Showing posts with label 5-Star Service. Show all posts

[FOOD] 20150426 Restoran Pik Wah (MABA) 碧华楼酒家 @ Jalan Hang Jebat, Kuala Lumpur


If you are bored of normal Chinese restaurants and looking for somewhat a more premium yet affordable restaurant around KL, then probably you should give a try at Restaurant Pik Wah Lao 碧华楼酒家.

This hidden gem located at the lower ground floor of the Malaysian Basketball Association (MABA) at Jalan Hang Jebat (opposite Stadium Negara), at fringe of Jalan Sultan is well known among the elderly as a place that serves quality Chinese cuisines.

The restaurant exists for quite some time since the 70's and features some unique dishes that are not found elsewhere in Klang Valley area. The dishes varies from the common dishes to fancy and premium cuisines that you probably can't miss.

The restaurant is often full of patrons especially weekends even there's no on-going functions and it is advisable for you to reserve a table before coming.  There are also a few (but limited) private rooms available with complementary karaoke function, but the catch is with minimum spending of RM1,000-00 otherwise additional surcharge of RM100 will be imposed as they will assign one waitress to serve your room exclusively.

The restaurant is often the choice for celebrities, politicians and businessmen to meet and dine. Suitable if you are planning for a dinner celebration.

Restoran Pik Wah (MABA)
MABA House
Basement Level, Stadium Block,
6 Jalan Hang Jebat,City Center,50150 Kuala Lumpur
碧华楼酒家
Nearest LRT Stations: Plaza Rakyat Station
Telephone: +603 - 2072 3668
Opening Hours: Noon - 03:00pm; 6:30pm - 10:30pm (Daily)

TO GO



Despite being located at the city centre, Restaurant Pik Wah Lao 碧华楼酒家 is shyly hidden away from the busy roads of Kuala Lumpur along Jalan Hang Jebat at MABA House, which is opposite the Stadium Negara (National Stadium). Getting here is pretty easy, just beware of the horrible KL traffic jam.

There are ample parking at the tier parking next to MABA House, which will charge RM5 per entry after 6pm or hourly prior to 6pm. 




SPECIALITY




I have been to Pik Wah Lao for a few times and have tried quite a variety of their dishes but not all. They have a few signature dishes such as the Portuguese Grilled Pork Ribs, Flying Snakehead Fish, Lemon Steamed Grouper etc that I have yet to try and would love to try some other days. They also have this daily promo for some common dishes at half price without compromising on the quantity! A very good deal I must say.

Special Braised Pork with Bun 招牌红烧骨 - RM30

I tried their special braised pork belly that comes with a fried bun. Unfortunately the waiter cut the pork belly into pieces immediately when serve before I was able to take a picture. The restaurant emphasizes a lot on their gravy which you are able to taste that they really put in effort and attention to every gravy for each dish. 

The soft pork belly, accompanied with the rich gravy will definitely make you ask for more rice. Another thing to highlight is the rice served is actually quality fragrant rice instead of normal white rice. Taste wise is predictable just like any other braised pork, but with more attention to their gravy. For RM30, the portion is definitely worth it.

Stir-fry Green Dragon Vegetable 清炒青龙菜 - RM25

Green Dragon Vegetable 青龙菜 (a variant of Chinese chives) is gaining popularity in Chinese restaurants recently as more and more Chinese restaurant offering this special vegetable with unique taste. Surprisingly, Pik Wah Lao only charge RM15 for this delicious stir-fry vegetable that is enough for a table of 6 while other normal restaurants can easily charge the same with but smaller portion and less tasty. Very very cheap if you ask me.

Claypot Seafood 海味煲 - RM20/pax

The captain introduced us to try the claypot seafood when I asked some dishes with sea cucumber. The picture above is portion for 4 which cost RM80 but has abundance of dried seafood such as sea cucumber, fish maw, dried scallops, dried oyster etc which worth every penny paid for this claypot. Again, the gravy is very rich and strong with the essence of dried seafood however, a little disappointment is that I believed it was prepared in bulk and heated up based on portion ordered. Don't get me wrong, it still tastes very good but lack of the taste of a dish that was prepared separately.

Slices Smoked Duck 海蜇熏鸭片 - RM18 (half price)

RM18 for a plate of smoked duck breast with jelly fish? That's a steal and the portion is definitely generous. I don't think you can find this price anywhere else. Despite half price, it didn't compromise the taste at all as the duck breast is well marinated and smoked to perfection with a thin layer of fat beneath the duck skin. Coupled with the marinated jellyfish slices makes it a great combo for starter or main dish.

Steam Patin 清蒸巴丁鱼 - RM100/kg

Fish the highlight of this restaurant, from the cheapest Talapia, to the expensive Grouper or snakeheads. The captain politely answers when I asked her for the current prices for different fishese available. The patin above (please ignore the blue tint from the TV screen reflection) was quoted RM100/kg and the bill also came at RM100 with no extra charges (unlike some restaurants that will tell you unable to weigh exactly 1kg and charge you more for the extra pounds). The fish was so fresh and steamed to perfection, not too cooked nor uncooked. The soy sauce was also the key with a hint of tangerine skin that adds a lemony zest to induce your taste buds without overpowering the fish itself.

Stir Fried Lotus Root and mixed vegetables with Macadamia 杂菜莲藕炒夏威夷果 - RM45 (portion for 10)

A very light vegetable dish that's very healthy that's slightly more expensive than normal dishes but worth it for the portion. The picture might look small but it's actually a very big plate that's more than enough for 10 person.

Special Minced Pork Homemade Taufu 招牌家乡豆腐 - RM30 (portion for 10)

The special homemade toufu with minced meat and crispy radish. Initially I thought this toufu is no where different from normal restaurants but I was proven wrong because the toufu is actually very flavourful and again the attention was on the gravy with the mince pork and crispy radish which goes very well with rice. RM30 for 10 person? That's another steal.

Ginger Paste Steam Grass Carp 姜蓉芫鱼 - RM60

This is by far the best grass carp I ever tasted. I ordered grass carp as other fishes were not available during our lunch. Traditionally, we will have the impression that the grass carp is full of bones and the flesh is somewhat mushy especially the bigger fish. However, Pik Wah Lao proves me wrong again as the flesh taste like toufu texture, which is firm yet like pudding. Makes me wonder why other restaurants' grass carp taste so differently. Mind you, the fish above is as big as two palm combined but only price at RM60. Yum yum.. never knew grass carp can be so enjoyable.

Abalone with Braised Goose Feet 鲍鱼焖鹅掌 - comes in set meal

Another dish that I would like to highlight which is part of a set meal was the abalone with braised goose feet. It's my first time of trying goose feet as it is a rare delicacy in Malaysia as not many places do serve goose, let alone goose feet. The abalone was cooked just right with the gravy as highlight to add flavour to the texture. The goose feet skin absorbs most of the flavour of the gravy, which makes it very flavourful. I ate it just like how I would normally do while eating chicken feet, just that this is not as soft as the latter.


SUMMARY


Much praise was heard for Restaurant Pik Wah with its unique culinary and dishes served. Do not miss out their special dishes like the Portuguese Grill Pork Ribs (prior booking preferred), various method of preparing fishes, etc. Spending here may vary from standard price to more premium pricing, depending on what you order. The restaurant starts to fill up by 6:00pm onwards, so be sure you made your reservations earlier hand to avoid disappointments.

I will definitely come back again whenever I feel like having a better Chinese meal once awhile.

Taste
☆☆☆☆☆
One of the best Chinese cuisines around town
Value
☆☆☆☆☆
Tends to be premium, depending on what you order but definitely worth it.
Service
☆☆☆☆☆
Captains occasionally might be a bit harsh but the waitress are excellent.
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆
Run down restaurant but well maintained
Opening Hours
Noon until 03:00pm
6:30pm until 10:30pm (Daily)
Wifi
Yes
Parking
Ample
Website
Nil

GPS: 3.142837, 101.700289
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[FOOD] 20130803 Privilege Restaurant & Bar @ Telaga Harbour, Langkawi


Privilege Restaurant & Bar (PR) is a one of a kind, fine dining restaurant and bar serving Western-Malaysian fusion food in Langkawi. It's a small restaurant located at the first floor of a end-lot shop at Perdana Quay, Telaga Harbour, just opposite The Loaf Bakery.

The owner Peter settled down in Langkawi some time ago and started the restaurant business. He and his team are very friendly and accommodating to all his guest's requests. Privilege Restaurant is highly reviewed by visitors around the world, thanks to its excellent service with personal touch.

Despite the excellent service and cozy environment, the food was disappointing for a nice upscale restaurant like this. Credits given for the innovation to create the fusion between western and Malay cuisine, the taste however was just mediocre. Perhaps my expectations were high back then. Don't get me wrong, the food is still good and pack with elements of surprise, but it is just not there yet to be called the best.

It is recommended to make your reservation prior to your visit to avoid disappointment as the restaurant is usually full.

Privilege Restaurant & Bar
B8, First Floor, Perdana Quay, Jalan Pantai Kok, 07000 Langkawi Kedah
Telephone: +604 - 956 1188
Opening Hours: 12:00pm until 11:00pm (Mon - Sat)


TO GO


The Perdana Quay is located at the Telaga Harbour which is towards the west side of the island, with a good view of sea and yacht. However, the location is kinda remote and it's recommended to rent a car as grabbing a cab may not be easy.


SPECIALITY



Dealing with the reservation was hassle free as the owner, Mr Peter was very attentive and responsive.  He would try his very best to accommodate any special request made to make your visit an enjoyable one. I was warmly welcomed by the service staff and directed to my table. There are only limited tables available in the restaurant and I could understand why it is always fully booked.



The interior was cozy and dark with modern western style restaurant decoration. The harbour fronting seats are limited hence you need to make your reservation as early as possible. 


Like some fine dining restaurants, the waiter will serve something (usually fresh and light) to awaken or cleanse your palate to avoid the residue taste from the previous course to overpower the next. In this case above, it's actually a starter or a awakening element to initiate your meal. I couldn't recall what it is made of as the taste is not really recognised in my limited "database".

New Zealand Lamb & Potato Curry Samosa with Imli Ki (Tamarind Chutney) - RM20 (current price)

I started off with a starter, New Zealand Lamb & Potato Curry Samosas with Imli Ki (Tamarind Chutney). It's a freshly made lamb samosa with a fusion of local curry.


I like this dish with it's strong curry flavour and tender lamb wrapped in the fresh and nice pastry. The tamarind sauce further enhances your taste buds. Two pieces definitely not enough.


In between my starter and main dish, a lime sorbet with pandan was served to cleanse your palate for the main course.


My main dish, Lamb Shank served with Basmati Rice and some sauce (turmeric? couldn't remember). This dish is no longer available in their latest menu. I probably can guess why. The lamb shank taste mediocre with heavy taste of blood. Overall didn't really enjoy my lamb shank as I had some better ones else where.

Roasted 5 Spices Duck Breast with Fried White Raddish Cake & Seasonal Green - RM48 (current price)

My partner had the Roasted 5 Spices Duck Breast with Fried White Raddish Cake & Seasonal Green. This is an awkward dish as I don't see how the fried white raddish cake is able to compliment the duck breast and with the bak choy that doesn't really blend with concept of fine dining where it's hard to eat. Probably bak choy was used to go along with the fried white raddish cake to symbolize the oriental side of the dish. The roasted duck breast was also mediocre where a normal cafe's smoked duck can easily beat this. Definitely not worth the price paid.


Fresh apple juice to accompany the meal.


Last but not least, dessert as recommended by Peter, a homemade smoked banana ice cream, which according to Peter, was their latest experiment. Flavour was at the heavy side but overall still a pleasant dessert to end the meal.

SUMMARY


Overall, dining at PR really does make you feel privileged and was an enjoyable meal despite the let down in taste. If you are looking for place in Langkawi to have an enjoyable night, then PR will definitely be up the task to serve you with a slight compromise in food especially the main course. The starter and dessert are up to mark and decent but the main courses were disappointing. Perhaps other main courses may not fair as bad. PR built up its reputation in Langkawi mostly through its service than the food as most of the reviewers are foreigners who may not have an idea on Malaysian cuisine.

Taste
 ☆☆☆☆
 Disappointing main course but still good.
Value
 ☆☆☆
 On the higher end and pricey for the food but worth it for the service.
Service
 ☆☆☆☆☆
Excellent service
Cleanliness
 ☆☆☆☆☆
Opening Hours
12:00pm until 11:00pm (Mon - Sat)
Closed on Sunday
Wifi
Yes
Parking
Ample
Website
http://www.privilegerestaurant.com/

GPS: 6.368568, 99.682423
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[FOOD] 20130803 The Loaf Bakery and Bistro Perdana Quay @ Telaga Harbour, Langkawi


The Loaf is a Japanese fusion bakery and bistro that also serves Western style ala carte menu for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. Using traditional Japanese baking methods coupled with the best ingredients, the bakery sets to serve the best products to its customers.

The bakery is linked to our former Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir, with the first outlet opened in Telaga Harbour, Langkawi in 2006. You will often see Tun's name appear in the menu such as Tun's Breakfast.

Over the years, this premium bakery has expanded outside Langkawi with a few outlets opened at key hotspots in Klang Valley such as Pavillion, Bangsar Village II, Empire Subang, Sogo KL, Avanue K, Nu Sentral, KLIA 2, Sunway Pyramid, Mitsui Outlet Park, the Mines, Cheras Central Mall, DPulze Cyberjaya and Great Eastern Mall. They also have another outlet in Langkawi which is located at the new Cenang Mall.

The Loaf serves various kind of bread and pastries, including cookies and jams. They also have their own specialty dessert known as the Uhuhu that looks more like a cup cake with different topping selections.

C9 Perdana Quay Telaga Harbour Park Pantai Kok, Langkawi 07000 Kedah
Telephone: +604 959 4866
Opening Hours: 10:00am until 10:00pm

TO GO


The Perdana Quay is located at the Telaga Harbour which is towards the west side of the island, with a good view of sea and yacht. However, the location is kinda remote and it's recommended to rent a car as grabbing a cab may not be easy.


SPECIALITY



It was my second day in Langkawi and I'm on my way to Panorama Langkawi hence decided to drop by The Loaf Bakery and Bistro at Perdana Quay for breakfast since it's along the way, otherwise I would hardly drop by due to the distance away from main attraction areas.


The first outlet is located at this serene and quiet Telaga Harbour, overlooking the nice view of yacht docks. The Perdana Quay is rather quiet in my opinion with little crowd, it will be tough for the outlets here to sustain and constant upkeep and maintenance is required to keep the flow of tourist coming in. The whole place was rather quiet with majority of the commercial activity located at the sea-fronting side.


You can choose to dine outside with a cuppa while overlooking the beautiful scenery, but I prefer to avoid the scorching hot sun. I would be nice to sit outside at night with the cold night sea breeze and some music. Hmm..


The bakery was quiet in the morning with only a few patrons, probably also due to Ramadhan month during my visit where all the Muslims are fasting. The interior is cozy with a warm and homey feel.



They have various pastries and breads to offer and most of them do look very appetizing. They do provide some samplers for you to try. Prices are towards the higher side but still affordable, probably will just buy less.


This is one very special looking bread that looks like a pizza but actually known as the Coco Choco.


More bread for your selection.


I ordered the Square Egg on Toast (RM13) for a start with the description quoted from their menu "Thick toast with square sunny side-up egg, chicken sausages, hash brown and fresh grill tomato" that comes with a choice of coffee or tea. Well, to be honest, there's nothing to shout about this plate with everything looks and taste mediocre with oily hash brown and blunt toast.


The coffee that comes along with the toast. Very thick black coffee towards the acidic side.


Don't quite remember what this is called but if not mistaken it is the Scrambled Egg with Beef Stripes. The look might not be appetizing but fortunately the taste is ok, although nothing spectacular.


Hot Chocolate was also acceptable but I do hope for a richer taste of chocolate.


I also ordered a croissant for comparison purpose as I just had one of the best croissant the day before at La Chocolatine at Pantai Tengah. As expected, the croissant is the typical crispy pastry, which I don't fancy and I still prefer the one back in La Chocolatine.


Last but not least is of course their signature Uhuhu dessert and I ordered the Chocolate Almond (RM3+) to wrap up my breakfast. It taste more like a moose dessert than a cup cake,

SUMMARY


I never been to The Loaf at KL and only tried in Langkawi since it is the origin. Overall, the environment is cozy but the food were disappointing even though the breads are still up to standard. I would recommend to just dine in during tea break for their pastries and bread and forget about the ala carte menu. Price is also towards the high side and not to value for such quality.

Taste
 ☆☆☆
 mediocre
Value
 ☆☆☆
 high side
Service
 ☆☆☆☆☆
 Very attentive and friendly staff
Cleanliness
 ☆☆☆☆☆
Opening Hours
08:00am until 10:00pm (Daily)
Wifi
Yes
Parking
Yes
Website
http://www.theloaf.com.my/

GPS: 6.368551, 99.682553
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[FOOD] 20150114 Pad Thai Thip Samai (Prathuphi Pad Thai) @ Phra Nakhon, Bangkok


It is said that the Thai national dish i.e. Pad Thai was originated from this stall known as Thip Samai back in 1966. I often see this stall being featured in travel programmes and told myself that this is the one restaurant I need to go.

Pad Thai Thip Samai, or also known as Prathu Phi Pad Thai by the locals ("Prathu Phi" means ghost gate) due to its location nearby Prathu Phi, is well known among the locals and often packed with patrons no matter what time. It's opened until mid night and many will come here for supper after work.

The restaurant is operated in stations to cater for the huge crowd where each station has it's own function i.e. the cooking station, the wrapping station and the garnishing station. Worth mentioning that they use charcoal instead of gas stove for their cookings.

Huge wok of Pad Thai is churned out from time to time, with more than 10 servings per wok. The Pad Thai will then be prepared according to the order and some will be sent to the wrapping station for the Pattaya style omelette wrappings.

It was fun to see how each task was broken down into unit operations in order to be more efficient to cut down lag time between each plate of Pad Thai, without compromising on the quality.

There are a few options available from the normal Pad Thai, Supreme Pad Thai, Prawn Pad Thai etc etc. Not forgetting their special ice blended coconut that taste like 7-11's slurpee but in coconut flavour.

Pad Thai Thip Samai
313 Maha Chai Road Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon Bangkok 10200
Nearest BTS Stations: Nil
Telephone: +66 (0) 2221 6280
Opening Hours: 05:30 pm until 01:30 am

TO GO


Thip Samai is located at Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok, which is very near to Khao San Road or Chinatown. My recommendation will be to come here for supper after your visit to either place. Taking a cab will be the most convenient way but some cab driver might refuse to bring you over due to the short distance. Just tell the driver "Prathu-Phi Pad Thai" and most likely he will know where is it.



SPECIALITY



It was late at night and I managed to get one kind cab driver to bring me over the Prathu-phi Pad Thai. Being the origin of all Pad Thai recipe in Thailand, I was wondering how "legendary" will the Pad Thai be, while being sceptical over the "mass production" method. The restaurant is full of patrons, including the roadside corridor outside the restaurant. Mostly locals who got off work late or dropping by for supper or take away.


The restaurant uses hot flames from the charcoal instead of gas stove, just like how it was done during their inception. Charcoal fire also gives a better aroma and is much hotter than normal gas stove, making the cooking harder as you required to stir fry as quickly as possible to avoid over-burnt.


The cooking starts off from a big wok and then segregate into smaller plates of Pad Thai for the next station to do a fast stir-fry action with intense fire with additional toppings or ingredients according to the order.


Those who ordered the Supreme Pad Thai will be sent to the next station for the omelette wrapping where you can see the worker skilfully wrapped each plate of Pad Thai in a blink of an eye, like a machine.


The finished product will be transferred into a clean plate and garnished with coriander and chilli. The waiter will then fill his hands with plates of Pad Thai before doing the delivery. It was fun and interesting to see the whole process on how fast your Pad Thai can be served and how efficient the workers work.


My Supreme Pad Thai (85 Baht) is ready in a jiffy and looks very inviting.


Traditionally, Pad Thai will be served along with some raw vegetables such as chives and bean sprout. However, I noticed many locals did not touch these raw vegetables and only concentrate on their Pad Thai. 


Not forgetting the coconut "slurpee" which is said to be a secret recipe passed down by the Queen directly to the owner of this restaurant. It does taste like a coconut flavour slurpee, if you are wondering.


The Pad Thai tastes good with nice flavours but was not as good as I expected. Probably I have too high hopes prior to this. The ingredients also seemed "ungenerous" for the pricing of 85 Baht, in contrast to the Pad Thai Fire Look I had in Thong Lo which comes with generous amount of prawns and crab meat, at a cheaper price and better flavour.

SUMMARY


Overall it is still a good and satisfying meal to have especially for supper. However, was slightly disappointed with the taste probably due to the mass production and high bar set by Pad Thai Fire Look that I had previously in Thong Lo. Nevertheless, it is still good to experience the very first recipe and to witness the stations of preparing in Pad Thai Thip Samai.

Taste
☆☆☆☆
Good pad thai
Value
☆☆☆
Pricing towards the high side with minimal ingredients and toppings
Service
☆☆☆☆☆
Despite the huge crowd, service is excellent and prompt with very good manners.
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆
Opening Hours
05:30pm until 01:30am (Daily)
Wifi
Nil
Parking
Minimal
Website
Nil

GPS: 13.752750, 100.504708
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[FOOD] 20150113 Ning Mango Sticky Rice @ Thong Lo, Bangkok


The sweet mango and the savoury sticky rice, the combination of both is probably one of the most popular Thai dessert that is served in almost every Thai restaurant and found in many streets around Thailand.

It is very easy to prepare, but it is not easy to make a mouth watering mango sticky rice without the understanding of the ingredient. Among all, the best mango sticky rice I had so far is definitely the Ning Mango at Thong Lo Food Street.

There are a few stalls selling mango sticky rice in Thong Lo Food Street located at Soi Sukhumvit 38, but the one you need to look out for is definitely the one hidden at the side alley, which is the same location with the Pad Thai Fire Look.

Right side alley, Sukhumvit 38, Thong Lo
Nearest BTS Stations: Thong Lo
Telephone: Nil
Opening Hours: 06:00pm onwards

TO GO


The Thong Lo Food Street is conveniently located under the BTS Thong Lo station. Just take the Sukhumvit Line (Light Green) and exit at Thong Lo station. You wouldn't miss the sight of the busy Sukhumvit 38 street from the station.

Once you are at the street, you need to locate the side alley at your right side, behind the fruit juice stall. Inside this alley is where two hidden gems are located along with a Korean food stall operated by a Korean lady. The Ning Mango is right behind the fruit juice stall.




SPECIALITY



The view from above at the BTS station. The whole stretch of the street are all food stalls while the Ning Mango is located at the right alley seen in this picture.


Here, meet Ning, the stall owner who has her smile everytime, preparing plates and plates of mango sticky rice. The serving here is either small, medium or big, priced at 60 Baht, 80 Baht and 100 Baht respectively (RM6.60, RM8.80 and RM11). Pricey? maybe. Worth it? Definitely.


I ordered the medium one and the portion is generous as shown above. What separates Ning's mango sticky rice with the rest is the quality of ingredients used. 

The mango is very sweet, and fiberless which I believed it's the famous local Thai Nam Doc Mai mango. I can just eat the mango alone! The sticky rice texture is just soft and nice unlike some other stall which might be hard or undercooked, with the thick coconut milk to add the creamy texture and flavour.

This will be a stall I will definitely come back for my next trip when I'm craving for mango stick rice.

SUMMARY


Tried many mango sticky rice in Malaysia and Thailand, and I think Ning's mango sticky rice might be one of the best thus far. It is professionally prepared with fresh and quality ingredients, and most of all, 5 star restaurant quality at street price. 

Taste
☆☆☆☆☆
Probably one of the best you can get from the streets
Value
☆☆☆☆
slightly pricey but well worth for the quality
Service
☆☆☆☆☆
very friendly Ning
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆
Opening Hours
06:00pm until midnight (Daily)
Wifi
Nil
Parking
Nil
Website
http://www.facebook.com/NingMango

GPS: 13.723178, 100.578379
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