Month: May 2022

Feel the Alps at Chalet Edelweiss

Feel the Alps at Chalet Edelweiss

Chalet Edelweiss — a unique experience that transports guests from the heat of the tropics to the sweeping horizons of the alps. Be transported to golden wheat fields, hear the howling wind, smell the fresh alpine air and feel the cool breeze while tasting a 

Feeling cheesey at Cotta KL

Feeling cheesey at Cotta KL

Hidden away above a mini market, Cotta KL is like a speakeasy bar but with ricotta cheese on the menu. The 3 key staples here are the Classic Ricotta Toast (RM18), Smoked Salmon Ricotta Toast (RM26) and Chuck Mooris (RM25). The Classic consists of a 

Somersby 0.0 makes a splashing entrance

Somersby 0.0 makes a splashing entrance

Somersby has launched another progressive new variant, a refreshingly different thirst quencher which is the alcohol-free Somersby Apple 0.0, brewed with premium non-alcoholic fermented apple juice,

The launch was at Popsicola.KL where customers, members of the press and guests enjoyed a lively pool party that depicted the creative nature of the brand with non-alcoholic 0.0 signs spotted around the venue. Filled with treats and goodies, Somersby Apple 0.0 made an impressive splash alongside great food and pulsating music around the innovative mocktails and slushies concocted with Somersby 0.0.

Launch gambit with former National Synchronised Swim team
Carlsberg management team together with Stefano (centre) toasting the launch

Known for its enjoyable traits, Somersby 0.0 maintains the brand’s true essence – a sparkling fruit beverage that comes with the finest ingredients akin to a cider mixed with a spritzer minus the alcohol content. Somersby Apple 0.0 has the celebratory feel of #refreshinglymore than just another fruity drink.

Mixologist Angel concocted 2 mocktails to go with Somersby 0.0

Comes with a fresh blue hue on its packaging, signifying alcohol-free universally, Somersby Apple 0.0 is brewed with premium apple juice, without any form of alcohol-based liquid added. Classified under the soft drink category, it is a sparking juice drink perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the moment, anytime, anywhere, and any way they like for a #RefreshinglyMore experience.

“Alcohol-free beverages are getting popular globally as consumer interest in wellness and alcohol-free products grows. Building on the growth momentum of our stellar Somersby Apple brand, we believe this is the perfect time to introduce an alcohol-free sparkling fruit drink variant. Somersby 0.0 offers the refreshing taste and same premium quality of Somersby Apple that complements all types of drinking occasions and lifestyles as it is non-alcoholic,” said Stefano Clini, Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia.

“Choosing Somersby as the brand for our first foray into the non-alcoholic beverage category adds the icing on the cake to our portfolio brands. Our emphasis on innovation and quality goes beyond just producing great beer. The Somersby 0.0 alcohol-free beverage gives us the opportunity to deliver new revenue by venturing into an untapped market. It also enables us to be a committed brewer in advocating responsible consumption,” added Clini.

Somersby Apple 0.0 is now available in 320ml cans, 4-pack cans and a carton, in stores nationwide. From now until the end of June, consumers who purchase any two 4-can pack of Somersby Apple 0.0 can redeem a cool and exclusive Somersby 0.0 Slushy Maker. There will also be sampling opportunities for consumer around the town’s hottest spots to give consumers a taste of the latest Somersby addition.

For the latest on Somersby, check up SomersbyMY on Facebook www.facebook.com/SomersbyMy and Instagram www.instagram.com/somersbymy.

Singapore chain Wok Hey debuts in Malaysia

Singapore chain Wok Hey debuts in Malaysia

WOK HEY, a fast-casual, convenient, take-out kiosk concept from Singapore, offering nutritional, value-for-money, customisable Asian stir-fry dishes, is now in Malaysia. Inspired by the cornerstone of Cantonese-style cooking, WOK HEY was seeded on the idea of creating modern interpretations of the traditional Asian stir-fry staples 

New chapter for century-old biscuit shop Fung Wong

New chapter for century-old biscuit shop Fung Wong

A biscuit shop with a century-old heritage. That’s an inspiring tale indeed, considering how Fung Wong was started by Chang Weng who just loved to bake and shared biscuits with friends back in Guangdong, China. The actual shop began at 28, Jalan Hang Lekir in 

Drinking in the ambience at Ramen Bar ShiShiDo

Drinking in the ambience at Ramen Bar ShiShiDo

My first ever bowl of uber ramen at Menya Shi Shi Do was mind-blowing as the Black Garlic tonkotsu was rich, full-bodied and packed a punch like no other. After 5 years, no thanks to the pandemic, the Jaya One outlet closed in June 2021 after 5 years. Luckily there were already plans for expansion and Ramen Bar Shi Shi Do opened in Gasket Alley end of 2020. Other new ramen joints have since opened, giving the top seed placing a run for its money.

Given my current ramen quest, I finally dined in at Ramen Bar and was awed at how the whole dining experience wasn’t just about appreciating ramen, but drinking in the ambience too.

I shan’t go on about the Ramen as there will always be fans and be detractors. We had the Black Garlic, and duo of Black Garlic and Basil pork bone broth. Some say standards have dropped here, but it had all the trimmings – springy noodles with tender pieces of chashu, a full egg, black fungus and spring onion for RM25, a little more if you marry two or three types of flavours together or add on extra toppings. While it wasn’t quite as rich as I remember it, food was still good. We also had the Lemon Tonkotsu (RM23) which was interesting in taste but didn’t have any meat or egg so other ramen options might be better bets.   

The menu has also gotten a lot more extensive. Besides ramen, there are appetisers, salads, rice bowls, oden, yakitori, tempura, hot pot and stir-fried stuff. Ramen Bar Shi Shi Do has also become a place to hang out for drinks as there’s an attractive list of beverages ranging from highball, beers, cocktails, beers and soft drinks.

Beyond ramen, the place has gotten a lot more hip… the main hall has been done up like authentic yokocho (alleyways) in Tokyo dating back to the 1980s with old movie posters, traditional lanterns and shop signages as well as an olden day payment counter. A side stairway leads to more dining areas upstairs. Every room has its own character, including a stage, possibly for future kabuki performances?   

They don’t take reservations so just go early and line up. There’s a bit of waiting but not unduly so. I’m probably biased, but this remains one of my fav ramen haunts.

Add: Gasket Alley, Lot 15, 13, Jalan 13/6, Petaling Jaya

Fanciest steamboat at Diao Yu Tai

Fanciest steamboat at Diao Yu Tai

Fish paste shaped into little fish. So atas, right? Skewered tiger prawns, prime cut meats arranged on a pyramid cone, luscious seafood and lobsters. This has to be the fanciest place for steamboat in town! Diao Yu Tai Hotpot debuted in the Klang Valley, sealing 

Enjoy Guinness Draught from a can

Enjoy Guinness Draught from a can

Guinness lovers can now enjoy their favourite draught in the comfort of their own home with Guinness Draught in a Can. This latest addition to the Heineken Malaysia Berhad portfolio is made from roasted barley, malt, hops, yeast, water and a dash of magic – 

Come eat at Kanbe Ramen

Come eat at Kanbe Ramen

Probably every ramen fan on town would have tried this place already so I’m just adding my tow cents worth.

Kanbe Ramen opened just before MCO 2.0 and queues were at least 45mins waiting time if not 1 hour. No way was I gonna spend so long in a line. Last month, there were 3 people in line as I was early and I got in after 20 minutes. Finally!

Helmed by 3 Japanese chefs, Kanbe offers 7 different soup base options. Kinda makes me wonder if Malaysia is such a hotbed for ramen as every other ramen restaurant these days is manned by a Japanese chef.

Anyway, what’s different here is – you get a sheet on which you have to tick the boxes to choose your soup, add-on sides, the richness of taste and spice level, etc  – which can be a little confusing initially. There’s even a how-to-order and another fun guide on ‘how to enjoy your bowl of ramen’ as well as 4 different types of condiments on the table which you can add to your noodles. All these keep you occupied while waiting, which won’t be too long.

We had the Shiro (ori) and Koro (squid ink) – the tonkotsu broth – supposedly boiled for 36 hours or more – for both were hearty, full-bodied and packed with flavour and depth – definitely not for the faint-hearted. For RM31.20 you get 2 sizable slabs of chashu, an egg, fungus, seaweed and spring onion – in other words, the works, including a cup of oolong tea. It’s RM39 for Tsukemen which has chewier, denser noodles.  

Shiro
Koro
Condiments – fried garlic, chili, pickled veg and bean sprouts

As such, Kanbe gives a good deal as you get awesome soup, full-on ingredients, condiments and tea to boot. Only quibble I have is with the noodles … I would have preferred a firmer and chewier bite, coz I felt the ramen was somewhat on the limp side. To be fair, everyone has different preferences, even when it comes to noodle texture so to each his own.

I would surely eat here more often if not for the consistent long queue. But for Kanbe, I guess that’s a good problem.

Add: GF – 08, 163 Retail Park, 8, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.