Goodie Foodie | From Emily To You

Chef Litha introduces her local dishes, particularly Litha’s nasi lemak

I’m sure you have read about Ipoh-mari Ping Coombes, who was recently crowned MasterChef UK champion, winning the judges over with her wanton soup, nasi lemak and a dessert of coconut and vanilla panna cotta.

Litha's nasi lemak

chicken masala

Well, if you are craving for nasi lemak in Ipoh, I am delighted to let you know that Litha’s special nasi lemak is now available at Uncle Albert’s Traditional English Fish & Chips. Extremely popular in this city way before Ping Coombes has become a household name, Chef Litha’s nasi lemak was sold at Canning Garden’s New Hollywood Restaurant in the afternoon years ago. If you had been Litha’s customer then, aren’t you excited that you can again indulge in her nasi lemak?

sweet & sour fish

Special of the Week: pan-fried grouper

Since taking over the kitchen at Ipoh’s Uncle Albert’s, Chef LItha has not only introduced her special nasi lemak cooked with a dash of passion, but also other local dishes such as chicken masala and sweet & sour fish.

spicy tuna spaghetti

salmon pasta

In today’s post, I am bringing to you photos of Today’s Specials, which are Chef Litha’s local dishes. They come with a complimentary drink – a choice of either mango or apple juice. Special of the Week is the pan-fried grouper, served with a soup and a dessert of crème brûlée.

battered catch of the day

roasted chicken

Other dishes ordered during our group lunch there a couple of days ago included Battered Catch of the Day (it was dory fish), Spicy Tuna Spaghetti and Salmon Pasta, including Roasted Chicken from the all-day à la carte menu.

Chef Litha at Uncle Albert’s in Ipoh

As you can see, pork-free Uncle Albert’s at present doesn’t serve traditional English fish & chips exclusively, but also local Malaysian food that many people yearn for now and again.

Uncle Albert’s Traditional English Fish & Chips
Facebook: Uncle Albert’s Traditional English Fish And Chips (LIKE to be updated on the latest promotions!)

Add: 4, Ground Floor, Persiaran Greentown 4, Greentown Avenue, 30450 Ipoh, Perak. (left of Healy Mac’s)
Tel: +605-2414181
Fax: +605-2414176
Business hours: 12 noon – 10.30pm daily
Lunch hours: 12 noon – 5pm daily

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With love

2 Comments

At May 24, 2014, Gourmet wrote:
Ah, I am reminded of Litha's delicious nasi lemak at New Hollywood coffee shop in Taman Canning, Ipoh.
At May 25, 2014, Ipohite wrote:
Litha's nasi lemak is not salty.

My friends and I had lunch at Healy Mac’s Irish Bar and Restaurant, located in Greentown Business Centre, recently. Our group of ten purposely ordered a variety of pork, beef, fish and seafood dishes, including three stone oven baked pizzas.

Organic Pork Knuckle

For pork, we had the ever popular Organic Pork Knuckle (1.3kg). The knuckle, served with sauerkraut and roasted potatoes, was slow cooked and roasted in a special oven. We had a choice of sauces: apple, red wine, black pepper and English mustard.

Organic Pork Spare Ribs

The second pork dish was Organic Pork Spare Ribs. The marinated tender pork spare ribs were served with truffle oil mashed potato, sweet corn and Guinness BBQ sauce.

Mixed Sausage Patter

As for Mixed Sausage Platter, it was a variety of sausages, namely emmenthaler, frankurter, hungarian and thuringer sausage served with truffle oil mashed potato and sauerkraut.

Rib Eye

Shepherd's Pie

For beef, Rib Eye was one of our favourites. It was served with carrots, broccoli and black pepper sauce. Another beef dish was Shepherd’s Pie, a homemade minced beef top side with French fries and side salad.

Grilled Fillet of Fresh Silver Cod

Next on our list was Grilled Fillet of fresh Silver Cod; Cajun spiced, served with vegetable risotto and white wine cream sauce. It certainly looks appetising in my photo, huh?

Traditional Irish Lamb Stew

We could not leave out an Irish dish and so it was the traditional Irish lamb stew, where cubes of New Zealand tender lamb were slow cooked with potatoes, carrots and celery. Flavoured with rosemary and thyme, it was served with homemade rye bread.

Penne Seafood Carbonara Pasta

For pasta, we chose Penne Seafood Carbonara, cooked with prawns, shitake, oyster, button mushroom and white wine cream sauce.

The Fisherman's Catch

Looking at all these food and their large portions, I am sure you would wonder how we managed to finish everything. Luckily, there were ten of us!

Pepperoni Pizza

Healy Mac’s Irish Bar and Restaurant is running the following promotion:

Daily lucky draws:
Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, three lucky winners a day will be awarded with a bucket of Corona, Hoegaarden or Budweiser.

Monthly lucky draws:
Spend more than RM100 in a single receipt and stand a chance to win “one night’s stay in a KL or Penang hotel for two persons”.

*terms and conditions apply

Pizza Margherita

Healy Mac’s Irish Bar and Restaurant
Add: 2, Ground Floor, Persiaran Greentown 4, 30450 Ipoh, Perak.
GPS Coordinates: N 04° 35.928 E101° 05.532′

Tel: 05-249 3627

Website: http://www.healymacs.com.my
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HealyMacsIpoh (LIKE NOW!!!)

Business hours:
Mon – Thurs: 12pm – 1am
Fri – Sat: 12pm – 2am
Sun: 12pm – 1am

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With love

2 Comments

At May 25, 2014, Nick Chan wrote:
Your photos are making me very hungry, with the exception of the pizzas. XD
At May 25, 2014, Emily wrote:
I know Nick, me too, but the pizzas are mouth-watering too!

Restaurant Catch by Simonis

Built in the shape of a boat, Restaurant Catch by Simonis, opened for business since last year at the Marina Scheveningen, is one of three restaurants owned by the Simonis family.

fresh seafood counter

entrance

Among the three, this is a high class restaurant, as pointed out to me based on the liquor served here, and caters to the upper elite.

bar

view from first floor

In addition to restaurants, the Simonis family also has several seafood shops that supply fresh seafood to many other restaurants in The Hague’s Scheveningen area, hence it is no surprise that Catch’s seafood menu is one of the best and freshest.

table layout

balcony

Catch has four floors and features an indoor elevator that takes guests to each floor, capable of catering to 500 guests at a time.

first floor

bar

The corner lot of a stretch of shops along the harbour, Catch by Simonis offers an amazing panoramic view of the marina, particularly during fine weather, which we did not get to enjoy during our lunch there.

a platter of starters

fresh oysters

And so, it is a promise to return to this restaurant in the near future to enjoy the view on a fine day.

Restaurant Catch by Simonis
Add: Dr. Lelykade 43, Scheveningen, The Hague 2583 CL, The Netherlands.
Tel: 070 3387609
Web: www.catchbysimonis.nl
Email: info@catchbysimonis.nl

Opening hours: 10am – 1am daily

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Team Syuen Hotel presents Bufet Ramadan “Citarasa Ibunda”

With some 120 – 130 items on its daily Ramadhan menu, diners at Syuen Hotel’s Garden View Coffee House can indulge in an extensive Ramadhan buffet spread that is filled with kampung-style local fare packed with familiar flavours and aromas.

signature grilled lamb available daily

ulam-ulaman

There will be seven menu cycles, with appetizers, soups, main courses, desserts, as well as action stalls. Each menu has five types of kerabu, four different sambal, ten varieties of Malay kuih, and two types each of puddings, jellies, agar-agar and pastries.

nasi tomato mutiara

gulai tempoyak ikan patin

While grilled lamb will make a daily appearance, main dishes to look out for include all-time favourites such as ayam masak merah madu, daging rendang tok, gulai tempoyak ikan patin, sambal udang petai and gulai nangka ikan masin.

daging rendang tok

ayam percik

Meanwhile, action stalls available will be fried kuey teow Penang-style, keledek goreng, Ais Batu Campur, pisang goreng, and a variety of noodles, among others.

sambal udang petai

kerabu taugeh

With the theme “Citarasa Ibunda”, diners will certainly feel at home as they break fast at the Halal-certified Garden View Coffee House.

kerabu betik

another one of five kerabu dishes

Do note that early reservation is advised. Parking is complimentary and Surau is provided. Also, the hotel strictly follows the official break fast time for all guests.

kuih-muih

Bufet Ramadan “Citarasa Ibunda” is available from June 29 to July 27, from 7pm onwards. Price is RM33 nett (adult) and RM20 nett (child). For reservations, call Syuen Hotel at 05-2538889 ext. 8224 or 012-5051336.

kuih-muih

pastries

As part of its Ramadan promotion, Standard rooms are available at RM120 and Deluxe Rooms at RM130 nett per night, with complimentary Sahur/breakfast. Guests who opt for the room package that comes with complimentary buffet Ramadhan dinner will have to pay slightly more per room.

pastries

During the month of Ramadhan, Syuen Hotel has lined up a series of programmes. There will be a “Bubur Lambuk” giveaway on July 1st (Tuesday) at 4pm in front of the hotel. 500 bags of bubur lambuk will be distributed to the public. All are welcome to this event.

cakes

desserts

Once again, this year, the hotel is organising a mega buka puasa evening with orphans in and around Ipoh. A thousand guests are expected at the iftar, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the hotel towards the community since 2005. Corporations who would like to join hands to make this a success may contact the hotel directly at 05-2538889 or 05-2428889 for further information.

Syuen Hotel
Add: 88, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, 30300 Ipoh, Perak.
Web: www.syuenhotel.com.my
Email: sales@syuenhotel.com.my
Tel: +605-2538889 / +605-2428889
Fax: +605-2533335

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introducing Casuarina at Meru’s Selera Ramadan Buffet (L-R): Malay Sous Chef Aidil Afendi, Executive Chef Akmal and kuih-muih expert, Chef Ros

Celebrating its first Ramadhan, Casuarina@Meru is offering diners an extensive Selera Ramadan Buffet with a difference.

sambal udang

popular Mediterranean dish, nasi Mandy, with Harrah sauce (L) and cucumber salad (R)

Even better news is that the popular Mediterranean dish, nasi Mandy, served with Harrah sauce and cucumber salad, will be a daily fare, much to diners’ delight, I am sure.

daging salai dengan mangga muda

chicken curry Kapitan

In today’s post, I am sharing with you a selection of the dishes that will be served during the month of Ramadhan, including main courses of sambal udang, daging salai dengan mangga muda, and chicken curry Kapitan.

kerabu

Also available daily are five different types of kerabu, fifteen varieties of homemade Malay kuih by Chef Ros, who is well-known for her signature cucur udang.

kerabu

It’s safe to say that all varieties of kuih-muih that can be obtained at pasar Ramadan can be found here. Additionally, guests at Casuarina@Meru get to revel in the ambience of the hotel and mood of the evening with family and friends.

kerabu

Under the supervision of Executive Chef Akmal who has 26 years of experience, the team at Casuarina@Meru has carefully drawn up four Ramadhan menus where there will be some 80 items on each menu presented.

cucur udang

one of the assortments of Malay kuih that will be available

For the first time, guests at Casuarina@Meru will get to enjoy a complete package during Ramadhan, not only indulging in the Selera Ramadan buffet but also Stailista Raya, the 1-stop centre for one’s Raya shopping list.

cara manis

dangai

Everything is taken care of here at Casuarina@Meru from accommodation to shopping, food, and prayers where Imam Muda Muhammad Sharafi from Terengganu has been engaged to lead jemaah prayers, beginning with Maghrib, Isya’ and Terawih for the entire month of Ramadhan.

karipap pusing

kuih talam

Priced at RM49 nett per adult and RM34.30 nett per child, Casuarina@Meru’s Selera Ramadan Buffet is available during the month of Ramadhan, tentatively from June 28 to July 27, 2014.

talam keladi

pulut panggang

Make your reservations now by calling the hotel directly at +605-5299999 ext. 1008 (Coffee House).

lapis pelangi

Casuarina@Meru
Add: 1-C, Jalan Meru Casuarina, Bandar Meru Raya, 30020 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel: +605-5299990
Fax: +605-5299991
Web: www.casuarinahotels.com.my

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1. part of Symphony Suites Hotel’s Ramadhan buffet spread

With a seven-day menu cycle, those observing Iftar at Symphony Café this coming month of Ramadhan will be spoilt for choice.

2. one of the main courses

Serving traditional Malay food with a fusion concept, there will be some 60 types of food and drinks to choose from daily.

3. spicy squids

While the soups, main courses and action stalls make a weekly rotation, the barbeque counter makes a daily appearance, offering lamb shoulder, beef steak, stingray or ikan kembung, crab, squids and sausages.

4. daging masak hitam

As you can see, these photos shared today are just a selection of what’s available for Symphony Café’s Ramadhan BBQ Buffet, available tentatively from June 29th to July 27th, 2014, starting from 7pm to 10pm.

5. kurma kambing

Priced from only RM50 nett per person, buying five entitles the sixth person to dine for free. Children between the ages of 5 to 11 years old and senior citizens above 60 years old enjoy 30% discount.

6. pajeri terung

Early booking or reservation is required. For bookings of ten pax and above, a deposit is needed. Make your reservations NOW with Symphony Café @ Symphony Suites Hotel by calling +605-312 2288.

Symphony Café @ Symphony Suites Hotel
Add: 41, Lapangan Symphony Business Park, Jalan Lapangan Symphony, 31350 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel: +605-312 2288
Fax: +605-312 2233

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1. the team at Impiana Hotel Ipoh giving the thumbs up for the Ramadhan menu

Impiana Hotel Ipoh has prepared a savoury buffet spread this month of Ramadhan, which spans authentic Malay, Asian, Middle Eastern, as well as Western cuisine.

2. kawah-style kari ikan campur

3. kawah-style rebung gulai sotong

Get ready to be spoilt for choice with the amazing variety offered. Appearing again this Ramadhan is the hotel’s popular kawah-style bubur lambuk, oxtail soup, rendang tok, rebung gulai sotong, kari ikan campur, among others.

4. chefs presenting some of the items at the barbeque counter

5. grilled fish

Led by Executive Chef S. Saravanan and Malay Chef Azman bin Azelah, for the first time this year, the chefs are presenting spicy sambal oelek with various types of meat such as chicken and, quail, etc.

6. grilled fish

7. grilled fish

Regular favourites at IHI’s Ramadhan buffet include bubur lambuk, rendang tok, cucur udang, other Malay kampung-style dishes, and grilled items, including whole lamb, from the BBQ counter.

8. grilled fish

9. grilled crabs

Signature dishes to look forward to are ostrich meat in black pepper, stir-fried kailan with salted fish, deep fried siakap in tom yam sauce, butter prawns, lamb rendang, dalcha, and telur itik masak lemak cili padi, just to name a few.

10. grilled prawns

11. grilled squid

For those who prefer simple hawker fare in a better ambience can look forward to satay, roti canai, assam laksa, mee bandung, mee udang and even lok-lok.

12. BBQ whole lamb

13. fresh seafood platter

This wide selection from seven Ramadhan menus presented on rotational basis, where some 105 items from starters to beverages are offered every evening, has a similarly extensive dessert selection to match, from ice kacang, cendol, bubur kacang, pies and tarts, puddings, French pastries, and traditional Malay kuih-muih.

14. ostrich in black pepper sauce

15. deep fried siakap in tom yam sauce

Also, expect local fresh farm fruits such as pomelo, rambutan, banana, pineapple, guava, and not forgetting the King of Fruits, durian, which I am sure, delights every diner.

16. stir-fried kailan with salted fish

17. butter prawns

This Ramadhan buffet is being offered at a special price of RM73 nett per adult from June 29 to July 27, while children from six to twelve years of age pay only RM37 nett each. Senior citizens enjoy 30% discount on adult price. For group bookings and credit card discounts, contact the hotel directly. Buffet, served at both the Coffee House and poolside, starts from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

18. dalcha

19. lamb rendang

Diners stand to participate in a lucky draw, where attractive prizes are up for grabs in the form of room night stay, dining vouchers and a giant hamper worth RM2000.

20. Cantonese-style fried yee mee

21. nasi briyani

For those who prefer to break fast at the comfort of home, and at the same time enjoy this delicious Ramadan buffet spread, can engage the catering team of Impiana Hotel Ipoh for an exclusive private banquet. Price is RM63 each for a minimum pax of 50.

22. kerabu sayur

23. kerabu ikan

Available with prior reservation, to be provided are free flow of cordial, kurma for all tables, floral arrangement and even the setting up of a VIP table, if required. Handling charges are applicable. For further information, call +605-2555555 ext. 8013 / 8029.

24. kerabu sotong

25. kerabu ikan masin

Make your reservations now by calling +605-255 4364. Don’t forget to follow Impiana Hotel Ipoh Facebook page HERE and Twitter HERE to receive instant updates on great promotions offered by the hotel.

26. traditional kuih-muih

27. cherry cake

Buffet Ramadan Impiana Hotel Ipoh
Venue: Coffee House / Poolside
Price: RM73 nett (adult) / RM37 nett (child) / Senior citizen (30% discount)
Date: June 29 to July 27, 2014
Time: 7.30pm – 10.30pm

28. another choice of the variety of cakes offered

29. Impiana Hotel Ipoh General Manager Kamaruddin Kassim cutting open a durian fruit

Impiana Hotel Ipoh
Add: 18, Jalan Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah, 30250 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel: 05-255 4364
Fax: 05-255 1948
Email: info.ipoh@impiana.com
Web: impiana.com

30. durian is one of the local fruits served during IHI’s Ramadhan buffet

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curry crabs

Perhaps my eyes were playing tricks on me…. this year’s Ramadhan bazaar at Stadium Perak seemed smaller compared to previously. Also, during my visit there a few days ago, the sky threatened to pour, hence there was not much of a crowd as well.

grilled fish

D’ Tanjung Ikan Bakar

Nevertheless, the hawkers were just as friendly as I remembered them to be and obliged to pose for my camera, just for fun.

Lan kebab ayam

pies

Today, I am bringing you some colourful photos from the Ramadhan bazaar at Stadium Perak, and I am sure the foods taste as delicious as they look!

chicken rice

fruit salad

Throughout the month of Ramadhan, I may visit some other bazaars for more photos. We shall see!

air katira Suhaimi

thumbs up for lamb skewers

Ramadhan Bazaar Stadium Perak
Venue: Stadium Perak parking area
Date: 29th June – 27th July, 2014
Time: from 3.30pm – 7pm

popiah basah

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With love

1 Comments

At July 5, 2014, thomas wrote:
Wow!Lots of colorful and tasty food.

nasi ayam

My continuous search for yummy food from Ramadhan bazaars brought me to another large pasar Ramadan in Medan Gopeng.

agar-agar

ayam kentang

It was still quite early when I arrived and the crowd has yet to descend, lucky me.

ikan bakar cili

kebab ayam spesial

Although there were many types of food and beverages available, I was hoping to find something that is only sold during the month of Ramadhan.

sausages

nasi ayam panggang

Is there anything that fits the bill? I don’t think so.

kuih-muih

putu bambu

Anyway, here are some colourful shots that I would like to share today. Where should my next pasar Ramadan quest be?

Portuguese-style ikan bakar

nasi udang

Ramadhan Bazaar Medan Gopeng
Venue: Medan Gopeng
Date: 29th June – 27th July, 2014
Time: from 3.30pm – 7pm

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roti naan

As Hari Raya Aidilfitri is just around the corner, this post is my final one on colours of pasar Ramadan in Ipoh.

nasi ayam bakar

nasi tomato

This bazaar in Greentown is of a modest size but no lack of choices of food!

nasi goreng telur

mini sausages

One thing different about this bazaar is that there are tables and chairs set up for those who plan to break their fast here.

ikan bawal goreng

sosej burger

Also, this may not be large compared to the one in Medan Gopeng or at Stadium Perak. However, opposite of this bazaar is a stretch of stalls where tens of types of Raya cookies are sold!

preparing burger baker by NGB

preparing tandoori chicken

Check out my photos of colourful food that I came across.

Raya biscuits

Ramadhan Bazaar Greentown
Venue: Greentown, Ipoh
Date: 29th June – 27th July, 2014
Time: from 3.30pm – 7pm

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With love

2 Comments

At July 25, 2014, ernah wrote:
Im well pleased to read some of the informations and pictures in this sight. I would like to know more if u don't mind because I'm new here and doesn't know places..bt I am really interested on ur previous post on little India. I would like to know transport fair like taxi and buses around Ipoh. I'm staying in canning garden.
At July 26, 2014, Emily wrote:
Hi Ernah,

It is easier to take the taxi than bus, especially from Canning Garden.

To go to Little India by taxi, the fare is about RM10 one way.

Do take down this radio taxi phone number: 05-2534188 (BK Radio Taxi)

Jawi House Café Gallery, Penang

This quaint restaurant along Armenian Street serves authentic Jawi Peranakan (Straits Muslim) cuisine, one of the rare places, even in Penang.

set up

dining area

Jawi Peranakan is similar to Nyonya Baba Peranakan. However, the Jawi Peranakan is the community of people whose forefathers from India, Arab, Turkey and Persia immigrated to Malaya and married local Malay women. Jawi Peranakan is also known as “Orang Tanjung”, while the word Peranakan itself means “locally born” or “indigenous” in the Malay language.

lunch

art gallery

Jawi House is owned by Datuk Dr Wazir Jahan Abdul Karim, a prominent figure in Penang, who is an economic anthropologist and who recently authored the book, Straits Muslim aroma and flavours, out of passion for Straits Muslim food heritage.

museum shop

items available for sale

Managed by her son, Chef Nurilkarim Razha, Jawi House offers more than food. There is an art gallery on the upper floor which showcases Penang-style Jawi Peranakan sub-culture and art.

faces

Jawi House Café Gallery
Add: 85, Armenian Street, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Tel: +604-261 3680 (call for dining reservations)
Web: www.jawihouse.com
Email: info@jawihouse.com

Opening hours: 10am – 7pm daily, except Sundays

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This 24-hour Indian- Muslim restaurant located at the junction of Chulia Street and Pitt Lane (Lebuh Pitt), in George Town, Penang, is famed for its claypot biryani rice, naan bread tandoori chicken and almond milk.

briyani dinner

The restaurant’s extensive menu caters to a cross section of diners, including foreigners. It is claimed that Kapitan serves the best claypot briyani rice in Penang. One can choose from either chicken or beef to go with the rice.

garlic naan

Ready cooked dishes are also available at certain times of the day, and I understand that although diners can enjoy the air-conditioning on the upper floor, it is only open from 12 noon to 4pm and 7pm to midnight.

claypot briyani rice

Kapitan Restaurant also has outlets in Bayan Bay and Gurney Tower, Penang.

Kapitan Restaurant
Add: 93, Chulia Street, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Tel: +604-2504316

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

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dinner at Pen Mutiara, Penang

Serving authentic traditional Malay cuisine, Pen Mutiara Restaurant is located at the Batu Maung LKIM Jetty, near the new second link to Penang Island.

curry fish head

spicy deep-fried fish

It is owned by the Penang Fishermen’s Association and the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM).

deep-fried squid

chilli prawns

Opened for business since Jan 1, 2006, the signature dish of Pen Mutiara is its curry fish head, served in a clay pot.

egg

pickles

Other traditional Malay cuisine served, which we ordered for dinner, were spicy deep-fried fish and deep-fried squid. Check out my photos of our mouth-watering meal.

stir-fried vegetables

Malay-style salad

By the way, the restaurant’s architecture reminded me of Ipoh’s Tandoor Grill. Pen Mutiara Restaurant is also able to cope with large dinner functions.

restaurant ambience

Pen Mutiara Restaurant

Pen Mutiara Restaurant (Restoran Pen Mutiara)
Add: Wisma Nelayan, Pelabuhan LKIM Batu Maung, 11960 Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Tel: +604-6264615
Fax: +604-6261134
Web: www.penmutiara.com

Opening hours: 11am – 10.30pm daily

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With love

1 Comments

At September 1, 2014, Nadzrul Kamal wrote:
Yumm <3

1. the bar

As one of two eateries flanking both sides of M Boutique Hotel, the other being Signature Old Town White Coffee, Myth Eatery & Bar enjoys a steady stream of diners throughout the day not only because of the Western cuisine and wine served, additionally it is also a great place for creative photo-taking. Myth Eatery & Bar certainly goes into my list of Top Ipoh Cafés for Instagrammers.

2. decorative table

3. zebra

Guests of M Boutique Hotel receive a complimentary breakfast voucher to be redeemed at either Myth Eatery & Bar or Signature Old Town White Coffee. Myth’s breakfast menu was unfortunately rather uninspiring, with only three breakfast sets to select from, plus tea or coffee as beverage.

4. rustic and homey

5. lounge

Although the website of M Boutique Hotel lists Myth Eatery & Bar as part of the hotel facilities, I was informed that both Myth and Signature Old Town White Coffee are standalone establishments, with special arrangements with the hotel.

6. chandelier

7. the menu

Myth is actually a sister café of Jose & Deli Eatery. If you’ve been to both, I’m sure you’d recognise the zebras and canisters used as decorative items.

8. Western breakfast

Myth Eatery & Bar
Add: 12, Hala Datuk 5, 31650 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel: 05-2548133

Business hours: 8am – 12am daily

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After witnessing a cultural presentation of Adat Berjojak (berjejak tanah in standard Bahasa Malaysia) for toddlers before they are allowed to step on the ground, a ritual performed by the Rawa (Rao) community, we were ushered to see how kelemai is cooked.

En. Johari shows the mixture of ingredients ready to be cooked

Kelemai is a traditional Rawa food that is similar to lemang, except that kelemai is cooked using different ingredients. Ingredients used in kelemai are rough-ground glutinous rice, liquid brown sugar and residue of cooking coconut oil.

the three ingredients of rough-ground glutinous rice, liquid brown sugar (boiled) and residue from cooking coconut oil, in their original form and after being prepared for cooking

These ingredients are mixed together and marinated for three days before they are stuffed into specially prepared bamboo (aur). The shaved bamboos, 3/4 filled, are then placed over hot coals for eight hours. During the process, the bamboos should be constantly turned over the heat to ensure the contents inside are thoroughly cooked.

En. Johari explains the correct way to prepare the bamboo

Superstitions to be observed are pretty obvious, such as don’t walk over the bamboo, or use your foot to kick the coals.

En. Johari explaining the superstitions observed when kelemai is cooked

The amazing thing about kelemai is that it could be kept for a year or longer. Wow, isn’t that a long expiry date, without preservatives?

asam daging (beef)

In this post, I have included other traditional dishes of the Rawa community, who make up 99% of the Malays in Gopeng.

ayam masak lemak

Those interested in the ethnic culture and tradition of the Rawa community may do so at Homestay Gopeng. This homestay is well-known for its adventurous and outdoor programmes, such as whitewater rafting, caving and water abseiling.

ikan bilis tempoyak

For further information, contact:

Pn. Noradidah Hj. Mokhtar
(Chairperson Homestay Perak / EXCO Homestay Malaysia)
Mobile: +6012-5060700
Email: didah65@yahoo.com.my

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With love

Beginning October 1st, patrons of Symphony Café at Symphony Suites Hotel will be able to try out authentic Vietnamese dishes, namely fresh prawn spring rolls and beef kuey teow.

Yours truly had an exclusive preview at the café yesterday and left with a satisfied tummy and a fulfilled palate.

With the introduction of these two à la carte dishes, Symphony Café is possibly one of the handful of eateries in Ipoh that serves authentic Vietnamese dishes.

authentic Vietnamese spring rolls and beef noodles

The spring rolls, or popiah if you like, are made up of Vietnamese rice vermicelli, Chinese leek, salad, fresh prawn and mint leaves neatly rolled in a rice paper wrapper.

fresh Vietnamese spring rolls

While such spring rolls could be eaten as they are, making it a healthy inclusion to your meal, I would like to mention in particular the homemade sauce that accompanies these fresh prawn spring rolls. I believe it cannot be found in Perak, or even Kuala Lumpur.

Vietnamese spring rolls and its homemade sauce

I couldn’t pinpoint the specific ingredients used in the preparation of the sauce, and all I could identify were garlic, chilli and rough ground peanuts. But it seriously changes the taste of the spring rolls.

The other Chef’s Special from Symphony Café will be the soup-based beef kuey teow noodle. Usually, what makes or breaks a bowl of noodles is the soup.

Vietnamese beef noodles

Here, using four types of herbs and boiled over slow fire for two hours, diners will certainly appreciate the tasty herbal soup, as opposed to other beef noodles in town, that tastes of, well, beef.

The aroma that wafted from my bowl of Vietnamese beef noodles made it most difficult to resist. It’s a must-try.

These Vietnamese dishes will be included in Symphony Café’s à la carte menu beginning October 1st, and will be available for lunch (12pm – 2.30pm) and dinner (7pm – 10.30pm) from Monday to Friday.

Price is RM15 nett per bowl of Vietnamese beef noodles and RM15 nett for five Vietnamese spring rolls.

Vietnamese menu:
1) Spring rolls X 5 – RM15 nett
2) Beef noodles – RM15 nett

Availability:
Monday to Friday (from Oct. 1st onwards)
Lunch: 12pm – 2.30pm
Dinner: 7pm – 10.30pm

Make your reservations via the contact details I have included below.

Symphony Café @ Symphony Suites Hotel
Add: 41, Lapangan Symphony Business Park, Jalan Lapangan Symphony, 31350 Ipoh, Perak.
GPS Coordinates: N 04 33.701′ E 101 06.729′

Tel: +605-312 2288
Fax: +605-312 2233

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Devout Taoists the world over usually observe a strict vegetarian diet during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. Although the festival is for nine days only, usually, those who go on vegetarian diet will do it on the eve of the festival as well.

However, there are some who would abstain from eating meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products, for thirty days, i.e. during the Chinese lunar ninth month.

Believed to be a form of penance, as well as mental and spiritual purification, devotees also remain celibate, refrain from impure thoughts and abstain from smoking and drinking liquor.

This annual practice may sound like quite a challenge, particularly for those just starting it, but ten days easily fly by in a blink of the eye.

Moreover, these days, vegetarian food is so varied, one could hardly determine if a dish has been prepared without meat.

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The photos enclosed in this post were taken at Su Sum Chinese & Thai Vegetarian (Restaurant) located in Ipoh Garden, Ipoh.

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This is one of the vegetarian shops that we have been patronising since the eve of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.

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As you can see, those who observe a vegetarian diet are spoilt for choice these days!

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Su Sum (Chinese & Thai Vegetarian)
Add: 59, Jalan Lau Pak Khuan, Ipoh Garden, 31400 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel: 05-5482015 / 012-4510766
Opening hours: 9.30am – 3pm & 5.30pm – 9pm. Open an hour earlier on the first and fifteenth day of Chinese Lunar months.
Rest day: Alternate Wednesdays

*for non-Muslims only

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1. freshly baked red tortoise buns

What initially began as a means of generating income to support the expenses of the temple and to celebrate the Nine Emperor Gods Festival has over the years, become much looked forward to by Taoist devotees from near and far.

2. a portion of the ingredients for photography purposes

3. one of the two electric mixers

It is said that the red tortoise-shaped buns baked by the devotee-volunteers at Sam Wong Kong temple in Batu Gajah are very much different from those sold at other places.

4. removing dough from the mixer

5. cutting the dough to size

With sponsored ingredients of flour, yeast and sugar mixed with water, and a secret ingredient, the flour is mixed, cut to size and shaped into tortoises. These buns are then sprayed with red colouring and sun-dried.

6. dough ready to be shaped

7. devotees volunteer their time and skills to bake red tortoise buns to be sold to support the temple

Once the dough has risen significantly under the heat of the sun, they are put into steamers, and steamed for 40 minutes. As you can imagine, the number of buns baked depends on the weather.

8. master baker sticking red beans as eyes onto the head of the tortoise bun

9. cutting excess paper off from the bottom of the buns

Baking a batch of tortoise buns would require about three hours. Therefore, the 100 volunteers are already at the temple before 7am to start “work”.

10. plain tortoise buns ready to be sprayed red and then sun-dried

11. spraying red colour onto the buns

Every day, about 40 25kg bags of flour are used up. Each bag is enough for a hundred buns only. Wow, that’s a lot of buns!

12. sun drying the buns before they are steamed

13. collecting the buns to be placed into steamers

Those who would like to purchase these buns, sold at RM1.60 each (or RM3.20 per pair), have to be at the temple early to collect a queue number, which is limited to one hundred a day. Buns are usually sold out by 5pm.

14. conventional steamers at full force

15. modern steamers

This annual ritual starts on the eve of Nine Emperor Gods Festival and ends on the last day. Admittedly, it is a lot of work, and devotees have to go on a vegetarian diet too.

16. a pair of tortoise buns are complimentary with every purchase of a joss pack

17. red tortoise buns hot off the steamer

The revenue collected from the sale of these tortoise buns are used, besides on the day-to-day running of the temple, to cover expenses incurred to celebrate the Nine Emperor Gods Festival as well as to provide complimentary vegetarian meals three times a day for devotees during the nine-day celebration.

18. the temple limits the sale of tortoise buns to a hundred buyers because demand outweighs supply

Sam Wong Kong (Taoist temple)
Add: off Jalan Tanjung Tualang, Batu Gajah, Perak.
GPS Coordinates: N 04° 28.037′ E101° 02.542′

*for non-Muslims only

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Despite objection from her husband, Puan Maizul Aini Bt. Hj. Meor Yahya persevered in her home business of cooking and selling Rendang Tok.

1. adding various ingredients into the wok to cook rending tok, under the watchful eye of Puan Maizul Aini (far right)

Twenty years since starting this small enterprise, and eight years after moving to her current factory in Tambun’s Halal Park, Puan Maizul is the proud owner of a range of food products that carry her brand name, Aini. Aini Rendang Tok is retailed by selected Mydin Hypermarket outlets.

2. 5kg of beef

What started off as a passion in cooking has brought Puan Maizul a long way. Winning second place in a cooking competition with an acar presentation was the catalyst that pushed her to aim for greater heights.

3. some of the ingredients for cooking rendang tok

Aini Rendang Tok is prepared using the secret recipe of Puan Maizul’s mother. Other food products by Aini are serunding (meat floss), dodol (confection), and of course, acar (pickles).

4. cooking rendang tok in a huge wok

The 62-year-old graciously shared her recipe with us during a cooking demonstration at her factory in Halal Park. She said that her spices are home-made and her palm sugar (gula kabung) is sourced from one place only – Parit, Perak.

5. lemang with rendang tok

Other ingredients include coconut butter (kerisik), salt, coconut milk (santan), onion, garlic, and not forgetting, beef. Cooked over a slow fire for about eight hours, the mixture has to be turned regularly to ensure the meat is well done.

6. dodol

Rendang Tok, a “luxury” spicy beef dish amongst the Malay community, named as such because it was the first rendang of all rendang dishes, is said to be originated from Perak (some say Indonesia). Back in the old days, it was food for the royals.

7. acar

Over the years, from Bukit Chandan in Kuala Kangsar, the Royal Town, its aroma and popularity spread and more people are able to get a taste of it. Today, it is a compulsory dish during Hari Raya celebrations, wedding feasts and thanksgiving.

To place an order for Puan Maizul’s Rendang Tok, serunding, dodol or acar, contact:

Semarak Mujarab Sdn. Bhd.
Add: D-15, Kawasan Industri MARA (KIM), Batu 7 1/2, Jalan Tambun, 31150 Ulu Kinta, Perak.
Tel: 05-5062307

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The husband and wife team of Saidi Othman and Zaliah Ibrahim who run Teratak Warisan Kampung during the past 15 years have kept the food served at the restaurant as authentic as possible.

Said to be traditional recipes from Malay villages in Kuala Kangsar, some of which are only available at this eatery, with Zaliah in charge of the kitchen, about 30 different dishes are served daily.

Apart from ordering off the menu, there are also stalls at the front of the restaurant serving even more local delicacies such as sup tulang.

Patrons at Teratak Warisan Kampung enjoy the food here, mainly because the home-style cooking of Zaliah reminds one of home.

9. time to dig in

Teratak Warisan Kampung receives a steady supply of river catch of freshwater fish and prawns, as you can see from these photos, and when pressed for her speciality, Zaliah recommended her “rendang udang galah” (giant freshwater prawns cooked in curry). There you go. Now you know what to order when dining at Teratak Warisan Kampung in Kuala Kangsar, Perak!

10. Teratak Warisan Kampung

Teratak Warisan Kampung
Add: 43, Bandar Baru, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
Tel: 016-5584955 (Saidi) / 016-4434955 (Zaliah)

Business hours:
Mon – Sat: 7.30am – 4.30pm
Sunday – closed

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With love

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