Kedah: Restoran 5 Utara @ Jitra

Who can resist thai food? 6 months in Kedah and I've tried a few Thai restaurants at different places -- Alor Star, Sungai Petani and Jitra. Particularly love the Thai restaurants in Jitra -- first try was at Sabai Dee Cafe (click here to read my blog post about Sabai Dee) and second try was at Restoran 5 Utara (which I'm going to talk about it now =D ).

Till now, I've tried Restoran 5 Utara for 2 times. 2 times and I still think that the dishes there are really nice. It is about 15 minutes drive from Alor Star (Utara) Toll, so it isn't really really far if you want to get some nice Thai food. I would say the flavour is quite authentic (kut). 

Kaeng Som fish -- Ordered during my first visit.

I find the fishy plate really cute =) seems like many thai restaurant bought this for serving huh. I love the kaeng som here as they served it with my favourite coconut.

Kaeng som is actually Thai Sour Curry. I don't know how to describe it's taste but it is definitely very spicy. Tom yam is spicy but you can expect the spiciness from the smell. For Kaeng som, it smells sour and you thought it would be something appetizing. Instead, it could just burn your tongue off. XD

Stir fry coconut and mixed vege. 

Most favourite dish of all! It isn't spicy and I really like the coconut. This dish is so refreshing. 

Apple Kerabu.
I like the anchovies, but guess it would be better if it is mango kerabu.

Steamed Sotong with sour soup.
It sounds like something spicy-less right? But no! There are plenty of chili padi inside as trap. As spicy as the Kaeng som fish. Fuhhhhhh......

During my second visit! Went there for lunch with friends and tried something different this time -- Seafood Otak-otak. 

Very nicely cooked Seafood otak-otak. There are prawns, fish and sotong inside. Love the taste too! Thank you friend for recommending this! *like*

Kedah: Tiffz Coffee Gallery

There are more and more new cafes in Alor Star! So excited to try them all. Hmm... But I need to have as much $$$ to cover my expenses to try them. XD

There's one new cafe at Simpang Kuala, which started to follow me on Instagram way long before its opening. I've been waiting for its opening as photos from its Instagram seem very convincing. And finally, few days after its opening, I have the chance to give it a try before catching movie at Alor Star Mall. 

Introducing........ TIFFZ COFFEE GALLERY

It is located above Rakyat Xcess and hence you'll need to pay some attention to search for this cafe.

The environment of the cafe is very relaxing and spacious. Good place for gathering. But, it was a little disappointing when I wanted to make an order as their choices were much limited at that time --- 2 types of pasta and 2 types of pizzas. Hence, I decided to order Black 63 degree celsius Carbonara (Black = Charcoal Pasta) whereas other friends ordered White 63 degree celsius Carbonara. 

Mine! Black 63 degree celsius Carbonara (RM11).

Portion is just nice for a girl. However, for people like me who can eat a lot, it isn't filling enough. XD Love the poached egg on top though. Just nice, not over-cooked. 

Friends'! White 63 degree celsius Carbonara (RM10).

Sungai Petani: 2D1N Random food trip

#throwback

Have been working in Kedah for 6 months. Spent most of my time in Alor Star and I've only been to Sungai Petani twice so far. During my second visit, I have the chance to meet up with my beloved "hey-manss", stay-over at their place and being treated with good food. =)

 A short, memorable and sweet trip down to SP. 

First stop: Amanjaya Mall

As I have no idea where is my friend's rented place in SP, we decided to meet up at Amanjaya Mall. The mall is just located on the left after the Sungai Petani (Utara) exit (pretty easy for me to find it). Walked around Amanjaya mall and finished walking in 15 minutes (or lesser). Errrr.... It is about the same as Alor Star Mall. *sigh*

Finally meet up with my friend and she introduced me their favourite ice cream stall. This is really nice! The ice cream stall sells handmade ice cream, which includes green tea flavour, durian flavour, etc.... So hard to choose! All seem nice. Ermmmm.... ERmm..... ERMM....... At last, I ordered a durian ice cream. XD

Durian flavour is nice! Rich texture and fragrance. RM4 for such a nice ice-cream. Quite worthy. Poko-poko is the name of the stall. Located at ground floor of Amanjaya Mall, opposite Blackwood Cafe. 

Second Stop: Second Street Hawker Center (二街)

It is something like wai sek kai (为食街) with 2 rows of food stalls. Friends introduced me their favourite noodle stall and I gave it a try. =) Not bad not bad. 

The chicken floss noodle (dried) served with fish balls and soup. 

Ordered a small one and save some space for other food. Hehe... 

Our side dish -- Loh Bak! 

Did not have loh bak for ages! Quite nice. But feel so guilty after eating all these oily fried stuff. @.@

3rd stop: Muse Cafe

After dinner, sent one of my friend back home to get some sleep before her night shift. Then, me and darling qy continue to hang out in Village Mall and Muse Cafe. Decided to catch a movie in Village mall (super random idea) and so we have about an hour before the movie starts. Hence we chilled at Muse Cafe, a kinda-new cafe in that area. 

Darling QY's flat white. 

My cuppa mocha. 

Not chocolate-y enough. Disappointed.

The environment of the cafe is quite nice. But the coffee is a little disappointing. Cake looks tempting but I did not try. Was too full after dinner. 

Subang Jaya: Flat White & Cosans Coffee @ SS15

#throwback

There are PLENTY of new cafes blooming in SS15 area, and I have strong urge to try them all! Due to time constraint, I only manage to try 2 of them during my last visit to KL. 

I had a hard time choosing which cafe to try because I want to avoid disappointment. So, after reading a few food blogs, I've decided to try Flat White with sis. Photos on Instagram seem very promising too! Hence, we went there for our brunch date. 

As we have no car in KL, we took a taxi to SS15 from Sunway Pyramid. Sound a little desperate to try the cafe. Taxi driver charged us 5 bucks for such a short journey and I have to guide him to the destination. *Duh... I need a car.....* Oh well, as long as we reach the place, we're happy. 

Flat White is located opposite Asia Cafe, same row as Starbucks Coffee and Snowflakes. It is an upstairs coffee shop, where you need a little bit of exercise to get your caffeine dose fixed. They serve all-day breakfast with different styles -- European, Mediterranean, American, Tunisian and Canadian. They have pasta. sandwiches and cakes too. 

I ordered an European breakfast and a cup of Flat White (the name of the cafe says it all), whereas sis ordered a Mediterranean breakfast. We chose a table near the coffee periodic table. That time was about 10.30am and not too many customers yet. 

The Periodic Table of Coffee. Amazed. 

Too bad we sat too close to the wall and photos aren't nice. The cafe has pretty bad lighting, causing all our photos dark and yellowish. >.<

Jaundice girl and her cup of Flat White. 

Taste pretty normal. Not the kind of coffee that can make me W-O-W.

My European Breakfast (RM18++)

A little too simple and the poached eggs are too well-cooked.
English muffin + turkey ham + poached eggs + salad. Nah.... not gonna recommend this.

Mediterranean Breakfast (RM21++)

White Toast + Mushroom/Capsicum/Onion + Poached eggs + Salad.

This tastes nicer but I seriously think that it is overpriced with such quality. 

Because this is the only nice photos of the visit, I have to share it. 

Not saying that the food is good. 

Petaling Jaya: Metal Box Restaurant & Cafe ++++ Favourite Face-to-Face Pan Mee

#throwback

Here comes another throwback post of my KL food hunt during Deepavali weekend!! This time, I'm gonna share about a new cafe that I've visited in Empire Damansara and also share with you my love for Face-to-Face Pan Mee.

First of all, let me share with you my experience dining at Metal Box @ Empire Damansara. =D 

I was discussing with friends about places to try. So many new cafes in KL since the day I moved back to Taiping -- HOW TO CHOOSE?? Bunny gave me a few choices and I decided to try Metal Box Restaurant & Cafe. I like the special design of the cafe and the photos from other food blogs seem very promising.  

And, I'm glad that all the guys are willing to try this place with me. *so touched... Awww.....*

Photo taken from EatDrinkKL: http://eatdrinkkl.blogspot.com/2014/10/metal-box-empire-damansara.html

Upon arrival, my friend told me that one of the chef is actually from Taiping. Same kampung! Should give some support. XD Apart from that, when I was reading other food blogs, I found that there's one chef from The Red Beanbag, now opening his own pioneering cafe in a amicable exit. This makes the food seem more promising isn't it as The Red Beanbag has been so famous for so long in Publika with their awesome brunch menu. 

Simple, yet complete menu of Metal Box. 

Pasta? YES

Brunch menu? YES

Main? YES

Dessert? YES

Coffee/Chocolate? YES

Juices? YES

Since it is quite new, expect for long queue! 

We went there around 1.30pm and we queued for around 25 minutes for our seat. 

Got ourselves an outdoor seating that day and luckily the weather was fine. 

5 of us took a while to decide on what to eat. I've ordered their Specialty French Toast (RM14.90) and a cup of Hot Chocolate (RM10.90). Two of my friends ordered big breakfast, one ordered pasta and one ordered Guinness pancake.

Waited for a while and most our food were served, except my french toast. Luckily they served my Hot Chocolate, so I spent my sweet time tasting my drink and snap photos of my friend's food. *annoying girl =P *

Guinness Pancake (RM14.90) that attracts me the most!

Served with Raspberry sauce and Gula Melaka Syrup. The raspberry sauce is so concentrated and nice. Reminds us about our trip in Tasmania, where we visited a raspberry farm.

Close up of the pancake! 

Love the golden pancake. so nice!

My lovely Hot Chocolate. =D

How cool can it be to dine in Hard Rock Cafe, Penang??

I'm not from a rich family. I'm not living an "atas" life. Hence, to me, Hard Rock Cafe seems like a dream cafe to me. But this year's Halloween, I have the chance to dine in there for dinner. I'm grateful with the spontaneous idea, to join the Halloween event organized by Hard Rock Cafe. I'm even more grateful to meet the bunch of friends that could "click" with me so well.

I treasure the moment.
A random trip.
A group of awesome friends.
A pleasant evening.
A great dinner.
A nice environment with nice music.
And FAITH, that make everything happens.

It's the end of October and we decided to go for a getaway. One car and there we go. 

Had nice duck rice as lunch, then shop for 2 hours at Gurney and then chill by the beach. 

Sand. Sun. Sea. SoulmateSSS =D

After strolling for 40 minutes, we went back to Bayview to get change and prepare for our Halloween dinner. XD Honestly, I really like our family room in Bayview although it is a little old and the lights are too dim. Love the space and it feels so cozy.

Ok, time for dinner! I put on my newly bought heels and there we walked to Hard Rock Cafe which is just located beside our hotel.

We reserved a table for 5 and we were sitted at a corner, near the stage. Literally beside the speaker. 

Hmm.... NOT strategic enough.. And that night, there's quite a number of people there, though not as happening as I thought. Not much screaming for a Halloween night. (Maybe this is how to celebrate Halloween the classy way.)

The nice decoration above the stage.

Upon ordering, I noticed that the menu isn't that expensive as I would have expected. It is about the price range of Morganfield, TGI Fridays, etc.... Not bad not bad. And their cocktails aren't as expensive as my dream place -- Marini on 57. Quite a surprise to me.

And the portion of food here is HUGE! I couldn't finish my plate of half chicken. XD

Friend's mac and cheese served with grilled chicken breast. 

I've tried and it is nice! Friend complaint about the chicken breast but I am someone who like that kind of texture. Would rate a 3 over 5 for this.

Chicken Quesadilla -- nicest dish of the night.

Friend's dish as well. Haha. I think my friends really feed me well. Everyone let me try theirs. <3 

Love the chicken in there and the sauce! Sour cream~ yumz~ Salsa sauce~ Slurps~

Seafood spaghetti. Looks nice right. 

Take a break from showing you all food photos.
This is a close up of the decoration. Like this photo very much. Lights of hope! =)

Photobooming of food photos -- a phenomenon

Read a few articles about taking photos of food. One of the articles that I read from Elitedaily (Click here for the article) shows photos of people taking photos of people taking photos of their food. It seems like taking photos of food is an Asian thing. Of course, there are plenty of articles complaining photobooming of food on social media. Why people want to take photo of their meal?? One article says that it is merely to show off and of no meaning. Hmmm.... Perhaps it's true!

Being someone who take photos of food TOO, I have some statements to defend myself against showing off on social media. First of all, I take photos of food for my food blog and the blog is a place where I keep my memories and share my thoughts. NOT SHOWING OFF. Secondly, it is a way for me to keep track of the quality of my food. There's one cafe that I always visit shows deteriorating quality for their waffle design. So disappointing. Sigh. NOT SHOWING OFF as I only post that once on Instagram (other ugly ones I keep to myself) XD

In general, I do agree with people that got frustrated with food photos on social media. 

"YOUR HOMECOOKED FOOD DON'T HAVE TO BE ON FACEBOOK EVERY SINGLE DAY!"

"YOU DON'T HAVE TO POST YOUR BREAKFAST, MORNING TEA, LUNCH, AFTERNOON TEA, DINNER, SUPPER AS IF YOU ARE DOING A REPORT"

However, if someone posts it during a trip, or a celebration, I can accept tonnes of photos on my news feed (I can just scroll down as if it is transparent.. haha!)

Google image from:
http://fusionfoodtruck.wordpress.com/2012/05/26/what-americans-think-about-asian-foods-and-even-asians-2

Food photography is an art! Maybe asian will excel in it! XD 

Kuala Lumpur: Nana's Green Tea & Vineg Plus

Finally........ Finally........ Finally........

I had the chance to try Nana's Green Tea @ LG floor, The Gardens Mall. There are so many photos about this new (not really for now) Japanese restaurant, especially their desserts. I was tempted for months and I was determined to give it a try. During my random trip back to KL over the Deepavali long weekend, I decided to travel to Midvalley area alone to try Nana's Green Tea and of course did some shopping there too. XD

Gratefully, my friend, who is working in Midvalley, has time to meet up with me! I was not alone when I try Nana's Green Tea ='D (I did imagined myself trying out my long waited green tea latte alone, with people around staring at me. That sounds a little sad. huhu.....)

Ta-daa!!! Surprisingly, the restaurant is pretty small.

No wonder people have to queue to enter during peak hours.

While waiting for my friend, I spent some time looking at the display (pretty detailed and real).

Hmmm..... I really don't know which to choose. All seem so nice to me! My only chance this year (maybe) to try this restaurant, I must choose something that I will really like. (Why I so stressed?)

At first, I wanted to try their green tea parfait. Saw too many instagram photos on this dessert. 

Should I try? Should I try? 

But after looking through their lunch set menu, I'm more tempted to try their lunch set. Similar price as their parfait and I can try their green tea latte. Seem like a good deal. In addition, my friend told me that he tried their lunch set and find it very nice. So yeah, I ordered a lunch set of Oroshi Hamburg with an iced green tea latte + azuki beans. 

Here is it! Iced green tea latte! 

THIS IS AWESOME!! The green tea taste is so strong! Totally my cuppa green tea latte. =D

Me with my lunch set!
This should be one of the very few photos I took with my food throughout the Deepavali weekend. Fail and tired blogger. 

Oroshi Hamburg

That scoop of whitish thingy on top of my hamburg is actually white radish. Initially, I thought it is mashed potato so I was a little disappointed. But the chicken hamburg is really a bomb! Thumbs up! Juicy and soft. Nice try nice try. The salad is quite special too. Not just normal lettuce leaves with mayo or thousand island. So overall, I'm satisfied with my lunch. =D

Penang: Brew cafe

#throwback

While driving back from Alor Star to Taiping for a weekend, I was hungry. Then, I've decided to drop by Autocity, Juru for breakfast. Was thinking for subway breakfast set but when I parked my car, I found a new cafe at the flea market area. *blink blink* *eyes widely open and smile widely* =D

I felt a little awkward at first to try on the new cafe myself but I convinced myself that it is my S-T-Y-L-E. Hoping for a great breakfast and a nice cuppa coffee to brighten up my day. 

Jeng Jeng! Ordered a ham+cheese sandwich breakfast set (RM16.90++)

The sandwich is disappointingly SMALL. The sandwiches in the menu seems huge and the plenty of filling. But look at this! Aikzzz....

Side view of the sandwiches. Erm... Very disappointed looking right? (Agree? Agree?)

A surprise! They served me 2 drinks. Orange and americano. 

Hmm... If I don't remember, coffee is in the add-on set. So yeah, I did finished them all XD

They have indoor and outdoor seatings. 

I chose outdoor seating because I prefer some morning sunlight. 

Some cute decorative stickers on the glass window. 

Subang: Snowflakes & Uncle Seng Noodle Shop

有Hello KL! You have been missed. I miss your traffic jam, I miss the variety of shops, I miss the pretty lights of the city, I miss the memories here. 

Random trip back here is a gift for my miserable working life. Had brunch, had my nice cuppa of coffee and chocolate, had my alone shopping time in familiar malls, met up with my favorite people (of course there are more favorite people that I didn't get to meet). How I wish I have more holidays and money. Then I can do this more often. 

My favorite dessert of all time-- snowflakes Japan combo (RM6.90)

Snowflakes is a Taiwanese dessert shop where you can find in many shopping malls. Before it has so many shops in shopping malls, I used to visit it once in a while in SS15 and it is always crowded. Long queue and it is hard to look for an empty table. Those were old memories. Now, it can be easily found in Sunway Pyramid, Pavillion, Paradigm mall, etc... And, they have more choices now!! However, I still like Japan combo. Red beans with green tea taro balls are such a good combination. It comes with soya ice and make it a perfect combo. I can't find snowflakes in Kedah area and hence this is a must-eat! Satisfied now. :D

Highly recommended breakfast place in subang SS15 -- uncle Seng noodle shop (RM6++)

Uncle can remember my face! I'm so touched.. Uncle I'll miss u. XD 

Uncle Seng is a shop at SS15 and always crowded. I always prefer to go early morning when all the youngsters are still sleeping at home. Still, the shop is full of people but good thing is no long queue. They serve home made egg noodles and it is actually wan tan mee. White noodles are quite rare to me, except Sarawak noodles. Here in uncle Seng, you must try to add the chili sauce and eat it like chili pan mee. The chili sauce can match with the noodles perfectly. Awesome! Not to forget that the portion of the noodle is huge. A big appetite girl like me feels super filling after finish a plate of it. So girls with smaller appetite, perhaps you can share with friends/family. :)

** I'm on the way back to the northern paddy field now. Stay tuned!! more food in kl will be update here soon!! *drools* 

I miss Australia

This is a pre-celebration post for my 4 monthsary at work! #throwbackpostaboutmylifeinmelbourne.

Spent almost 4 months working in Kedah and I learnt to appreciate the time I get to enjoy life. Awww..... I miss my life in Melbourne, when the only thing I have to worry is "WHERE TO TRAVEL NEXT".

I miss Australia. I miss traveling. I miss Australia. Let me tell you why.

1) When I was in Melbourne, planning trip is my routine work. Where should I fly next. If price seems alright, I'll just book the flight and go. I miss my flying marathon (Melbourne - Gold Coast - Melbourne - Tasmania - Melbourne - Sydney - Melbourne - Malaysia)

2) In Melbourne, I was surrounded by good coffee places, and also good chocolate place too! A cuppa Max Brenner Hot Chocolate in a cold winter night. Body totally melted away with the awesomeness of the chocolate. 

3) How to resist when the famous gelato shop is just behind your house? Il Dolce Freddo @ Lygon Street is just few steps away from my rented place. Durian + Ferrero Rocher Gelato ==> Super awesome combo! When can I have that again? 

4) There are nice macaroons and gigantic one too! 

5) Shopping time over the weekend with the roommate. We explore different shopping places and of course we will not forget to enjoy the scenery. I miss the time when I can wear as over-dressed as I want, without worrying that people will comment on my attire. 

6) I miss the time where I have energy to go here and there everyday. Missing the time I spent at Mt Dandenong with my group of friends. Blue Sky, Green Grass, Great People. 

7) Being a tourist, I challenged my fear (animalphobia) a lot. I fed horse. I fed wallaby. Have to smile at the camera with tachycardia. =P

8) Everyone gets so excited about tulip festival, and of course we won't miss the chance to visit. Chilly weather with a little sunshine. What a great weather. =) Oh, and not to forget there's a wine tasting session at the carnival. Wine in the afternoon =D

9) There's chance to be a hipster in Melbourne too! Street art back in Melbourne is different from Malaysia. Melbourne's street art is more hippy and Malaysia's is more ka-wa-i. XD

10) Theme park is just too fun and exciting! (@ Gold Coast)

11) Road trip was fun back in Tasmania. We just stopped by a random beach and had fun. No one else on the beach, except us. As I remember, the beach was nice, hence I decided to leave my name on it. XD

12) Sleeping late and wake up super early just to make sure we get to visit most places as planned. (Road Trip @ Tasmania)