Food Explorer & Home Chef
Japan’s largest Shabu Shabu restaurant chain brand, Shabu-Yo, launched its 7th Malaysian outlet at 1 Utama shopping mall, Petaling Jaya. Shabu-Yo is turning up the heat on hotpot dining with its simmering brothers and fresh ingredients, taking Japanese hotpot to new heights across the Klang …
Fresh from his Melbourne stint at Attica, touted to be one of the best restaurants Down Under, chef Daniel Kong from Kuching, together with 2 other partners – his brother and fellow chef Woon Ming – set up Vagabond KL in Desa Sri Hartamas, KL. …
Explored SS15 which I normally never go to with a foodie friend – Boon @tummy_full – and discovered a slew of inviting eateries, among them, newbie Amichi Ristorante. Helmed by Bari-born chef Angelo, a big shout out for their great service!
I was having early gastric pangs and asked for some bread to line my stomach. Was expecting just some plain brad to go with olive oil but they so generously gave bread topped with olive tempenade. And then, there was this little boy, maybe about 6 years old or so, really taken up by the pizza making process which could be seen from the open counter/ wood-fire oven. Not only did the chef patiently pose for pictures, he even allowed the boy (with supervision) to make his own pizza! Now that’s what I call first class service!
We had Pizza Li Stagioni (RM42) – a best of four selection in one. Pizza was topped with beef and chicken salami, seafood, mushroom, prawns, on tomato base that came with chilli sauce in olive oil. The crust was not too thick or thin, slightly chewy, great texture – definitely an above average pizza.
For mains, we ordered the Spigola alla Griglia (RM48) – a mouthful of a name for grilled seabass with rosemary. This came with a choice of pesto and mint sauce (we liked this more). The fish came in a good hearty portion, and was nicely flaky and still moist.
Rather than the usual pasta, we tried the Beef Cannelloni (RM32) – minced beef wrapped in a sheet of pasta, doused with tomato gravy and topped with cheese. One serving was three generous rolls. Neither of us have had Cannelloni before so we can’t tell if this was authentic, but it tasted familiar and comforting, and we were happy with what we were served.
Topped the meal with a red Chianti from Tuscany. Prices for both food and wine are pocket-friendly. Generally, we found the quality of dishes quite good and what’s more, Amichi opens late till 12am so it’s a great place to meet with friends and chat!
Adding this Italian affair to my list, wanna try the other dishes!
Add: 79, Jalan SS 15/5a, Ss 15, Subang Jaya, Selangor. hp: 011-1642 1901.
Shinano Kitchen is literally a hole-in-the-wall pork-free diner serving Japanese and Korean rice and udon sets. Nestled on the ground floor of Uptown 5 Tower B in Damansara Utama, PJ, it has seating capacity for only 10 (very cramp seats) inside, but you can opt …
Get ready to vibe with Heineken’s REFRESHING SESSIONS with unexpected takeovers in the city! From supermarket aisles to bookstore shelves, Heineken® is serving up unforgettable DJ sets in the most unpredictable spots—bringing people together through music, good vibes, and a cool, refreshing Heineken. 1) QRA …
Torito, a new Peruvian-Japanese restaurant, sits on level 53 of Banyan Tree KL, its interior reflecting the captivating colours of the Peruvian natural landscape – vibrant green and azure blue – and the herringbone floor in terracotta tiles mirroring the desert sand.
Torito (means bull in Spanish) promises a lively city centre escape, inspiring tastebuds with bold flavours and breathtaking skyline views.
The launch was officiated by Ricardo Morote Canales, Ambassador of Peru to Malaysia. Latina artist Tania Alcala Serrano sculpted and painted the gallery of Torito miniature statutes that welcome guests as they enter.
The Peruvian-Japanese (Nikkei) menu prepared by renowned Chef Iván Casusol for guests and media members consisted of:
*Cassava bread dipped in Peruvian chili sauce (RM32) – soft pillowy bread went well with the unique sauce that was hardly spicy, more like a mild mustard;
*Nikkei rolls (RM65/RM70)- tuna, prawn and onion tempura, salmon and avocado with garlic furikake – this was my fav for the evening, so fresh and subtle in taste, the crispy onion bits provided a nice textural difference;
*Barramundi ceviche (RM68) – lightly sour and tart. I’ve come to realise that ceviche, whether it is Mexican Spanish or Peruvian, and even our umai from Sabah, bear many similarities in taste and texture. Either you like it or you dont, fortunately, I love;
*Charcoal Grilled Hokkaido Scallop (RM125) with the natural sweetness of the scallop providing tantalizing flavours, enhanced by the interesting mix of the creamy Peruvian sauce;
*Sautéed Australian beef tenderloin with rice (RM125) – tender chunks of meat given a Japanese slant with the rice accompaniment; and
*Picarones (RM35) – sweet squash doughnut – this was a lot like Malay kuih keria. Eaten with ice-cream.
Certainly, a worthwhile venture for a trip downtown to drink in the magnificent skyline view and enjoy the unique cuisine.
Add: Level 53, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur. Call 03-2113 1823.
Iconic Irish Whiskey Jameson presents the next chapter of its city-spanning Jameson Distilled Sounds events, this time taking over The Zhongshan Building. This edition will celebrate the release of Jameson’s latest limited-edition bottle, designed in collaboration with global Music Distiller and multi-Grammy-winning artist Anderson .Paak, …
Guerlain, the renowned French luxury beauty house, presents the first-ever Bee Garden 2025 Pop-Up in South-East Asia, at The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur, from April 28 to May 11. This experiential retail concept seamlessly blends beauty, fragrance, and sustainability, offering visitors an unparalleled journey into …
Ming Room in BSC, along with other Oriental Group of restaurants, has introduced some new dishes to its menu, just in time for Parents’ Day. Always one of my fav places to dine as you are assured of amazing Chinese cusine and impeccable service.
We tried:
The chilled Prawn Salad Honeydew Bowl: this was a refreshing starter, so prettily presented.
Stuffed Bird’s Nest Chicken Wing and bamboo pith in superior soup: soothing, comforting, like an assuring warm hug, the gummy, full-bodied soup was testimony to luxurious ingredients having been boiled for hours over slow-fire.
Fiery Cherry Duck: just for the Gram, this came with a flame beneath for more pizzazz. Delightfully crispy skin with the flesh so flavourful on its own and surprisingly juicy, it didn’t need any sweet sauce to lift the taste (although a sweet sauce was provided) as it was great on its own.
Braised live garoupa with chef’s special sauce: covered with mushrooms and a host of other ingredients, rich and flavourful. Almost wished I had rice to enjoy the lovely gravy with, not that I had any tummy space left.
Iberico pork ribs in banana leaf – so fragrant, perfectly marinated, tender and tasty. Someone commented it reminded her of bakwa (Chinese jerky).
Steamed rice with pork ribs, Hong Kong Chinese liver sausage: a cross between a CNY lap mei fan and claypot chicken rice, except that this is with pork ribs. A hearty, comforting, robust bowl of carb to end the meal with a bang.
Musang king ice cream and mango tart: not a durian fan, but those who were, said this was excellent, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Will take their word for it.
Dang Ying red bean pumpkin ball with banana: not too sweet, the glutinous rice ball was nicely crisp outside, and warm and delectable as you crunch it down. Simple, home-style dessert, yet beautifully handled.
All these new dishes are available at Ming Room in BSC, KL and all other Oriental Group of restaurants. Be sure to make a reservation to ensure you get a place!
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is set to reignite the city’s culinary scene this May with Dine With Chef 2025, themed Newstalgia: Memories Reinvented — a tribute to the flavours that shaped us, reimagined through the lens of modern gastronomy. The month-long dining event brings together …