I recently visited Goa with AirAsia. It was a fascinating trip as I saw many parts of this smallest state of India with a unique history - Goa was ruled by the Portuguese until 1961. Travel helps us understand ourselves better. Some of my friends in Malaysia and Singapore have their roots in Goa.
You know, when I visit Bangkok (or just about anywhere), I hit the streets for food, shopping and the fascinating sights. So, I spend very little time in the hotel except to freshen/ wash up and to sleep.
There is something about Chinese steamboat or hotpot for get togethers. Steamboat is often the choice when friends meet up. There are hotpot restaurants of all shapes and sizes - small ones, and giant chains like Hai Di Lao from China which throw in all kinds of add on entertainment such as performances and karaoke. Still, the no frills small steamboat shops in the neighbourhood have their own appeal.
Just the other day, I was chatting with my friend Peggy and the topic drifted to what a great place the Swan Valley (Western Australia) is. Then she asked me if I went to Taylors. Yes, I did thanks to Shasa Stone from the City of Swan who hosted us. But, my point is, the subject of Taylors kept popping up when I speak with different people about the Swan Valley.
It seems anyone who has been to the Swan Valley remembers Taylors.
So, what is Taylors Art & Coffee House like?
Hi Wan kway teow kia 海皇粿条仔 is very popular among the local and Singaporean suppering crowd in JB - several friends have offered to visit Hi Wan with me ;-D Hi Wan operates from 5:30pm to 3:00am everyday.
I brought a stubborn bug with me to Perth, Australia - I was infected with the hipster cafe hopping bug and took it everywhere I went. My good friend Jo-Hann who lives in Perth tells me that I have to check out La Veen, one of his favourite coffee places.
The annual Mooncake Festival 中秋节 is around the corner (on 27 Sep 2015). In Kluang, Johor there are four well known traditional Chinese bakeries. Many people find going to Kluang just for mooncakes doesn't sound practical but I found it quite fun and interesting to combine it with a food trail in small town Malaysia.
This is a simple wanton noodle from a humble stall in 88 kopitiam in TUTA (Taman Ungku Tun Aminah), JB. It has been in this neighbourhood for over twenty years - a familiar favourite of many locals. 財伯手工麵 has no English name but translates literally as "Uncle Chye's Handmade Noodles".
As a big fan of ramen, I am very happy that a new ramen shop Fukuryu Ramen Dining 福龍日式拉麵 recently opened in Sutera Utama in Johor Bahru (near Sutera Mall).
I was invited to try the newly opened WaWa Korean Fried Chicken stall in Johor Bahru's City Square Mall. I was happy to try it as I have never tasted Korean fried chicken before even though it had been the rage for a while now in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
