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Halal
Halal food
‘Kam Mou’ Pahang Durian @ SS2, Petaling Jaya
Apr 6th
You don’t need me to tell you that Durian season is here again, those road side durian stalls are surely a good indication. I still remember the durian buffet I had at Donald’s Durian at SS2 for RM10 more than a year ago. Now, the price has gone up to RM15 due to low harvest.
Instead of buffet, we had ala carte durians this time around at the stall opposite Donald’s Durian located just behind the SS2 police station. It has no particular name except for the banner that says “Pahang Durian“. But you could easily identify the owner by his gold-dyed hair, which is also why people usually refer him as ‘Kam Mou’.
We opened a Bamboo Leg (Chook Keok) first but personally I did not fancy even though it is considered second only to the Raja Kunyit. The pulp’s texture is just too dry for my liking and durian is supposed to be creamy, no? Next we went for the XO Durian but found it to be half dry. But being a “Sure Eat Guarantee” stall, you could always request a new one as replacement.
Anjappar Authentic Chettinad Restaurant @ Bangsar
Mar 28th
A sudden craving for Biryani (Biriyani, Briyani or Beriani, however you spell it) brought me to Anjappar at Bangsar, a restaurant originating from Chennai that specializes in Chettinad cuisine. Chettinad cuisine is known for heavy use of spices, making it one of the most aromatic in India. And apparently, Anjappar also serves the best Mutton Biryani around according to my Indian colleagues. Well, they should know best.
Unlike our local version of Nasi Briyani that comes in individual claypots, the Biryani here is served traditionally in small steel pots. Cooling red onion Raita (Indian yogury salad) and spicy chicken curry gravy are the usual accompaniments.
Bibi Chik Halal Nyonya Restaurant @ SS2
Mar 23rd
There is another halal Nyonya restaurant called Bibi Chik at SS2, located at the row of shops just behind the Nyonya Restaurant I went earlier last year. I have always wanted to give it a try because according to a friend who have been to both restaurants, he thinks Bibi Chik fared slightly better. Recently, we had a farewell lunch for our colleague there. But since the dishes are pre-ordered, I do not know how much they cost.
Due to the new coat of maroon paint, the restaurant felt kind of dark and gloomy but not without a distinctive feel. First dish to arrive was Crispy Brinjal, which easily won everyone over. From the looks it seems ordinary enough but you would be pleasantly surprised by the taste. The brinjals still retained the soft and mushy texture on the inside but on the honey coated outside, it was slightly crisp with a crunch. This is more like an appetizer actually.
Flying Chillies Halal Thai Restaurant @ The Gardens
Mar 1st
There are only a few Thai restaurants in The Gardens. Flying Chillies is expensive but suitable for people who are dining in groups. Rak Thai (lower ground floor) on the other hand is cheaper in comparison and has more individual set meals. But avoid the latter because their food is a joke. It was so bad that none of us managed to finish the so-called signature dishes at Rak Thai. So if you’re craving for Thai food while shopping here, you could either head to the food court for the cheaper Thai food stalls or you could splurge at Flying Chillies.
We started off with the highly recommended appetizer here, Mieng Kam @ RM21.50, a traditional Thai appetizer that combines various ingredients as fillings for the betel leaves. If you are unsure of how to eat it, the staff would gladly show you the way.
Starting with a betel leaf, it is rolled into a pocket shape. Then ginger, shallots, roasted peanut, coconut, bird’s eye chili and dried shrimps are added into the leaf according to your personal liking. And lastly, spoon a generous dollop of the tangy sauce on top and you are sure to experience a burst of flavor later. If you are new to this, lower your expectations and you might enjoy it more.
