnut-shaped Cake stuffed with Azuki Red Bean and Walnut Filling. The stall constantly churns out fresh Walnut Cakes, the taste resembles characteristics of Kuih Bahulu, but with a sweet Red Bean filling and nutty Walnut pieces inserted. They were good in juggling between the sweetness of both the filling and the cake. It was good to be enjoyed as snack as we spent our leisure time at the shopping district. Try it out if you come in a group (might be too filling for one to entirely finish all).


8) Cafe Aewol Monsant
Direction: Enter Phone Number- 799-8900 as your car's GPS coordinates. *If your GPS could not read the Phone Number, please use Waze or Instagram to direct you*
Business Hours: 10 am to 9 pm. Opens Daily. *Kitchen closes at 6 pm*
Contact Number: 799 8900


Hallabong Cake (8,000 KRW) and TWG Vanilla Bourbon Tea (6,500 KRW)

One of the latest tourist attractions- Cafe Aewol Monsant, started to gain its popularity after netizens shared information that the cafe may belong to Korean celebrity- G Dragon of Big Bang. Many K-Pop fans have since paid their pilgrimage visit to the cafe. Celebrity-aside, the cafe is strategically located by the sea side and offers spectacular view of the sea. It is an ideal spot to enjoy the chilly sea breeze as well as the romantic sunset by the beach. The glass-house design is suitable for your selfies or portraiture shots too. However, getting there may not be as easy as you think. For those who are driving, please ensure that you have inserted the correct phone number or you will be ended up at somewhere else (just like us, we used Instagram in the end).

You will have to go through a lot of winding-narrow alleys and park your car near the main road. You will need to walk down the slope and find your way there. There plenty of choices in the cafe, whether you are looking for mains or just some snacks to fill the tummy space but do note that the kitchen closes at 6 pm daily so the best time to visit would probably be around 5 pm (also to catch the sunset). The Hallabong Cake with Cream Cheese frosting was beyond amazing. The tangerine flavor was subtle and paired perfectly well with the buttery-sweet cake; we washed it down with a cup of TWG Vanilla Bourbon Tea.

The drive from Jeju-si to Cafe Aewol Monsant took us approximately 35 minutes and the reward (the breath-taking sea view) was amazing. We strongly recommend you to check this place out if your time permits.



9) Jeju Black Pork Street/ Hwaro Hyang Barbecue Restaurant
Direction: Enter Phone Number- 724-4050 as your car's GPS coordinates.
Business Hours: Lunch and Dinner.
Contact Number: +82 010-2787-3804
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No


Black Pork Neck (100 grams for 9,000 KRW/ minimum order of 200 grams) and Abalones (3 for 10,000 KRW)

The carnivores would be glad to know that Jeju Island is famous for its Black Pork. There's one street dedicated to serve Black Pork and would be thronged with regular patrons in the evenings. The Black Pork Street is within walking distance from Chilsungro Shopping Town.

We tried our luck at one of the busiest restaurants around the area. If you must know, these barbecue restaurants only serve ONE type of meat.... Black Pork. No Beef, Chicken or whatsoever. Probably we had the wrong cut, the meat was harder than expected. The Porky-flavor was bold... a lot stronger than usual; for those who don't favor the smell, stay away.


Complimentary Kimchi Soup


Complimentary Steamed Egg


Complimentary Korean Cold Noodles



10) Haejangguk/ Hangover Soup
Direction: Enter Phone Number- 752 3001 as your GPS coordinates.
Business Hours: 8 am till evening.
Contact Number: N/A
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No


Beef Haejangguk/ Hangover Soup (7,000 KRW)


Hwangdae Kongnamul Haejang Gook/ Hangover Soup with Dried Pollack and Bean Sprouts (7,000 KRW)

Korea is famous for its alcohol-drinking culture, they don't drink as a pastime but rather, they see that as a way of life. As a result of the excessive drinking, hangover is extremely common for them. To ensure that their minds are fully functional the next morning, they would prefer to have some soft-diet with comfortably warm temperature and thus, the Hangover Soup.

In order not to upset their stomachs, the Hangover Soups are usually served hot; it can be enjoyed as it is or to go together with Rice. We had that for breakfast, on a fine morning (before our flight back to Seoul). The Beef Hangover Soup was well-spiced, it certainly reminds me of Kimchi Jigae (sans the acidity) but with Beef and plenty of Sprouts/ Spring Onions. It was most comforting and invigorating for us to kick start the day. This particular shop right beside Robero Hotel (we stayed here) opens as early as 7:30 am!


Have Fun in Jeju Island! 
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Wa-kao (哇-靠) Cafe @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

June 16, 2016, 6:40 pm
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Right under the signage of the cafe, it says "be polite, speak no vulgar languages"; the first thought that crossed our mind? We don't fit to be here. But my instinct told me to check the place out and so I did. For the uninitiated, Wa-Kao is an exclamation of excitement (Taiwanese slang). The seemingly curious cafe has a dark and unappealing facade, we literally had no clue on what it could offer. We walked in and found the place to be an Ice Cream Parlor that cleverly marry local Chinese Tong Shui (Dessert) with artisan home-made Ice Cream. If that does not sound amazing to you, they even pair Nyonya Kuih with Bee Koh Moy; all combinations seem to work well for me though. The place is fully air conditioned but the seating could be more comfortable (only bar chairs). To find Wa-Kao, drive along Beach Street, you will find Wa-Kao Cafe right next to the junction of Armenian Street.



Golden Eggs (Coconut Milk + Pumpkin + Sago + Vanilla Ice Cream/ Rm 12)


Good Omens (Coconut Milk + Yam + Sago + Vanilla Ice Cream/ Rm 12)

We had both Pumpkin and Yam dessert... in the form of Pumpkin Sago and Yam Sago. They have cleverly paired the locals' favorite Tong Shui with Vanilla Ice Cream.... and Nyonya Kuih. The Yam and Pumpkin Sago were served chilled, a refreshing solution for the sultry warm tropical weather; it was creamy-thick and robust with flavor. There were huge chunks of Yam and Pumpkin available- soft and mushy the way we like. The creaminess of the Coconut Milk enhances instead of overshadowing the flavor, the amount of Coconut Milk added was right on the dot. 

Though Wa-Kao seems to be an Ice Cream parlor, we did not think that the Vanilla Ice Cream added was of specially tasty. We thought it was a pretty standard-average one. Every order of their Tong Shui will come with a small serving of diced assorted Nyonya Kuih (Kuih Bengka/ Sago Kuih) topped with Bee Koh Moy. Predictable taste but it does add a nice touch to the sweet treat. 


Ratings:
Taste: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 278, Lebuh Pantai, 10300, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 12 pm to 10:30 pm. Closed on Mondays.
Contact Number:604- 251 9080
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[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Seoul (首尔), South Korea (韩国).

June 19, 2016, 6:14 pm
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Seoul, the metropolitan city, is the capital of South Korea and is often seen as the melting pot for culture and central business hub for the country. The country's economy has boomed in recent years and is now, in the top 10 list of the world's most economically powerful country while the country's tourism has received a lot of international spotlight due to Hallyu, the Korean Wave. There are countless of exciting things to do in Seoul but with such a limited time, we could only complete a handful of them:

1) Gyeongbokgung Palace (景福宫) 
Direction: Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station (subway line 3) and walk towards Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm on March to May, September to October; 9 am to 6:30 pm on June to August; 9 am to 5 pm on November to February. Closed on Tuesdays.
Admission: 3,000 KRW for adults



One of the must-see tourist attractions in Seoul (for first-timer)- Gyeongbokgung Palace, is the first royal palace built in the Joseon Dynasty and one of the largest five grand palaces remaining in Seoul. Visitors would be able to witness the grandeur and majestic of the Korean empire.

If you are in the mood, rent and wear Hanbok (at the cost of 10,000 to 15,000 KRW for few hours) will grant you complimentary access to all these palaces. It makes a great experience to tour the area in traditional Korean attire. Also, it adds a lot of interesting elements to your photographs too. But do make sure that you have some time to spare.


Don't forget to see the changing of Guard ceremony happening at Gwanghwamun twice a day at 11 am and 1 pm. 

2) National Museum of Korea Contemporary History
Direction: Exit 2 of Gwanghwamun Station (subway line 5) and walk for approximately 5 minutes.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays; 9 am to 6 pm on other days. Closed on Mondays.
Admission: Free


National Museum of Korea Contemporary History is right next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, so you may plan your itinerary in a way to visit both places in one go. The area is huge and would take some time to explore. Similarly to all palaces, if you are wearing Hanbok, the admission to all these palaces would usually be free.



3) Bukchon Hanok Village
Direction: Exit 2 of Anguk Station (subway line 3) and walk towards the Bukchon Hanok Village direction. It will be quite a long walk of 10 minutes. Keep going straight until you see find the area on your left. The art and craft center will be on the right though. 
Opening Hours: N/A *a housing district filled with traditional Korean houses* 
Admission: Free


A stone's throw distance away from Gyeongbokgung Palace is Bukchon Hanok Village... a place where the influential and wealthy families used to live... during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, it remains as a residential area so tourists are advised to be respectful while touring the area. The entire place is like a well-preserved ancient Korean village, existing in this modern metropolitan city. Every corner of the place is picturesque and most suitable for portraiture and hipstery Instagram posts; especially with those Hanok (traditional Korean houses) as background. There's also a Bukchon Traditional Crafts Experience Center nearby if you are interested (opens daily from 10 am to 6 pm during Summer, 10 am to 5 pm during Winter). 



4) Tosokchon Samgyetang (土俗村 参鸡汤)
Direction: Exit 2 from Gyeongbokgung Station (subway line 3). Go straight after you have exit the subway station until the third junction (with a GS 25 convenient store on your left), turn in the alley (named Jahamun-ro 5-gil) and walk for another 2 minutes. You will find the restaurant on your left, with a long queue of regular patrons patiently waiting for their turn. 
Business Hours: 10 am to 10 pm. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: +82 02-727-7444
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No


Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken Soup (16,000 KRW)

When it comes to Samgyetang/ Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup, Tosokchon is the de-facto place. The Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup specialist has received numerous awards and has been recommended by many netizens. Locating the restaurant was hassle-free but the queue took us quite a while to clear. The restaurant takes diners to the traditional way of enjoying Korean food, where diners are to sit on the floor and enjoy their food. The menu is convenient for non-Korean speaking guests, English translation is inscribed to the menu. 

The standard serving would cost 16,000 KRW but there are other selections too. For us, we played safe by ordering their signature Ginseng Chicken Soup. It was served to us piping hot, the broth seemed to be in murky-white hue while the Chicken stuffed with Glutinous Rice was well-cooked to an extremely soft condition; little effort was necessary to slit through the Chicken. It was delicately salted (though some would think the flavor's a little thin). A small serving of Ginseng Wine will be given, you can opt to just drink it as it is or to pour it over the Ginseng Chicken Soup. The Ginseng-flavor was discernible and can be easily accepted by all age-range. 

All in all, we thought the food was good. My partner in crime vouched that Tosokchon serves better Samgyetang than the restaurant he previously visited (in Seoul). 



5) Gwangjang Market (广场市场)
Direction: 3 minute-walk from Exit 7 or Exit 8 of Jongno 5-ga Station (subway line 1)
Business Hours: 9 am to 6 pm. Opens Daily.
Admission: Free


Boribap/ Mixed Vegetables with Barley Rice (5,000 KRW)


Mandu/ Korean Steamed Dumplings (5,000 KRW)


Red Bean Pancake (2,000 KRW)

If you are staying in central Seoul, make sure Gwangjang Market is top on your list for breakfast. There plenty of local delicacies available here, at wallet-friendly prices. Though there are many food stalls in the vicinity but most of them are selling the same products. We wandered around and found a stall with Mandarin-speaking lady manning the stall (for easy communication sake). 

We had Boribap, a type of mixed-vegetable Rice; Barley-Rice was use in lieu of the usual White Rice and served with a splash of Gochujang sauce. The concoction was delicious- crunchy, sweet and savory. A healthy dish that could potentially assuage our guilt for over-indulgence in the trip.

We also had Mandu, Korean dumplings to share. The sizes can be terrifying (up to the size of a fist), there were 2 types available- ordinary and Kim Chi flavored. Both hit the standard-average mark but we thought the pastry skin was a tad too thick to our liking. Other notable highlights include Jeon/ Korean Pancake, Tteokpokki/ Stir Fried Rice Cake, raw-live Squid, Blood Sausage, Gimbap/ Korean-styled Sushi etc.



6) Andongjang (安东庄) Jajangmeyon
Direction: Exit 10 at Euljiro-3-Ga Station (subway line 2) and walk straight for approximately 3 minutes. You will find the shop on your left shortly.
Business Hours: 11:30 am to 10 pm on Mondays to Fridays, 11:30 am to 9 pm on Saturdays, 11:30 am to 8 pm on Sundays.
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No


Seafood Ramen (8,000 KRW)


Jajangmyeon (5,000 KRW)

A short walk away from the train station will land you right in front of Andongjang, said to be one of the oldest Chinese establishments in South Korea. The Chinese restaurant is like an upscale chu-char place in Penang. We found a considerable amount of familiar Chinese dishes on the menu (prices start from 10,000 KRW per dish) but we were not keen to try... for obvious reasons.

Andongjang is famous for its Jajangmyeon (炸酱面), a type of Korean noodles served with thick, savory Black Bean sauce. Jajangmyeon is fairly common in South Korea but not ubiquitous. It does take some effort to find one (though there is one stall selling this type of delicacy at Myeong Dong Shopping Street). Andongjang's comes in a bountiful serving, generously ladened with the sauce. The texture of the noodles was amazing, more like Japanese Ramen; slightly chewy and al-dente, the thick sauce clung well to the fat-round noodles. It may appear saltish due to the black-hue but the flavor was well-balanced. It carried a sleek salinity with a touch of sweetness. Just we thought the dimension would be flat, the diced raw Onions introduced another layer of pungency to the dish. Diners having Jajangmyeon would usually order another stir-fry dish to share.

The owner speaks decent Mandarin so if you are having trouble in ordering the food and could speak Mandarin, try to talk to him in Mandarin and he would be glad to assist. Best to visit before 7 pm, be prepared to queue otherwise. 


7) Cheonggyecheon Stream
Direction: Exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station (subway line 5) and walk over the entrance of Cheonggyecheon Stream.
Opening Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week unless stated otherwise by the authorities
Admission: Free


While shopping is meant for those with deep pockets, those who are watching the budget could go for a casual evening walk at Cheonggyecheon Stream; a 10.84 km long stream flowing from Gwanghwamun to Dongdaemun, The restoration took three years, there will be 22 bridges shine throughout the night and it is of course, best to enjoy the astonishing lighting at night.

The stream is only interesting at both ends, it can be dark in the midway so if you wish to take some photos, it is the best that you start from Gwanghwamun entrance. We tried walking for an hour, though we have reached Dongdaemun train station, we have yet to reach the other end of the stream. Physically exhausted, we threw the white flag. 

8) Myeong-dong Shopping District
Direction: Exit 6 of Euljiro 1-ga Station (subway line 2), walk towards the Lotte Department Store direction. Walk across the street (or follow the crowd) and you will find Myeong Dong Shopping district.
Business Hours: late afternoon to 11 pm. 


No trip to Seoul is complete without a visit to Myeong Dong, the central shopping district of Seoul. The place is often thronged with crowd, there are plenty to watch, buy and eat here. Stalls selling food will be available from 4 to 5 pm while the retail boutiques open as early as 10 am. You can find most Korean brands (as well as international brands) here. If you are looking for cosmetic products, make sure to ask for more free samples. There are a lot of currency exchange providers around the area but the rates for Malaysian Ringgit are often very low. Thus, it is advisable for you to bring more cash or convert them to U.S Dollars. Big retail boutiques do accept and trade USD, at fairly reasonable rates.


Line Friends Store


Lemonade (3,000 KRW)


Lower Ground of Lotte Department Store
Business Hours: 10:30 am to 8 pm on every Monday to Thursday; 10:30 am to 8:30 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.


The Bake Cheese Tart (2,800 KRW each)

While those hunt for cosmetics, branded apparels should rush to higher levels for tax-free shopping (if you wish to purchase Laneige, Nature Republic, The Face Shop or Sulwahsoo); higher end products can be purchased at lower floors (tax-deductible). Shoppers that spent more than 50,000 KRW may opt for instant tax-rebate at Lotte but the counter ceases its operations as early as 7 pm. To play safe, make sure you can get there as early as you can. You may always claim your tax return at the airport otherwise. The procedures are different so please ask accordingly.

At the lower ground floor... Korean snacks are available to be bought as souvenirs or gifts but in the event that you have ample tummy space left, look for this Hokkaido Bake Cheese Tart (operating on the same floor). Selling at 2,800 KRW per piece, it certainly did not come cheap but it was lip-smacking! The Cheese was in half-melted form, it oozes out with the slightest prick on top. The pastry skin was slightly harder than expected but it was the soul of the dish. The cheesy filling carried a hint of sweetness with a zesty-tangy end. The flavor lasted long on the palate... it certainly reminded me of Lemon Cheese Cake, well inflected in the form of half-melted Cheese Tart. Though expensive, it was fun to try (more for novelty experience).


9) O' Sulloc Tea House [Myeong Dong Branch]
Direction: Exit 6 of Euljiro 1-ga Station (subway line 2), walk towards the Lotte Department Store direction. Enter from Myeong Dong Street direction (with Zara boutique on your right), walk straight until the second junction. You will find it on your left (an alley on your left, McDonald's is just a stone's throw distance away).
Business Hours: 9 am to 10:30 pm. Opens Daily.
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No


Chocolate Swiss Roll with Green Tea Cream (5,000 KRW)


Green Tea Bingsu with Green Tea Brownie and Ice Cream (14,000 KRW)

O' Sulloc Tea House is a big name and should be especially familiar for green tea frenzy. The Green Tea specialist has branches all over the country while certain products are being exported to other countries too (for instance, their Green Tea spread)!

Look out for their monthly promotion, a bundle-promotion that is usually cheaper when 2 items are purchased together. The Green Tea lover in us insisted that we must order their Green Tea Bingsu. The texture was coarser than expected but once we pop the spoonful of shaved Ice in our mouth, we reacted with a warm-gleaming smile. The vegetal Green Tea element was heavy, as though they have poured an extremely concentrated Green Tea juice to the shaved Ice; even tastier to go with their creamy Green Tea Ice Cream and sweet-chewy Green Tea Brownies. Though the vegetal flavor was bold, there was a nary of bitter-after taste. Every component seems to have amalgamated well here. The only setback? The hefty price tag.

The Chocolate Swiss Roll with Green Tea Cream on the other hand, was standard-average. The sponge layer of the Cake was moist and most chocolaty but the Green Tea Cream did not stand out; as though I was having an ordinary piece of Swiss Roll.



10) Namsan Park and N Seoul Tower
Direction: Exit 1 of Hoehyeon Station (subway line 4) and walk towards Banporo (towards Namsan no. 3 Tunnel). You will find a Namsan Oerumi (a special lift for visitors to Namsan Park) there. Use the lift and you will find yourself right in front of the cable car station.
Business Hours: 10 am to 11 pm. Available daily.
Cable Car Cost: 8,500 KRW per return trip per adult/ 5,500 KRW per return trip per children
Admission to Observatory Tower of N Seoul Tower: 10,000 KRW per adult/ 8,000 KRW per children


One of the most-visited parks in central Seoul would be Nam San Park, a park situated at the peak of a 860-feet mountain; conveniently located near to Myeong Dong area (only a few subway stations away). It's a place filled with love in the air; there are two ways of getting to the peak of the mountain. You can either walk or take the cable car; for those taking cable car, simply walk to the cable car station and purchase your pass. Wait for your turn and board the cable car to the peak. Temperature seems to be cooler over there, depending on season, it might be a good idea to put on a wind-breaker.

At the top of the mountain, you will find plenty of "love locks" along your way to the center of the park; more can be found at the observatory deck. There's a souvenir gift shop right under Seoul Tower... selling "Love Locks" from 8,000 KRW each (large ones could cost up to 12,000 KRW). 

The lone rangers may proceed straight to Seoul Tower but the entrance tickets are priced exorbitantly and we did not want to check it out (I've been to Tokyo Tower and Taipei 101; did not find them spectacular). 



11) Hongik University (Hongdae Area)
Direction: Exit 9 of Hongik University Station (subway line 2)
Business Hours: 1 pm to evening
Admission: Free


Hongik University (also known as Hongdae area) has emerged as one of the latest shopping destinations in Seoul, thanks to the student population staying in the vicinity. There are plenty to shop, eat and play here; all at relatively-lower prices as compared to Myeong Dong (to accommodate the spending power of students). If time permits, you may even take a leisure stroll at the university; proceed straight to the market otherwise. If you are lucky, there will be street performances too. Skip this place if you are not into shopping. 


Belgium Liege Waffles (1,000 KRW per piece)



 12) Nami Island (南怡岛)
Direction: You may opt to take direct bus to Nami Island (more convenient but too costly), if you wish to, you may refer to this website. We took the usual train route. Exit Gapyeong Station (Gyeongchun Line) and walk to the bus station opposite the train station. Take Bus #33-5 or Bus #33-24, the Bus runs from 7:45 am to 8:25 pm while the frequency is 30 minutes to 60 minutes (it costs 1,100 KRW per adult).
Opening Hours: 7:30 am to 9:30 pm. Opens Daily.
Admission: 8,000 KRW (Foreigner with Passport)


The Bus from Gapyeong Station will drop you off near the entrance to the Ferry Terminal. When heading back, look for the queue right next to GS 25 convenience store near to the Bungee Jump corner. The Ferry ride from the mainland to the island takes approximately 8 minutes. Once there, you are free to explore the island or keep yourself busy with all sorts of recreational activities available through the island (at additional costs). 

Nami Island is famous due to its appearance in one of the most successful Korean dramas- Winter Sonata. The beautifully tree-lined roads are most suitable for photography while the nature lovers could explore the water-sports available. One down side though... the island is constantly thronged with crowd (not only tourists but locals as well) and as a result of that, taking wonderful photos become impossible. It was more like a walk in the park instead of visiting a nature-wonderland. 

If food is your concern, there are plenty of restaurants available throughout the island but no, we did not check them out. A cool place but not too sure if it's worth the travelling time and effort just to get here... to find the clamoring crowd. Skip this place if you are short of time (in my opinion).


Wood Fire- Steamed Red Bean Bun (1,000 KRW)



13) Chun Cheon Dak Galbi (春川炒鸡)
Direction: Opposite the car park in front of the entrance to Ferry Terminal of Nami Island (right in front of Bungee Jump Station).
Business Hours: Lunch and Dinner
Halal


Chun Cheon Dak Galbi (16,000 KRW/ 2 person)

If you have decided to spend a day just to visit Nami Island, make sure your lunch is planned at the nearby restaurants. Nami Island is just half an hour away from Chun Cheon, thus, finding a restaurant that serves authentic Chun Cheon Dak Galbi is easy. When approaching the Ferry Terminal of Nami Island, you will notice countless of restaurants offering Dak Galbi along the way. The Korean delicacy has stirred up many's interest in the nation... with many Korean restaurants offering the similar product. Unfortunately, none can beat (referring to Korean restaurants in Penang) the ones offered here at this particular restaurant.

Chickens were already cooked when they served to us, we need not dirty our hands. We love the brilliantly balanced sweetness with a gentle spicy kick and salinity. The handful of fresh Sesame Leaves were amazing, they have definitely added another layer of dimension to the dish. We enjoyed the dish by wrapping the Chicken (and condiments such as raw Garlic) with fresh Lettuce. The portion was more than great enough for us. If you wish to try out the delicacy, try your luck at any one of these restaurants near the entrance to Nami Island (or Ferry Terminal).


Have Fun Exploring Seoul! 
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Metal Q Caffe @ Taman Inderawasih, Perai, Penang.

May 23, 2016, 5:40 pm
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There's a new cafe at Perai that has drawn a lot of attention lately and the location's odd. One needs to travel approximately 5 to 10 minutes from Sunway Carnival Mall to reach there and one might not even notice its existence. The signage is not flashy nor eye-catchy but what they could offer may lure you in. Metal Q offers a Western-Fusion menu but some of the dishes are uncommon (especially in Perai) and are cleverly priced. There are many knick-knacks in the cafe but some of them are insensible... while the seating arrangement is standard and nothing to shout over. We've only managed to try a couple of their dishes and thought they fared well. We certainly look forward to try more of their creations.



Salted Caramel Cheese Cake (Rm 7.90)


Egg Ben (Rm 7.90)

We were there in late afternoon and did not want something too heavy. We had their Egg Ben, poached Egg and Smoked Salmon served on top of a burger bun, doused with Hollandaise sauce. The presentation was impressive with generous serving of Smoked Salmon but a pity that the egg was overcooked. The Hollandaise was beautifully cooked though, a hint of acidic but luxuriously creamy. The Burger Bun was closed enough (to English Muffin) but the texture was still less-satisfying. I am not complaining for that price.

We took a look at the display fridge near the entrance and found their Salted Caramel Cheese Cake especially tempting... especially at the price of Rm 7.90. The top layer of Salted Caramel was gooey and sticky, while the middle layer of Cheese Cake was rich and dense... the bottom layer was filled with crushed biscuits. The entire concoction was toothsome though the salty element was not as strong as we would have hoped.


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7.5/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Parking: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: No
Government Tax: No

Additional Information:
Address: 8, Jalan Kikik, Taman Inderawasih, 13600, Perai, Penang.
Business Hours: 11 am to 10 pm. Closed on Sundays (fortnightly).
Contact Number: 6012- 429 3755
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Who is Kevin Lerena’s wife Geraldine?

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Man stabs woman, baby to death inside Queens home, police say

Man stabs woman, baby to death inside Queens home, police say

July 19, 2025, 11:00 pm
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Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) seeks report from revenue dept on...

Telangana Human Rights Commission (TGHRC) seeks report from revenue dept on...

July 19, 2025, 7:29 pm
Crisis-hit NHS fat cats raking in MASSIVE salaries as frontline services cry...

Crisis-hit NHS fat cats raking in MASSIVE salaries as frontline services cry...

July 19, 2025, 2:11 pm