A Taste of Shanghai at Dragon-i

This is probably one of the most blogged places on my food blog; along with a bunch of other places which I just haunt on a regular basis.
You see, I am a comfort eater; whereby I tend to stick to the same type of favorite food that pleases me and the places which makes me feel comfortable to dine and sometimes this could just end up being the regular places I show up at. Of course everyone has that kind of comfort food, comfort places, but to sticking to it on a regular basis, that makes you, a comfort eater.
Not that it's such a bad thing, to be honest, but it sounds like it, when you claim to write and own a food blog *laughs*

Dragon-I is one of the places that I enjoy dining in; the food, the ambiance, the pricing, and well, the service, that is a tricky part sometimes.
This is definitely not an unfamiliar territory to most either anyway, and the fame of the restaurant has definitely extended to many parts; or major cities in the country.
They definitely do not need a formal introduction to their name.

Anyway, back to the food here; with a name like Dragon-i, it would not hard to guess that the restaurant specializes in Oriental cuisine, or to be specific, Chinese cuisine with elements and bits of the delectable styles of dishes from all over China.
Think along the lines of Szechuan, Guangdong, Shanghainese, and you get the whole picture.
Well, the restaurant prides or rather, centers on their specialties in Shanghainese cuisine specifically, and most of the offerings revolve around that theme while maintaining the whole Chinese-centric image.

Szechuan is a pretty popular theme here as well, take for instance:
La Mian with Seafood in Sweet and Sour Szechuan Soup



Thick handmade noodles combined with thickened broth with that hint of spicy, sweet and sour tastes enhanced by the company of modest inclusion of seafood; shrimps, mushrooms, spring onions, sum up this bowl of goodness, best taken when it's hot from the kitchen and of course, works best with a rainy weather.


Try the same combination of noodles and seafood, only in clear soup.
Perfect for the fuss-free and simple style diners, like yours truly

Seafood La Mian in Clear Soup



Fan of Spare ribs?
La Mian with pork ribs in soup








For a little deep fried taste of the noodles, go for the Braised Noodles with seafood; one of my all-time favorites.





For something to order on the sides, to enjoy with your noodles or plain old white rice?
I have a couple of picks...

For starters, Smoked Fish is almost always on the list...



Braised bean curd with seafood in a clay pot



While I am not a big fan, but it is definitely customary for anyone I go with to Dragon-i that they must simply have this famous Xiao Long Bao; a soup-filled meat dumpling which is simply the delectable favorite on every patron's order list.



Served with thinly sliced ginger immersed in vinegar, that is the way to have the Xiao Long Bao!


I am no expert and definitely in no position to tell you how great this is, but I can safely say that almost everyone here has one of these babies on their table.
When they say you what the Romans do when you are in Rome, well, you do the same when you are in Shanghai, or at least the replica of it here, in Dragon-i?



Steamy Hot Xiao Long Bao clouded in the hot vapor




That's the way to enjoy your Xiao Long Bao, I was told....


I could probably be writing about more of my personal favorite dishes here, but well, what's another post for?
It's not like this is my first post on the frequently-blogged about chain restaurant...

So....enjoy these pictures, and of course the replicas of the Terracotta warrior statues standing guard, lining the entrance into the restaurant~



You may not be heading to China anytime soon, but there's no harm since China is brought here, on a mini scale, at least to give you that glimpse~
Or at least, a taste of Shanghai is here...a teeny weeny bit, and they are staying.... :-)

Dining with an Oriental Touch at Grand Harbour

(I apologize for the lack of updates in the month of August, things have just been crazy!)
Anyway, I am finally back with my posts....

Grand Harbour is a Chinese restaurant which I have tried a year ago, for the first time in their outlet in the heart of KL city. I was delighted to hear they have expanded to more outlets with one of them being in the ever busy and happening Mid Valley Megamall.



The restaurant's interior design revolves around the clean Oriental concept, focusing on brightly lit rooms and an open view of the cooking area, as diners could enjoy watching the chefs in action, preparing the food.



Typical of Chinese restaurants, round tables and bustling crowds along with their waiters amidst the cooking aroma are also synonymous with this one; a place famous for their wide Chinese varieties, ranging from dim sum, noodles, rice, home-styled dishes and even desserts and pastries.



The concept of the restaurant is centered on the Hongkie-style of offering; and it is interesting to note the eclectic mix on their menu. It is not odd to find simple fare typically found in an ordinary Hongkie coffee shop or stall; such as Milk Tea, polo (pineapple) buns, steamed buns, to the average and fancy dishes to entice the taste buds of their eager diners.

Iced Hong Kong Milk-Tea (MYR4.90) is ordinary with the light taste of the familiar combination for the Char Chan Teng (Hong Kong style of cafes - as commonly referred to among the local Hongkies) regular goers.

Crispy Shrimp Rice Roll (MYR9.30) is one of my personal favorites; with the unique rice roll (just like chee cheong fun with a slightly thicker texture) wrapping a mix of fresh shrimps and vegetables, layered with a thin crisp in between, this is a real winner and one of the unique, not to mention tantalizing treat I have tasted.


Lightly drizzled with soy sauce to add to the rounded taste of the dish, this is appetizing and delightful to start or to enjoy as a side.




Stir Fried Noodles with Fresh Water Prawns/Sang Har Meen (MYR28.80) is another enticing dish to enjoy and the portion is enough to serve two. While moderately sized, the quality of the dish is not compromised; in fact, it was even better with the retention of the freshness of the prawns which are succulent additions to the juicy vegetables, making them a perfect complement to the enjoyable crispy and intermittent soft texture of the fried noodles.
The gravy was kept to a light starchy texture, and just the way I like it (it would be a spoiler if it were to be thickened with the starch)






End the meal with a simple treat from their selection of many sweet temptations; which could lead one to an indecisive time, but I was all set to pick my very own choice.

Sweet Osmanthus Cake (MYR5.80) was true to its name; sweet tasting solidified jelly with the osmanthus flower bits in between bites, though the sweetness of the cake was definitely slightly heightened than usual, or at least to my personal liking.



Still, I have always had this fondness for osmanthus flowers; be it tea or this unique dessert, which can be quite a rare find, I would definitely set my eyes on it upon spotting it in any menu selection (since it is rather rare!). However, if the sweetness was slightly tuned to a more acceptable level, it would definitely be perfect for me :-)






These are just the few dishes I have tried on my visit, and I am looking forward to more on my next.
It would be best to make reservations on weekends or public holidays as the place tends to fill up with the bustling crowds, and the waiters could also speed up a little in terms to attending to their guests as well.

It's great to have another restaurant to add to the list to satisfy my occasional Hongkie food cravings, and with varieties like these, I am all in!

A MIXED review for The Cape, Gurney Plaza

Whenever I am in Gurney Plaza to watch a movie, I am always surprised by the different restaurants which stayed resident on that level and you'd be surprised too if you observed the high turnover rates there.

So, don't be shocked if you find the previous place you patronised was gone the next time you were there.

However, the same didn't happen for this restaurant and of course, the ever bustling Max Gourmet right across this place.

The Cape may come across as dull and uninteresting when you walk past it the first time, and you may tend to shy away from it due to the exclusive 'look' it seemed to exude.


However, I find its creativity in creating that Oriental touch and yet unique identity intriguing to the very least and that was when I decided to take a step into this place.





I can't say I am not glad I did so, as I found a place which serves food to my liking and the ambience is really great.

My first time here, I took a ride on the swing but I have to warn you, it was only fun the first few swings, and it didn't seem so fun when I started feeling dizzy to eat =(



They have a small but really neat selection of food; and everything here is herbal and most importantly, HEALTHY!
They serve breakfast too, the Oriental style, with typical porridge and fried crullers, soy bean, etc.


Soy drink with grass jelly (RM5.90)


Abalone noodles (RM12.90)


I loved how the soup was simple and not too overpowering and the light hint of herbs was just interesting ( I was never a big fan of Chinese/traditional herbal and medicated stuffs, soups, etc)


It was just so ancient-like but yet exotic how they serve their noodles in these wooden bowls!


They have plenty of them, I see


Steamed fish with ginger (RM10.90)

The fish fillet were just so smooth in texture and steamed to perfection!
The touch of Chinese wine just did it for me, it completed the steamed fish combination
Oh, take note that they do not use any ordinary dory fish, as the fish was just really good.

I've also tried their Sweet and sour fish and it tasted as good too (no pics as they came out too blurry)

I left a happy customer on my first visit, and then I came back the second time.

This time, I was NOT so lucky.

I sat near the sofa area behind the cashier and I remembered entering and ordered before the crowd came in.

45 minutes later, I have not gotten my food yet and that was not the worst part.
I saw the other customers (those who were not there when I first came in) having their food served to them!

All the while, we just had one order served; which was our Mint tea


We beckoned to the waiter for an explanation and he told us that we ordered steamed dishes and that would call for a longer wait.
Those other customers got theirs first because they did not order steamed dishes.

YEAH RIGHT, it took like 5 customers' orders before ours could be ready???

When another waitress served our first dish (finally), she also explained the same thing and we told her we do not need anymore explanation

Steamed broccoli with garlic (RM10.90)


Steamed fish with noodles (RM11.90)


I honestly don't care to review how it tasted like anymore as we were seriously fuming for having to wait over an hour for our so-called steamed dishes!

Guess what, the waiters even mixed up our orders and brought us a wrong order and they even showed their displeasure when we told them it was wrong.

HELLO! Who's the customer here?

The best part, we never got so much an apology from any one of them and they even avoided looking at us, giving us some weird looks while we were there.

I can tell you, for the first time, it was the most unpleasant dining experience I've ever had as a customer.

I don't know, the food was not that nice the second time and I don't think it was our moods alone.
I think a lot of things have to be re-considered and I can tell you, regardless of the food quality, I doubt I will go there again given the staffs' attitudes.

Funnily though, I was shopping there shortly after the incident and there was one of their waitresses waiting at the escalators to hand out their flyers and I just waved her away.

Ermmmm, you can't expect me to forget it all ever happened, right?

So, if you do decide you want to try, it's up to you, you may be lucky, I hope.
The boss cum chef of this place is a really nice guy, and food is not bad, but oh well, I am really having more than just second thoughts....

Steamed food, I think I can do better elsewhere....and in perfect condition!

Oriental styled Wedding @ Oriental Palace, Section 19

Wedding invitations from my peers seem to be on the rise these days; perhaps it is also a gentle reminder that we are of the legal marrying age? =P

One of the best wedding dinners I have attended was two years ago, in the Johor restaurant which I blogged about (one of my closest girl friends from workplace's wedding ceremony) and this time, I have to say, this recent wedding dinner I have attended, beat it to top the list of one of most delicious dinner =)


This is the wedding of my primary school friend; whereby I have known the bride and groom since then. In fact, their relationship went all the way back then too and it withstood the test of time till this very day, where it was finally sealed in a blissful union =)

They have chosen to hold their banquet at this restaurant, Oriental Palace in Section 19; which is near the Lisa De Inn (following the route to British American Tobacco)

The name Oriental Palace fits the place perfectly, as stepping into the hall and the dining arena makes one feel posh amidst the grandeur of the place. At the same time, the concept of the interior was kept simple with the delicate touch to exude the classy and elegance of the Oriental style.




Flat screens are plastered on the walls; displaying the wedding photos of the hosts for the day.





As usual, a Malaysian Chinese wedding dinner never starts on time, which is the reason why they always serve you appetizers such as peanuts and placing the menu to tempt your appetites.






There is also a complimentary box containing chocolates for the dinner guests.



Embracing the menu builds the high expectations in me as I looked forward to an almost complete and exquisite seafood set dinner here.


We didn't have to wait long; only the usual 1.5-2 hours before the dinner is finally served (yeah, I am always the punctual one who follows the time on the invitation card to the dot)


First dish: Oriental Banquet Four Combinations

From left: Deep fried homemade seafood beancurd, sweet and sour baby octopus with jellyfish salad, fish cake with century, duck eggs and crab meat wrapped with dried beancurd sheets, and on top, assorted vegetables with chicken in a deep fried vermicelli basket.
The beancurd was absolutely unique and tasty, it just keeps you wanting more with its special taste albeit a little salty. Everything looked pretty normal at first glance, but each of them tasted heavenly when it touched the taste buds.

2nd Dish: Braised Shark's Fin Soup with Crabmeat & Crabroe

I am an advocate against the cruelty to sharks, and I am one of those who does not take sharks' fin. However, according to everyone, the ingredients were generous especially the sharks' fin which came in thick slices (guess this is good for most people) and there was also an abundance of fresh crab meat.
The broth was also perfectly boiled whereby it was not too thick nor diluted.

3rd Dish: Pan Fried White Tuna Fish with Pomelo Sauce

This is one of the most unique dish I have ever tried.
Breaking away from the conventional serving of a whole steamed fish of a supreme genre, this consists of fish fillets (white tuna) served in a unique concoction of pomelo with a light citrus scent and sweet sourish taste.
This had my vote as one of the BEST dish for the night.

It really had everyone raving about its uniqueness and delicious taste. (I am already thinking about it as I write this post and looking at the picture!~)

4th Dish: Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab in Money Bag

While we were still spirited away (literally) by the last scrumptious dish, we were again surprised by this next dish, which was again, another unique selection for a wedding dinner.


I have never heard of crabs being served at a wedding dinner; and this, is no ordinary crab dish where you use your little hammer or whatever tools to knock your way through the shell.
In fact, this is a pretty much DIY kinda dish; whereby you have got to wrap the piece of soft shell crab in the steamed bun to eat it.

(Guess the wrap would define the money bag?)
It was kinda messy for some, but it was worth the trouble as the taste was just inexplicable!

The steamed bun actually lent its sweet yeast taste to complement the deep fried and slightly saltish (not to mention oily) taste from the soft shell crab.

This is definitely an unforgettable dish, and this is also another of my favorite dish for the night!


5th Dish: Poached Live Tiger prawns with Shao Hsing wine

Fresh prawns are best done the poached way and with a light hint of Chinese wine and OP decided to add the bamboo basket in which the dish was placed to add to that authentic Oriental serving style.

I love prawns; especially when they are so fresh...and who says no to prawns anyway (except those with allergies)

6th Dish: Braised Assorted Mushroom wrapped in Chinese Cabbage

Time for some greens; they were supposed to serve this before the prawns.
At one glance, you'd have thought that the restaurant mixed up the name of the dish as it seems to be more of broccoli greens rather than the assorted mushrooms as indicated in the name.

However, at a closer glance, the broccolis were just a distraction from the central attraction whereby the mushrooms were covered by the mound of beancurd sheets forming the center of the dish.

There were shittake, button, golden mushrooms, enoki and even water chestnuts.
A good and healthy combination to balance the overall meal.

7th Dish: Fried Rice with Anchovies

Even a plain dish like fried rice was done with style and it tasted just great. The simple ingredient of anchovies lent the aromatic taste to the fried rice with eggs, french beans and fresh shrimps.

Most of us were already full by this time of the dinner; even before the desserts (that's the norm, ain't it?)


8th Dish: Double Boiled Snow Pear with Sea Coconut


9th dish: Glutinous rice dumpling with black sesame paste and thousand layered sponge custard

The name in Chinese actually translated to Ma Lai Kou and I was a bit surprised that such a lovely banquet chose this traditional cake to be served.
Not that it was a bad choice, but I think it was rather plain compared to the overall extravagant selection of dishes in the banquet.

However, I was again surprised by this "plain simple dish" despite feeling full as the cake was just so soft and fluffy and it was really fragrant with the light egg smell. The plus point was; it was actually served piping hot, a huge change from other dinners I have gone to; wedding or not.
I enjoyed every bite of this cake so much!


Needless to say, with my constant raves about the food, you can see that I definitely left with a happy smile; a happier one than I came to congratulate the couple and I must say, this place really had me in awe with its presentation and food quality.

Highly recommended for weddings or for any occasions, I was simply delighted with the food and environment here.

To end it with the note I started, a toast to my beloved friends who are finally married after 15 years of relationship and to multiple folds of those years to come =)