Thursday, 28 August 2014

Three must try noodles dish in Ampang and Cheras


Chong Ko Hakka Mee (Non-Halal)


Originated from Kuala Lipis Pahang, Chong Ko Hakka Noodles is a popular breakfast and lunch spot in Pandan Indah. Packed from morning to evening, this establishment is famous for its homemade Hakka Noodles. Available in thin and thick noodles variation with choice of fish or pork balls, mushrooms, and curry chicken variation, there is something for everyone here. First impression is that it is a very simple dish; noodles with shredded pork, some garnishing, and your choice of sides. Don’t be fooled by its plain appearance. The beauty is in fact its simplicity. These handmade noodles are unlike anything you ever tasted before. The aromatic noodles are full bodied and chewy, with smooth texture making the process of slurping them up a joy. The pork balls are bouncy and big and the broth clear and tasty. Those who prefer their food with more kick can opt for their delicious homemade chili for that extra kick.





Mamak King


Having survived multiple location changes for more than a decade and finally settling down at Taman Teratai Food Court, Mamak King has hands down the best Maggi Goreng in town. Not too dry and not too wet, their Maggi Goreng has just the right amount of kick and springiness in the noodles to make the experience of eating them such a joyful thing. It is also common for patrons to accompany the Maggi Goreng with some roti canai dipped in their famous kuah kari ikan. It is aromatic instead of fishy like most fish curry out there and has just the right amount of sourness that makes the curry such a popular much order item. It is even delicious just eating the curry on its own. While you are at it, also check out their rojak with its generous portion and delicious source.



Yulek Wantan Mee (Non-Halal)


Recently moved into a new location from their old one (a few blocks away), this hands down the most popular wantan mee in Cheras. Already a constant feature in newspapers, magazines and even radio, here is our take on it. Yulek noodles are of the slightly drier variety which is very chewy and strong but the main selling point is their generous helping of roasted pork or char siew. The roasted pork has crispy skin with a hint of smokiness and their marinated char siew is succulent with a hint of crispiness at the side. Their wantons is only average and small but let’s face it, no one comes here for the wanton. It is all about the roasted port and char siew. There used to be a long wait of up to 30 minutes in their old location (which is a coffee shop) but in their new stand-alone premise the wait time has thankfully been cut to about ten minutes.


Wednesday, 20 August 2014

Let us cherish our freedom. Merdeka!

The month of August is a very special month for Malaysia. This is the month where the whole nation rise to celebrate the Malaysian Independence Day. Spearheaded by our first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, negotiations were made with the British together with a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya: first president of the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) Tun Dato Sir Tan Cheng Lock and fifth President of Malaysian Indian Congress Tun V.T. Sambanthan and the rest as what they say is history.

Japanese troops mopping up in Kuala Lumpur
For many of us, we would have only heard stories or read about the Japanese occupation in Malaya as well as the tense atmosphere during the Malayan emergency between 1948 to 1960 that involved a long anti-insurgency campaign by Commonwealth troops in Malaya against the Malayan Peoples’ Liberation Army a communist party that was setup up deep in the jungles of Malaya after the banning of the Malayan Communist Party or MCP. During the emergency, there were curfews, and the most effected people are the ones staying close to plantation areas around hilly jungle areas and remote border areas with limited army presence. City folks are not spared either, often there were sabotages and secret operations going on that some folks are stuck between being a victim of the situation. Threats and murders were happening and items like food, medicines and clothing are high prized commodity.



Credit
Despite what is happening in the country today, with all the reports on crime and political happenings, we are still much better off from where we were before. Even comparable to other countries where war and famine is what they have to endure every single day. Today, we are free to go out anytime we want. Have late supper or a meal any time of the day. With a click of a mouse or a tap on our smartphones, we are able to communicate with our friends and families, share photos, find a place to eat, discuss topics or even watch a funny clip while having a teh tarik. Let us be thankful because we are living in one of the best times of the century. Call someone today and say something nice and go out for a coffee.

Let's cherish our freedom. Merdeka!




About The Writer
KAY KASTUM
Born in Sabah with an interest in open water diving, wall climbing,music and video production and a passion for Android custom ROMS on his XT910 Motorola Razr Kay Kastum plans to make the world a better place by empowering people through his work. Whatever that means. You can follow his YouTube channel to see what he is up to during his free time

Thursday, 14 August 2014

The Moon Cake Festival


Lotus Paste Mooncake - Photo Credit
We Malaysians are blessed with so many different celebration and holidays. Do you know that Malaysian enjoy at least 14 days of national public holidays in a year? We also have quite a number of celebrations from the Kaamatan Festival, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Chinese New Year, Dragon Boat Festivals & Christmas just to name a few? You gotta be proud to be Malaysian.

I'm pretty sure all of us are aware there is also a celebration called the 'Mid Autumn Festival' also popularly known as the 'Moon Cake Festival' celebrated by the Chinese community. When you start noticing the supermarkets selling these round shaped pastries measuring about 10 cm in diameter and are 4-5 cm thick, you know that the festival is near, usually as early as a month. (Nowadays you can pretty much purchase these cakes all year round) The Moon cake festival falls on the 8th moon, 15th day of the Chinese Lunar calendar. In the Western calendar, this festival normally falls between the 2nd week of September and the 2nd week of October. In essence the Moon Cake Festival is a celebration of unity.

Qubilai Setsen Khaan (Yuan dynasty)


So what is the history behind this celebration? According to records, the Chinese have celebrated the autumn full moon as early as the Shang Dynasty in the (16th century B.C.E.)! The harvest celebration originally began with worshiping Mountain Gods after the harvest was completed. It began to kick off during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 C.E.) and according to legends Emperor Xuanzong started to have formal celebrations after personally having the chance to explore the 'Moon Palace'.

Tai Thong's Imperial Musang King Royale
The Moon Cake has also played a big part in overthrowing the Mongolians during the Yuan Dynasty (1280-1368 A.D.). As the mid autumn festival drew near, rebels used the opportunity to pass messages on the attack plans by inserting it into the cake. On the night of the festival, with the help of local villagers, the government was successfully overthrown and the new Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) was established. The Moon Cake Festival has then on were celebrated on a large scale.

Nowadays, the celebration symbolizes friendship and unity. Moon Cakes are usually purchased as a gift for other family members, as a corporate gesture among business partners or for own consumption since there are so many different flavors out there. Tai Thong for example is offering more than 20 flavors. Have you tried a 'teh tarik' flavored Moon Cake before? What about pineapple or even 'limau manis'. 'Musang King' durian flavored Moon Cake anyone?




About The Writer
KAY KASTUM
Born in Sabah with an interest in open water diving, wall climbing,music and video production and a passion for Android custom ROMS on his XT910 Motorola Razr Kay Kastum plans to make the world a better place by empowering people through his work. Whatever that means. You can follow his YouTube channel to see what he is up to during his free time