So, where to eat for the upcoming Chinese New Year’s reunion dinner
2015? My husband and I managed to go around a lil bit and we thought Si Chuan Dou Hua, Parkroyal KL is offering quite a few surprises from their kitchen for the year of goat.

Si Chuan Dou Hua is offering extensive variety of delicious dishes. From 5th February – 5th March 2015, for both lunch & dinner, all diners will get to enjoy 10 different sets of Chinese dishes. They are as follows:

58.00 nett per table of 2 persons

Golden Happiness RM188.00 nett per table of 2 persons

Auspicious Blessing RM488.00 nett per table of 4 persons

Blissful Happiness RM688.00 nett per table of 6 persons

Happy & Prosperous RM1288.00 nett per table of 10 persons

Smiles of Fortune RM1388.00 nett per table of 10 persons

Golden Prosperity RM1688.00 nett per table of 10 persons

Bountiful Wealth RM1988.00 nett per table of 10 persons

Prosperous Blessing RM2188.00 nett per table of 10 persons

Vegetarian Abundance RM1188.00 nett per table of 10 persons

* Each set comes with 1 serving of yee sang (different set, different types of yee sang), 4-6 dishes + 2 desserts

Here are some of the dishes that my family and I managed to sample:

Barbeque Lamb Yee Sang (RM98.00 nett/half portion or RM148.00 nett/full portion)

BBQ lamb slices are served with this Yee sang.

Those who are adventurous will be pleased with this but will shock the traditionalists. The combination is a bit weird for me but of course there are still other options of yee sang like salmon, jellyfish, abalone, soft shell crab, shark’s fins, tropical fruits, & even vegetarian goose (RM58.00 nett – RM128.00 nett/half portion or RM98.00 nett – RM238.00 nett/full portion)

Double-Boiled Shark’s Fin Soup with Sea Treasures & Fresh Scallop

Environmentalists will scorn , buy was my favourite dish that. It tastes different from the usual shark’s fins soup as this one is rich, slightly creamy. Very flavourful and filled with oceanic goodness.

Steamed Village Chicken with Dried Seafood & Chinese Herbs. The combination of herbs with the chicken were well balanced, and I was really surprised with this dish as I am not a fan of anything herbal. The chicken was tender, well-flavoured and has a springy texture.

Stir-Fried Large Prawns with Egg White served with Fresh Iceberg Lettuce

Served with lettuce leaves, the prawns were fresh and well-cooked. Not quite a traditional Chinese New Year’s dish, but this one’s rather well executed.

Braised Seasonal Vegetables, Beancurd & Dried Oysters with Pumpkin. I took a glance at this dish and mistook it for dessert. Looks can be deceiving. This is actually a savoury dish. The white stuff is thinly beancurd while the orange ones are pumpkin. The stir-fried dried oysters, “fatt choy”, water chestnuts, carrots and sweet peas were lying in a bed of broth in the middle and is certainly full of surprises.

Fried Rice with Black Mushrooms, Lotus Seeds & Smoked Duck. Fried rice with black mushrooms, lotus seeds and smoked duck! Very flavourful and delicious and would not mind seconds if my stomach was not already full.

Chilled Mango & Pomelo Sago. Those with sweet tooth will appreciate this. But this creamy chilled blended mangoes with vanilla ice-cream, pieces of mangoes and pomelo flesh is too sweet to my liking.

Steamed Nian Gao with Crispy Oats was all right, but after the cloyingly sweet dessert earlier, this pale in comparison in terms of sweetness. But…if you like mochi, then you will like this.

Si Chuan Dou Hua has definitely outdone themselves this time and the Chinese New Year’s dishes are not exactly traditional. I enjoyed it very much and those who are adventurous will definitely appreciate this.

Wanna dine there this Chinese New Yea Below is the details for your reference:

Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant
PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia.
Tel: (+603) 2147 0088
Fax: (+603) 2782 8455
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.sichuandouhua.com
Business hours: Daily from 12:00p.m. – 2:30p.m. (lunch) & 6:30p.m. – 10:30p.m. (dinner)

Are you a huge fan of instant noodles? When I was still in my early 20s, instant noodles is practically a staple. But somehow, in 2012, I turned into a bit of a health nut and started to omit instant noodles from my daily diet. Not an easy thing to do as instant noodles is an idiot-proof kind of food where most of it only takes less than 5 minutes to prepare, but I managed to stop eating instant noodles of any form for about 2 years.

Life is healthier once I stopped eating instant noodles, but in the end of 2014, I succumbed to the temptations and decided that it is all right to include instant noodles in my diet occasionally.

Usually I would prepare the instant noodles myself and included meat and veggies in it, but if I were to have it outside, there is one in particular that is worth the calories; the one sold at Celebrity Corner, Wangsa Maju. This is a revisit to the Celebrity Corner. I usually would go for Nasi Lemak Wah!, but the instant noodles sold at one of the stall over there is rather alluring. It’s not quite your ordinary fried or soupie instant noodles that you usually can find in the local mamak restaurants, I must say.

Kerabu Maggie (RM5.00). Pre-fried instant noodles, tossed in Thai fish sauce and assortments of shredded things like sourish mangoes, cabbages, celeries and topped with crushed peanuts and seafood like cuttlefish and prawns. The instant noodles is served piping hot, but it is nice to be eaten cold too. Taste-wise, it is a tad spicy with a hint of sourish Tomyam flavour, but you could request to omit the sliced bird’s eye chillies if you can’t take spicy food. This Kerabu Maggie is definitely worth your money and of course, the calories count.

Kerabu Soo Hoon (RM5.00) is actually the glass noodle version of the instant noodle’s salad. Like the Kerabu Maggie, the glass noodles is served piping hot, but it is nice to be eaten cold too. Taste-wise, it is a tad spicy with a hint of sourish Tomyam flavour. Great for those who are health conscious as this is not pre-fried and doesn’t contain any preservatives. But if you want an honest opinion, I would prefer the instant noodles version more than the glass noodles version.

For instant noodles, these are quite filling and satisfying too. So do give it a try if you’re ever in Wangsa Maju.

Below is the address for it.

Celebrity Corner ( look out for T.FC restaurant, the stall is there)
Jalan Wangsa Delima 5
Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur

For large orders/catering, please contact:

Ms. Aein +60 10-810 7510

Islam is not only the most misunderstood religion in the country, but in the world as well. No, that statement is not meant to be provocative or degrading to any Muslims out there. I’m merely stating the fact as in every part of the world, there’s Islamophobia; where there is fear for Islam. And rightly so, considering there are a lot of people out there who misuse the religion to spread violence and extremism.

Despite being a multi-religious country where majority of it’s citizens is Muslims, there is still Islamophobia among some non-Muslims in Malaysia. To most, Islam is seen as quite an extreme religion that practically oppressed it’s men and women. A religion that’s full of rules, regulation and restrictions. Conversion to Islam is often seen in a bad light by most non-Muslim traditionalist. It’s often seen as the loss of freedom, and converting is often translated as ‘once you go in, there is no way out’. A sad truth, for I don’t see Islam the same way. I don’t see it as oppressing, nor do I see it as restrictive. Yes, there are rules and commandments that is must be obeyed by the Muslims, but the way I see it, it is logical in many ways. Let’s take the 5 times a day prayer where Muslims are required to pray during certain times of the day; Dawn Prayer (Subuh), Noon prayer (Zohor) Evening Prayer( Asar), Dusk Prayer (Maghrib) and Night Prayer (Isya). The way I see it, these 5 times a day prayer is not restrictive, but instead, in some ways, it is restorative and instill discipline among it’s devotees. Why do I say that?

It’s simple. We are living in a fast paced world, and if we have it our way, we would not stop chasing the worldly things. We won’t stop. Praying is good, spiritually speaking, as we get to reconnects with the maker, and take a break to just reflect for a while. Great way to de-stress, I must say. Apart from that, the Muslims are encouraged to pray together with their families where the men, leaders of the family, mainly fathers, husbands, elder brothers are given responsibility to be imam (a term used for those who leads these prayers) encouraged to lead the rest of the family members in prayers daily. Now, isn’t that a good way for people to bond with their family members? In this fast paced world, we often neglect to bond with our family members. We don’t make bonding session a priority. Instead, we only try to make time for our loved ones during special occasions like public holidays or just during weekend. What’s good in that? One ought to bond with their loved ones daily, and I think it’s great that Islam emphasized bonding in this way.

And then there is the compulsory fasting during the month of Ramadan. Many might see it as torturous. Forceful. But I don’t see it that way. The Muslims are required to fast from sun up to sun down. Scientifically, our digestive system have been working really hard, and throughout the year, accumulating toxins in our bodies. Fasting is a good way to detox, and like praying, it also helps the entire family to connect with each other as each and instill discipline; eating on time, which many neglects to do in this fast-paced world.

I may not know much about Islam, but ancient as it is, it is a religion of logic though fairly misunderstood, even among Muslims themselves. Sad thing to see, but these days, alot of things have been done by the born Muslims and reverted Muslims to show that Islam is religion of peace and moderation.

And speaking of effort that has been made for Muslims and Muslims to understand more about the religion, I spotted something interesting. Being a traveler, I’ve always been a lookout on traveling packages and whatnot, and while I was looking for reasonably priced cruise packages to sign up for in 2015, I spotted this interesting thing: The First Islamic Cruise In The World.

The First Islamic Cruise In The World? Now, that’s a first. Muslim friendly cruise where Halal food is served as an option, I’ve heard before. But a religious cruise with praying and worships on the itinerary? Now, that’s unheard of. So, what’s this cruise is all about?  Basically it is a cruise package with Islamic itinerary, aim to educate those who are on board of the ship. The First Islamic Cruise in The World is is brought to you by Intratama TOURS & TRAVEL CONSULTANT (M) SDN BHD or (TCT), a consulting company supporting the event.

The First Islamic Cruise, or in Bahasa Malaysia, Pelayaran Islamic 3.0 with the tagline Syukur, Tenang dan Damai (Gratitude, Serenity and Peace) have quite some thing to offer. It offers a 4 days voyage filled with not only leisurely activities but religious ones as well. It is interesting to note that this voyage encourages deeper understanding about Islam and all of it’s practices. (Types of prayers in Islam apart from the compulsory 5 times a day prayers, Qiblah positioning, religious classes, night worship etc). Classes and lectures will be conducted by renowned religious teachers who will be participating in the cruise as well. They will be giving lectures and religious talks according to schedule that has been arranged by the organizers.

Here’s the participating religious teachers who will be giving talks, etc:

1. Ustaz Badli Shah (Penceramah Bebas)
2.Sheikh Abdelaziz Ghonim (Ahli Majlis Fatwa Al-Azhar Tanta)
3.Dato Hassan Mahmud (Penceramah Bebas)
4.Dato’ Dr. Fadzilah Kamsah (Pakar Motivasi)
5.Imam Muda Miril

The cruise will take the passengers to 3 beautiful destinations on it’s liner, which is Penang-Phuket-Krabi

Beautiful view from Starcruise Libra

Sight in the cabin. Quite spacious and comfortable with great ocean view.

More information on the Islamic Voyage, you can hop over to the site here: https://www.pelayaranislamik.com/index.php?Itemid=101

Voyage date: February 1, 2015 – February 4, 2015
Destination: Penang – Phuket – Krabi
Voyager: Star Cruise Libra

Browsing through the package, what I found most interesting is the pilgrimage program where participants will be brought down from cruise to visit the religious schools and mosques in Phuket and Krabi. Thanksgiving dinner with all the participants and all the panels on board will also be hosted.

In my humble opinion, this cruise would be great for:

• Lucky draw prizes

• Corporate gifts

• Wedding anniversary gift

• Gifts for new Muslims /reverted Muslims

Those who are interested to join the cruise can sign up at:

https://pelayaranislamik.com/daftar/3/step1.php

Or directly contact the organizers at:
No 2.08, Jalan Prima SG 1,
Prima Sri Gombak,
68100 Batu Caves,
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Email : [email protected]
Tel : +603-6185 0010
Fax : +603-61899010

Disclaimer: Bookings and registrations should only be made online at the link provided above. The organizers did not appoint any individuals, agencies, tour companies, dealers or wholesalers to represent Intratama in any transaction related to the Pelayaran Islamik 3.0.

Nasi Lemak is a local Malaysian delicacy made from coconut milk flavoured rice and served with spicy sambal and condiments. A humble and homey dish that serves to satisfy and calm the hungry tummy, but in my humble opinion, not everyone can cook absolutely delicious nasi lemak. Well, to me it is not an easy feat.

I’m somewhat fussy and terribly picky when it comes to nasi lemak. I don’t like lumpy rice. I prefer fluffy and those perfectly fragrant nasi lemak. And the accompanying sambal or side dishes must compliment it well.

Yes. Not easy to find good tasting nasi lemak but I could recommend a few in the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur that is worth every single calories. One of is Nasi Lemak Wah! from Celebrity Corner, located somewhere in Wangsa Maju.

The stall. You can opt to eat in or takeaway. The stall in question operates from 5pm-11pm from Monday to Friday and attracts quite a crowd.

Pricing is as of follows.

But as far as I’m concerned, the side dishes menu changes daily, so you ought to make enquiries when you make your orders. The usual suspects like fried eggs, fried kangkung, ayam goreng berempah, ayam masak kicap, kari ayam are there on rotation basis.

I managed to sample some when I dropped by last week. And here’s sharing what I had:

Bihun goreng biasa. (RM1.50).The humble fried rice vercimile, paired with some specially made sambal tempe and a side of sambal. Good enough to have on it’s own but the accompanying sambal gives the humble meal a kick. Now, a forewarning. The sambal packs quite a punch and quite spicy. So if you’re not into spicy food, do opt out of it.

This is the Nasi Lemak Biasa. (RM2.00). Served with a side of fried peanuts, a quarter of boiled egg which I opt out from, crispy fried anchovies, sliced cucumber and specially made sambal tempe.For RM2.00, I’d say this is quite a bargain and would satisfy the growling tummy in a jiffy.

Nasi Lemak Sotong& Ayam Berempah. (RM6.00). A generous portion of nasi lemak served with a side of a quarter of boiled egg, homemade sambal tempe, sambal, fried anchovies, sliced cucumber and of course, ayam goreng berempah. I may have complained that the accompanying sambal is a tad too spicy for me, but it is good enough for me to polish to the last grain of rice. Yes. It is that good!

Nasi Lemak with fried egg and curry gravy and fried kangkung. Not sure how much this is as my friend is the one who had this, but the combination, according to her, is to die for and I can’t say that I disagree.

Basically, Nasi Lemak Wah! at Celebrity Corner is not too shabby. Friendly on the pocket, and yes, delicious too. This will be on my favourite list for quite a long time and will be dropping by again to sample the rest of the nasi lemak combinations that they have to offer.

Wanna drop by? Here’s the location:

Celebrity Corner ( look out for T.FC restaurant, the stall is there)
Jalan Wangsa Delima 5
Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur

Another one that earned approval in my ‘nice’ place to dine in Kuala Lumpur this Christmas is Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur. They are offering quite a decent Christmas buffet with fraction of the price.

The hotel’s lobby is decently decorated for a sparkly Christmas feel.

Hotels in KL is having a shortage of turkeys due to the Halal issue by JAKIM, but Chatz Brasserie, being a pork-free establishment have no issue in offering the traditional Christmas turkeys.

So if you can’t do without turkeys this festive season, I suggest you to skip all other restaurants and hotels and just head over to Chatz Brasserie, Parkroyal KL.

The bird comes with stuffings and all the trimmings, of course. Taste wise? They are decent, I suppose.

The traditional Christmas turkey is the highlight of the buffet, but let’s stop drooling and take a look at what else they have to offer:

The salad counter. The usual green suspects are there, and you can assemble your own customized salad here.

But if you are looking for something refreshing, do keep a lookout for their ready made salads, which can be rather unique and refreshing.

My personal favourite from the salad counter, the roasted chicken salad.

Artisan bread is available for those who can’t do without carbs. 🙂

Generous selection of cheese is available for you to pair with bread or fresh fruits.

Sashimi can be spotted too at the buffet. I don’t usually go for raw food, but these are irresistibly fresh.

Cold soba for your slurping pleasure

Seafood on ice is not too shabby too.

The prawns are fresh and naturally sweet .

Scallops are plump and juicy

While the mussels was bursting with oceanic flavours.

If there is one item I wouldn’t want to miss from the seafood offering at Chatz Brasserie is the smoked salmon. Even a non-fish lover like me could vouch for it and went for seconds and thirds.

Apart from the healthy Japanese and seafood offerings, they also have a good dose of Oriental food selection.

Hainanese Chicken Rice from the action counter. Looks decent and simple but it’s actually divine and could send you to heaven and back. A must try homey dish in Chatz Brasserie. Compliments to the chef for such a finely executed dish.

Kung Po Squid. Did not manage to try this one, but it does have a tempting aroma.

Tantalizing Sang Har Noodles

Buttered mantis prawns

Beggar’s Chicken will not disappoint those who loves herbal food, but I don’t particularly fancy strong herbal tasting in my food so I gave this a pass, unfortunately.

Dimsum corner dedicated to the dimsum lovers

Fried Sui Kow from the Dimsum corner. My son loves these and keep having seconds. So I guess it is good. 🙂

Assorted steamed dumplings is available for you to indulge on. 🙂

Moving on to dessert, we have the chocolate fountain.

What? You don’t fancy chocolates? No worries, there’s the local Ais Kacang counter where you can customise your own Ais Kacang.

Here’s mine. 🙂 a healthy dose of East and West element in my Ais Kacang.

Special appearance this Christmas in Chatz Brasserie: The Christmas Yule Log Cake.

And all sorts of Christmas goodies: Christmas Stolen, Minced Meat Pies, Christmas cookies etc.

Interested to dine here this festive season? Check out the Promotions at Chatz Brasserie, Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur: 

24 December 2014

Christmas Eve Seafood and Carvery Buffet Dinner
6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
* RM138 nett per adult ; RM69 nett per child buffet and 1 glass of PARKROYAL Beauty Booster
* RM188 nett per adult
   buffet and 1 glass of sparkling wine, 3 glasses of pouring wine or 3 glasses of Tiger draft

25 December 2014

Christmas Day Premium Buffet Lunch
12 noon to 3 pm

* RM98 nett per adult ; RM49 nett per child buffet and 1 glass of PARKROYAL Beauty Booster

Christmas Day Seafood and Carvery Buffet Dinner
6:30 pm to 10:30 pm

* RM138 nett per adult ; RM69 nett per child buffet and 1 glass of PARKROYAL Beauty Booster
* RM188 nett per adult buffet and 1 glass of sparkling wine, 3 glasses of pouring wine or 3 glasses of Tiger draft

1 January 2015

New Year’s Eve International Buffet Dinner
6:30 pm to 10:30 pm

* RM150 nett per adult ; RM75 nett per child buffet and 1 glass of PARKROYAL Beauty Booster
* RM198 nett per adult buffet and 1 glass of sparkling wine, 3 glasses of pouring wine or 3 glasses of Tiger draft

New Year’s Day Premium Buffet Lunch
12 noon to 3 pm

* RM88 nett per adult ; RM45 nett per child buffet and 1 glass of PARKROYAL Beauty Booster

For reservation please contact:

Chatz Brasserie
PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel : 603-2147 0088