Spicy Tomyam and Prawn cakes

The recent cold and rainy weather reminds me of the piping hot and spicy soup; with the sweet aroma of the lemongrass, ginger and onions filling my mind and of course, my senses and the pictures just came floating in as though they were tempting me with the invitation for a wholesome meal with all the good food spread out on the table.

There is this Thai restaurant I used to frequent and is quickly making its way into my favourites; and I have blogged about it more than once here too over the last few years. In the last two years, I have seen them expanding to another branch in Bayan Baru area from their original/main outlet in Abu Siti Lane. However, early this year, they have closed down and their business has been taken over by another Thai family to operate the restaurant.
With the change in the restaurant management, it is only norm that the menu would also change in the dishes offered. I was surprised to see that not much has changed from the previous menu; hence that explains why I was initially not aware that they had changed their name or was taken over. However, the staples of the usual Thai cuisine are still essentially on the menu; such as Som Tam, Tomyam, etc.

Instead of the usual raw greens served as the starters, the new owners served us crackers at the side as well.




Prawn Cakes

One of my personal favorites when it comes to Thai; along with fish cakes or crab cakes. This is a rather nice version and I like the fact that it was not too oily here and the light frying resulting in the fair tone of the crispy crust. Another brownie point for the generous stuffing of the fresh prawns with only minimal flour to make the cakes and it makes this a worthwhile dish to order.




Another must order is their Steamed Fish with Pickled Plum


The reason this is so good is not because of the sauce/broth, but rather the fish itself which was bursting with fresh goodness! Trust me when I say it was fresh; as the flesh was so smooth and succulent that it was almost like tasting the silky texture of a beancurd and I am a fan of fish, and can be really picky with the way my fish; particularly steamed fish, tastes like or served. (yeah, it's all over my blog) I am all for the stamp of approval for the steamed fish here; in fact, Thumbs Up for one of the best I have tasted so far and it goes on that list.

A Thai meal is never complete without Tomyam, and I second that notion. There are choices of either the clear or red tomyam; and both are equally good, I must say, but the red tomyam somehow still always is scores higher - possibly due to the familiarity to many?
Seafood Tomyam

Love the aromatic scent of lemongrass and the chunky bits of fresh prawns, squids, and fish fillets with mushrooms, spring onions and parsley leaves just added to the exotic taste of this flavourful soup of our neighbouring origins. Best when served piping hot, and on cold rainy days...just perfect to warm one up. Ah, the cosy picture!

I have on one occasion ordered this; Triangle Salad

A combination of fish paw, nuts, dried shrimps, bird's eye, all tossed together with onions and is an exciting array of tastes and flavor. Not a bad dish to try, but I would prefer the other salads or maybe cakes? Good for snacks back at home

The restaurant still preserves much of Maa Roy Thai's interior decorations but it has since changed its name to Songkhla Kitchen. Like its predecessor, they only accept cash transactions which could be a little inconvenient for some patrons, but still worth a visit all the same.

With the dark clouds looming again, Thai food seems like a great choice for warmth and comfort...

Dishes when dining with the family

Eating out can be a rather common activity in most urban households these days, with the increasing trend in work commuting and long working hours. Perhaps some even dine out every day that eating in, on the other hand would become the luxury when the family or mother finds time to spend in the kitchen, whipping out dishes for the entire family.
Not in mine; where both my mother and mother-in-law look forward to making a dish or two for us frequently, but there are days when we would just make it easier for them by taking them out for dinner. After all, they deserved that treat once in a while, don't they? Furthermore, they would love to pick up a recipe or an idea or two sometimes when dining out to try it out in their own kitchen thereafter.
There is this particular Chinese restaurant which has been in operation for quite long and has been one of the old favorites for birthdays, gatherings, reunions, weddings, parties due to the reputation and the quality of the food served here. My in-laws liked it here and thus, usually when it comes to an easy option of dining out, Midlands Court Restaurant would come to mind.

Claypot Tofu with seafood is a hit with their specially homemade tofu which was soft yet bouncy in its texture. I am a fan of this tofu; and the crunchy squids served alongside freshwater shrimps, fish fillets, capsicums, onions and snow peas.

Plum Sauce Chicken is another recommendation from the chef and one of the family's favorite. Flavorful and tantalizing, what is there not to like about this dish?

Stir-fry Baby Bok Choy with garlic is a winner, and there is no need for more words to describe this incredibly crunchy vegetable. Simply toss in garlic and we are hooked.

Last but not least, one of my favorite fish; the Steamed Snow Cod Fish is just perfect to complete the meal. No more elaboration needed with this picture of the scrumptious fish.

All at a glance....now posting this makes me really miss these dishes...

Keeping it Simple at McCafe

Prelude
My first post; after more than a year ago....goodness gracious...and thankfully I could revive all my blogs which I have spent so much effort on previously. The heartache, not to mention headache when I had to figure out the recovery plan to salvage each and every one of my blog was unimaginable and unspeakable of. Now that it's over (I hope), this is the first post (finally!)

I am not sure how many of you are aware of the existence of the cafe series running alongside the world famous fast food restaurant chain, McDonald's known as McCafe? (Probably a dumb question for those residing in the KL city, but not so for those who are in the other states). The city has it all; and has more than 5 outlets of McCafes to date, but did you know that McCafe has been operating in other countries around the world for years (maybe even at least a decade or so) before they make their appearance in Malaysia? Not that this is a glamourous cafe that I am making such a big fuss of; but it is an interesting concept to have a gourmet and rather dainty looking little cafe standing at the edge near the bustling counters of McDonald's where orders for greasy burgers and fries are taking place.

A simple menu on display with the drinks you obviously can't find in McDonald's - these are more of the beverages to cozy up to for breakfast or chilling sessions such as lattes, coffee, espressos with light servings of variety of pastries in the form of pies and muffins sum up the offering of McDonald's Cafe.
I find this all too familiar and I guess, I would refer to McCafe as the Starbucks or Coffee Bean version of McDonald's?

There is only one McCafe in Penang, if I am not mistaken, and that is located in the International Airport. Oh yeah, you only get to enjoy the coffee from McDonald's if you are about to fly off somewhere. Take note that the prices here are slightly steeper than that of the usual outlets; as applicable with all the other fast food outlets in airports.
Interesting things to check out at McCafe? Muffins maybe? Banana muffin? or maybe the pies?


While waiting for the plane to take off, maybe an iced latte to keep your caffeine addiction in check? (I have no qualms about that since I am no coffee fan)


I don't know why, but there is just something about this cafe that charmed me and I find myself looking out for this cafe whenever I see it. The old McDonald's magic is working its way towards the working crowd with this cafe concept? Hmmmm.....

Latte and muffin anyone?