Flavors of Old Town Kopitiam

Old coffee shops always ignite a wave of nostalgia and memories in most of us; and it is a feeling that one often seek when it comes to walking down the memory lane.
It is this feeling that I suppose the merchants are trying to preserve with the establishments of the old-style kopitiam as their theme for their new cafes.

We are all familiar with this new style coffee shops; with an old themed kopitiam concept with the continuous growth of one after another of these chain outlets.

Old Town Kopitiam is definitely one of the familiar names around; and I have lost count of the number of outlets they have around.
I just know that this seems an inviting place for a quick lunch and shelter from the hot sun as we stopped by the outlet in Juru Autocity.

What a welcoming drink to quench my thirst with a healthy option of the Spirulina Organic Wheatgrass Juice (RM5.90)

A long name, but it all means green and healthy.
It was not too bad; if you can get past the 'raw grass' flavor in your mouth.

Simple choices for kopitiam food include the Tomyam Meehoon (RM7.90)

A bit of a wrong choice, as the tomyam was a bit too spicy for me and the meehoon seems to have soaked all the spiciness in it!
It was on the average; as it did not have much besides meehoon, and a couple of imitation crabsticks.

Nissin Noodles with ham and eggs (RM6.90)

I wonder what's the fever with all these nissin noodles; which clearly resembled basic instant noodles or in layman terms, Maggi mee?
I guess it's all the craze with the Char Chan Teng food we have grown so familiar with the dramas/movies on our TV screens where the actors gulp their noodles hungrily and appetizingly, which makes them seem so delicious to us?


I think this is just an overrated bowl of noodles which can be done up in a few minutes in anyone's home; and do not need to be compared to coffee shop standard at any time.
That's what I think of most kopitiam food these days; overrated price for a simple easy-to-whip-up food?

Fast Thai Food @ Low Yat Plaza

Have you ever tried Thai Fast food?
I have not, but that once which I am about to tell you about definitely made me change my mind about fast food for Oriental cuisines like this.

Located at the Lower Ground where the food court is, this stall is in the middle and you need to walk along the curve of the stalls' arrangement to see it there.



Squids in Hot Plate (RM9.90)


Slightly spicy; but not too much of a taste on the overall.

It comes as a set with the white rice



A bowl of hot Tomyam meehoon (RM7.90)


For almost RM17++ inclusive of tax, I expected better food since it's not that cheap anyway, but...

Of all the Thai food I have tasted, I must say that this is one of the ones that stays in the memory to remind me about the nice ones but I can't blame them.
After all, what can we expect of fast food in a fast-paced plaza like Low Yat right?

Steamboat at Home 101

On one of the rare occasion where home cooking is needed; I would definitely suggest that steamboat is the option.

Not a cooking person myself nor knowing how to cook, I will welcome anything that is simple and easy.

Therefore, let's continue with my series of introducing my own cooking stuffs; and all those steps through my own lesson in preparing the food.

What you need:
Only 2 things; Rice cooker and Food (of course!)

Step 1:
Get ready the food bought from grocery or market shopping


Step 2:
Clean, wash them and place them in plates

Inoki mushroom and sweet corn/maize


Nicely chopped kangkung leaves


Fish paste which I bought from Tesco; roll them and make them into whatever shape you desire


Fishballs and cuttlefishballs


All the food; for 2-3 people (there's even fish)


Step 3:
Pour water into your rice cooker; turn it on to cook and throw everything in!
You can also choose to cook your soup beforehand; with prawns/meat or for a easier way, throw in those stock cubes you can easily grab from supermarket shelves.




Step 4:
Get your bowl/plate and chopticks/spoon ready!


Step 5:
Ladies and gentlemen, it is now ready to EAT!


Now, ain't that a simple thing to do?:p

Teochew Dessert found @ Desa Aman Puri

Nestled in the rows of stalls in the neighborhood of Desa Aman Puri; is a little stall which we discovered to serve a variety of desserts (also known as Tong Sui in Cantonese) and I have blogged about this before.

This round, we have also tried a few of the food served here; which were all at reasonable pricing.


Curry Chicken with Rice (RM4.50)

It was a generous portion of rich curry with a chicken drumstick aside the steaming hot rice


Cantonese Yee Mee (RM4.50)



Lemon Fish Fillet with Rice (RM4.50)

This is a unique way of preparing the fish fillet; and one of the ones which I think is innovative and tasty. The dory fish fillets are marinated with the citrus lemon juice and served with a light scented gravy with lemon in it.The fish fillets were also really tender:)


For a side dish, we ordered the Fried Fish Paste (RM5)

The fish paste was fried foremost before serving with the hot chili sauce; it's really hot!


The star of the day; the Lek Tau Suan

This is a homely dessert and is popular among the Teochews. It is a tedious process of preparing for this dessert (in my humble opinion); as the green beans need to be steamed first; then cooked with the lightly battered eggs (half-boiled) to produce the eggy-white effects.

There is an extra here; they added lotus seeds which made the dessert even more tasty.


It's really rare to find this dessert, ain't it?

You can find it @ New Dessert & Snack
Gerai No 1 & 2,
Taman Perindustrian Bukit Desa, Kepong
52100 Kuala Lumpur

Business Hours: 12.00-10.00PM
Closed on Fridays

True Nyonya Style @ Hot Wok

Firstly, I need to apologize for the really poor quality of the pictures (especially of the food, as I did not have my camera with me at the time and just have to make do with one of the old phones).

Hot Wok is no stranger to most Penangites and also the floggers for its reputation in serving tasty Nyonya fare on the island.
From its location in Tanjung Tokong, it has moved to Burmah Road and is situated next to the Giant Supermarket along the same road. In fact, you should be able to see the restaurant before you reach the supermarket; it is between the shops before the said location.

When one step into the restaurant through the wooden doors, one would definitely feel like they have been transported back to those old times in the 1930s era.

This is not just due to the wooden door and the fact that it is housed within an old pre-war shophouse, but also because of the effort put in by the owner to revive that priceless environment to impress the visitors and customers, to say the least.

Take a look at the furniture and decor and you will see why






You will see these furnitures around the restaurant as you walk around

Pestle and mortar are no strange objects found in the Nyonya household as the Peranakan folks focus on the handmade and heavy spices used in their cooking; thus spending most of their time perfecting the paste and spices


Proud winners of this award


A vintage type of menu is used here too


After a round of appreciation of the decoration and interior of the restaurant, it is time to sit down and enjoy a plate from the Nyonya's kitchen
Sambal Kacang Botol (RM8)

Too bad this was a bit too oily; although the sambal was actually spicy enough and presented a very combination for the crunchy kacang botol.

Sambal Sotong (RM12)



Assam Pedas Fish (RM20..I cannot really remember the price for this)


Overall, the food here is a bit too oily for my liking but their spices were definitely true of that of the Nyonya style. In a way, their cooking style was quite enticing to the taste buds as well.


We also tried some of their desserts which captured our eyes when we first saw them in the menu; hence saving room for the desserts after the meal
Mango Cendol

It was very very sour; but after a while, you will get a hang of it.
A unique innovation of the plain ol' cendol.

Sago Gula Melaka

Now I find this really hard to find anywhere; and therefore, I could not resist to have one of it.
It is nice; and the sago was just cooked to perfection; I definitely recommend this:)


If you can stand for some real sour and spicy dishes and to know more about the Peranakan living, head over to this unique restaurant (food and pricing is not too bad:)

Town Dim Sum @ Macalister Road

Macalister Road is indeed a bustling place with all the food lined along the stretch.
The Town Steamboat restaurant has already garnered attention from the locals; and you can also catch some good dim sum at the same place in the morning!

You can choose from the counter directly or wait patiently for the trolleys to come to your table

Every dim sum meal must start with the common minced pork dumplings and also prawn dumplings

Siew Mai (RM2.60)


Har Kao aka Prawn dumplings (RM3.00)

The prawns are succulent and fresh!

Fish Dumpling (RM2.40)

Wrapped with dried beancurd sheets and immersed in light starch batter, this is my favorite dish here as it is not too oily, and besides, I love fish dumplings!

Fried Fishballs



Tofu filled with Fish Paste




Variants of prawn dumplings
Prawn with chives


Prawn with fish roe and minced crab meat


For other recommended delights, you can try their freshly cooked garoupa (or other fish available) with a choice of hor fun, koay teow, bee hoon or sang meen

At only RM8, this was way too much for even 2 people. You can share it with 3-4 people even!


You can also consider to take away these adorable and fluffy little Ma Lai Kou!

It was quite pricey though; I think it was about RM1.20 or more per piece and personally, I find the butter scent too empowering for my liking!


The above is a compilation of several visits there and the things that I usually like to re-order:)

Overall, I must say that this is a good dim sum haunt in Penang; no wonder it is also so crowded in the morning!

A Gem of a Father and Food @ Pasta Zanmai

What did everyone do for their fathers on Father's Day?
I've heard of some who have taken leave to travel back to their hometown to spend some quality time with their dear ol' dads, and some made reservations for a luxury dining night and some even arranged a surprise family gathering for their fathers!

It is so sweet to know that everyone had not forgotten about the good man who had worked hard in ensuring the comfortable environment we grow up in and providing for everything we need in life.

I've always remembered the kindness and great paternity role shown by my very own father; therefore I celebrate each day for the gift of both my parents and for all that they've done.
Since I've been working away from home all these years, the distance makes the bond grow stronger than it already is.

This year, I took part in a contest out of the blue to pen a few words to complete a slogan for my father and I was suddenly one of the winners!
Thanks to Food Promotions, I have these vouchers to bring my Daddy for a nice Japanese treat!~


Pasta Zanmai is one of the new Japanese chain restaurants (not so new anymore!) in town and they have already spawned a few outlets around.
We chose the outlet in 1 Utama

It is located on the new wing; ground Floor and you may tend to miss it as it is located behind a cute little shop selling Japanese merchandise.

You had to maneuver your way past the shelves to step into the dining area


We were led to a private dining area; all the way to the back of the restaurant; passing by the open kitchen and drinks area.




The staffs were friendly and attentive and took our orders promptly.

Relaxing with a pot of hot green tea while waiting for our food.
(A pot of green tea costs RM3)

Chicken Teriyaki to Onsen Tamago (RM19)


The chicken marinated with Teriyaki sauce



All the sets come with a bowl of hot Miso soup and salad; and a bowl of white rice




Grilled Unagi set (RM19)





Mini Toriniki no Cream Sauce Pasta to Tortilla Temaki (RM20)




A side of Californian rolls accompanying this rich and creamy pasta



Yakiniku to Onsen Tamago (RM19)

Beef set; the beef were marinated with some black-pepper-like sauce




One of the highlights for the month (June) was this; the Salmon Foil Yaki (RM16)

Wrapped in aluminium foil; the unraveling of the foil reveals a lightly baked salmon steak with citrus juice


With this as side dish


It was overall a delightful meal; and the environment was just comfortable for the entire family.

I'd definitely recommend this place; for the food which is good and reasonably priced and did I mention the good service/ attitude by the staffs here?


Thanks to Food Promotion; not have I just celebrated the gem of a father I've had but also discovered a hidden gem of a Japanese food outlet! :D

How do you like your Apom?

The Chowrasta market area used to be the most crowded and merry market on the island; and home to hawkers and pedlars eager to make ends meet on a daily or weekly basis.

Previously I blogged about the Ban Cheng Kueh (aka Chinese pancake) stall which was reputed to be one of the most famous here.
Now, facing the stall is another stall which sells Apom; manned by an Indian couple.

At RM0.40 per piece, you can get a whole bagful of Apom at only RM2! (5 pcs)



It's not as sickeningly sweet as some of the Apom I've tasted; in fact, it seems to be low in sugar and light in flour batter.


Unfortunately though, they put it in the bag when it's hot from the pan!!
So by the time I tried a bite, it was already soggy!

Now, that's a bit disappointing, eh?
I don't really like too crispy; neither do I like soggy too...( I am hard to please, I know)

However, the tip is, always make sure that they leave it to cool before packing it for you (the folks selling it will make it a point to tell you that too; and will expect you to wait a few minutes for that - that's the pro)

Now, how do you like your Apom?

Authentic Nyonya food by Baba Nyonya

If you have watched the Little Nyonya TV series; the production of our neighbor's TV station MediaCorp, you will be enticed by the wonderful colors and flavorful Peranakan cuisine presented throughout the story.
As it goes, some of the dishes served in the drama are also available in most Nyonya restaurants; and one of them is Baba Nyonya Restaurant located along Nagore Road.


Formerly known as Dragon King, this restaurant was rated with a 3-star by Lonely Planet's travel guide and claims to serve dishes as presented in the highly acclaimed Singaporean drama; tagging along with the fame of the unique TV Series.
You can check it out in my other blog

Housed in the refurbished pre-war shoplots, this place already exudes an air of antiquity from the main entrance.
Be prepared to walk into a simple yet elegant environment typical in a Peranakan household.








Their red menu offers the simple and conventional Peranakan dishes; variety is limited here.


The traditional dragon and phoenix motifs found on plates used in Chinese wedding.


Pie Tee as an appetizer (RM12)


The Nyonya Pie Tee is served in a light crust shaped like a upside down top hat in which it contains a small stuffing of mengkuang char garnished with fried shallots on top.
Lace it with a light touch of the chili sauce, you just pop the entire 'top-hat' into your mouth!

I found the pie tee here is a little bit too oily for my liking; unfortunately :-(


Otak-otak (RM3.50)

This is another delicacy; a mousse-type of fish cake with a taste of spices, then wrapped in banana leaves to be steamed before serving.


There is not much taste in this; in fact, the fish has been blended with the mousse; although I still could not detect much of the 'fishy' taste in it.

Jiu Hu Char (RM12)

A highly overpriced plate of mengkuang char with cuttlefish!
Taste wise, I find it on the average. Again, a little bit too oily for my liking.


Fish Gulai Tumis (RM16)

I've always liked this version of the Nyonya curry; as this is one without coconut milk and it just tastes like your typical Asam Laksa soup - sourish and spicy!

This is one dish that I found was served better here compared to the other restaurants. The fish was cooked to perfection; maintaining the freshness and smooth texture of the flesh.

Lastly, a plate of Rumpah Kangkung (RM6)

Typical kangkung dish; although again, it was a bit too oily.

Overall, I find the food here on the average; but there are some dishes on par with some of the other Nyonya restaurants; particularly that of my favorite (Nyonya Breeze)

Price wise, this is slightly higher compared to a few others; and I think my good ol' favorite Nyonya restaurant still manage to defend its title:)

Penang treats finale: Kopitiam breakfast and Nasi Kandar

Breakfast in Penang; one can never escape the buzzing crowd in coffee shops around.
After attending mass in the nearby church, we adjourned to the corner coffee shop near Pulau Tikus market for our breakfast.

Fish Head Bee Hoon (RM5)

Frankly, this was not up to the standard and I found it a bit overpriced.


Wantan Mee (RM2.70)



Char Koay Teow



Before they depart home, how could one leave the food haven before tasting the famous Nasi Kandar here?
Kayu Nasi Kandar; the original outlet in Bukit Jambul


One is spoilt for choices when one takes a look at the array of dishes available (mostly curry-based)






Everyone has a plate of the Nasi Kandar; which I found highly overpriced!







Everyone enjoyed their short Penang trip and looking forward to come for a second round again real soon....guess my role as a tour guide was not too bad eh?
I even had a little reward for my part-time job...hehehe :-)
Thanks to all my lovely friends!~

I should probably start to consider doing this for extra income huh...
Anyone needs a tour guide around this little island? *winks*

Penang treats Part 2: Nyonya and Seafood

Peranakan is a unique clan found only in the Straits Settlement; and Penang is one of the lucky states which the clan called home.

Peranakan cuisine is commonly known as Nyonya food to many; and there is a number of restaurants serving the cuisine on the little island.
Of all, I have decided to bring my friends to my personal favorite hunt for Nyonya food; Nyonya Breeze

6. Nyonya Breeze Restaurant
Nutmeg is a symbolic fruit of Penang; where the place got its name from in the first place.
A glass of iced nutmeg juice is refreshing and appetizing prior to a meal.


Nasi Ulam (RM7)

This is a unique way of presenting fried rice and a healthy way; as the rice is cooked to a dry state; and served with vegetables only.
At first sight, this looks like a plate of green hay; but it was indeed like a plate of golden treasure hidden beneath the greenery

It is tempting to take another bite after you had it at your first taste:)

Kacang Botol with Sambal (RM7)

The recommended dish here at this restaurant; and definitely my favorite!
It quickly became everyone's favorite; spicy and aromatic, it was a an appetizing dish!

Chien Bak

Fried pork in heavy soy sauce


Bian Chee

Meat cubes cooked with plain gravy; with mixed vegetables and onions; another delectable Nyonya delicacy!

Fish in Gulai Tumis (RM17)

The soup tasted like Assam Laksa; sourish and yet with a light hint of sweetness.

Kerabu Beehoon (RM7)

This remains one of my favorite here; as always, appetizing and delightful with the lightly spicy taste from the kerabu and the grounded chili and onion paste!

All our dishes during our Nyonya feast


After tasting hawker food and Penang Peranakan cuisine, it was time to hit the beach and enjoy the fresh seafood.

It was not just literally saying that we are hitting the beach as we are, in reality, sitting on the sandy beach itself in Teluk Kumbar, enjoying the fresh seafood while taking in the lovely view


7. Teluk Kumbar Seafood

Unfortunately, not only were we late as there was already a crowd; but the weather was not promising at that time also as dark clouds formed and we soon witnessed a heavy downpour right in front of our very eyes!





Fortunately we found a place to sit; and waited while they clear our table


Then it was our turn to enjoy the fresh and nice seafood.

Steamed baby octopus (RM8)




Fried sotong (RM10)



Kangkung with Sambal (RM6)


Stir-fried brussel sprouts/Choi Tam (RM8)


Chili Crabs (RM20)




The crowd remained even as we finished our dinner; but we had a satisfying meal at a reasonable price which had everyone in awe:)


To be continued...