vkeong loves good food, travel and photography!
Selangor
Steaks & Western Food @ Maria’s Cafe and Restaurant, Damansara Perdana, PJ
Nov 23rd
After spending hundreds of Ringgit on steaks at other famous restaurants in Klang Valley like Prime, Gaucho Grill, Jake’s, Las Vacas, Meatworks, Suzi’s Corner etc, in the end I still find myself going back to Maria’s Cafe. Overall, they are still the best in my book after weighing all the factors, especially quality and affordability.
As mentioned in my previous posts here and here, the steaks at Maria’s are heavily marinated to add more flavor into the meats. So if you are a steak purist then obviously this is not your thing. I have tried the Kobe and Wagyu here in two previous visits so this time I went for the Australian Black Angus (190gm, medium rare & no sauce) instead. Although this looks like a tenderloin, it is actually a rib eye cut with a tag price of Rm42/100gm. Among the three high-end steak meat, Black Angus would be the most affordable to most of our budgets. Click here to continue reading >
Sumo Japanese Restaurant @ Subang Business Centre, USJ
Oct 23rd
I only got to know about Sumo Japanese Restaurant after they approached me to photograph food required for their restaurant’s new menu. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking, my photos aren’t great and I am not a professional, which is why I turned it down in the end. Even though the project did not kick off, I was glad I had the opportunity sample some of their food during the project’s initial discussions.
Anyway, I am not going to lie to you: the meals were complimentary but I honestly thought the food was good. Hence SL and I returned as paying customers a few days ago to celebrate my birthday.
Sumo serves very fresh salmon and that is also the main reason that got me hooked. The Salmon Sashimi Belly @ RM30 seems expensive for the portion but if you compare it with other Japanese restaurants, the serving size and price are actually similar.
The Rainbow Roll @ RM19.90 is a combination of tuna, white tuna and salmon served with a creamy and sweet Tobiko (fish roe) Mayonnaise sauce. The rolls have a slightly crunchy texture at the center and taste delicious on their own, but it is the rich dipping sauce that makes the dish so satisfying. Personally, I like this a lot and I feel it would suit those who have strong taste buds.
Authentic Penang Nasi Kandar @ Restoran Kok Siong, Puchong
Oct 20th
The truth is that it is hard to find a decent Nasi Kandar in Klang Valley, at least one that could satisfy a Penangite’s craving. I can understand the lack of enthusiasm towards Nasi Kandar among KL people because I have to agree with them that it is more like an overpriced curry rice over here. It is also sad to know that the more popular Nasi Kandar chains like Pelita and Kayu are being used as yardsticks for our famous Penang Nasi Kandar, when in fact a hardcore Penang Nasi Kandar lover would gladly choose Kampong Melayu or Shariff‘s on any given day for the authenticty and affordability.
So when a colleague recommended me a Nasi Kandar at a coffee shop in Puchong that actually tastes like Penang’s, I jumped to try it. I never doubted his recommendation at all because besides him being a Penangite, he is one of the hardcore Nasi Kandar lovers I mentioned earlier. Turns the boss did not put up the word ‘Penang’ on his stall for nothing, his curry dishes do carry that unique spicy flavor of a true Penang Nasi Kandar. Well, of course it is not great as Kampong Melayu’s or Shariff’s. But given that you don’t need to travel all the way to Penang for the best ones, this particular stall at Restoran Kok Siong is probably the next best thing.
Specialty Noodles & Roast Pork @ Restaurant Kuala Lipis Noodle, Sunway Mas PJ
Sep 21st
Kuala Lipis Noodle is the latest restaurant to open at Sunway Mas, PJ. It is a family business and their specialties are none other than their self-made specialty noodle, roast pork and char siew.
The dark minced meat specialty noodle @ RM4 is nothing like I have eaten before. It looks like a thicker version of laksa noodle but it feels more dense, doesn’t break off easily hence the more ‘Q’ texture. More importantly, it is free of preservatives, no additives and no funny alkaline taste – just a plain good ol’ noodle. The non pretentious minced meat topping has a strong flavor with a hint of sweetness, which emits an inviting aroma when it is still hot.
