La zha meen means "dirty noodles" in Cantonese colloquialism but there is nothing dirty about these delicious noodles at all. People from far and wide travel to taste these "dirty noodles".
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Dirty Mee LalaZatzat in Lukut, Negri Sembilan 面久拉揸面食
There are two popular shops in the small town of Lukut near Seremban and Port Dickson (Malaysia) run by the Teng 鄧 family, famous for their "dirty noodles" or la zha meen 拉揸面.
La zha meen means "dirty noodles" in Cantonese colloquialism but there is nothing dirty about these delicious noodles at all. People from far and wide travel to taste these "dirty noodles".
La zha meen means "dirty noodles" in Cantonese colloquialism but there is nothing dirty about these delicious noodles at all. People from far and wide travel to taste these "dirty noodles".
Dirty Noodles at Lukut near Port Dickson, Seremban 貴嫂麵 拉渣面
During our trip to Port Dickson, when we asked locals at the nearby Lukut town what to eat in their hometown, the first thing that came to their minds was "dirty noodles" 拉渣面.
Famous "dirty noodles?"
That sounds very interesting.
Definitely must try ;-D
Famous "dirty noodles?"
That sounds very interesting.
Definitely must try ;-D
Ramen at Dontaku in City Square Mall in Johor Bahru
As a recent ramen convert, I am keen to look for a good ramen joint in Johor Bahru. As Dontaku Japanese Restaurant in City Square Mall has a good range of ramen, I harboured hopes that it will be my ramen haunt in JB.
Alas, it was not to be. I have tried the ramen at Dontaku several times but came away from recent visits unimpressed.
Alas, it was not to be. I have tried the ramen at Dontaku several times but came away from recent visits unimpressed.
VisonData Pocket Wifi (Singapore) Update: Business Closed
As an avid food and travel blogger, it is crucial that I stay connected with readers on my social media platforms during my (sometimes long) overseas trips. I can't wait to share pictures of droolicious food and breathtaking scenery with my readers.
As it is too easy to run up exorbitant data roaming charges during travels, I am constantly looking out for more affordable, hassle free yet reliable means of staying connected. So, I was really excited when VisonData Singapore invited me to try out their Pocket Wifi.
The idea is really simple.
As it is too easy to run up exorbitant data roaming charges during travels, I am constantly looking out for more affordable, hassle free yet reliable means of staying connected. So, I was really excited when VisonData Singapore invited me to try out their Pocket Wifi.
The idea is really simple.
Kway Teow Kia in JB Johor Bahru at Restoran Ka Hoe 榕树下粿条仔
I needed a substantial early breakfast in Johor Bahru before the 3 hour long drive north to Pork Dickson.
I picked the popular kway teow kia stall at Restoran Kah Hoe (a corner kopitiam near Plaza Pelangi) for early breakfast (opens at 7:00am). Plaza Pelangi is just a short detour off my route and I can rejoin the EDL to the North South Expressway easily (via Jalan Biru) after breakfast.
Dunman Road Char Siew Wanton Mee Singapore 德明叉烧云吞面
I hesitated a while before writing this post, as Dunman Road Char Siew Wanton Mee has not much going for it except for it's exceptional chili sauce. I decided to go ahead as some of you might be persuaded by the unique chili sauce alone, and also taste is subjective, so there may be more going for Dunman Road Char Siew Wanton Mee in other's opinion.
Joo Chiat Ah Huat Wanton Noodle at Dunman Road Food Centre Singapore
I've long wanted to try the famous Joo Chiat Ah Huat Wanton Noodle at Dunman Road Food Centre in Singapore. It's the favourite wanton noodle of many of my foodie buddies.
Joo Chiat Ah Huat Wanton Noodle's fans know that it was once known as Ang Moh wanton mee (Hong Mao Mian Jia 红毛面家). After years doing business in the Joo Chiat area since the 1960s, the owners of Ang Moh wanton mee retired but reopened in 2013 as Joo Chiat Ah Huat Wanton Noodle to the cheers of their loyal fans.
Joo Chiat Ah Huat Wanton Noodle's fans know that it was once known as Ang Moh wanton mee (Hong Mao Mian Jia 红毛面家). After years doing business in the Joo Chiat area since the 1960s, the owners of Ang Moh wanton mee retired but reopened in 2013 as Joo Chiat Ah Huat Wanton Noodle to the cheers of their loyal fans.
Antoinette Restaurant Singapore - Yusheng & Chinese New Year Classics with French Twists
With Chinese New Year just around the corner, I was invited to preview Antoinette Restaurant's Lunar New Year 2015 collection.
As Antoinette is specially well known for it's fine French cakes and pastries, and owner Chef Pang is famous for his bold innovations, I was looking forward to Antoinette's interpretation of the traditional Chinese New Year classics.
Antoinette's Chinese New Year creations were indeed interesting and fun to eat while staying connected to it's festive roots.
YuSheng is a Southeast Asian Chinese tradition for kicking the Lunar New Year off to a rousing start.
This Year of the Goat, my first YuSheng session was Queen's YuSheng - Chef Pang's reinvention of the iconic Chinese New Year celebration dish.
Antoinette's Queen's YuSheng is like no other YuSheng that I have seen before.
An auspicious giant chocolate Golden Egg was cradled by a nest of chocolate fish, gold ingots, and gold coins; 5-spiced almonds and cashews; mandarin orange butter cake and meringue kisses; and yam and sweet potato crisps.
The large Golden Egg was hatched with a little help from Maureen aka Miss Tam Chiak.
The Golden Egg popped open to "birth" Asian fresh fruit - pineapple, mandarin orange, Thai green mango, red dragon fruit, and pomelo.
The shower of house blended mandarin orange, plum and gula melaka sauce, signalled the start of the customary festive YuSheng tossing.
Known as LoHei 撈起 in Cantonese which sounds like the "prosperity and success in ventures" in Cantonese colloquialism, the communal salad tossing is a get together to wish each other the best in the new year. The revellers will toss the YuSheng ingredients in gusto while shouting auspicious greetings like "生意兴隆", "吉星高照", "年年有余" just to name a few.
Chef Pang wanted his Queen's YuSheng to appeal equally to all age groups, young and old. A creation to mark Singapore’s 50th year of independence and to connect the generations of Singaporeans.
He also created this without the traditional raw fish slices so that both his little girls (Charlotte and Chloe) can enjoy it, and also in time to celebrate the arrival of his baby boy in January 2015.
Antoinette's YuSheng is a unique fusion of cultures, Chinese motifs and ingredients wedded to the art of French patisserie and chocolate making.
Children are bound to squeal with delight at the trove of sweets, chocolate and zesty fruits. For adults, Queen's YuSheng is an interesting variation that adds variety to the many rounds of "the same" YuSheng every year.
Queen’s YuSheng is available at SGD88++ from 9 Feb to 5 Mar 2015 at Antoinette's 30 Penhas Road outlet. (One day advance order for dine in and takeaway.)
Besides Queen's YuSheng, Antoinette has a full range of traditional Chinese New Year goodies in it's festive collection. We stayed on after the YuSheng session and chatted over CNY goodies and tea.
Pork Floss Meringue.
I am not a fan of traditional Chinese pork floss sticks which are often too porky, too salty, and too hard. By blending in light fluffy French meringue pastry, Chef Pang added balance with a touch of sweetness and airy lightness.
Traditional pineapple tart.
Traditional fried honeycomb cracker.
Chocolate Love Letter.
That familiar crispy eggy flour crepe with a gold dusted coat of fine Valrhona Caraibe 66% dark chocolate.
Spiced sweet potato chips.
Antoinette has more in their Chinese New Year collection which you can try by visiting one of their outlets in Singapore, or visiting their website.
Restaurant name: Antoinette French Restaurant
Address: 30 Penhas Road, Singapore (branches at Mandarin Gallery and Palais Renaissance)
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/KoWyL
GPS: 1.309431,103.862712
Hours: Mon - Thu: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm | Fri: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm | Sat: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm | Sun: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Non Halal
Date visited: 8 Aug 2014
Return to Johor Kaki homepage.
As Antoinette is specially well known for it's fine French cakes and pastries, and owner Chef Pang is famous for his bold innovations, I was looking forward to Antoinette's interpretation of the traditional Chinese New Year classics.
Antoinette's Chinese New Year creations were indeed interesting and fun to eat while staying connected to it's festive roots.
YuSheng is a Southeast Asian Chinese tradition for kicking the Lunar New Year off to a rousing start.
This Year of the Goat, my first YuSheng session was Queen's YuSheng - Chef Pang's reinvention of the iconic Chinese New Year celebration dish.
Antoinette's Queen's YuSheng is like no other YuSheng that I have seen before.
An auspicious giant chocolate Golden Egg was cradled by a nest of chocolate fish, gold ingots, and gold coins; 5-spiced almonds and cashews; mandarin orange butter cake and meringue kisses; and yam and sweet potato crisps.
The large Golden Egg was hatched with a little help from Maureen aka Miss Tam Chiak.
The Golden Egg popped open to "birth" Asian fresh fruit - pineapple, mandarin orange, Thai green mango, red dragon fruit, and pomelo.
The shower of house blended mandarin orange, plum and gula melaka sauce, signalled the start of the customary festive YuSheng tossing.
Known as LoHei 撈起 in Cantonese which sounds like the "prosperity and success in ventures" in Cantonese colloquialism, the communal salad tossing is a get together to wish each other the best in the new year. The revellers will toss the YuSheng ingredients in gusto while shouting auspicious greetings like "生意兴隆", "吉星高照", "年年有余" just to name a few.
Chef Pang wanted his Queen's YuSheng to appeal equally to all age groups, young and old. A creation to mark Singapore’s 50th year of independence and to connect the generations of Singaporeans.
He also created this without the traditional raw fish slices so that both his little girls (Charlotte and Chloe) can enjoy it, and also in time to celebrate the arrival of his baby boy in January 2015.
Antoinette's YuSheng is a unique fusion of cultures, Chinese motifs and ingredients wedded to the art of French patisserie and chocolate making.
Children are bound to squeal with delight at the trove of sweets, chocolate and zesty fruits. For adults, Queen's YuSheng is an interesting variation that adds variety to the many rounds of "the same" YuSheng every year.
Queen’s YuSheng is available at SGD88++ from 9 Feb to 5 Mar 2015 at Antoinette's 30 Penhas Road outlet. (One day advance order for dine in and takeaway.)
Besides Queen's YuSheng, Antoinette has a full range of traditional Chinese New Year goodies in it's festive collection. We stayed on after the YuSheng session and chatted over CNY goodies and tea.
Pork Floss Meringue.
I am not a fan of traditional Chinese pork floss sticks which are often too porky, too salty, and too hard. By blending in light fluffy French meringue pastry, Chef Pang added balance with a touch of sweetness and airy lightness.
Traditional pineapple tart.
Traditional fried honeycomb cracker.
Chocolate Love Letter.
That familiar crispy eggy flour crepe with a gold dusted coat of fine Valrhona Caraibe 66% dark chocolate.
Spiced sweet potato chips.
Antoinette has more in their Chinese New Year collection which you can try by visiting one of their outlets in Singapore, or visiting their website.
Restaurant name: Antoinette French Restaurant
Address: 30 Penhas Road, Singapore (branches at Mandarin Gallery and Palais Renaissance)
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/KoWyL
GPS: 1.309431,103.862712
Hours: Mon - Thu: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm | Fri: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm | Sat: 10:00 am - 11:00 pm | Sun: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Non Halal
Date visited: 8 Aug 2014
Return to Johor Kaki homepage.
Xperience Restaurant Valentine Dinner at Sofitel So Singapore
With Valentine Day just around the corner, I was invited to preview the Valentine Day dinner at Xperience Restaurant in Sofitel So Singapore.
This was my first visit to Xperience French Restaurant at Sofitel So Singapore since it opened in May last year.
Sofitel is housed in an elegant heritage building along Singapore's Robinson Road, right in the centre of Singapore's financial district.
Inside Xperience Restaurant, the decor was elegant contemporary French chic with neat clean lines.
The open concept, state-of-art Moltani kitchen stood at one end of the medium size restaurant.
Xperience Restaurant was generally bright with a quirky booth in the corner for people who prefer a little privacy.
On 13 Feb 2015, Xperience Restaurant is offering this 3-course French Valentine Dinner at SGD128++ per person. The set comes with a welcome cocktail and wine pairing. Ladies enjoy an extra touch of a welcome red rose ;-D
On 14 Feb 2015, there will be a 5-course Valentine Dinner at SGD188++ per person (which we didn't preview).
We were served champagne during the preview event.
Bread which we ate with olive oil and butter while waiting for the dinner to begin.
The dinner was kicked off with Amuse Bouche with creamy soft steamed egg, caviar and oyster with kick.
Next up was the refreshing appetiser of soft fresh pulled crab meat, crunchy seaweed, zesty grapefruit, and cucumber paired with cold ginger sorbet.
The main course was an inch thick medallion of grilled beef tenderloin.
The well browned medallion was served with salsifies (European taproot), asparagus stalks, chopped mushroom and truffles, drizzled with stylish swirls of brown and asparagus sauce.
The default doneness was medium rare, which also happened to be the way I like my steaks. If you prefer other doneness, remember to alert the wait staff.
The thick chunk of grilled beef tenderloin had a very slight crisp char outside while the inside was beefy tender. The flavourings were well restrained so that we can appreciate the natural smoky, creamy taste of beef.
The Valentine Dinner was wrapped up on a sweet note with a large sharing dessert shaped like a foot long scroll tube. (Perhaps, suggesting that Registry of Marriages scroll?)
After the heavy meal so far, we struggled and failed to finish the sweet, tart and chocolaty dessert.
The Valentine dinner ends with your choice of coffee or tea to go with the sharing dessert.
Just as the ladies were warmly welcomed with a stalk of red rose, they were farewell with a box of charming praline toend start the night on a sweet note.
Overall, Xperience Restaurant's Valentine Dinner was a well balanced experience of colour, design, textures, and flavours. Not quite the pinnacle class of European fine dining but still a likable Valentine Dinner in a semi-fine, relaxed setting with appropriate added on romantic touches.
Restaurant name: Xperience Restaurant & Bar (at Sofitel So Singapore)
Address: 35 Robinson Rd, Singapore
Xperience Restaurant was generally bright with a quirky booth in the corner for people who prefer a little privacy.
On 13 Feb 2015, Xperience Restaurant is offering this 3-course French Valentine Dinner at SGD128++ per person. The set comes with a welcome cocktail and wine pairing. Ladies enjoy an extra touch of a welcome red rose ;-D
On 14 Feb 2015, there will be a 5-course Valentine Dinner at SGD188++ per person (which we didn't preview).
We were served champagne during the preview event.
Bread which we ate with olive oil and butter while waiting for the dinner to begin.
The dinner was kicked off with Amuse Bouche with creamy soft steamed egg, caviar and oyster with kick.
Next up was the refreshing appetiser of soft fresh pulled crab meat, crunchy seaweed, zesty grapefruit, and cucumber paired with cold ginger sorbet.
The main course was an inch thick medallion of grilled beef tenderloin.
The well browned medallion was served with salsifies (European taproot), asparagus stalks, chopped mushroom and truffles, drizzled with stylish swirls of brown and asparagus sauce.
The default doneness was medium rare, which also happened to be the way I like my steaks. If you prefer other doneness, remember to alert the wait staff.
The thick chunk of grilled beef tenderloin had a very slight crisp char outside while the inside was beefy tender. The flavourings were well restrained so that we can appreciate the natural smoky, creamy taste of beef.
The Valentine Dinner was wrapped up on a sweet note with a large sharing dessert shaped like a foot long scroll tube. (Perhaps, suggesting that Registry of Marriages scroll?)
After the heavy meal so far, we struggled and failed to finish the sweet, tart and chocolaty dessert.
The Valentine dinner ends with your choice of coffee or tea to go with the sharing dessert.
Just as the ladies were warmly welcomed with a stalk of red rose, they were farewell with a box of charming praline to
Overall, Xperience Restaurant's Valentine Dinner was a well balanced experience of colour, design, textures, and flavours. Not quite the pinnacle class of European fine dining but still a likable Valentine Dinner in a semi-fine, relaxed setting with appropriate added on romantic touches.
Restaurant name: Xperience Restaurant & Bar (at Sofitel So Singapore)
Address: 35 Robinson Rd, Singapore
Hours: Dinner till 10:30pm
Phone: +65 6701 6800
Non Halal
Date visited: 22 Jan 2015
Return to Johor Kaki homepage.
The Entertainer App 2015
As an food lover and avid blogger, food cost is a big concern to me as I prefer to pay for my own meals. Eating out frequently is a strain on my shallow pockets (not shy to say this lah ;-p ).
So, when "The Entertainer App" invited me to try out it's "Buy 1 Get 1 Free Deals", I jumped at the offer as I thought it would be the foodie's/ food blogger's life saver that I had been looking for.
Now, with the "The Entertainer App" I can jio (invite) a foodie/ blogger kaki (buddy) and split the food bill. We can also try more dishes and it is more fun.
"The Entertainer App" headquartered in Dubai can be used in 15 countries including Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia (my main foraying grounds ;-p ).
At the moment, over 750 Singapore restaurants, hotels and others will honour "The Entertainer App". More businesses are coming on board.
I will be trying out "The Entertainer App" for one year (in 2015). Follow me as I explore the "1-for-1" food and travel deals with "The Entertainer App" and share with you my experiences with the App, and of course, the food.
Downloading and purchasing "The Entertainer App 2015" from iTunes or Play Store costs SGD60 (early bird offer) and we can use the "Buy 1 Get 1 Free Deals" everyday except for eve of and public holidays for the whole of year 2015.
If you use my promo code 2015JOHOR, you will get an additional 10% discount off SGD60 (early bird offer). Early bird and 10% discount are valid till 28 Feb 2015.
Now that I have "The Entertainer App", I can't wait to check out the restaurants at "1-for-1" free.
Follow me to find out how I like these "1-for-1" deals.
Return to Johor Kaki homepage.
Best Ramen in NYC New York
No not really the top 10 best ramen in New York City, just my personal favourites after trying numerous ramen shops during my 10 week stay in NYC ;-D
All these ramen shops are excellent though not in every department; so here I am just highlighting each shop's best points and let you read the full review by clicking on the links. The shops are not listed in any particular order or ranking.
All these ramen shops are excellent though not in every department; so here I am just highlighting each shop's best points and let you read the full review by clicking on the links. The shops are not listed in any particular order or ranking.
Bloody Angle Murder Alley of Chinatown Manhattan NYC New York City
Doyers Street is invariably part of the itinerary of any guided tour of New York City's Chinatown. Tourist guides always take their groups down this short 60 metre stretch of bendy, one-way backstreet off the main streets of Manhattan's Chinatown.
Lupe's East LA Kitchen in NYC New York
While in New York City, I took the opportunity to try the popular East LA Mexican restaurant Lupe's in SOHO (south of Houston Street).
As I have not tried East LA Mexican before, I have no idea what good East LA Mexican food tastes like.
Still, I enjoyed the food at Lupe's (which I visited twice during my short stay in New York City).
The simple, tiny, casual restaurant was extremely popular. It was full house during lunch. The people were all very relaxed and were enjoying cheerful banter with their party. It was noisy, actually more noisy than a Chinese dim sum hall ;-p
There was a bar serving Mexican style drinks like cocktails, cervezas, and tequila,
Quesadilla USD6.25.
The appetiser was melted cheese and jalapeno salsa folded in a grilled flour tortilla.
The paper thin flour tortilla was grilled to a crisp. It was a soft kind of crisp that crumbled easily.
Eaten with a spicy, tangy sauce and chopped vegetables, the quesadilla was a nice light appetiser.
Beef burrito Colorado USD11.25 (before tax and tip).
The entrees come with lightly flavoured fluffy rice and a salad of chopped fresh lettuce and tomatoes.
The burrito was loaded with savoury sweet juice wrapped inside a sleeve of soft flour crepe.
The shredded beefy savoury sweet stewed beef was melty creamy soft. I love it a lot.
Roast pork burrito USD11.95 (before tax and tip).
The soft flour wrap was filled with roast pork, black beans, cheese and red chili sauce.
I like the mushy soft black beans in the creamy cheese and chili sauce. The pork were cubed and slightly fibrous with a slight porcine flavour.
There were several fascinating colourful bottled sauces on the table.
I tried all of them and especially liked this bright glowing green sauce the most. It had a nice hot sting and a pleasant vinegary tangy flavour.
There may be better Mexican food in LA and Mexico, but in New York City, I had good experiences at Lupe's.
Next time, Lupe's chicken enchiladas mole poblano which is shredded chicken in a traditional rich dark brown chili sauce of 20 ingredients. I shall also try some Mexican style beverages.
Restaurant name: Lupe's (East LA Kitchen)
Address: 110 Avenue of the Americas, NYC New York (junction of 6th Ave and Watts Street)
Map: http://bit.ly/LupesMex
Hours: 10:00 am – 12:00 midnight
Date visited: 16 Jan 2015
Return to Johor Kaki homepage.
As I have not tried East LA Mexican before, I have no idea what good East LA Mexican food tastes like.
Still, I enjoyed the food at Lupe's (which I visited twice during my short stay in New York City).
The simple, tiny, casual restaurant was extremely popular. It was full house during lunch. The people were all very relaxed and were enjoying cheerful banter with their party. It was noisy, actually more noisy than a Chinese dim sum hall ;-p
There was a bar serving Mexican style drinks like cocktails, cervezas, and tequila,
Quesadilla USD6.25.
The appetiser was melted cheese and jalapeno salsa folded in a grilled flour tortilla.
The paper thin flour tortilla was grilled to a crisp. It was a soft kind of crisp that crumbled easily.
Eaten with a spicy, tangy sauce and chopped vegetables, the quesadilla was a nice light appetiser.
Beef burrito Colorado USD11.25 (before tax and tip).
The entrees come with lightly flavoured fluffy rice and a salad of chopped fresh lettuce and tomatoes.
The burrito was loaded with savoury sweet juice wrapped inside a sleeve of soft flour crepe.
The shredded beefy savoury sweet stewed beef was melty creamy soft. I love it a lot.
Roast pork burrito USD11.95 (before tax and tip).
The soft flour wrap was filled with roast pork, black beans, cheese and red chili sauce.
I like the mushy soft black beans in the creamy cheese and chili sauce. The pork were cubed and slightly fibrous with a slight porcine flavour.
There were several fascinating colourful bottled sauces on the table.
I tried all of them and especially liked this bright glowing green sauce the most. It had a nice hot sting and a pleasant vinegary tangy flavour.
There may be better Mexican food in LA and Mexico, but in New York City, I had good experiences at Lupe's.
Next time, Lupe's chicken enchiladas mole poblano which is shredded chicken in a traditional rich dark brown chili sauce of 20 ingredients. I shall also try some Mexican style beverages.
Restaurant name: Lupe's (East LA Kitchen)
Address: 110 Avenue of the Americas, NYC New York (junction of 6th Ave and Watts Street)
Map: http://bit.ly/LupesMex
Hours: 10:00 am – 12:00 midnight
Date visited: 16 Jan 2015
Return to Johor Kaki homepage.