LOVE LIFE, CHERISH MOMENTS: local

Durian Fiesta with DurianBB Park, KL

15:05

Greetings lovelies! I'm glad this year i am starting to pick up blogging again, after a full year of hiatus due to my insane work. Anyways, now that i'm back in action, i can't wait to share with you my food and travel adventures! So this entry is all about a recent event i attended about a month ago. This is none other than Durianbb Lauching Event in KL, so stay tuned and be prepared for a round of mouth watering durian temptation!

We all know, durian is a rather subjective fruit to love. Some may find it disgusting with its acquired taste and flavour, some may love it so much to love everything durian, just like me. Whether you love or hate durian, there is a place everyone can start off with. Located at the heart of KL, right beside Bukit Bintang, DurianBB is a modern durian specialist eatery, embracing the latest concept of durian eating. It offers durian lovers a wide variety of durian species originated locally from the best durian farms, readily prepared in highly hygienic matter, within the comfortable vicinity of space. We were offered the tasting platter, offering 5 uniquely different durian species, starting from the mildest to the strongest flavour. Each flavour so distinctive and memorable. They also provided us with gloves and water to aid in our durian sampling session, for those OCD fella like me.

Aside from the durian fruit, visitors also get to enjoy various durian inspired side products like durian ice cream, durian snacks, durian dodol and more for you to bring home. I've tried the durian egg roll which is surprisingly rich and fragrant.

Durian tasting platter

Overall, DurianBB is definitely an interesting durian eatery place that is suitable for friends and family gathering over a durian feast. Prices of durian fruit varies accordingly with market price. Do make a reservation prior to that to ensure you get a secured VIP room and adequate supply of durian. Okay, i guess it is time for me to grab my durian ice-cream to satisfy my durian cravings. Till next time, hope you enjoyed this one.

More information:
Address: No. 15, Jalan Kamuning, Off Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/DurianBBPark/about/?ref=page_internal
Contact No: 012-313 8699

breakfast

Breakfast Set @ C U Latte by Cheong Foh, Bandar Baru Klang

00:00

I've always known Klang as the BKT Haven, maybe cheap chinese food, but never strikes me as a cafe place, until i found out about this lovely hide out in the center of Klang, called C U Latte. I'm not sure it i was supposed to pronounced the cafe name as 'see you later', but i guess that's for you to find out. Anyway, today's write up is all about C U Latte in Bandar Baru Klang. I recently discovered this little cafe by accident, when i visited the KPJ Hospital nearby. I was hungry for some good breakfast set and this cafe was exactly the thing i needed the most at the moment.

Located at the business district of Bandar Baru Klang, C U Latte can be easily found at the end of the road. This is also the only cafe i know in Klang that not only makes their own coffee, but also took the extra miles to roast their own coffee beans. Owner Cheong Foh is also one of the many well known coffee makers in Malaysia. From all these information, i was quite convinced that the coffee here would not disappoint.

Petite coffee roaster machine seen in the cafe

Beautiful coffee bar

Breakfast Set Menu (8.30am-10am Daily)

We were just in time to grab their value for money breakfast set. My mom and i got the Classic Local Breakfast Set and Tuna Sandwich Set. Each sets differs in prices but all comes with a complimentary coffee of either long black or Klang Coffee. According to the boss (i supposed), Klang Coffee is something similar to local Kopi-O, self-roasted by the cafe, with addition of butter and sugar for extra richness. You can always upgrade your breakfast set to different breads and milk based coffee, with extra charges.

Long Black

Add-on Cappucino--RM 2

Local Breakfast Set--RM 7.50
Toasts served with homemade kaya (coconut jam) and butter, with 2 soft-boiled eggs.

Tuna Sandwich Set--RM 12
Tuna spread sandwiched in between muesli bread and served with salad.

Firstly, i have to admit, these breakfast sets were not only value for money, but tasted delicious as well. The local breakfast set's kaya was the favourite part of the dish. They are generous with the serving and i just adore how fragrant and smooth was the kaya spread. Tuna sandwich was well done too, with the addition of celery and onion, giving the tuna spread a better consistency. Both of our long black and cappucino were amazing as well. The coffee was almost medium-dark-roasted. It was bitter but fruity at the same time. Cappucino was smooth and delicate. Overall, a pleasant dining experience here.

I would strongly recommend the neighbourhood folks to give this a try for their wonderful coffee, delicious food and excellent service. I have personally returned a few times for their coffee and it was worth it. Hope you enjoyed this post, have a wonderful week ahead!

More Information~
Address: G-1-13, Port Tech Tower, Jalan Tiara 3/KU1, Bandar Baru Klang
Business Hours: 8.30am-6pm, close on Thursdays
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/culattebycheongfoh/?fref=ts

cafe

Clash of The Cuisines @ Kota-When Francis Meets Rempah, Penang

04:00

'What is your favourite past time?', i'll usually answer that with an indoor activity, either watching my favourite TV shows while lazying in my comfortable bed, or baking with a mess in my kitchen. Call me an introvert, unadventurous and perhaps boring. In my past twenty something years, i've been so caught up with life's business and have such little time to myself. Therefore, whenever i have the luxury of time to myself, i will prefer to spend it with myself, close friends and family.

There is this sister from another mother of mine that i'll always find time for her. Similarly, she is also a superwoman with unending work on her shoulder. Whenever we meet, it is always so fun and relaxing. I'm talking about cousie Caryn who came back for vacation in Penang a while ago. Coincidentally, i was around during that moment. We all know what that means next--Cafe hopping and girls' time!

We visited Kota-When Francis Meets Rempah, a freshly baked Penang Cafe that opened within the vicinity of the famous Penang attraction--Fort Cornwallis. Fort Cornwallis is a historical fort, when the famous Francis Light, the discoverer of Penang back then established this wall to protect against foreign forces. It has now transformed into a tourist attraction where visitors can study and understand more about our Penang's history.

Since Kota is situated inside the compound of Fort Cornwallis, one has to pay for the admission fee of RM 10 per person. A wrist tag will be given to you. Don't worry because as long as you spend more than RM 20 in KOTA, they will refund your admission fee by deducting it from your total bill.

I suppose this is Francis Light reading some cooking recipe?

KOTA is a little glasshouse on the far left corner of the Fort. The interior is in my favourite white, dressed in both modern and antique scent, evident from its comfortable and sleek furniture to the old English emerald green coffee bar. The design of all glass wall provides abundant natural lighting to illuminate this beautiful space, perfect for photo-taking.

Papadum

We were greeted by warm and welcoming staff with their simple few pages menu and complimentary starter--Papadum, an Indian cracker. After considering the recommendation, we've decided to order a glass of Honeydew Sago Drink to cool down the summer heat, followed by Hokkien (Hokkien Noodle/Prawn Noodle inspired pasta dish) and Nyonya (Peranakan-inspired rice dish). For desserts, we ordered the Parfait for sharing.

Honeydew Sago Drink--RM 16
Honeydew ice blended drink, served with sago

Hokkien--RM 25
Hokkien mee/Prawn noodle inspired angel hair pasta cooked in prawn broth, served with quail eggs, sambal, prawns and caviar.

A closer look at this beauty

Nyonya--RM 25
Baba Nyonya inspired 'Nasi Lemak' with otak-otak (fish cake) as base, topped with coconut rice and 'rendang chicken'.

#flatlays

Parfait--RM 19
3 frozen mousse-like dessert with the flavours of:
1. Pandan topped with gula melaka infused coconut flakes
2. Black sesame topped with glutinous rice ball filled with black sesame paste
3. Nangka/Jackfruit

From the outlook of it, i guess it is pretty obvious that KOTA adapted the concept of fusion between Western and local Malaysia cuisines in producing their menu. My favourite is the Hokkien dish. I thought it was pretty brilliant and innovative in combining our Penang's pride--Hokkien Mee/Prawn Noodle and everybody's favourite--Italian pasta into something so unique and delicious. The broth was incredibly rich and packed with the flavours of Hokkien mee's goodness (prawns). The sambal was mixed with some dried shrimps, further enriching this dish. The angel hair was cooked to perfection and the addition of prawns, quail eggs and caviar accentuated the quality and elegance of this pasta, making it a wonderful dish at the level of fine dining.

However, the Nyonya dish fell a little bit under the shadow of Hokkien. The portion was too small, we only got 2 pieces of tiny chicken breast. Otherwise, there are no major issues with the flavours and seasoning, very Malaysian and unique in a way. In the end, i don't quite get the idea of adding a layer of 'otak-otak' as the base of the rice tower, as the flavor did not go well with the rest of the body.

Lastly, our drink and dessert were just alright, nothing too significant to me. The only problem with the 'parfait' was the interpretation of the menu doesn't seem to fit into the product. Parfait in my understanding is layered dessert or frozen dessert (something like ice-cream) in French. What we received instead was 3 mousse-like cubes that stood in between pudding and frozen mousse. Flavors wise was the same Malaysian-inspired local flavours such as pandan coconut, black sesame and jackfruit. It surely doesn't worth the RM 19 judging from its size and material.

My cafe hopping partner--Caryn

Nevertheless, this was still a wonderful dining experience with Kota. I am very impressed with their effort and the beautiful fusion concept they have in this cafe. I see substantial potential in this glasshouse and i believe they will continue to impact Penang's cafe industry with the creativity they acquire. Till next time, xoxo.

More Information~
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KotaPenang/
Address: Kota Cornwallis Dine & Coffee-When Francis Meets Rempah, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: 10am-10pm, Daily

#foodiehitstheroad

Singapore's 328 Katong Laksa | Blanco Court Prawn Noodle

15:11

When it comes to hawker food, there will always be a rivalry in between Malaysia and Singapore. I have heard people from both countries fighting over who has the best char koay teow or cendol. Not taking any sides, i believe both places have their own specialties, in their own unique ways. Today, while i was going through some of my old photos, i realised that i accidentally forgot about this piece of write up about Singapore's famous Laksa and Prawn Noodle. Let's go back to few months ago when i paid the Lion City a visit.

328 Katong Laksa, Ceylon Road

Talking about laksa, the Singaporeans have their own unique interpretation. Unlike the curry or asam laksa in Malaysia, Singapore's laksa contains more milk and 'lemak' taste within. The most satisfying aspect will have to be the rich and generous amount of ingredients they put withing the dish. Mr. J and i visited one of the many katong laksa branches by Ceylon Road. 328 Katong Laksa is situated at the corner of Ceylon Road. Its spacious and clean environment definitely warrants a second visit.

Singapore Katong Laksa (Large)--SGD 7

Blanco Court Prawn Noodle, Bugis

Another dish that can be found on both sides of the Selat Tebrau, which is our all time favourite, has got to be Prawn Noodle or Hokkien Mee (in Penang). Prawn noodle is basically a clear broth cooked with prawn heads, pork ribs and more, served with yellow noodles or vermicelli, together with any toppings such as bean sprout, charsiew, pork, eggs and more. While i was visiting Ms Zheng who was working in SG at that time, she introduced me to Blanco Court's Prawn Noodle which is just a stone throw away from her work place. She mentioned that this place is really famous and packed with people. Be prepared to queue and wait for some time before your food is served.

In Blanco Court, they have different varieties of prawn noodle. You can choose different toppings such as pork ribs, prawns or both. For 3 of us, we ordered the mixture version. The broth was light and clear, but packed with prawn essence. It was sweet and savoury at the same time. Pork rib was well cooked, tender and flavourful. Compared to Penang's version, this is suitable for those who has a low tolerance for chili oil.