vkeong loves good food, travel and photography!
Bukit Mertajam
Bazaar Ramadhan @ Bandar Baru Perda, Seberang Perai Tengah
Aug 25th
Every year I will make it a point to visit the colorful and tantalizing Bazaar Ramadhan. Last year I was at one of the largest in Malaysia at Shah Alam and this year, I am visiting one near my house at Bandar Baru Perda, Seberang Perai Tengah.
The Bazaar Ramadhan at Bandar Baru Perda is located at the car park of Masjid Perda. I feel the best time to go is around 5pm, when the crowd is at its minimum and most of the stalls are already ready to sell their food.
Right at the entrance of the mosque is a Ayam Golek stall, selling a whole roast chicken at RM18. The minimum portion is half a chicken at RM9.
Phor Thor (Hungry Ghost Festival) @ Jalan Pasar, Bukit Mertajam
Aug 23rd
I bet you already know that it’s the Hungry Ghost Festival currently. During the Ghost Month the realms of Heaven and Hell are open, which releases ghosts, spirits including those of the deceased ancestors to roam the living world.
So, the Chinese are often advised to stay at home and prevent from going out late at night to avoid any unfortunate incidents that are believed to be caused by some mischievous hungry ghosts. There are also plenty of taboos to observe too, for example not to simply pee at the streets (especially true for kids) or referring the ghosts as your ‘heng dai’ or ‘hia ti’ (buddies).
When I was a child I used to believe in such things but as I grew up, these beliefs slowly vanished. My mom would bring me to Jalan Pasar in Bukit Mertajam where the festival has always been held to pay respects to the dead, and of course to seek protection and good luck from the ‘Tai Su Yah‘ (King of Hades). He is, after all the ruler of the underworld.
Shunka Japanese Restaurant @ Maju Utama Business Centre, Bukit Mertajam
Aug 5th
There aren’t many Japanese restaurants in BM so I am glad that Shunka Japanese Restaurant at Maju Utama Business Centre is a good one. This business centre is also home to a number restaurants and cafes like Bloggers Cafe, Station 1 and Old Town. Currently it is the most popular venue to hang out in BM, right after Autocity.
Garlic Fried Rice @ RM4.90 – surprisingly more satisfying than expected for the nice ‘wok hei’ and portion. I have always thought felt garlic fried rice is served in tiny bowls only. Besides egg and chopped garlic, some minced meat and mushroom are included too.
It has been a long time I have had sashimi so this Salmon Sashimi @ R 9.90 was purely to satisfy my sudden cravings. The freshness was OK and had a “frozen” taste and texture but honestly, I did not expect too much.
Bloggers Cafe Fusion Food @ Maju Utama Business Centre, Bukit Mertajam
Jul 27th
Usually when a new cafe opens I am quite hesitant to blog about it, fearing that it would close down not long after. Can’t blame me for having that feeling, as many cafes do come and go in a short period.
My skepticism was even stronger because the cafe has a rather corny name – Bloggers Cafe. It makes you wonder if only bloggers are allowed to eat inside, lol. Then there’s their menu, which seem to offer nothing special from its competition like Old Town and Station 1. It’s the same ol’ nasi lemak, chicken chop, instant noodles with ham and egg, toasts and ice blended drinks. Pretty standard cafe food.
But sometimes being normal and not doing anything fancy is actually good enough, as long as the food is not awful coupled with a competitive pricing. Then throw in a clean, comfy environment, courteous staff, free WIFI along with live singing and you have a busy cafe with happy returning customers. In fact, my house is very near to Bloggers Cafe and I hang out here quite often.
Butter and Homemade Kaya Toast @ RM2.50. I had their peanut butter and kaya toast before and they weren’t stingy with the spread at all, each bite was overflowing with fillings. So I was a bit baffled why the same did not apply for the butter and kaya toast lol. It was nice but I still prefer Old Town’s for the crispness.
A Western Set here costs RM12.90, which includes a soup, main course, drink and a dessert. The main course by default is normal chicken chop with tomato sauce with iced lemon tea. But for RM1 extra you can opt to “upgrade” your main course to black pepper or mushroom chicken chop, or have honey lemon instead.
