Viral F&B Trends In 2017 That Every Malaysian Must Try At Least Once

2017 is fast coming to a close and while we’re ready to welcome 2018 with all its viral food trends, we certainly cannot dismiss this year and the F&B trends it brought along.
I mean. Nasi lemak burger, anyone?
If you’ve missed out on some of the major food trends this year, we’ve rounded up some for you to try just before the year’s up!
1. Time-Based Cafés
Image Credit: Herserlef
Homez Setapak and Herserlef are not your ordinary run-of-the-mill cafés. In fact, guests can stay at these spaces for an entire day and pay a fixed price. This is a great concept, especially for students or those who prefer to work outside of the typical office space. Pay anywhere between RM10-RM16.20 to spend an entire day lepak-ing at any of these time-based spaces. Alternatively, there’s also a pay-as-you-wish cafe called Summersault Café that allows guests to determine the price tag its food and drinks deserves.
2. Nasi Lemak Burgers & Indomee Cafés
Image Credit: Define:Food, @jumpandroll
During the Merdeka period this year, several eateries came up with their very own Nasi Lemak burger creations, namely, Bowery Petit, Define:Food and MyBurgerLab. Nasi lemak fans would absolutely love this unique creation which is a spin on the Malaysian classic. Nasi lemak condiments are lovingly sandwiched between 2 birger buns and served with either a side of sambal or classic ol’ fries.

IndoBowl  rose to fame this year because let’s face it, Indomee is a classic dish and to have an eatery serving up large portions of it, paired with proteins, is an absolute dream come true for some. IndoBowl attained instant virality and with that, has even introduced its 2nd eatery in the same year.
3. Themed Cafés
Image Credit: Hedwig Books & Café & Lyf&Spice
You can never go wrong with themed cafés as they are designed for those who enjoy a specific genre or item. There’s the Harry Potter café, or the Jaws-themed café,
Image Credit: Divers Hideout Café
or the bus-themed café,
Image Credit: N.16
or the bear-themed café,
Image Credit: Flavourest Café
or the husky café
Image Credit: True Love At Neverland
and even the bicycle and library-themed café.
Image Credit: @hailey.86
4. Food Truck Parks
Image Credit: 46 Fans Café
This year saw a rise in food truck parks and container food centres. Gobox Concept is one such place. Best part is, they’re open till 3am on most nights. There’s also a food truck park in Subang Jaya. With the inclusion of these makan places in the F&B scene, it totally redefines what it means to enjoy a roadside snack in the wee hours of the morn’.
5. Vegan Desserts
Image Credita; Kelava Vegan
Vegan desserts has always been sought after in Malaysia and 2017 was the year we finally got to enjoy it. There’s vegan ice cream brand Kelava, with ice cream flavours such as salted gula melaka, matcha and strawberry.
Image Credit: Kind Kones
Kind Kones is an ice cream bar and dessert café in Mont Kiara which offers vegan options and better-for-you dessert choices. Our personal fave’s the Flourless Sweet Potato Brownie and Spelt Red Velvet Cake. But of course, do yourself a favour and enjoy their classic ice creams too.
6. Hybrid Meals
There’s definitely ample space for hybrid meals in the F&B scene, and as 2016’s doughnut gelatos proved, Malaysians are into it.
Image Credit: Aussie Roll
There’s the sushi doughnuts from Aussie Roll, which is basically sushi shaped in the form of a doughnut. Sushi is also served on pizza crusts for those who are looking to try Aussie Roll’s version of a sushi pizza.
Image Credit: Sunway Pyramid, Maison de Gigi
Maison De Gigi is an F&B brand from Osaka and they have brought about croffles, which is a combination of croissants and waffles. These flaky desserts are best enjoyed warm or with a nice warm beverage.
7. Highly Indulgent Desserts
Mix chocolate and cheese into anything and voila, you would get a highly indulgent meal and also something Malaysians would gladly line up for.
Some of the highly indulgent snacks and mains that KL-ites saw this past year included the Nutella wrap, which as its name suggests, is a wrap slathered on nice and thick with Nutella.
Image Credit: Misky_Bysha & Sharifahrose
Then, there’s Cookie Nation, which brought indulgent to a whole other level with their cookie and ice cream sandwiches, which came in a variety of flavours. They are then topped off with sprinkles, marshmallows or chocolate.
Image Credit: CookieNation Malaysia
8. Dreamy Drinks
Drinks are no longer how they once were. With F&B brands like Dream Colour and Project Gibraltar, we get dreamy drinks that are totally meant for Instagram.

Dream Colour, which originated from Taiwan, is a brand with a line of drinks which were inspired by a natural phenomenon common in the North Pole, simply known as the Aurora lights. That would totally explain their dreamy shades! Best part is, they’re also naturally coloured and free of colourings or additives.
Image Credit: @Frankie_Lun, @Michellectting
46 By Project Gibraltar introduced a drink that Malaysians quickly caught on to, after the virality of a similar drink from Singapore. Aptly called Unicorn Tears, these drinks look magical and almost seem to have a hint of sparkle to them.
So, which food trend are you predicting for 2018? Let us know in the Facebook comment section below!
Feature Image Credit: The Bowery Group, Zoey Phoon


Too Broke To Fly To Turkey? This KL Festival Lets You Fake It From RM17.

When one thinks of Turkey, chances are that “watching hot air balloons” would come to mind.
It’s a bucket list activity for travelers no doubt, and now KL-ites can have a taste of that at the upcoming Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.
The acclaimed hot air balloon fiesta is back and they’re celebrating their 10th anniversary this year!

Here are the deets you should know about the hot air balloon fest!
Date: 28th-31st March 2019Venue: Precinct 2Entrance Fee: Free

This free event will host a collection of 20 hot air balloons of various shapes and colours from different parts of the world such as Thailand, Taiwan, India, Belgium, Spain, United Kingdom and Malaysia. That’s right, it will be hosting various hot air balloonists from across the world!

Image Credit: My Balloon Fiesta

There will even be a really cool balloon igloo made out of recycled hot air balloons, so keep an eye out for that.
There will be delicious food and drink vendors as well as fun activities such as Pedal Go-Kart, Roller Orb and Reverse Bungee. Tickets for these 20 activities can be purchased at the event site and they are priced between RM7-RM30.
As for the hot air balloon activities, tickets are priced between RM11.50-RM17 and you’ll get to enjoy different packages and experiences such as riding in a hot air balloon and getting up close and personal with the balloonists and their balloons.
Here are some experiences to look forward to:
1. You’ll Float Too!

You might have heard of a Malaysian hot air balloon flight experience that costs RM1k for 60 minutes of being up in the air and it ending with a fancy breakfast buffet with sparkling juice.
Enticing, but some of us may not love the idea of floating away too. Trust us when we say that it’s a valid fear of flying off into the unknown on a hot air balloon.
But you won’t have to worry about that happening at this festival as you’ll get to experience tethered balloon rides instead.

Image Credit: My Balloon Fiesta

It’s a 5-7 minute balloon ride up to 60 ft on a balloon anchored to the ground so no floating away business for you!
Plus, you’ll gain access to a gourmet breakfast buffet spread as well as a private area and viewing deck.

Image Credit: My Balloon Fiesta

Limited to only 100 pax per session, you’ll be able to get your Instagrammable shots without the dangers of photobombers lurking in the shadows.
Bonus: Be serenaded by live jazz musicPrice: RM300 per adult, RM250 per child
2. Breakfast and Chill

If heights are not your idea of chill, the ground is always here for you. At only RM50 per adult and RM20 per child, you’ll get to relax on the grassy plains with plenty of natural shade from some trees.
Maybe grab their Classic Breakfast (scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, grilled tomato and beef bacon) with a cup of black coffee and have a romantic picnic with bae as you watch a mass ascension of balloons take off between 7am to 8am.
Who said you can’t be romantic when the sun’s up? 😉
Bonus: There’s a delicious kids menu that even we’re wishing for itPrice: RM50 per adult, RM20 per child
3. Get Up Close and Personal

Image Credit: My Balloon Fiesta

We’d think this would be the best opportunity for you curious cats who have been wondering how these pieces of canvas float or how humans navigate them.
With their Launching Field Access, you’ll get to experience and watch the pilots inflate the hot air balloons in the morning.

Image Credit: My Balloon Fiesta

Hence, this could be your chance to observe and satisfy your curiousity without getting into (too much) trouble!

Image Credit: My Balloon Fiesta

You can even get into the baskets and pretend you’re ready for lift off! 😉
Bonus: Best place to fake being in TurkeyPrice: RM17 per adult, RM13 per child
4. Let’s Get Lit!

Image Credit: My Balloon Fiesta

Can’t stand the idea of waking up before dawn? They’ve got a really lit party going on at night called the Night Glow!
Bop and sway rhythmically to the music with the balloons and grab some exclusive colourful merchandise too.

Image Credit: My Balloon Fiesta

Besides that, there’ll be a Hot Air Balloon Parade and Display followed up by a stage performance by Oppo.
Bonus: FREE entrance for My Balloon Club members and it’s perfect for super cool party photos!Price: RM28 per adult, RM23 per child
5. The Ultimate High

Image Credit: My Balloon Fiesta

So they’ve got tickets for you to observe the balloons in flight, inspect them up close, talk to the pilots and maybe even party with them.
It all of that has gotten you excited, you can also opt for the My Balloon Adventure package.

Image Credit: My Balloon Fiesta

This package comes with a Hot Air Balloon Free-Flight (yes you’ll be floating around with a pilot on board), pre-flight refreshments, buffet breakfast at a nearby resort, in-flight photo and a time-lapse video of your flight.

Image Credit: My Balloon Adventure

This balloon ride even comes with an insurance and a Balloon Flight Certificate to celebrate your courage.

Image Credit: My Balloon Fiesta

Bonus: Experience a whole new world of Putrajaya as you float above and between buildings and nature. Definitely a different experience from the one in Turkey. 😉 Price: RM1,150

Image Credit: My Balloon Fiesta

My Balloon Fiesta truly has activities for the entire family. From under RM100 per person, you’ll get to dine and party under the stars as bouquets of fireworks and lit hot air balloons light up the skies.
Note: All prices noted here are Online Prices. Ticket pricing may vary on the day itself.
Feature Image Credit: My Balloon Fiesta


法式酒吧餐厅 【2OX 】： 食物超高CP 气氛高端！让你享受平价但奢华的红酒夜

说到喝红酒的好处去，吉隆坡这家新开张不久的酒吧餐厅也许会是你的最佳选择哦！2OX是一家法国式Bistro 和Bar 的结合，这里提供了各式各样的红酒，重点是，价钱还很亲民合理！而且环境即优美又悠闲，木质圆凳以及黑白为主题的装潢搭配暖橙色的灯光，看起来十分有格调又能让人放松心情。

他们的主厨 Florent Lescouezec 还曾经在韩国有过12年的烹饪经验，所选用的食材都是国外进口。
而且，你还可以客制化你的3样菜式套餐，价钱只需RM88++而已。

说到食物，他们的西餐更是大大力的推荐啦。不但食材新鲜，牛扒肉质也很甜美。看那新鲜的肉，吃起来酥嫩又多汁的口感，真的让人回味无穷。

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除了牛扒羊扒猪扒等，他们也有提供主食如意大利面 和 汉堡。

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除了法式西餐，他们的甜点也非常富有特色，不但卖相吸引人，味道更是好吃到想哭。

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一定要尝试他们经典的creme brulee，那层焦糖吃起来时犹如一层薄冰，烤焦后咬下去时还能听到清脆的声音，吃起来超香的。

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这里也有超多种选择的酒，不管是红酒白酒，总有一款会合你心意。如果你是热爱小酌的一族，那就一定要试试这家高端又平价的餐厅。在如此优雅又充满格调的环境下来顿浪漫晚餐，美味的食物搭配超棒的气氛，绝对能够让你留下美好的回忆。

营业时间：每天 12pm- 11:30pm
地址：54, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
电话：03 2692 2233
网站：http://www.two-ox.com/


Slide The City's Back In KL For ONE Whole Month—Expect Live Music, Carnival Games & More

Slide The City first arrived in Malaysia in 2015 and noting Malaysians’ interest in it, the organisers have extended the duration of event for its 3rd edition of Slide The City. Yup, it’s now on for ONE whole month!
Happening every Friday-Saturday from September 30th-October 29th, KL-ites can enjoy the much anticipated water slide event alongside live music and carnival games. There’ll also be 15 food trucks where you can get something to munch on while you’re there.

Tickets are priced at RM15 (regular tickets) and RM49 (VIP tickets) for kids. As for adults, tickets are priced at RM29 (regular tickets) and RM86 (VIP tickets). Do bring along an extra set of dry clothes, floats, and plastic water guns and go all out, splashing and soaking the other party-goers at Slide the City.
Slide The City has hosted events in the US, Columbia, Canada, UK, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and many other major cities around the world. In Malaysia itself, Slide The City has been hosted in states like Penang, Malacca, Kuantan, Johor Bahru—and now, it makes it way back to KL.
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your October weekends, Slide The City can be an event to consider!
Slide The City Malaysia
When: September 30-October 29 (Fridays: 5pm-12am, Saturdays: 9am-12am, Sundays: 9am-12am)

Where: Setia City Convention Centre
Info: Slide The City Malaysia
All Image Credits: Monkey Theory, Slide The City, Setia Alam


RM10 Is All It Takes To Get Good Coffee At These Cafés In Klang Valley

Coffee is not cheap—we can all agree on that. This is especially true when it comes to famous coffee franchises like Starbucks, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and San Francisco Coffee. Some might even say that these franchises don’t really serve real coffee, just excessively overrated sugar drinks in a caffeine disguise.
Still, even when we go looking for “real coffee” at unique coffee houses where the baristas are truly passionate about their coffee, it seems that each purchase will still burn a hole in our wallet. So where exactly can we get coffee that is both affordable and delicious?
We compiled a list of cafés in Klang Valley where you can enjoy cheap coffee for only RM10, with some even being as low as RM5 or RM8!
1. Doi Chaang Coffee
Image Credit: Doi Chaang Coffee Malaysia
Doi Chaang Coffee, while being a franchise, is not as renowned as the likes of Starbucks and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. However, despite their status as a franchise, their coffee is surprisingly cheap; their hot beverages are below RM10, even their flavoured coffee does not exceed RM15! This is rare, considering the fact that Doi Chang Coffee is not a standalone coffee house.
2. dr. CAFE COFFEE
Image Credit: 11Street
Bet you’ve never heard of this place before, but it is also a franchise! You can find this café in Citta Mall, The Strand, and Solaris Mont Kiara. They have a menu consisting of the usual breakfast items, desserts, and caffeinated beverages. However, all the coffees on their menu are below RM10! But if you’re looking for drinks like frappes, it is a slight hike from RM10.
3. Coffee Société
Image Credit: http://iwalkisnapiblog.blogspot.my
Solaris Dutamas is becoming a home to independent coffee joints, and Coffee Société is one of the residents. And while there are a hell of a lot of cafés to choose from, just take a walk down the street and you can easily see Coffee Société as a street favourite, which comes to no surprise considering the fact that they offer great food along with cheap but still delicious coffee. They offer short black, Macchiato, flat white, and a variety of other coffee choices, and all of them are priced at RM10 and below, with the most expensive option only priced at RM11!
4. Artisan Roast Coffee
Image Credit: Silly Epiphany
Just hearing the name alone makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a more artistic and creative landscape. Located in TTDI, Artisan Roast Coffee is a physical extension of Artisan Roastery, and the employees are all dedicated to their craft in ensuring customers get to enjoy the best coffee yet at the best price, which are all within the RM10 range.
5. Coffee2go
Image Credit: HungryGoWhere
Instead of a shopfront, this café decided to set up shop as a booth, where you can literally just get coffee and go. Of course, you can also get food here, but their main focus is coffee, and its been said that they make pretty yummy ones too. Plus, you’ll be glad to know that none of their beverages are too pricey, with price tags starting from RM7.
6. the BULB COFFEE
Image Credit: the BULB COFEE Facebook
A café located above a post office, never would I have imagined that, but, yeah, it totally makes sense. Local post offices have the magical power to drive people up the walls, so why not let loose a little at a café just upstairs? All their coffees are within the RM10 range, except for their mocha and affogato—but can you really blame them?
7. Room 203
Image Credit: Room 203 Facebook
Coffee kiosks are not exactly running out in Malaysia, but a coffee kiosk like Room 203 is definitely rare. Determined to make good black or white coffee at an affordable price, Room 203 has put out a big signboard to declare that you can have either for just RM5! In addition, they don’t use the same beans every day, rotating from the available selection and allowing their customers to taste different types of black or white coffee.
8. Butter + Beans
Image Credit: Butter and Beans Facebook
As independent cafés go, Butter + Beans is considerably small, only able to accommodate 20 people or less. But what they lack for in size, they make up for in quality brew and reasonable pricing. On their menu, you can see Ristretto, Macchiato, latte, mocha, and piccolo, and they are all either within or at RM10.
9. Baristar Coffee & Tea
Image Credit: Baristar Coffee & Tea
With a hot pink signboard, Baristar Coffee & Tea is certainly eye catching despite its size and shape, all because of its…very attractive signboard. In this little nook in Damansara Uptown, you can get any drink you want within RM10, even with extras and upgrades.
10. Garage 51
Image Credit: Garage 51 Facebook
If you think about it, this place is quite aptly named, considering there are always vehicles double parking and triple parking around the area. Garage 51 is a spin-off of Coffee Société, meant to be more sustainable for the college students coming from Sunway University, which is just right opposite. Their black coffee is priced at RM6.90, while their white coffee at RM8.90—of course, any extras and upgrades is another story.
Featured Image Credit: Butter and Beans Facebook


#SaveOrSplurge: What RM533++/Night Will Get You On Board The Genting Dream Cruises

#SaveOrSplurge is a DiscoverKL series highlighting the most luxurious makan spots, activities, places and travel spots in and out of KL. Leave it to our team to find out if you should just “save your money” or “splurge all the way”.

Genting Dream Cruises recently set sail on a route through Singapore-Penang-Phuket-Singapore. The luxurious cruise ship which spans 18 decks and 1,674 staterooms in total, disembarked from Singapore for a 3-day adventure in the seas.

We had the pleasure of staying in the Balcony Stateroom (which can accommodate 2 pax) to see if it’s really worth the price tag of RM533+/night* per pax.
Here’s what‘s included in the fare:

Stay
1. A luxurious stay at the Balcony Stateroom

As its name implies, a plus of staying at the Balcony Stateroom is a view overlooking the ocean, from the balcony. The balcony area is furnished with a table and 2 beach lounge chairs.
It’s definitely a big plus as it’s the first thing you see when you pull open the curtains first thing in the morning. Stars dotting the night sky or turquoise blue waves come day time, it’s an experience in itself and this is a privilege reserved for balcony deck guests only.

Sure, you’ll be able to catch views of the blue seas pretty much anywhere on the cruise ship (when outdoors), but it’s different when you get to wake up to it everyday.

Besides that, the Balcony Stateroom also comes equipped with bath and body products, a hairdryer, a desk area, a television, a couch and a Queen-sized bed.
Meals
Note: All of the meal and entertainment options below are open to all paying guests on board the cruise as well.
1. The Lido

The Lido is the only halal-certified restaurant on board the ship and caters to the Muslim guests on Genting Dream Cruises.
The Lido serves halal meals from all over the world, particularly Asia (which makes sense considering how Southeast Asians make up the majority of the 4,000 guests on board the cruise).
From Hong Kong Chinese fare to Jain and Indian, Lido truly boasts of a huge array of dishes.
As an added touch, seating areas are also named after top Asian cities like Beijing and Shanghai, adding on to the fact that The Lido wishes to bridge the gap between nationalities with food.
2. Function 8

Function 8 is one of the highly sought after restaurants on board Dream Cruises and there’s a reason for that.
Their buffet selection might be lesser as compared to The Lido but you’ll often times find gems like roast pork and BBQ chicken wings.
There’s also an outdoor seating area where you’ll have a chance to dine with an ocean view. It’s best to come by for breakfast or lunch as there won’t be much of a view at night.
Tip: Arrive during off-peak hours to avoid long queues. During both of our meals at Function 8, we had to share tables as all the seating areas were occupied.
However, located right outside each major restaurant on Genting Dream Cruises is a huge screen featuring deals on board the ship as well as the best dining times at that specific eatery so you can plan the best time to head to Function 8.
3. The Dream Upper restaurant

Unlike The Lido and Function 8, the Dream Upper Restaurant has pre-set meals for each meal time and dishes will be served per table based on the daily menu.
For instance, when we went for lunch one day, it was a course of chilli brinjals and aromatic steamed chicken, among others.

We liked how dishes are served communal-style and the restaurant definitely feels more cosy as compared to the other eateries where it might feel more open and noisy.
The downside is that you won’t be able to pick your dishes a-la buffet style but we feel that the amazing dishes make up for the lack of choice.
Entertainment
4. The Zodiac Theatre

The Zodiac Theatre is where guests are able to enjoy performances, movies and more from comfortable cinema-like seating areas.
It has a capacity of 999 pax at any given time and it was here where we enjoyed a world-class performance called Sonio – A Tale Of Two Dreams.

Unlike any regular ol’ performance, it combines music, acrobats, dance and singing – all at the same time!
Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before showtime to grab a good seat near the front of the theatre.
5. Waterslide park

There are 6 water slides in total on board the ship and they each record the speed at which guests are travelling at. Once, we even went down the slide at 9.3m/s!
Opt to go during off-peak hours to avoid a queue. We went at 3pm and although it was a little sunny, we were the only ones there and we could enjoy the attraction multiple times without being stuck in a painfully long queue.
Note: The water slide zone opens at 3pm.
6. Crystal Life Fitness

The Crystal Life Fitness outlet is pretty well-equipped and has its own private training room and a separate section for private classes. Trainers are also always on standby watching their guests from a distance (in a non-creepy way) to ensure that they are using the equipment correctly and their form is right.
7. Performances @ Bar 360

While drinks at the bar are not covered, some are pretty affordable. For instance, you can order a glass of sparkling wine for only SGD10.
However, if you’re only here for the performances, you’ll be happy to know that you can enjoy them for free. Some of the memorable performances we caught included the Paloma Duo, Hazel and a performance by the cast of Sonio – A Tale Of Two Dreams.
Tip: Grab a seat by the bar before a scheduled performance (you’ll find this information on the Dream Daily, which is an itinerary shared to all guests daily).
8. Sportsplex Arena

The Sportsplex arena is where you will find the likes of a basketball court, football zone and fun games like Bubblesports where players will don bubble-like suits to play a game of soccer.
Just be sure to check in with the staff to ensure that there are enough bubble suits and gear prior to playing a game.

Besides that, there is a dedicated rock climbing wall featuring 3 difficulty levels. We tried out the beginner’s level and chickened out from the rest. To be fair, our guide shared with us that most people would chicken out at this level too. 😛

Finally, there’s a mini golf area, an indoor jogging track and a life-sized chess game.

What’s Not Included (But Worth Splurging On)
Meals
1. Umi Uma

Umi Uma serves up premium Japanese-inspired cuisine and teppanyaki.
We enjoyed dinner here one night. Our chef, Chef Joel, happened to be of Filipino descent, and he was preparing a Japanese-inspired meal using Chinese cooking methods and some ingredients too.
That alone shows the diversity that Umi Uma has. We liked how Joel prepared a teppanyaki-style meal for us much like how a performer would: with “pizzazz and flair”.
From making jokes to showing off his culinary chops, we not only left feeling full but entertained as well. If you’re ever at Umi Uma, do request for Chef Joel and you’d be in for a treat.
Approximate Prices: SGD58-SGD78
2. Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon is a quaint little Asian-style eatery helmed by Chef Henry from Malaysian. The meals are very authentic and tasty and we noticed how even the cruise staff dines here. During our time spent at the restaurant, we saw at least 4 groups of staff members here.

If you happen to dine here, go for their Indian cuisine. We had their Lamb Briyani and Butter Chicken Rice (both SGD15) and enjoyed how flavourful both dishes were. In fact, we finished all of the gravy and sauces as they were very hearty and delicious.
Approximate Prices: SGD15
3. Seafood Grill and Prime Steakhouse by Mark Best

Don’t be confused when you’re at this eatery, as both the Seafood Grill and Prime Steakhouse menus will be served, considering how it is a Mark Best specialty restaurant. For the uninitiated, Mark Best is an Australian-based chef who has garnered accolades like Chef of the Year in the annual Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide.
The wait staff at this eatery were particularly helpful in advising us on the portion sizes or how the meals are prepared, and that’s a plus.

We started off with a complimentary prosciutto, salami and bread basket.
After, we went with the Lobster Scallop with Golden Broth (SGD22) – the broth was a little too salty for our liking and there was definitely a higher flour to lobster ratio.
You’re better off going for something heartier like the Lobster Rendang with Leek and Potato (SGD68). It’s a unique combination of rendang and lobster and it’s nice to see this Asian twist in a Western fine dining eatery. Portion sizes were also fairly large.
Alternatively, if you’re not too hungry, opt for an entree like the Saffron Risotto (SGD28). The saffron gives the risotto a nice floral and fragrant aftertaste. As for the Hokkaido scallops, they were plump and juicy and had a nice sear on them.
Approximate Prices: SGD5-SGD168 (most of the mains are priced between SGD22-SGD38).
4. Breadbox

If you’re feeling a little peckish but you’re not up for a full meal, you can get some pastries and breads at Breadbox. Our favourites are the chocolate chip cookies as well as the oat and raisin cookies.
Approximate Prices: SGD1-10
5. Gelateria

Gelateria is the only gelateria on board the ship – perfect if you’ve got a sudden craving for gelato. There’s a small selection of flavours available but enough to keep you satisfied.
Tip: Look out for the happy hour deals which happen twice a day for extra savings.
Approximate Prices: SGD1-3 per gelato.
Entertainment
6. Glow Bowling

Sure, it might sound pretty gimmicky considering how the only difference between Glow Bowling and regular bowling is the way how the bowling zone lights up when in play.
However, at SGD10 per game, it’s ideal and affordable for guests (particularly Singaporeans who are paying in SGD) who are just looking to kill some time.

As it’s located close to the sunset deck and Zouk Beach Club, perhaps drop by right before any parties or events like the Sunset Foam Party which is held at the beach club (refer to your Dream Daily itinerary for exact timings).
Approximate Prices: SGD10 per game
7. Arcade

The arcade houses games like MotoGP (a motorbike-themed game where you’ll experience a motorbike simulator race course) and Raw Thrills (a Jurassic-themed game).
You can easily spend hours here with the number of games available but we’d advice you to stick to 1 or 2 games as the dollars do rack up.
Approximate Prices: SGD2-3 per game.

So, is a Balcony Stateroom stay at Genting Dream Cruises a #SaveOrSplurge? Here’s a breakdown based on your spending category:
College/Uni Students: Definitely not something worth considering at this period in time. Admittedly, RM533+/night on a ship is tough to justify, even with the breathtaking views. There are other staterooms on board the ship as well, and they are priced more modestly at RM367 per pax, per night, making it a grand total of RM1,099 per pax for an all-inclusive trip for 1. It would be ideal for a graduation trip, especially if you take advantage of all the activities on board the ship.
Young Working Adults: Worth trying once every couple of years. Young working adults make up a large percentage of cruisers on board the Genting Dream Cruises for a reason. It’s definitely a unique form of vacation with everything covered for you: including accommodation, ground trips (additional cost), food and fun. If you’re the sort to enjoy facilities and activities and prefer having everything planned for you, then we would say that it’s worth splurging on a stay at the Balcony Stateroom perhaps once every 5 years.
Working Professionals: Definitely! As mentioned before, it’s definitely an experience in itself and although RM3,698 is a pretty steep price tag, it’s only approximately RM1,200+ per night and if you would consider a luxury hotel stay at this juncture in your life, what more a luxury cruise vacation with a plethora of amenities, facilities and food to sample? Just be sure to limit such experiences to once a year.
Disclaimer: An all-inclusive 3-night stay at the Balcony Stateroom is priced at RM3,698 (for 2 pax) and it is inclusive of taxes and fees, excluding gratuity fees. Prices differ depending on the time and duration of travel.
For more information, head over to Genting Dream Cruises’ official website.


Why This Hidden Lifestyle Store In Publika Is Even Worth Your Time

There’s a store in Publika that not many might even be aware of (and frankly, its store layout might not be helping either).
Some might categorise Kaleidoscope as a thrift store, or an antique’s store due to its slightly chaotic layout.
But it’s more of a lifestyle store, because everything is brand new and some items are even imported from overseas.

Beyond that, you would find that it’s a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. It might look like quite a mess, but that’s the fun part—you’ll get to sift through everything in search for that one quirky item that speaks to you.
If you’re the sort who enjoys items which aren’t mass produced, Kaleidoscope’s the place for you.
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Housing anything and everything under the sun, some of the items that you would find at Kaleidoscope include:

One-of-a-kind sun dresses
Handmade toys and figurines
Bean bags and pillows
Animal onesies
Unique notebooks and journals
Accessories such as handbags and spectacles
Home decor items
Cookware and dining utensils
Handmade kitchen towels

Kaleidoscope has been around for 7 years but strangely enough, it’s a little known store, tucked away in Publika, KL.
If you have some free time on your hands, go ahead and spend an afternoon just looking through the items in the store.
You’re bound to find something that catches your eye!
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Kaleidoscope Lifestyle Store
Hours: 10am-10pm, daily
Address: G3-37 Publika Shopping Gallery, Solaris Dutamas, 1 Jalan Dutamas 1, Kuala Lumpur
Website: Kaleidoscope Lifestyle Store
Tel: 03-6211 1613
Image Credit: Kaleidoscope Lifestyle Store


Why A Paddy Field Escape Is The Insta-Friendly Holiday You Never Knew You Needed

Why in the world would you stay in the middle of the paddy fields?
Multi-coloured containers that are totally Instagrammable is why!

Padi Box is a container style homestay located 5km from Redang beach in Sekinchan. Surrounded by paddy fields, you’ll get Windows wallpaper-esque views all around you—except for when they’ve harvested the crop when the scenery turns into muddy plains.
Although that might suit the minimalist Instagram feed aesthetic, do check out their harvesting schedule to catch the field in your “ideal colour”.

During our recent trip down to the paddy field, the plants were all green.

Combined with the vibrant-coloured containers, it sits on a delicate balance between looking like a preschool and as an aesthetic background for the ‘gram.

As Padi Box was built from recycled containers, do bear in mind that the rooms wouldn’t be the most spacious of the lot. We stayed in the Standard 4 pax room with two queen sized beds, a TV, side tables and an en suite bathroom. Basics such as towels, hangers, pillows and bedding are provided too.
From the bed to the wall, there was a gap wide enough for one person to walk through. The bathrooms were rather spacious and well equipped with large bottles of body wash and shampoo. We loved that we could bathe at one end of the bathroom and have the other end still relatively dry enough to change at.

Okay, but is there WiFi?

Yes there is but it’s not the fastest speed. But it’s adequate enough to scroll past and post Instagram stories around the reception area and in the room.

However, it may get a little spotty at the cafe and lounge areas which is perfect as it encourages you to talk to your friends.

At the cafe, there’s nothing much to do but sit in front of the AC and enjoy the view. It also makes for a really pretty Instagram photo spot during early mornings and late evenings when the sun isn’t shining too strongly. However, do note that the space heats up rather quickly come noon time.

In the lounge area, there’s an abundance of power plugs, pool table, playing cards, sofas and an old school Mario console game (NES Nintendo System Console).

Personally, I enjoyed the pool table despite it being slightly slanted and missing a ball.
P.S.: It’s really easy to hit the balls into the middle right hole. 😉
It’s surrounded by nature

Sekinchan is known as the Rice Bowl of Selangor. As they’re one of the main producers of rice (together with Kedah), these paddy fields are the literal rice bowls of the community there.
Hence, we would strongly advise you to be careful with these precious grains and avoid trampling your way into the field no matter how pretty you’d envision the Instagram shot to be.

Padi Box has bicycles for rent at RM10. With the purchase of each ticket, you can redeem a cold can of soft drink in the pantry located upstairs.
However, as some of the bicycles had deflated tires and faulty gears (perhaps due to infrequent use and therefore, maintenance), do make sure to check them properly before going for a ride on them.

Not too far off from Padi Box, we spotted more Instagram opportunities. No, we do not mean trampling over the farmers’ hard grown crops because that’s horribly irresponsible. These photos were taken through a hedge of flower weeds with a kit lens on a Sony A6000.

However, if you would love to learn more about the paddy fields, Padi Box has guided tours and sessions for guests to join. Besides that, you can also arrange for trips to the Sky Mirror, for firefly watching as well as for eagle feeding activities.

You can even book barbecue packages here or bring up your own food for a picnic in the morning. There’s also a pretty cool dining experience on top of a bus right outside Padi Box.

In the day time, you’ll get to dine along to light jazz and enjoy the view. But at night, the whole place classes up rather quickly.
Read our full review here!

Overall, staying at Padi Box gave us a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of KL. Waking up to fresh air, sunlight streaming through our windows and the greeneries of young paddy creates a calming and chilled environment.
From RM118 per room, this is a great place to escape the city and stay in while exploring Sekinchan and Kuala Selangor, which is a 30-minute drive away.
Padi Box
Address: Lot 11126, Jalan Tali Air 4, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia.
Website: Padi Box
Tel: 019-320 5688


Shop Till You Drop Part 2: 9 + 1 Pop Up Markets To Check Out This June

Market goers, bargain hunters and bazaar fanatics, we hope you’ve been saving some money cause June is the month you’ll go broke. But don’t worry, it’s the happy kind of broke (retail therapy!) as there are 10 markets to help you shop the weekend away! And guess what? Half of them are happening on the same week!
If you plan to go market hopping, this is where you’ll pick up some time management and planning skills. Who said you don’t learn anything from shopping?
1.Free Night Market
Did someone say free? Yes, everything is free, with no catch. FREE food, books, clothes, accessories, supplies, novelties, skills, conversations, and other items that might surprise you. If you have something to give away for free, bring it! If you don’t have anything, come anyway!
Date: 31 May 2016 (not really June but close enough)
Time: 9pm -11.30pm (Set up at 8.30pm)
Venue: Pusat Khidmat Gelandangan, Lorong Medan Tuanku 2 Off Jalan Sultan Ismail
Facebook Event Page: Free Night Market
2. Urban Yard At Setia Walk

One of a kind not your usual H&M dresses, handmade jewellery, geeky toys to every other swaggy accessories… all under one roof over 3 days at Setia Walk Puchong. Need we say more? Don’t forget to bring more cash and your shopping bag!

Date: 3 June – 5 June 2016
Time: 12pm-10pm
Venue: Setia Walk Puchong, Persiaran Wawasan, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor
Facebook Event Page: Urban Yard at Setia Walk
3. KL Alternative Bookfest (KLAB) + Art For Grabs

Can’t seem to find the right book at mainstream bookstores? Hop on to the KL Alternative Bookfest bus to celebrate the wild and wonderful bunch of Malaysian indie publishers. On top of the 27 publishers of books, comics and zines, there will also be 54 Art For Grabs’ booths of handmade awesomeness and 6 other NGOs to support their causes. There will also be a series of forums, talks, book launch and film screening over the weekend (full schedule here).
Date: 4 June – 5 June 2016
Time: 11am- 7pm
Venue: The Boulevard, Level G2, Publika, Solaris Dutamas, 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Facebook Event Page: KLAB+ Art For Grabs
4. From Pen to Paper 3.0
Stationary lovers listen up! Battery Acid Club is hosting a Stationary Market Day!! Just imagine feeling new paper and the gentle scratch of the pen underneath your fingers…OK that’s a bit too much but a market showcasing selected stationery items, vintage finds, magazines and print from local designer and stationery enthusiast? That’s a big YASS!!
Date: 4 June – 5 June 2016
Time: 11am – 6pm
Venue: Battery Acid Club 21, Jalan SS21/34, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Facebook Event Page: From Pen to Paper 3.0
5. LEGO Flea Market

Love all things LEGO? Come and expand your collection that the LEGO Flea Market this June! Featuring LEGOs from DC Comics, Marvels, Star Wars, Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit and many more, this is a not-to-be-missed for all toys enthusiasts. And did we mentioned that they also have retired and super rare LEGO sets as well?
Date: 4 June – 5 June 2016
Time: 10am – 6pm
Venue: Syopz Mall, The Boardwalk No.2, Jalan Taylor’s 47500 Subang Jaya Selangor
Facebook Event Page: I Luv Lego
 6. The GREEN Bazaar

Thinking to green-up your life? Here’s a bazaar with all things eco-friendly and local (yes, we support local products and local producers). And the best part? You can get your children to be involved with the kids activities and at the same time, educate them a thing or two about the importance of a sustainable environment.
Date: 4 June – 5 June
Time: 11am- 6pm
Venue: The School Jaya One, 72A, Jalan Universiti, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Facebook Event Page: The GREEN Bazaar
7. Malaysian Makers Market

Some might hesitate when it comes to ‘made-in-Malaysia’ but trust us, our local youth entrepreneurs sure know their craft and you will not want to miss this funday of comfort food, drinks, good music and markets by the best in local creatives.From homewares to brighten up your living spaces, to leather goods and homemade organic soaps, they’ve got it all.
Date: 5 June 2016
Time: 12pm – 6pm
Venue: The Bee Level G2 Publika , 1 Jalan Dutamas 1, Kuala Lumpur 50480
Facebook Event Page: Malaysian Makers Market
8. Yard Sale Creative Market
In conjunction of  Le French Festival 2016, Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur is hosting a yard sale and a mini-market of French amateur designers. Whether you speak the language or not, you are definitely welcome to spend a day in the green surroundings of the Alliance Française garden. There’s also a Cabaret Night happening at the same place from 8pm-10pm.
Date: 11 June 2016
Venue: Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur, 15 Lorong Gurney, 54100 Kuala Lumpur
Time: 10am- 3pm
Facebook Event Page: Yard Sale Creative Market & Cabaret Night
9. Kumamoto Boleh!

Last April, two massive earthquake struck Kumamoto city in Kyushu, Japan. To ease disaster relief, a group of volunteers in KL came together to organise Kumamoto Boleh!, a charity campaign aiming to raise awareness about the disaster. There will be a charity flea market on the second day of the event with handmade crafts, Japanese character goods, handmade soap, food, Yukata photo taking booth and many more fun activities. This June, why not do some good and shop at the same time?
Date: 12 June 2016 (Charity Flea Market is only available on the 12th of June)
Venue: The Square Publika, Solaris Dutamas, 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Time: 10am
Facebook Event Page: Kumamoto Boleh!
10. Objects For (M) Market

Boys, someone has heard your voices. Finally a pop-up market that is curated specially for the guys! In conjunction with Father’s Day, Awegallery is hosting a market that will shift the focus towards the urban man of different age and interests.  This one day only event will be  featuring items such as travel basics, accessories, home goods, stationery, beauty products and many more. Ladies are of course welcomed too.
Date: 18 June 2016
Venue: Awegallery 1, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount Petaling Jaya, 46300 Selangor
Time: 12pm – 7pm
Facebook Event Page: Objects For (M) Markets

Also Read
Shop Till You Drop: 5 Weekend Bazaars and Flea Markets In KL You Need To Check Out!


The Studio KL takes flight with a 9-course high tea omakase that’s well worth the ride

Early in May, we were invited to the debut of The Studio KL’s High Tea Omakase, organised in partnership with Bar Shake, KL.
This unique and one-of-a-kind omakase is the brainchild of Chef Lucas, the chef and also a partner of The Studio KL, who wanted to channel his creativity and skills into something more than just the typical high tea experience.
We were wowed before by their first travel-themed high tea set that launched in May 2021 during the pandemic. That high tea set was then inspired by Japan and we got a first-hand peek at Chef Lucas’ prowess.

So needless to say, expectations were high—but then again, what were we supposed to expect, we’ve never been to a high tea omakase before.
Shaking up the omakase scene
We were welcomed into the cosy setting of Bar Shake, KL where a row of spotlights illuminated the bar counter top.
There’s a maximum capacity of 6 pax along the counter and another 6 pax in the lounge area. Even with a full house, it’s still a pretty intimate ambience.

The omakase’s menu theme is aptly named “Around The World”, with 9 courses served with 2 drinks (non-alcoholic) that are inspired by various regions, you guessed it, around the world.
Chef Lucas gave us a cheeky surprise here.
Before we began our “flight”, we were asked to choose a pencil to sign our name on our boarding pass, and then eat it. You read that right, the pencil was our first course.
It was the yummiest pencil we’ve ever eaten, a cute and unexpected surprise.
Hint: The colour of the pencils are a hint of their flavours, so choose wisely!
An apple and cinnamon-ny mocktail to refresh us between courses.
We then “flew” to Australia for the second course, where we were served the Pearl Digger. This intricate oyster shell is made out of chocolate and hand-painted. It looked so realistic that we actually didn’t realise it was edible until Chef Lucas pointed it out to us!
French Onion (France) on the left, Taco Taco (Mexico) on the right.
The next destination was France and the course was inspired by the French onion soup. We absolutely admire the dedication that went into the onion chutney here. It’s 7 types of onion slow-cooked for over 4 hours for that natural sweetness.
Not caviar, but something better.
The Caviar Mafia at our Italy stop was our favourite sweet dish of the omakase. It looked like a tin of caviar, but nope. It’s truffle tiramisu, enough said.
The complexity of flavours was light, fragrant, savoury, sweet, creamy, luxurious… just give us another one already. Our only qualm with this was that the caviar tin should have been double, nay, triple the size.
Chef Lucas had more tricks under his sleeves, with our China-inspired course looking like a lychee hanging from a Bonsai plant.
That red colour is from dragonfruit and is 100% natural.
We plucked our “lychee” (which obviously didn’t actually taste like just plain ol’ lychee) and the flesh inside paired so well with the Sichuan mayo sauce.
With the fake pencils, fake oyster, fake caviar, fake lychee, we’re starting to think Chef Lucas is the reason for some of us having trust issues. Fortunately for him, they’re all outstandingly delicious so we’ll give him a pass.
The beautiful Kyoto Garden being delicately put together.
Our sixth course brought us to Japan with a refreshing floral mix, infused with a peach aroma. This palate cleanser resembles a Japanese garden with a pond and plants, and was delicately assembled by the team as such.
The Taco Taco from Mexico was one of the complex courses, as proven by the amount of time taken to put all the ingredients together. The fillings in the Parmesan cheese taco shell made for delightful multi-textured bites so the prep time is well worth it.

Dubai’s Baklavology, the eighth course, was our second favourite dessert! The explosion of pistachio flavours with crispy layers of mille feuille is just all texture, all balanced sweetness, and an all-around crowd-pleaser.
Finally, we head home for the ninth course, which features petit fours that represent Malaysia (of course, durian was one of them). Everything is then capped with a nice hot cup of pandan lemongrass tea.
All in all, this omakase collaboration between The Studio and Bar Shake showcases dishes that are not just exaggerated and showy for the sake of external flair. It is a journey, a sweet and savoury affair that’s worth the ride.
It’s definitely a high tea experience that we’re glad to have stamped into our “food passport”. If you’re keen on a trip, check out this limited-time pop up before it’s time for them to depart.
High Tea Omakase Pop-Up by The Studio KL x Bar Shake
Address: Platinum Park, Unit 3.3A, Level 2, Tower 1, 11, Persiaran KLCC, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 019-956 0111
Website: https://www.instagram.com/omakase.thestudiokl


These Layered Cheesecakes In Glass Jars Are Cute And Convenient To Indulge In!

Launched in May this year, Little Chindian Bakes spealises in Insta-worthy cheesecakes housed in glass jars. Tip: Use a long small spoon to really dig in through the layers to get a mouthful of mixed textures.
Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake in a Jar (RM19): What we immediately noticed is that the cream cheese portion also had a strong biscoff flavour. The baker behind Little Chindian Bakes explained that it’s not just a plain cream cheese mixture, but there’s extra spread added to it to add on a burst of flavour. We actually didn’t find the biscoff overwhelming, in fact, we thought that the entire combo of the cream, crumb and spread was just nice. It was surprisingly also not too sweet, despite the layers of Biscoff.

Nutella Biscoff Cheesecake in a Jar (RM17): This comes with a layer of Nutella ganache, Lotus Biscoff crumble and Nutella cream cheese, BUT we felt that there wasn’t enough chocolate/Nutella flavour. Although the texture was as good as the Lotus Biscoff version, we found that this wasn’t as memorable. Moar Nutella pleaseeee!

If a jar (or 2) isn’t enough for you, these flavours are also available as 6” and 8” whole cheesecakes. For customers who are watching their sugar intake, you can also make a special request to order these without any added sugar (other than the sugar/carbs already present in the spread+biscuit crumbs).
Do note that there is also no gelatin in these so vegetarian or Muslim customers can consume without worries!
To order, DM @littlechindianbakes on Instagram.
Feature Image Credit: Little Chindian Bakes


Devouring The Super Thicc Smoky BBQ Chicken & Beef Burger From myBurgerLab

When it comes to pairing things up, clearly myBurgerLab thinks more is more. Just look at their Smoky CB that has made a comeback in mBL until this Valentine’s Day. It comes with seared cheddar, a beef patty, a juicy fried chicken thigh, homemade spiced pickles, a minty yoghurt sauce & smoky barbecue sauce.
No really, look at how thicc it is. That is one HUGE piece of chonky chicken thigh right there.

Venxhin couldn’t even open her mouth big enough to take full bites from this (Sarah on the other hand takes pride in the fact that she could), she ended up giving up and deconstructing the burger. But every bite that she managed to take, she thoroughly enjoyed.
It’s really a burger to savour in big bites, an excellent combo of the smokiness of the BBQ lifted by the sour crisp pickles and fresh minty yogurt. The chicken still has a lovely crunchy breading which pairs well with the juicy beef patty.
This is for all of you who have stood in front of mBL’s menu pondering “chicken or beef?”. Just get both, and you have until the 14th of February 2021.
And the folks at mBL have a bit of cheer to spread this season–they’ve offered us six RM20 vouchers for a giveaway. You can check out the details on our Instagram page here.

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You can order The Smoky CB (RM21 à la carte) from myBurgerLab stores, their website, and on GrabFood too.


A Taste Of Hong Kong With Kam's Roast Malaysia (October 2020)

[Non-Halal] Located in Pavilion KL, Kam’s Roast is easily spotted thanks to its glistening row of roast meats hung proudly up for display. The original Kam’s Roast in Hong Kong has received a Michelin Star 6 years in a row for their roast goose, but that’s not available yet in Malaysia.

Kam’s Roast takes their Hong Kong flavours very seriously, and this means that they do not serve chilli sides even if you request for it. They hope diners can enjoy the authentic and balanced flavours they’ve worked hard to create.
 DKL guest reviewer: Marcus of @madhatter_desserts (runner-up of Masterchef Asia).
Roast Duck (RM88): Kam’s roast duck has a good flavour, and the meat is tender, soft, and flavourful. Yes, even the breast meat that Sarah always avoids. The sauce here is accompanied by fragrant whole soy beans too. Also, because it has been accompanied by lashings of sauce, no crispy roast duck skin here, that’s not what they’re going for.
Clockwise from top left: Marinated tofu, roast duck, BBQ roast pork with siew yuk
Toro Char Siu (RM38 for 12 slices): This came highly recommended, and after taking a bite, we could understand why. Soft, juicy, without a too-thick sauce and just melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This is a dish we’d order again.

BBQ Roast Pork (RM42 in a set with the siew yuk): We definitely prefer the Toro version over their regular char siu, which is very much on the lean side. However, as Marcus pointed out, some people don’t like their pork to be super fatty, so it’s nice to have options. It’s pretty interesting in texture, almost as if it has been cured or treated.
Siew Yuk/Crispy Roast Pork: Crispy skin that’s been cooked just right (we hate it when it sticks to our teeth), the siew yuk at Kam’s Roast is done very well, with a crispy top shell and a soft bottom. A should-try for siew yuk fans, but if you’re a char siu person, then it’s definitely the Toro for you.
Marinated Cucumber with Vinegar & Garlic (RM12): “I had high expectations for this and it met them,” Marcus said after taking a taste. This is another dish that came highly recommended.

Marcus and Sarah (who doesn’t even like cucumber) both enjoyed this very much, proclaiming it garlicky, fresh with good hints of chilli and coriander.
Soy Chicken (RM28): The thing about soy chicken is that it’s generally a safe dish to have, and that’s exactly what Kam’s Roast offers with this dish. Don’t get us wrong, it’s done well, the chicken is well-cooked and flavoured. But is it special or memorable? Not really.

Marinated Tofu (RM12): The skin is good, it’s absorbed a lot of flavour from the sauce. But one thing about the tofu, it has a very strong soy bean taste. That’s probably quite divisive, some people might find that a big turn off.
Wonton Noodle with Soup (RM29): This is popular for a reason, and we enjoyed the springy chewy noodles. Credit should be given where it’s due, we had the noodles sitting there for a good 15 minutes while we were taking photos, but the noodles still held out very well. The wontons were also delicious, with generous amounts of prawn. The soup on the other hand was a bit bland for our taste, but maybe those who prefer very ‘qing’ (clear and light) soup may enjoy it.
Poached Hong Kong Choy Sum (RM22): As is our regular custom, because we don’t want to waste food, whenever DKL goes out for reviews, we make sure to takeaway what we can’t finish.

This is the only dish Marcus chose to take home, so that probably says something. These huge pieces of vegetables are very sweet, distinctively different from the regular veggies we get which usually have a bitter aftertaste (fussy eaters will know what we mean).
Marinated Cuttlefish (RM29): Texturally an interesting dish, this was soft but chewy and not rubbery. We had a little table debate, @xhinnie enjoyed the chewiness of the leg parts, but the others definitely like the tender upper parts more.
Red Bean Soup with Aged Orange Peel (RM8): “I actually genuinely hate red bean with orange peel,” said Marcus, “But I think this is a very good balance of flavours, and I’m actually going to finish it.” We were told that the orange peel used in this red bean soup has been aged for years, and it shows. The orange flavour is strong yet merges very well with the sweetness, and it’s one of the best combos of this that we’ve tried (sorry, mom).

Kam’s Roast now offers pre-order takeaway and delivery services.
Kam’s Roast Malaysia
Address: : Lot 1.52.00/1.53.00, Level 1, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone: +603-2110 3848
Website: https://kamsroast.com.my/menu/


This Just Might Be The Wettest And Wildest Music Festival In Malaysia!

Songkran Music Festival has been a pretty big thing in Thailand for quite a few years. And without fail, there will be a huge  turnout, because who would miss out on the chance of getting to listen to exceptional remixes and use water guns to shoot everyone with no qualms?
It’s like a dream come true for both adults and children.
Last year, on the April 15, Malaysia had its very first Songkran Music Festival, organised by Stellar World and The Gateways. And it was met with great response – tickets sold out quickly and turnout was almost too big to handle.
Image Credit: Lightbox, Sungai Buloh Facebook
That is why there will be another round of Songkran Music Festival this year, aptly named Songkran Music Festival 2.0. Organised by Lightbox, and unlike last year, it will last two days over 14th and 15th of April, from 3pm-8pm on both days!
The festival gives you a chance to listen to the best DJs in Malaysia perform, participate in water gun battles, watch various performances, and throw water balloons at each other. A photo booth will also be set up for you to commemorate your wet and wild moments.
And hey, you can even slide down a water slide that is as long as 40 metres.
Image Credit: Lightbox
You can start purchasing tickets now on the Lightbox website before they run out! A standard package (SP) means you get a T-shirt, a wristband ticket, and a waterproof pouch, while an upgraded package means all of those plus a water gun, so you don’t have to bring your own.
Image Credit: Lightbox
For pre-sale tickets, which are available for the entirety of February and February only, an SP costs RM38 and a UP costs RM53. If you miss out on pre-sale, then you can move on to the early bird tickets, which will be available for the entire month of March and March only, where the SP costs RM48 and UP costs RM63. And well, if you miss out on both, then opt to buy the tickets at normal price, which will be available from the 1st of April onwards – the SP will be worth RM58 and the UP at RM73.
Songkran Music Festival 2018
When: April 14: 3pm-8pm, April 15: 3pm-8pm
Where: No 29, Jalan LGSB 1/1, Pusat Komersial LGSB, Off Jalan Hospital, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
Featured Image Credit: Lightbox


This KL Cashless Convenience Store Has Japanese, Korean & Taiwanese Snacks!

If there’s one thing that Malaysians absolutely adore, it’s snacking.
Combining our love for snacking and the e-wallet concept, Malaysia’s very own cashless grab-and-go convenience store is born.

Funmaii is a store housing Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Thai and popular Malaysian snacks—it’s pretty much snack heaven!

Funmaii opened its first store in Sunway Nexis, Kota Damansara back in January 2018 and has recently launched its 2nd local outlet at Bandar Puteri Puchong.

With the e-wallet concept, customers can enhance their shopping experience by first downloading the Funmaii app for free on the Google App Store or the Apple Play Store.
Through the app, customers can track their expenses and redeem Funmaii rewards in the form of discount vouchers, extra credit and rebate.

Payment can then be authorised with a 6-digit password on the app, giving it added security measure. Alternatively, payment can also be made through Mastercard and Visa cards.

That way, you don’t even need to bring cash the next time you’re visiting a Funmaii outlet.

Funmaii has future plans to install up to 10,000 vending machinese in shopping malls across Malaysia within the next 3 years but in the mean time, drop by any of the 2 existing Funmaii convenience stores in Sunway Nexis and Bandar Puteri Puchong to stock up on all the snacks!
Funmaii Sunway Nexis, Kota Damansara
Hours: 8am–10pm, daily
Address: D-G-8, Sunway Nexis, Kota Damansara 1, Jalan PJU 5/1
Funmaii Bandar Puteri Puchong
Hours: 8am-11pm, daily
Address: 40, Ground Floor, Jalan Puteri ½
All Image Credit: Funmaii


Catch The "Running Man" Cast In KL At Their One-Night-Only Concert Tour This April!

News of the Running Man cast coming to KL for their concert tour broke several months back and now the official date has been released!
Catch the cast consisting of Kim Jong Kook, Haha, Ji Suk Jin, Lee Kwang Soo and Song Ji Hyo at their concert in The Mines, Seri Kembangan. Not only that, there will also be a special guest performing. He is none other than Skull, a South Korean reggae singer.
Image Credit: Hype.my
Image Credit: Hype.my
The ticket prices would range between RM758 (VIP), RM608 (PS1), RM508 (PS2), RM408 (PS3), RM308 (PS4) and RM208 (PS5). For any fans who are purchasing VIP and PS1 seats, they will get a complimentary official tour light stick. There are only 200 seats available for the VIP ticket holders and those who are in the VIP seating would also be able to enter a lucky draw which entitles them to a group photo with the entire cast.
Be sure to get your hands on the tickets from March 28th, 11am onwards. Tickets can be purchased at all appointed TicketCharge outlets or you may also purchase them online. So what are you guys waiting for?!
Running Man 2017 Live In Malaysia
When: March 28, 11am
Where: Mines International Exhibition & Convention Center, Seri Kembangan
Info: TicketCharge
Feature Image Credit: K-Popped


Obsessed With Durians? There Is A DURIAN RUN This July!

Do you like running marathons? Do you also like eating durian? Well, now you can combine both of your passions and participate in a Durian Run. And no, I am not kidding.
The Durian Run, a 5km run, will be taking place on the 30th of July, winding its way through our scenic city of Kuala Lumpur before finishing at Dataran DBKL. You’ll be enjoying the sights and sounds of our bustling city, and passing by landmarks like KLCC and KL Tower on your way. Participants will be given 50 minutes to complete the run, and there will be mounds of ‘golden treasure’ awaiting you at your destination.

You might be wondering, what on earth does this marathon have to do with our national thorny pride and joy? Well, a positive feast of durian, aptly named ‘Kendurian’, will be welcoming you at the finishing line, with all kinds of rare and top quality durians for you to indulge in. They’ll also have an assortment of durian desserts and delicacies, ranging from the uber-traditional to the contemporary.
If running marathons isn’t really your thing, they also have a Durian Cyclethon the next day (31st July), which means 10km of cycling through the streets of KL, taking in the pretty city landscape before finishing at Dataran DBKL as well. There will also be some fun durian-fuelled obstacles in your way, so be prepared to cycle to the finish line and rake in those durian rewards at the Kendurian!
Image Credit: justrunlah.com
Even though running a marathon, and then getting stuck in a durian coma sounds kind of counter-productive to me, it sounds like a whale of a time if you’re a big fan of the reigning king of fruits. Check out their official website to find out more details about the event if you’re interested in joining! Hint: Make sure to sign up before the 15th of July to get Raya discounts off of the entry fees!


Camp Out At These 6 Places In Selangor To Catch This Weekend's Meteor Shower

The Perseids Meteor Shower is expected to be visible across the stretch of the Malaysian skies this Saturday at 12.30am.
However, due to the heavy light pollution in the city centre, the best places to catch the meteor shower is a place which is void of light (or at least close to it). Your best bet would then be hills as it gives you a good vantage point and the fact that you’re higher off the ground helps too.
As the meteor shower is predicted to appear past midnight, it’s advisable to hike earlier and set up a good spot while you wait. A word of caution though, to hike slowly and go in a group, as it may be hard to watch your footing especially in the dark. It’s also advisable to go with an experienced hiker who is familiar with the trail.
Here’s a list of places that you can consider heading to this weekend. Best part is, some of these spots are also known to be ideal stargazing places in Klang Valley so there’s a higher chance of getting a good view of the showers.
1. Bukit Gasing Forest Park
Image Credit: Afifplc
This hill is nestled in the heart of Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya. It is a popular hiking spot amongst hiking regulars and it is a fairly simple trail which is a good place for beginners to start. At the end of the hike, there will be a tall tower overlooking the entire Petaling Jaya. The tower is a good spot to wait for the meteor shower as it is at the peak of the hill and there’s a pretty spacious area to rest.
2. Bukit Kiara Park
Image Credit: The Star/Vikiar Niklasalbakri
The Bukit Kiara Park is a scenic place to take a walk in the evening as you prepare for the sighting of the meteor shower. Whilst walking through this trail, you might hear the sound of running water and that’s because a lake actually runs through the area. Beware of the monkeys which some have encountered here in the past. As it is not a hiking trail, it’s also an ideal place to bring younger kids as they can run around in the playground whilst waiting.
3. Puchong Hill
Image Credit: Adventurous-blogger
This hill is broken into 2 separate paths and because it has been trekked countless of times before, it is no longer as slippery as before (except for rainy days) and you’ll be able to gain your footing easily. More experienced hikers should be able to reach the peak within fourty minutes. However, with poorer visibility in the evening, it would probably be an hour-long hike. There is a meeting point at the peak of the hill where you can rest on some large rock formations while you wait.
4. Broga Hill
Image Credit: Beauty Guide
Broga Hill is definitely the word on everyone’s lips when it comes to great hikes in Klang Valley. It’s also one of the more well-known places for night hikes for the purpose of stargazing. It’s a good place for beginners to start too. There are 3 peaks in total and depending on your stamina level, you can choose to wait at any of these peaks which overlooks a great view too.
5. Kota Damansara Community Forest
Image Credit: http://kotadamansaraforest.org
During the day, the Kota Damansara Community Forest is navigated mostly by hikers and bikers alike. There are 7 trails in total and you can choose the one which best fits your own fitness level. Some of the hikes are only 25 minutes long, making it one of the easier hikes out there. Opt for the Petaling Trail for the easiest trek which will still lead you to a place that is dark enough to observe the meteor showers clearly.
6. Saga Hill
Image Credit: Bear In The City
The Saga Hill is also known as the Apek Hill and this is a slightly tougher hike as compared to the rest. This is due to the fact that the ground is often muddy and there are steep inclines in the hike as well. This trek should only be reserved for those who has experience in hiking and not be attempted by beginner hikers, especially during the evening/night. With that being said, the view at the end of the hike (as well as throughout the trek) is pretty rewarding.
Feature Image Credit: CBS News/


This Publika Bar Has A Hidden Cocktail Menu That Will Only Be Revealed Under UV Light

Most of the bars at Changkat has their own hidden cocktail menu. For those who has the secret code and password, they would be able to order off of these menus easily. However, to obtain the code to these hidden menu is pretty difficult too as it is often by word of mouth. Although hidden cocktail menus are not a new concept, it is definitely an interesting one nonetheless.
Image Credit: Gary Lee
Bowery Group too is not one to miss out on the hidden cocktail menu trend. In fact, they launched their first ever secret menu with the theme of “Please Don’t Tell”. Discover KL was recently invited to experience the hidden cocktail menu for ourselves.
Image Credit: Gary Lee & The Bowery Group
This menu is pretty unique in the sense that is it written in invisible ink. To unlock this hidden menu, one would need to scan these blank cards with a handheld black light. What an interesting concept!
Image Credit: Gary Lee
During the event, The Bowery Group collaborated with Shawn Chong of Omakase, top bartender Shane Sta Maria, Tong Woh Enterprise as well as Spice Drops by Borneo Harvest. On one hand you have a pair of skillful bartenders with years worth of experience, and on the other, you have great liquor from the enterprise. What more could you ask for?
Image Credit: The Bowery Group
When it was time for the cocktails, Ahm, one of the cocktail connoisseurs, made us our first drink. It’s the Straits Old Fashioned made from Fireball Cinnamon whisky and rich palm sugar syrup topped with dried orange peel and rimmed with cinnamon sugar. This drink had a good cinnamon taste and the whisky is a nice twist to the drink. It left us wanting for more.
Image Credit: The Bowery Group
After the first drink, Shawn presented us with the Boston Tea Party. This cocktail is loosely based on the Boston cocktail with Citadelle gin, grenadine and fresh lemon juice which has a hint of Moroccan Mint tea and Chai spice drops. We took the first sip and enjoyed the strong chai tea from the Spice Drops. If you love Indian spices with a hint of bitterness, try it!
Image Credit: Gary Lee & The Bowery Group
The next drink we had is called Post Road. It is a luscious and effervescent cocktail with a splash of fresh lime whisked into a turbulent mix of Plantation 3 Stars White Rum, honey and ginger ale and perfumed with Orange Spice Drops. This is a sweet and spicy cocktail and the taste of alcohol in this one is pretty strong due to the rum. For those who has a higher alcohol tolerance, they would enjoy this drink.
Image Credit: The Bowery Group
As the night came to an end, Shawn decided to end our cocktail journey at New York City with a drink called Big Apple. Big Apple is a wine-spiked Whisky Sour made with some Buffalo Trace Bourbon.
Shawn married peach puree, apple syrup and lemon juice with Bowery’s house pouring red wine before embellishing the cocktail with an apple slice and drops of Cinnamon and Vanilla Spice Drops. He even explained that this cocktail doesn’t burn nor taste strongly of alcohol. In fact, it tastes a lot like apples!
Image Credit: Bowery Group
Shane Sta Maria, surprised us with one last drink which had a local twist to it. His Sago Melaka creation consists of sago pearls being drenched in creamy coconut milk, rich palm sugar syrup and a shot of Plantation Dark Rum. This is considered one of the most unique cocktail desserts we’ve ever had. Those with a sweet tooth and a love for Irish cream coffee should give this a go.
The hidden cocktail menu is available at Bowery and one need only mention to the bartenders the secret code of “Please don’t tell” to gain access to order from it.
Bowery Kitchen & Bar

Hours: Monday-Wednesday & Sunday: 8am-12am, Thursday-Saturday: 8am-2am
Address: Bowery Kitchen & Bar, Publika
Website: Bowery Kitchen & Bar
Tel: 03-6211 4989
Feature Image Credit: Gary Lee & The Bowery Group


平、靓、正！自助式烧烤火锅店—RM36.80吃到饱、鱼虾螃蟹任你捞！

火锅备受大马人欢迎的美食，马来西亚不仅有许多火锅店而且家家的火锅样式层出不穷。最近吉隆坡又开了一家非常有创意的火锅店——威威海里捞烧烤自助火锅城。这里的海鲜非常新鲜，因为你想吃什么都可以自己现场捞！
Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat
威威海里捞烧烤自助火锅城采用Buffet的方式经营，顾客可以自由选择自己喜欢的火锅配料。而且店里还有鱼缸，里面有虾子、螃蟹和鱼等等。想要捞虾的话，店家会给你一个玻璃罐，你必须在30秒内把玻璃罐装满，要装多少就多少！
Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat
Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat
Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat
Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat
此外，这里还有各种各样的火锅配料，包括蔬菜、鱼丸、肉片和豆腐等等。一人只需付RM36.80就可以任吃吃到饱了，超级划算！他们的材料也非常新鲜，简直是平、靓、正！
Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat
Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat
Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat
Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat
Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat
他们的甜点和饮料也都是无限量供应的哦！
Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat
他们所采用的锅也非常特别的四层宝塔，分别可以用来蒸、保温、刷和烧烤。如果你不想要自己烤的话，你也可以可以叫店员帮你。
Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat
是不是看了很想试试啊？现在他们还有超值的优惠哦！只要6人同行，一人就可以免费；如果8人同行，就可以免费活捉一只鱼了！
Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat
威威海里捞烧烤自助火锅城
营业时间：5pm-1am（星期一至六）5pm-12am（星期日）
地址：Lot Km 16.093, Jalan Persiaran Serdang Perdana, Taman Serdang Jaya, 43300 Kuala Lumpur.
网址：VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat 威威海里捞烧烤自助火锅城
联络电话：016-206 9588 /016-331 9588
Feature Image Credit: VV Hai Li Lao BBQ Steamboat


Searing Up A Storm At Tokyo Bijin Yakiniku (October 2020)

One of the specialties that the waitress highly recommended at Tokyo Bijin is their wagyu set (RM248), but we didn’t feel up to it that day and in hindsight, we’re fairly confident we made the right choice. Instead, we got one of the other recommended specials (you can check out the walls for off-menu items).
Japanese Wagyu Zabuton (RM120): Visually, the Zabuton is beautifully marbled and a lovely shade of pinky-red. It lived up to expectations and was very melty and tender BUT for us, it was really too fatty. Another realisation in our Japanese BBQ journey: A4 Wagyu is a good journey for texture and taste, but A5 is just…unnngh too much. Blame our pleb tongues for not being able to appreciate it.
It is certainly beautiful to behold though.
In fact, we were so jelak of the fattiness, we deliberately overcooked and overseared the final piece we had (earning a mild scolding from the chef who watched us destroy a beautiful piece of meat in horror). Rendering more of the fat off did help us to finish it though!
Tokyo Bijin set (RM98): This comes with beef karubi (short ribs), beef rib eye, beef shin skirt, green onion salt tongue and chicken thigh.

 We think this set is great for taste and variety, everything we had on the plate was flavoured very well, and all of us had different cuts of meat that we particularly enjoyed, so this is the set to get if you’re in a group and you want to please everyone.
The Tokyo Bijin set and the neglected Zabuton
The tongue was a bit too chewy for Sarah but VX enjoyed it fine, the skirt is tender and not too meaty or too fatty, the karubi shines with their marinade, the meaty ribeye was also delicious off-the-grill without any sauce, and the chicken was very tender and flavourful.

The portion felt quite generous too considering the price, and this set is considered very value-for-money.
Green onion rice: The waitress practically insisted that we order this. When we declined, she even gave us a complimentary smaller bowl just so we could try it. Other reviews have described this as “magical” but to us…we were a bit confused. It was a decent bowl of rice, the green onions are crunchy with a nice spicy bite to them, but it really wasn’t a go-out-of-your-way to have it in terms of the carbs involved.
Scallops (RM26/3 pieces): We actually think the descriptor “magical” is better saved for this dish, which was very satisfyingly juicy and tender. But we could be biased, we love scallops. These were also very well-seasoned in the sauce they’re cooked in as they’re grilling away.

We really enjoyed some parts of the meal here, with a shoutout to the Tokyo Bijin set and the scallops in particular. We’d probably return to have these again, but small tip, don’t be pressured by their strong recommendations, just go with what you think you’d enjoy more and are willing to pay for. Just don’t overcook your meat here or you might get judged :’D
Tokyo Bijin Yakiniku 東京美人焼肉酒場
Address: 115G, SS15/5A, Ss 15, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TokyoBijinYakiniku/


This Nondescript "Rumah Atap" In Kuala Selangor Is Actually A Modern, Classy Café

Kuala Selangor is definitely a seafood haven for many who are in search of fresh seafood. With plenty of seafood restaurants in this area, it is only natural that one would choose to dine here.
However, as of late, more unique eateries have popped up in Kuala Selangor. At first, there was the bus restaurant. And now there is a blue eatery with a “rumah atap” feel to it to try as well.
Image Credit: aboutBLUE Cafe
From the outside, aboutBlue Café looks like an ordinary “rumah atap“, save for the bright blue paint it is coated in. However, upon stepping inside, it’s a whole different story.
Image Credit: aboutBLUE Cafe
The interior of the house has been refurbished to resemble a modern café with plenty of blue-coloured ornaments.
Image Credit: aboutBLUE Cafe
Image Credit: aboutBLUE Cafe
Image Credit: aboutBLUE Cafe
When it comes to food, there are several interesting options to try, mostly desserts. This includes unique raindrop cheesecakes, with one even resembling a marble design. The flavours come in Sakura Jelly and Grape.
Image Credit: aboutBLUE Cafe
On top of that, there are also chocolate cakes with large strawberries and LEGO figurines on top.
Image Credit: aboutBLUE Cafe
With plenty of desserts to try, it is a great option for teatime and also, supper. Interestingly, the eatery also serves their coffee in wine glasses!
Image Credit: aboutBLUE Cafe
If you ever make a trip up to Kuala Selangor, be sure to stop by this unique café and have your tastebuds tantalised by the desserts they offer. While you’re at it, snap a couple of pics with the exterior of the café as well.
Image Credit: @Peach_on_tea
aboutBlue Café
Hours: Thursdays-Sundays: 12pm-9pm
Address: Pasir Penambang, 45000 Kuala Selangor, Selangor.
Website: aboutBlue Cafe
Tel: 016-273 6033
Feature Image Credit: aboutBlue Café


[DKL REVIEWS] Healthy Soup & Porridge That Can’t Beat Mom’s Cooking—But Sure Comes Close

There’s nothing quite like a homecooked meal of Malaysian staple dishes like rice and soup. There’s a reason why the popular literary series was coined Chicken Soup for the Soul. After all, both the book and soup are comforting and warms the heart.
For those who live away from their family, they would certainly hanker for a good ol’ bowl of soup and the traditional way would be to boil it for hours on end. Now, we only need 5 minutes to order the dish online with The Steam Room KL.
The Steam Room KL is an online food ordering platform which focuses mainly on providing soups and other dishes like vegetables and rice, to busy KL-ites.

Their dishes are perfect for the health conscious too, as all soups are pork and lard free. They also do not contain any added MSG.

The Double Boiled ABC soup (RM9.90) consists of carrot, tomato, potato, onion and pieces of chicken meat boiled in chicken broth. Taking our first sip from this bowl, we were instantly reminded of mom’s cooking. However, it was not as flavourful as we hoped it to be and it required a little bit more salt. The carrot and potato on the other hand, was boiled long enough to give it a soft texture that we enjoyed.

The Double Boiled Corn Soup (RM9.90) tasted sweet and we discovered that the corn was the one which lent these flavours to the soup. Considering how the previous soup had elements which weren’t chewy, we liked that this soup gave us something to munch on. The meat was tender and not overcooked. However, it seems to be a running theme with The Steam Room’s soups whereby the dish lacked salt. It was interesting to note then, how our tastebuds has been accustomed to the taste of salt, so much so that we found the soups slightly bland. However, that would also make a healthier option for diners.

What makes the Doubled Boiled Herbal Soup (RM9.90) is the ginseng, red dates, wolfberries and yuk choy within. The soup had a pretty strong herbal flavour as expected, and it also had a slightly bitter taste which could perhaps be attributed to the ginseng flavour. Not everyone enjoys the ginseng taste and if you’re not accustomed to these flavours, we would suggest the previous broths. For RM9.90, I would say though that it is worth the price as the ingredients tend to be on the pricey side, if we were to purchase it ourselves.

The Double Boiled Lotus Root Soup with Peanut (RM9.90) stands out the most among all of the other soups. It consisted of nuts, lotus roots and chicken meat which has been boiled for a good period of time, giving it a soft yet chewy texture. Not only is this bowl of soup nutritious for you, it is also notoriously hard to recreate at home, hence making the price a rather affordable one. It is another popular broth in Chinese households and if you’re not willing to spend several hours in the kitchen monitoring your precious soup, ordering it from The Steam Room would be a safer bet.

This online ordering platform might be known for their soups, but they also serve side dishes and porridge as well. The Steam Ginger Chicken (RM5.90) is surprisingly oil-free and the ginger sauce it comes with gives the dish a fragrant flavour. Portion-size wise, this dish is enough for a single serving and you can also opt to pair it with some rice.

It’s clear knowledge that pictures aren’t always as they seem, especially when it comes to food from the menu. Unfortunately, I was pretty bummed out when the picture of our next dish appeared different from that of the menu. Undeterred, we gave the Braised Chicken (RM5.90) a try. It tasted homey and there is a hint of spiciness from the ginger. There is also some kick of spiciness from the chili, although not overtly so. The chicken’s a tad bit too savoury from the oyster sauce and dark soy sauce used in this dish, hence we would advice to pair it with some rice and not eat it on its own.

Personally, I am not a porridge fan and wouldn’t order it anywhere else, but Steam Room KL changed my perception on it. The Porridge (RM5.90) was thick and hearty. It was also paired with a mixture of condiments such as peanuts, pickled vegetables, as well as a mixture of century eggs, salted eggs and free range chicken eggs. I can’t picture a dish more suited for days when you’re feeling under the weather. It was packed with flavour and nutrition but was not too savoury either, as some porridge condiments tend to be, so as to mask the bland taste of the porridge.
Image Credit: The Steam Room KL
For its price and portion size, The Steam Room KL has won a place in our good books. It requires much effort, time and expertise in order to whip up a bowl of soup from scratch, even when it does not appear so. Hence, it’s nice to know that if we were too lazy to cook, we can simply order it from The Steam Room. It’s also a great option for when you’re feeling under the weather, because that’s when KFC and McD’s just won’t cut it.
They have a number of nutritious options as well, while not sacrificing on taste. At the end of the day, nothing beats the idea of ordering in a bowl of soup and some rice after a long day at work. Sure, nothing can triumph over mom’s good ol’ cooking but The Steam Room certainly comes close.
The Steam Room KL
Hours: Daily, 8am-4.30pm
Website: The Steam Room KL
Tel: 010-9291 407


买不到BIGBANG演唱会票？！没关系，Maggi 免费送给你！

10月1日就是韩国高人气男子团 BIGBANG来大马的 BIGBANG MADE [V.I.P] 巡回演唱会啦～ 大家是否已经迫不及待想看到OPPA们了？
如果你已经错过了购买演唱会票的黄金时期，或是还未买票的朋友，现在不用担心。
Maggi Malaysia 将免费送出20张VIP / Rock Zone的票给你们哦！

只要当天10月1日 于12pm至5：30pm 前往MAGGI® Letup™的档口介绍Maggie的挑战，你就有机会赢取免费的演唱会票。
快点来挑战你的运气吧！ Oppa们在等着你！
欲知更多详情，请点击Maggi Malaysia
日期：2016年10月1日 星期六
时间：12 PM – 5:30 PM
地点：Stadium Merdeka ，Jalan Changkat Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


[New Eats] SS15 Parking Is A Nightmare, But This Fried Chicken Will Change Your Mind

Fried chicken is definitely a staple food globally, especially for us Malaysians who simply just can’t get enough of it! Ranging from the famous fried chicken franchise of KFC to our local delights of nasi lemak with ayam goreng, the possibilities are endless with fried chicken.
Image Credit: Joyce Koh
Some might even consider this dish as a comfort food. If you are into anything that is deep fried, Nomms should be your new hotspot for some finger licking good meals.
Image Credit: Joyce Koh
Nomms is a café that focuses on creating fried dishes such as fried chicken. They have a simple café interior, with the rooster art on the wall standing out the most. This is also a great hangout spot for large groups. When dining here, be ready to get your hands dirty.
Image Credit: Nomms
Definitely, their signature dish is the fried chicken which comes in original, spicy and garlic flavours. Nomms’ fried chicken dish manages to achieve a crispy texture on the skin, while retaining the juiciness of the chicken itself.
Image Credit: Nomms
Besides that, you can also order chicken popcorn for when you’re craving for snacks or lighter meals. It is a satisfying dish layered with plenty of flavours.
Image Credit: Nomms
If you’re up for something quick, you could get their classic chicken burger or a chicken wrap for a takeaway meal instead.
Image Credit: Nomms
Image Credit: Nomms
Besides just offering chicken dishes, Nomms definitely understands our need for variety with their offering of delicious seafood. You can order fried fish fillet, scrumptious prawns and tender squids to satisfy your craving for seafood.
Image Credit: Nomms
Alternatively, you can opt for healthier options if you prefer less meat in your diet. Nomms also serves salads as well as rice. These sides are perfect alongside the juicy goodness of the poultry or a serving of seafood.
Nomms is a good alternative for those who wish to try something new. This eatery’s fried chicken is truly finger licking good, and it will keep you coming back for more—even with SS15’s traffic madness!
Nomms
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11am-10pm. (Closed on Sundays)
Address: 36, Jalan SS 15/4, Subang Jaya
Website: Nomms
Tel: 03-5621 0858


I Tried To Reset My Body By Following A 1,500-Calorie Meal Plan For A Day

I remember the last time I counted calories.
I was fresh out of high school and stepping foot into college for the first time, I wanted to feel like the best version of myself (as we all should).
Calorie-counting was the ‘in’ thing back then and that was what I tried.
I counted calories for perhaps 6 months of my life. And ironically, it was also when I was at my heaviest.

To be fair, perhaps, I wasn’t aware of the right portion sizes or my calorie-counting just didn’t add up properly (till this day, math is still not my strongest suit).
Still, a pudgier person staring back at myself through the mirror was enough for me to never count calories again.
Recently, Wisecrafters, a local business with an emphasis on healthy meals, challenged me to go on a meal plan that’s just slightly shy of 1,500 calories, for an entire day.
These meal plans were crafted (pun intended) with the aid of nutritionists in order to help one to reset their body prior to events such as weddings or during the post-holiday period.
I went with the meal plan catered for females (men have a slightly higher calorie-plan at 1,800-2,000 calories per day).
Admittedly, I was worried that I would be hungry by the end of the day or that I wouldn’t be left satisfied by the meals I had. Still, as I actually enjoy the sort of healthy meals that Wisecrafters creates, I was excited to give them a go.
1. 10.10am: Pitaya Kefir Parfait

My day started with me tucking into a bright purple bowl in excitement, only to be met with a surprise (but not necessarily the bad kind).
My first bite confirmed that this is not, by any means, a sweet bowl and the flavours came as a tangy surprise.
In actual fact, the tangy flavours are derived from the milk kefir, which aids in digestion.
As it was my first time trying the probiotic, it took me a while of getting used to it but midway through, I appreciated the tanginess as the fruits used in the bowl already helps to sweeten the dish so there was no need for the base to be too sweet as well.
Ingredients: Milk Kefir, Dragon Fruit, Blueberries, Banana, Almond, Energy Balls, Raw Honey, Coconut Flakes & Organic Oats
Calorie Count: 494 calories
Satiety Level: 6/10
2. 12.35pm: Zesty Mustard Quinoa Bowl

The colleagues went out and “tapau’ed” their lunches and within 10 minutes, our office dining area began to smell of chicken rice and beef noodles. I couldn’t help salivating as I looked over at their dishes in envy.
Mine was clearly the healthiest of the bunch, with pretty much the colours of the rainbow in a single bowl.
“Mine looks really healthy,” I told them sadly and by now, I was really experiencing the reset that this diet was purposed for.
I was craving an extremely salty, filling meal and I was initially doubtful on whether this bowl would be able to satiate my hunger.
The nutrient-packed chickpeas did its job well though, and there was also a good amount of quinoa in my bowl, rather than just a mere sprinkling.
These helped keep me fuller for longer and I also enjoyed the zesty mustard which, according to Samantha of Wisecrafters, is made of cold pressed orange and lemon juice, along with mustard.
Ingredients: Organic Quinoa, Orange, Chickpeas, Cherry Tomatoes, Peppermint & Capsicum, with Lemon Mustard Dressing
Satiety Level: 8/10
Calorie Count: 546 calories
3. 6pm: Almond Oatmilk

I’m used to grabbing a snack by the 4pm mark but the quinoa bowl actually allowed me to remain satiated till my next snack at 6pm: Wisecrafters’ almond oatmilk.
I’ve tasted plenty of almond milks before and this by far is the least creamy and it wasn’t sweet at all. In fact, as there’s no sweetener in this, it’s relying purely on the sweetness derived from the soaked almonds and oats.
“This is a good drink for those with lactose intolerance,” Samantha told me, and having found out recently about my mild lactose intolerance, I was starting to appreciate this drink more.
I did point out to Samantha the slight sedimentation at the bottom of the bottle that I could not get to, despite shaking the bottle several times.
Samantha told me that this is perfectly normal. “Emulsifiers are usually used in store-bought beverages to prolong their shelf life but not ours,” she explained. That is why the drink is to be drunk immediately or within 2-3 days time.
Ingredients: Raw Almonds, Organic Oats & Pure Filtered Water
Satiety Level: 5/10
Calorie Count: approximately 70 calories
4. 7.35pm: Zesty B&B Oatmeal

Dinner was one I was admittedly not quite as excited for simply because I look forward to coming back to home-cooked food and because I rarely (read: never) have sweet dinners.
This felt more like a breakfast meal for me. Still, it’s nice to have a lighter dinner for a change, considering how my dinners are typically of a larger portion and made up of hearty proteins.
According to Samantha, oats are chosen for the dinner meal as they contain serotonin and aid in better rest—bananas too. “It’s also a natural form of carbs which is easily digestible. We would suggest having something light for dinner so your body doesn’t have to overwork just before bedtime,” Samantha noted.
Though the meal was filling, I did feel hungry after dinner. When I pointed this out to Samantha, she mentioned that she would’ve picked a heartier dinner (like the Avocadian) if she knew that I usually had bigger dinners.
As Wisecrafters tries their best to accommodate to their customers’ dietary preferences as well as typical daily calorific count, you’ll be able to enjoy tailored meal plans that suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Ingredients: Banana, Blueberries, Lemon Zest, Organic Chia Seeds, Greek Yogurt, Honey, Soy Milk and Organic Oats.
Satiety Level: 9/10
Calorie Count: 313 calories
This clean eating meal plan was meant to reset my body and I do believe that it has served its purpose because I felt less bloated throughout the day and enjoyed better rest that night too.
By restoring my body with power-packed nutrients from the likes of the quinoa and chia seeds, I did feel better throughout the day.
However, if I were to try this meal plan again, I would hope to see more ingredient variations considering how 3/4 of my meals contained oats in them.
If there were an option for a savoury dinner, that would be much appreciated too as most Malaysians I know enjoy a savoury dinner, myself included, and it personally felt odd having “breakfast food” as my final meal of the day.
The portion-size for dinners could be increased slightly as well considering how I did feel a little hungry about 30 minutes after having my dinner.
When I shared this with Samantha, she wasn’t surprised. “65% of our customers feel satisfied with the current portion size while the remaining 35% are separated into 2 groups. The first 20% are light eaters and they can divide our daily meal plan into 2 days. The final 15% require their portion size to be increased by 130%,” she said.
I definitely fall into the 15% category.
While this meal plan consists of anywhere between a single day up to several weeks, and there are customers who subscribe to monthly meal plans, I’d suggest beginners to start slow and either opt for a one-day or one-week meal plan.
This reset challenge would be ideal for those who do not want to go on a juice cleanse but would prefer something more satiating and nutritional.
“It’s more sustainable to go on our meal plans and you can still eat. This is good to try after a holiday-period when you just want to reset your body,” Samantha shared.
If you’re keen to give Wisecrafters a go, click here.
Wisecrafters
Website: Wisecrafters
Tel: 012-3452134


This Is The First Japanese Omurice Specialty Restaurant In Klang Valley!

KL-ites were first introduced to omurice back in 2013 when Slurp Café  included the dish on its menu.
For the uninitiated, omurice is a dish popular in Japan and it gained popularity worldwide for its oddly satisfying concept.
Slicing through the omelette, it’ll flood the bed of rice its resting on, with a golden stream of runny egg.
Image Credit: Omulab
Worth “Boomerang-ing” for Instagram, the dish isn’t just known for its looks. It’s also said to be a truly indulgent meal.
Folks have been returning to Slurp Café for this very dish and they’ll now have a new place to head to for the same classic omurice and more.

Image Credit: Omulab
That’s because Slurp Café has officially relocated to Seksyen 19 and they have a brand new name: Omulab.
The café has hipster vibes to it and almost feels like the cooler older brother to the former Slurp. The menu’s pretty impressive too, with Slurp bringing back old classics and introducing new flavours too.
Expect dishes like omu dons, squid ink seafood pastas and more.
Image Credit: Omulab
If you’re looking to pay this restaurant in Seksyen 17, PJ, a visit, do look out for the adorable signboard of a cartoon couple donning omu rice hats.
Alternatively, allow the delicious scent of omurice wafting through the air to guide you here. 😛
Omulab
Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays: 10.30am-10.30pm. (Closed on Mondays).
Address: 7, Jalan 17/45, Petaling Jaya
Website: Omulab
Tel: 03-7492 7506
Feature Image Credit: Omulab


This KL Café "Koreanised" Its Menu With Kimchi Rice Gratins & Bulgogi Burgers

It’s no secret that Bangsar has a sea of restaurants but if you were to drop by Table 9 restaurant, you would find Italian cuisine with a Korean twist.
Italian-Korean meals are something different, what with the mix of Asian and Western flavours, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

At this cosy café, you would find rice gratins elevated with a dash of kimchi. Where rice gratins are creamy by tradition, Table 9’s take on it is a slight sour and savoury aftertaste from the kimchi.

For those who enjoy rice gratins as they are, this would be a nice introductory dish to Italian-Korean cuisine.

Burgers get an Asian upgrade with the inclusion of bulgogi. Served with a side of thick-cut fries, dive into a flurry of flavours that the bulgogi meat brings about.

Prefer bulgogi with pizza instead? Done. Table 9 adds the classic “fire meat” generously across their pizzas and you won’t even realise that it’s a Korean-inspired dish at first glance.

Bingsus are a classic Korean dessert and Table 9 takes it one step further by introducing a cendol bingsu. Familiar flavours of coconut milk, green-dyed jelly “noodles” and red beans are served with classic shaved ice, in true cendol style.

End your meal with something sweet and opt for the Petit Apple Cake that looks like it came right out of the classic Snow White fairytale. Koreans have an affinity towards foods that are adorable in appearance, hence the introduction of the Petit Apple Cake in Table 9.

It is an apple-shaped “cake” which is made with real strawberry powder. It even comes complete with little droplets of “water” and a leaf stalk.

Alternatively, opt for different “apple cake” flavours like purple sweet potato (made with powder imported from Korea) and mango cakes (made with mango powder). According to the folks at Table 9, these cakes make for great gifts as well.
Table 9 Café And Restaurant
Hours: Sundays: 10am-12am, Mondays-Thursdays: 10.30am-12am, Fridays: 10.30am-1am, Saturdays: 10am-1am
Address: 21, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur
Website: Table 9 Café And Restaurant
Tel: 03-2201 1055
All Image Credit: Table 9 Café And Restaurant