East Coast Trip Day 2 - Sungai Lembing, Sin Kee Hung (dried seafood) & Teluk Cempadak (evening)

On top of our itinerary list on the 2nd day was Sungai Lembing, a former bustling tin mining town located about 40km away from Kuantan town. Until the 1970s, this place was one of the major producers of underground tin and it was finally closed in 1986. Many people moved out to Kuantan shortly after and the town began to decline. Good thing is that Sungai Lembing is well-preserved and not over-commercialised. More information on the former richest town in Pahang is available here.

This also marked my first time coming to Sg. Lembing - I have never stepped my foot once here even though I lived in Kuantan until 1986. Many TV hosts from Singapore and Malaysia had come and covered story on this place and its food. Jenn's parents have asked me several times on this place whenever they saw it on TV. Some of the must-do while in Sungai Lembing:

1) Panorama Hill - breathtaking scenery can be seen as soon as you reach the peak of this hill which takes approx. 1 hour to climb. Picture taken from here

2) Rainbow Fall - one of the most beautiful creation on Earth! Arrived here early enough and the rainbow is literally in front of you! The water from the fall is so clear and clean that some locals even use it to cook mee or food directly. Picture taken from here

Our objective was to have breakfast and also to check out its surrounding area during our short stop here. Top of the list was the famous noodle and tofu from Sungai Lembing. It took us around 30min to see this sign!

This town obviously has its glorious days behind it... as many shops are closed & unoccupied along the stretch of main road. As I parked my car, my camera started rolling - Khek Association (or hakka); Market St & Bukit Panorama igns; the quiet stretch on the main road; and the hawker market.

The hawker market was quite big and you have to go deeper inside to savour the famous noodle of Sg. Lembing. This stall had the most customers and most tables were already taken by the time we got there. Lucky for us, we found one less than 2 minutes as some patrons finished their meal. Apart from the noodle, you also can order their yong tau fu and the must-have "San Sui Tau Fu" (natural spring taufu).


The Sg. Lembing noodle was similar to my hometown's Chong Ko noodle albeit smaller in size - same spring-y texture, what we call "QQ" as we sink our teeth in, plus it's free of preservative. Had to wait 10 minutes for them to get new stock from the supplier as it was already sold out by the time we reached the stall.

Some of the "yong liew" that Jenn & I picked from the selections - the lady owner told me that their yong liew were also made using the natural spring water.

The man who was braising the San Sui Tau Fu lifted up the lid to show me how they actually braised the taufu - what a kind chap he was!

Served in clear soup, we thought that the yong liew was good (maybe we were feeling hungry, having travelled so far just for breakfast!) but I'm sure that most of you can get similar ones in KL. As for the noodle, you can choose to have the clear soup or curry version. Personally, I like the clear soup version as the broth was sweet (the curry was normal)... but remember that the spotlight is on the noodle OK? Anyway, star of the day went to the San Sui Tau Fu! Soft and smooth, sweet (gravy) and salty (minced pork in the middle) at the same time... even Jenn's parents gave the thumbs up. We ended up ordering the second plate to share among us.

After that, they proceeded to the nearby confectionery shop to buy some homemade coconut biscuit. Me? I bought a packet of "gai cai beng" (translation - little chicken biscuit)

Upon leaving Sg. Lembing, I took them to the famous Sin Kee Hung to buy dried seafood. Located along the stretch of Kuantan-Gambang road, this place is by far the most popular shop among tourists who want to buy dried seafood in Kuantan. You are spoilt with the choices of seafood produce here - dried scallop (various sizes), dried oyster, dried shrimp, dried cuttlefish, anchovies, and the famous salted fish (Mui Heong Ham Yu). I bought all my supply of dried seafood here once in a while as it's definitely cheaper compared to when you buy those in KL. Ask them to show you their prized fish maw and you might be surprised by the sheer size of it! Long time friends of my parents, they had been in business for several generations.


We managed to visit Pantai Teluk Cempedak in the evening after dinner. Proud grandparents to our beautiful little princess - Sher Ryn! Strolling along the beach, the little one enjoyed herself by running around whilst blown by the cool sea breeze.

Leo's verdict - our day was packed but enjoyable! As the time was limited, I had to shorten the time spent at certain places but luckily they didn't feel tired at all. I didn't get to try the equally famous tomato mee (also made using the noodle) in Sungai Lembing. Now my plan is to organise a trip to the Panorama Hill and Rainbow Fall the next time I go to Sungai Lembing again. Anyone interested?

Sin Kee Hung Sdn Bhd
No. 1007, Batu 3 1/2
Jalan Gambang
25150 Kuantan, Pahang
Tel : +609 5366688, +609 5362288

Disclaimer:
1) I'm not paid to promote/endorse any particular event, restaurant or person in this blog. ALL are based on my unbiased personal opinion.
2) My reviews are based on my personal taste and preference and therefore may vary for others.

East Coast Trip Part 1 - Kuantan @ Alor Akar Seafood

Jenn and I had gone for a short vacation to the East Coast recently. The reason behind the trip was that she would not be able to travel once she gives birth to our second child in late Dec 10 or early Jan 10. And she wanted to bring Sher Ryn to the beaches rather than showing her pictures of beaches in the children books that we bought for her... you know? Experience the real thing :) she is definitely easier to take care of compared to when she was smaller. Her dad and mom tagged along during this 4D3N trip. It has been more than 10++ years that both of them have not gone to Kuantan. So Jenn & I planned everything for them - all they have to do was to pack their bags.

By the time we exited Gambang toll on our first day, it was already late in the afternoon and therefore we called it a day. We headed for dinner at Restoran Alor Akar Seafood which is located near my house in Air Putih area. My previous blog on this place can be found here. As usual, this place was hot & stuffy even though we got a table which was directly below a fan. Words of advice - wear light and choose a table next to the alley or facing the road. One of the famous restaurants in Kuantan, make sure that you come early during weekends or pre-book a table.

Now.. this is something to cool down the body from the heat :P

The green was the first dish to arrive - feeling hungry, we almost finished the whole plate before the rice was served!

Next was one of their signature dishes - Ginkgo Pork Knuckle (half portion). The presence of ginkgo made this sinful dish looked healthy!! Marinated with soy sauce before it was deep fried (this explained the dark-ish skin) & later braised with mushroom, ginkgo, fu chuk (beancurd skin) and their own sauce... this dish was truly exceptional! Fork tender & juicy meat with melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Steamed bak sou gong (catfish) - a different twist by using chicken stock & ginger to steam this fish instead of normal soy sauce. Topped with coriander, the fresh and succulent catfish won Jenn's parents over.

Oyster omelette - forget this! It tasted like normal fried egg without many oysters inside.

Salted egg crab - This dish was done so good that all of us licked the salted egg (infused with curry leaves) off the shell before devouring the crab meat. However, the shell was crushed too much to the extent that the tiny bits of shell was not visible to the naked eyes. I accidentally bit on one pieces too :( having said that, this is a dish to be enjoyed!


Leo's verdict - Total bill came at less than RM100! I realised that my parents ordered same dishes everytime we came here for dinner. There are still a lot of dishes that I have yet to try. Given the fact that they have been in the business even when my parents were still young, this restaurant stood against the test of time and still going strong! I just hope that they will solve the hot and stuffy condition of the place. Below is their contact details:

Alor Akar Seafood Restaurant
Lot 7695 & 7696,
Jln Kubang Buaya Off Jalan Beserah,
25300 Kuantan,
Pahang
Tel: 09-568 0720/016-952 7811

Open from 5pm-12 midnight (Mon-Sun)

Non-halal!

Disclaimer:
1) I'm not paid to promote/endorse any particular event, restaurant or person in this blog. ALL are based on my unbiased personal opinion.
2) My reviews are based on my personal taste and preference and therefore may vary for others.

The Meat Experts @ Hartamas Shopping Centre

For avid babitarians, this place need no further introduction. The ball would start rolling once a blogger posted on a good place where it can satisfy even the most picky oink-oink lovers. As you know, since I can't eat beef which was quite a letdown as I definitely can't feast on the prized wagyu beef & I don't eat lamb... pork is the best thing that ever happened to me. A lot of restaurants, cafes or even pubs that offer pork in their menu were mushrooming in the Klang Valley area recently.

Since Sri Hartamas area is not really near my home, the timing has to be right in order for me to come here. Located in the quieter area of Sri Hartamas, parking was not really a problem.

Upon reaching, I quickly snapped pictures of this place and my act caught the attention of the affable owner (pardon me but I forgot his name) . He asked "are you a blogger too?" and I simply nodded.

Spaghetti Aglio Olio @ RM19.90 - served with garlic, chilly flakes and crispy roasted pork. To me, simple Aglio Olio spaghetti requires the right amount of garlic, peppercorn & chilly flakes in order to be considered good. And Meat Experts has nailed it right! Each and every mouth of the spaghetti was good and when combined with the perfect roasted pork (crispy skin, right fat-to-lean-meat ratio), what more could I ask? Just try their roasted pork (you won't regret your decision the moment you sink your teeth on it)

As we came here for the veru first time, he suggested that we tried their Mixed Grill (S) @ RM29.90 - combination of pork chop, lamb chop, BBQ ribs, sausages and seasonal vegetables. I can't say much of the lamb chop and sausages (remember that I don't eat lamb?) much according to Jenn (who by the way, can't get enough of lamb), it didn't have the gamy smell and the meat was tender too. I got to try the rest of the pork meat and thought that they were great... good sauce, perfectly marinated meat and fork tender texture!

Lorina 750ml @ RM20.90 per bottle - French Berry Lemonade. I didn't plan to order this drink initially but the owner spotted me browsing through the drink section and asked me to give this Lorina drink a try. This famous brand from France has existed for the longest time and even Marilyn Monroe was spotted having this non-alcoholic drink. Using only natural spring water and flavoured with variety of fruits, it was refreshing and it felt like having wine (minus the alcohol content). We loved this!

Leo's verdict - besides dining, you can also opt to purchase the processed meat which was located at another section of the restaurant. If only this place was near my home, I would come here at least once a week to satisfy my cravings for pork meat!


The Meat Experts
Lot G.15, Ground Floor,
Hartamas Shopping Centre
60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 2093 9361

Disclaimer:
1) I'm not paid to promote/endorse any particular event, restaurant or person in this blog. ALL are based on my unbiased personal opinion.
2) My reviews are based on my personal taste and preference and therefore may vary for others.
3) Non-Halal

Chao Yen Teochew Cuisine @ Lot LG 311A, Lower Ground Floor, 1Utama Shopping Centre

It has been a while since my last post! I don't know whether I'm being lazy or I was too busy (distracted) with works lately... or maybe it's a mixture of both :P one thing for sure, the backlogs are getting even longer and some of them are as old as 8-9 months!

Actually I wanted to post something up yesterday but the Streamyx failed on me again for no apparent reason. So I am taking my own sweet time to draft a few posts at the moment, and then post them up once the internet is back to normal again. Two posts in a week should clear most of them in 2 months or so... I guess. I mean, that is, if I am consistent and determined enough to type the posts everyday... LOL!

Personally, I love Teo Chew cuisine - be it Teo Chew porridge, Teo Chew duck or even fish, but I have yet to try a full course of Teo Chew cuisine. that is, until I found Chao Yen. Located in the New Wing of 1Utama Shopping Centre right next to Otak-Otak and New York Deli, Jenn & I tried out their food one evening after finished buying groceries from Cold Storage.

Intriqued by their menu and also comtemporary interior, we stepped in only to be greeted promptly by the waiter who attended to us. Talking about good service :)

Braised pork ribs with bittergourd @ RM20 - yellow bean soup base was used to our delight because it was healthy to our body. The presence of bittergourd did not make the soup bitter at all and the pork ribs were braised until tender.

Crispy marinated duck @ RM20 - thinly sliced duck meat was the highlight as this dish was aromatic and it tasted even better once we dipped the meat into the accompanying plum sauce. however, this dish would be perfect if the meat was more tender.

Haidang steamed tofu with egg & dried scallops @ RM20 - another hit with us. The dish was served steaming hot and the usage of mushroom, dried scallop and spring onions enhanced the dish further.

Teo Chew sweetened mashed yam with ginkgo nuts @ RM6 - not every place is able to nail it right with this dessert but Chao Yen served a commendable version.

Leo's verdict - overall our dinner was satisfactory. No matter how busy the waiter/waitress was, they would try their best to accommodate to our request.. something which a lot of restaurants failed to do especially when they were packed. Not a cheap option to dine but then the food was good to say the least! Winning the Best Restaurant in 2009, this Teo Chew restaurant definitely deserves a rave review!

Disclaimer:
1) I'm not paid to promote/endorse any particular event, restaurant or person in this blog. ALL are based on my unbiased personal opinion.
2) My reviews are based on my personal taste and preference and therefore may vary for others.

Goodbye My LOVE!

It was love at first sight when I saw you 7 years ago! But I couldn't afford to have you back then so I could only admire you from far. My our affair started in 2008, 5 years after dreaming about you almost every night. Having you in my life is a JOY! I have never got so much satisfaction being with you. I gave you the best possible stuff and always pamper you in every way I could during these 2 years period!

But then, there is what we called priority! Family always come first... and even though I'm reluctant to do so, I have to bid you goodbye. My heart is crying inside as I know that I'm going to miss you soooo much! I really hope that you will find someone who will love you as much as I do... treats you as good as I do OK? I'm going to find myself a new one very soon... just wanna tell you that I am going to remember you always!

For now, I am going to enjoy each and every second being with you! Take care my beloved BMW E60 525i M-Sport (^_^)

XO @ IOI Business Park, Puchong

October has been a relatively busy month for me... business generally peaked starting from this month until Chinese New Year and therefore, I had to be more aggressive in marketing as well as sourcing for materials. Not an easy task considering that I have to pay cash for materials to my suppliers while giving terms (ranging from 2 weeks to 2 months) to my customers. Business was so bad in 2008 & 2009 that it had quite an impact on my company during the 2 years period. Oh well... this year is better and hopefully I can get it back on track!

As most of you already know, Puchong has come a long way to become on of the busiest area in Klang Valley. I could still remember how it looks like back in 1997 when I came to study. Then I lived in this area for a few years till 2006 before moving to PJ. Now my sisters are occupying in the house in Puchong. Fast forward to 2010... having spent most of my time in PJ area, I hardly went back to Puchong. But there were times when I missed my siblings so much.

One of my suppliers informed me that he had opened a Shabu-shabu styled restaurant in the new IOI Business Park Puchong. I took the opportunity to ask them out for dinner to catch up on each other & at the same time, to try out this new place. As soon as they knew that I was footing the bill, they dressed up faster than a rocketship and joined me there.

Named XO, it wasn't hard to locate this outlet as it was facing outwards next to the old shoplots in Bandar Puchong Jaya. There was still some tables available and we quickly looked for a table inside the restaurants, as I couldn't stand the heat outside.

Its interior was brightly lid with tables and chairs placed closely to each other in order to utilise its space - something I'm not fond of as it could get crampy once full capacity was reached!

One thing for sure was that they have numerous choices of dipping sauces for you to choose.

All you have to do is to pick what you want to eat and bring it to your table... you will be spoilt with the choices

Choose your soup base - we had the chicken soup, herbal soup and also tomyam soup. Forget about the tomyam and stick to the former two.

Some of the fraction of what my sisters and brother had taken... starting with thinly sliced pork strips.

Wantan filled with minced pork meat.

Abalone slice.. normally I wouldn't order this but they took at least 3 plates!!!

Fried fu chuk... fresh from the kitchen and we were one of the fortunate fews (as we sat near the kitchen) to be able to get our hands on these. Crispy and non-oily!

Bittergourd with minced pork stuffing

I forgot its name but it was good!

Didn't have time to take all the pictures of what we had eaten so I walked to where they put all the food and started snapping :)

My 2 beautiful little sisters.. don't let their petite size fool you! Their appetites are bigger than mine.

Leo's verdict - according to the boss (who was so busy attending customers), they prepared the food using the freshest possible ingredients. However, the price didn't come cheap as I forked out RM200++ at the end of the meal. Judging at the amount of food and type of food that we had taken, I'd say that it was a little expensive but the freshness of the food justified the pricetags. Located right next to The Pork Place, parking is rather hard to find as Puchong Jaya is always congested days and nights!

XO Shabu-Shabu
No A-GR-33A, IOI Boulevard
Jalan Kenari 5, Bandar Puchong Jaya
47170 Puchong, Selangor.
Tel: 8076 5348

P.S: Non-halal

Disclaimer:
1) I'm not paid to promote/endorse any particular event, restaurant or person in this blog. ALL are based on my unbiased personal opinion.
2) My reviews are based on my personal taste and preference and therefore may vary for others.