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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 

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 in a box.

Set up in 2017, WOK HEY has held on to the belief that one day, Asian stir-fry staples can become a significant mainstream segment in the fast-casual category globally. With over 34 outlets in Singapore, the Asian fastfood chain made its international debut in Sunway Pyramid in mid-January 2022.

WOK HEY was awarded the title of Singapore’s Best Fried Rice, and the Most Innovative F&B Brand (Multiple Outlets) by Restaurant Association of Singapore in 2021. Its concept centres around tasty and healthy Asian staples of rice and noodles. These are customised with a wide selection and combination of quality ingredients. This includes sourced ingredients from regional farming communities and Japanese rice. As a result, you get more than 2,000 possible combinations of high quality, affordable and fresh meals.

After receiving a positive response in Singapore, its founders Jake Chia and Huang Changyong decided it was timely to head up north to Malaysia with its stir-fry deliciousness. The cooks at its Sunway Pyramid outlet are trained to maintain the high standards that the brand has achieved in Singapore. The open kitchen allows everyone to see what goes into each dish, while witnessing the high hygiene standards of the meals, prepared with eco-friendly custom-made kitchen equipment.

The food is packed in specially designed boxes to fit on-the-go consumption while maintaining freshness. Malaysians can get fully customisable options of Egg Fried Rice, Shanghai Fried Rice, as well as Fresh Ramen and Udon combinations. 

“WOK HEY was built on the belief that Asian stir-fry staples can become a mainstream segment in the fast-casual category globally. Having created a leading, modern and well-loved concept in Singapore, we knew this was the right time to introduce the brand to our neighbours. We spent a great deal of time and effort working on the supplies, processes and staff training to ensure the best quality possible in Malaysia. We hope Malaysians will love our food as much as we do,” Jake said.

Founders Jake Chia (L) and Huang Changyong.

It will also be opening in 1 Utama Shopping Centre in July.

From press release

Add: Sunway Pyramid, Unit no. LG2.43A, 3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya.

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 

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 its spot as the place to have hotpot, given its zen-like ambience and prime offerings.

There is something communal about sharing a simmering pot of goodness with friends and family. Diao Yu Tai Hotpot serves an authentic Chengdu style version with flavourful broth such as Mala Soup, Pork Bone Soup, Tomato soup and other choices as the soup base. The special sauce, the Magic Hotpot Sauce or Secret Dry Plate Sauce, complete the simmering and mouth-watering hotpot experience.

Its zen-like aesthetics blended with contemporary elements give the impressive 9,430 sq ft space a sense of lavishness and abundance. Touches such as the traditional Chinese roof beams, round archways, screen dividers and ornate decorations add to the themed opulence. An artificial blossoming peach tree in the courtyard steals centrestage, making it an instagrammable spot.

Diao Yu Tai Hotpot is headed by Chef Reno Foong Keng Yew who has 18 years of experience under his belt. His specialty includes Chengdu Hotpot Cuisine, Cantonese Chinese Cuisine and Szechuan Cuisine. He has created a contemporary Asian fusion which is at the heart of Diao Yu Tai Hotpot Cuisine. Besides taking hotpot dining to the next level, Chef Reno is also a master at plating and ice sculpting, having raked up a collate of industry awards from ice art sculpture showcases from around the world.

Signature must-have dishes here are the Deep Fried Pork Belly, Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Beef, Iberico Pork Belly and the Homemade Fish Paste and Shrimp Paste. There’s no dessert but the Glutinous Rice with Brown Sugar is a good after meal sweetener.

The bar is a nice place to hang out for pre qndnpoat dinner drinks. And there are also 18 private rooms here where you can enjoy the luxury of private dining and entertain the night away in the karaoke rooms as well. This includes 10 KTV rooms whereby the 2 big rooms can accommodate large parties of 12-16 pax each while the 8 other smaller KTV rooms suit more intimate groups of 6-8 pax. All KTV rooms come equipped with state-of-the-art sound systems.

Prices here are understandably steeper than average but then again, a meal at Diao Yu Tai is no longer just about dipping your meat into soup, it’s about the whole experience itself…

Add: Menara Lien Hoe, 8, Persiaran Tropicana, Tropicana, Petaling Jaya. tel: 010-303 1888

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 

Have a Joliday on Jameson

Have a Joliday on Jameson

Jameson, the world’s No.1 Irish whiskey, presents Joliday, the ultimate Jameson Glamping Experience which will happen from June 24 to 26. Set in the stunning, tropical surroundings of Perak, glampers can expect to enjoy a mixture of exciting activities over a 2D/1N trip including a thrilling adventure i.e. exciting whitewater rafting; live DJ sessions and performances featuring local talents including Aidaho, Vanns Ngo, Talitha., Saint Kylo, Roshan, and Reeve; an evening of delicious BBQ food and live music; classic Jameson Bond & Connect games; all with a refreshing Jameson, Ginger & Lime in hand. Consumers will be in the running to win this ultimate glamping experience via the Joliday Contest from now until May 31, 2022. Winners will be announced on June 7.

Pooi Wan, Head of Marketing at Pernod Ricard Malaysia added, “Joliday presents guests with the natural charm of the rustic surroundings alongside truly unique Jameson experiences. Jameson believes that unspoken bonds happen when kindred spirits connect, and echoing our #WidenTheCircle campaign last March, we want to encourage people to celebrate that spark between them over a glass of Jameson and joins us in putting their own spin on safely connecting, because like our smooth, triple-distilled whiskey, this experience is meant to be shared.”

A total of 6 grand prize winners will get to stay and experience The Spirits Tent which fits 3 people, while a total of 18 runner-ups will get to stay in The Kindred Hut which fits 2 people. Both packages include whitewater rafting sessions, breakfast and a BBQ dinner. There will also be 10 consolation prize winners who will receive a complimentary bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey each.

HOW TO WIN:

  1. Purchase one (1) bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey at selected bars or via Shopee (https://shopee.com.my/product/143550725/2363816106/). For full list of bars, visit: www.jameson-connects.com/joliday.
  2. Register and upload receipt of purchase at www.jameson-connects.com.
  3. Winners will be contacted via email from 7th June 2022 onwards.

For more info, visit http://www.jameson-connects.com/

From press release

Ramen quest – first stop, Ken Shin-Ryu Ramen

Ramen quest – first stop, Ken Shin-Ryu Ramen

Given the buzz about the new ramen joint in town and how the chef is Sapporo-born chef Kita Koichi trained under the late Kawana-san who ran Kiori-tei in Shibuya, I had to try Ken Shin-Ryu for myself to see if it was worth the hype. If