Kedah: Favourite Rojak Stall

Hello! March is a boring month as I spent a lot of time eating ALONE. T___T  My usual lunch and dinner partner got caught up with some work and I have no one to eat with. I do have friends in Alor Setar but it is a little hard to ask them out. W-H-Y... For the past 9 months, my life in Alor Setar has been so happening. Weekend is either filled with lots of outing or I'll be back at home. But now? It's weekend and I have to be on my own. All alone.

I woke up late and hence missed a breakfast date with a friend. Hence, I have to hunt for my brunch alone in Alor Setar town. Gosh... what to eat??? I drove out from the house and started to stroll around. Drove along Jalan Langgar towards the direction of town. Suddenly, I thought of the rojak stall beside Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid, which is just right before the flyover of Jalan Langgar. Reached there and saw a lot of cars parked by the roadside. Hooray! Good sign! Sign of my favourite rojak stall is open today. It has been a long time since I last bought it. Always drove passed and uncle wasn't there. FINALLY!

The location. The stall is just right under the tree.

Saw people having rojak by the stall, under the tree and I have a strong urge to join them. Ordered a plate of rojak (RM2.50) and sat down on the bench provided. The rojak was really really nice. All the fruits and cucumbers are really fresh and crunchy. I requested uncle to put more peanuts for me and it was really nice! So crunchy! Nom.. nom.. nom...

Rojak with lots of peanuts. Hehehe.... =D

**Heard from my friend after that the uncle had accident and rest for a month. The day I had that rojak was the first day he reopened the stall. So lucky!! =D

The uncle and the stall. =D

There's actually two stalls that will open at that location. Another uncle's rojak wasn't that nice as compared to this. I always passed by and found that it is not my favourite stall and I'll just drive away. Feel so sorry, but I really prefer the other stall more.

Taiping: Wasabi Sushi

Sushi post again!! =D

I have no idea why recently I have so much craving for Japanese food recently. When can I go Japan?

Wasabi Sushi Restaurant exists in Taiping for several years but I never try it till last 2 weeks. During Chinese New Year, sis and me were really hungry and we wanted to have some good food. Wanted to go Ming Ji Restaurant for a cup of coffee but that time the restaurant was closed for a break. So, we changed place to Wasabi Sushi which is located nearby. 

The menu which is simple, but looks a bit old.

The simple CNY design of the shop

The shop is rather small but quite cozy. When we went in around 3pm, there are 2 tables of customers. What a surprise. Tea time and tables are quite occupied (Because there are only around 5 tables. Haha... )

Ordered a pot of green tea for 2.

And ordered different sushi. They served all our orders in a plate. 

Look! Total bill is less than RM25 for everything. Rather cheap. But taste wise is just alright. Salmon nigiri feels not too fresh. Unagi nigiri was good. Tamago is too too sweet and hence awful. 

Kedah: Kaede Japanese Restaurant

It is March 2015 already! How time flies! 

Chinese New Year celebration is coming to an end and it is time for my stomach to rest. I get disgusted with meats these few days. This morning I was craving for some salads but I don't have ingredients to make one. Wanted to go for a bowl of Moo Salad at Cafe Diem but I'm lazy to drive there alone and eat. Hence, I have a second thought -- What about trying the japanese restaurant near Teluk Wanjah? 

Yes Yes, you didn't get me wrong. I went to try this new place alone because friends are busy =S

A very small board in the middle of the row of shops.

The menu.

They listed their opening hours on the front page.

Lunch: 11.45am - 3.30pm
Dinner: 5.45pm - 10.20pm
Close on Monday.

Very odd opening hours. 10.20pm?! But well, maybe that's how they make it special.

Small restaurant but the light and decoration make it feel homey. 

Remember that I said I was craving for vege? 

Hence, I ordered a bowl of Sansai Soba (山菜荞麦面) (RM8.80). Loving the mushrooms and vege. The soup is nice too. Totally enjoyed my dinner tonight though I'm all alone. =D 

Who cares when couple beside me give me a strange look?

Ah! Not to forget my side dish -- Inari (RM2.80). 

I have no idea why I love Inari so much recently. But Inari here is still not as good as the one in Ginza. Still good and acceptable. 

Heard that this Kaede Japanese Restaurant exists for a few years in Alor Setar already. I'm a bit slow to explore but it is better than never. =D They serves set menu too. Maybe can try it when I get rid of my fats gained during CNY. Haha... 

KL: Coffee Societe

#throwback

Coffee culture in Malaysia is blooming. It is a good sign for coffee lover. But, to get a good cup of coffee, one will need to scratch their heads off to think where to go. I heard Coffee Societe is a good place for good coffee. It started its business for quite some time, even for longer period than Garage 51 at Sunway area (sister's cafe of Coffee Societe). Personally, I love the coffee served in Garage 51 and hence Coffee Societe's coffee should be very promising.

*Putting high hope on Coffee Societe. Hehe... *

After such a long time, I can get to try a cup of coffee at Coffee Societe, Publika, on my birthday! =D

Thanks to my friends who accompany me because they know me well --> KL trip = cafe hunting trip. Thanks to new friends for the treat. Really grateful!

So..... How was the coffee???? Hmmmm......

The Logo. Simple one.

I chose my own cake! Red velvet. =D

Was really full after having lunch at Ante kitchen & bar. But it's a day that I should swallow some cakes and hence I die die also wanna try the cake there. =)

My cup of latte. The latte art is so pretty and solid. =D

The coffee is really smooth and nice. My taste buds enjoyed it.

Try to take photo like a hipster. =D

KL: 1600 Pandas MY & Ante Kitchen and Bar

On my birthday, I decided to make a crazy decision. I spent my morning and afternoon in KL and night at Taiping. =D One of my best birthday ever. I get to spend time with my beloved family and my beloved friends. Most of my birthdays, I spent time working, wearing uniform and jeans. This year, I get to dress up and enjoy my day with great people and nice food. 

Happily, I get to meet the 1600 Pandas! Since I saw the photos of 1600 Pandas world tour in Hong Kong, I always hope that I have the chance to see them in real. FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY. 1600 Pandas Malaysia tour actually went to several places, include my hometown. Arghhhhhh..... But that time I was working in Alor Setar. So near yet so far. It is great that they have exhibition at publika for a week and that's the time I am going to KL. YES!!!

1600 Pandas.

They are not scattered around but being arranged as a parade. Look a bit pity though. 

Why 1600 Pandas? 

By 2004, there were estimated to be 1600 pandas alive in the wild. This tour is to increase public's awareness towards the conservation program. 

Took a few photos of pandas and done with my mission! =)

****************************************************************

NEXT!!! Lunch time!

Googled for best restaurant in Publika and found Ante Kitchen & Bar @ HungryGoWhere. It was a little tough to search for the restaurant because there isn't any big signage of the restaurant. The restaurant seems very classy and their service is awesome!

Simple, yet nice logo of the restaurant.

Ready for lunch =)

This restaurant has non-halal menu. They have pastas, breakfast menu, burgers, salads, etc... According to the waitress, their burgers are good. But too bad I was a little bored with bread, so I decided to look for pastas. 

Ordered carbonara -- served with my favourite mushrooms and bacons. 

KL: La Casa @ Solaris Dutamas

La Casa is a restaurant located at Block A4, Publika @ Solaris Dutamas. Did not really plan to try this restaurant because I never do any research about it. However, it seems nice from outside. So randomly, I went in for lunch with my friends. 

We weren't too hungry as we just had breakfast few hours back at Podgy & The Banker. So, we ordered a few dishes to share and try -- Lamb sausage Pasta (which is the special of the day), Hawaiian Pizza, Chicken Al Pesto. 

Le Pizza. It feels so homey. =) 

Special menu: lamb sausage pasta. 

This is not up to expectation. Lamb sausages aren't nice to me. The sauce is quite nice but since the main character (lamb sausage) of the pasta is not good, I would just rate it as 5/10. Edible, but not delicious.

Chicken Al Pesto.

This tastes nicer than the lamb sausage pasta. And pesto sauce tastes healthier too. So green. =)

After meal, we ordered some desserts. Waffle served with ice cream. Yeah! I love waffles. It was served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 

The waffle is kinda crunchy. But it is a little DRY because there isn't any sauce, other than melted ice cream. Would rate 6/10 for this. 

Something special. My birthday cake =)
Framboisier Noir -- a very sweet looking cake. It isn't taste as sweet as fruity as it looks. It is crunchy as there's a lot of nuts. Aww... my type of cake!

KL: Podgy & The Banker

#throwback

2 weeks ago, I was in KL. I finally get to try Podgy and The Banker @ Sri Hartamas, with my bunch of exchange friends (we know each other during our student exchange to Aussie and hence we known each other as exchange friend.XD)

Read about this cafe a few times from different blogs and instagram accounts. It seems to be a great brunch place to hang out with friends, with good coffee and good breakfast.

Friend fetched me to the cafe and hence I have no idea how to get there. Oopss.. Was busy talking in the car and did not remember the direction. It is located in Hartamas, same row as the thai restaurant -- My Elephant. 

Menu @ Podgy and The Banker is rather simple. Not too much choices for breakfast menu. Hence, we ordered almost half of the available breakfast menu -- Omelette, Poached eggs, Scrambled eggs, Bruschetta with eggs and ham, Big Breakfast.

I ordered a cup of Mocha. It is really smooth and nice. =)

Scrambled  egg with smoked salmon.
Served with my favourite mushroom. Too bad they served 2 mushrooms only. I want more!!!

=)

For me, this is a good set of breakfast.

Friend's poached eggs. 

He didn't complaint but this is not filling enough for guys I suppose.

Bruachetta. Looks a little simple compared to others. Not too satisfying for my friend. 

Hah! I still like my scrambled eggs the most. =D

KL: Pickle & Fig TTDI

I always wanted to visit Pickle & Fig @ TTDI since last year. Read from food blogs and heard that their sandwiches are good. Finally I have the chance to try it! Friends allow me to choose which cafe to try (Hardest question of all. Too many choices!) After reading a lot of blogs and consider about the location, I decided to try Pickle & Fig!

It has been a long time since I last met my uni mates. Hey manzzz.. After graduation ceremony in April and started working in June, we have no time to meet. Moreover I have been posted so far away in Northen region of Malaysia (Paddy land - Kedah), it is harder for us to meet.

Took a long weekend off for my birthday (Hehe...) and went home + few days to KL to meet friends. Thanks to the good long weekend ( I have the same birthday as current Kedah's Sultan. Off day officially =D), I can eat good food, enjoy family time, meet old friends. Yeah! 

Pickle & Fig has a cozy environment for friends to hang out. The menu has been written all over the wall and it is a little hard to read when the wall is located behind me. Aikzz.. The people working there are friendly =) Good experience spending time in this cafe. 

Passion Smoothies.

I just feel that it is alright. Texture isn't thick enough. 

Friend ordered a plate of churros to share. 

This is nice! But still miss those in Aussie.

They have 2 types of sandwiches -- Hot Pressed Panini and Cold Gourment Sandwiches. Hot Pressed Panini will be served hot and you can choose white or wholemeal bread, whereas Cold Gourmet Sandwiches are served with white bread and according to the worker, the portion of Cold Gourment Sandwiches are larger comparatively. 

My order -- Guacamole Chicken (Cold Gourmet Sandwiches)