Before KL became a concrete jungle, it used to be a place that's full of warmth and friendly faces, with foot carts all around selling local delicacies. Many would gather around and bonded over the food, while sharing how their days or weeks have been. I could still remember the stories my dad told us, how he used to roam around the streets and everybody were just like one big family.
Sadly, as the years went by, shop lots were taken down and replaced by office buildings and shopping mall. Shop owners were forced to move out and find a new place for their business. Eventually, what used to be "the taste of KL" is slowly being forgotten. However, there are people who are working very hard to prevent it from getting lost forever, for example the owners at Uncle Chong's Local Delights.
The business was founded by the grandfather of the current owner, and it has been running for 3 generations! Grandpa Chong started by selling ONLY curry noodle at Petaling Street and they have been doing this for more than 40 years! Could you imagine how perfect a dish would be, when a person has spent 40 over years perfecting it?!
Uncle Chong's Curry Laksa (RM 8.90 - Small | RM 11.90 - Big). The curry laksa at Uncle Chong's is exactly how I love my curry to be - thick and aromatic curry broth with tender chicken and the most important part - cockles! For me, perfectly boiled cockles are must-haves in a bowl of curry laksa.
Ayam Penyet (RM 10.90). When it comes to Ayam Penyet, many would immediately think of a piece of perfectly fried chicken paired with spicy sambal. However, this is not how Uncle Chong serves theirs. Instead, you'll get a piece of ayam penyet generously coated with aromatic sauce. This is the version of ayam penyet that the owner's dad had when he was travelling in Indonesia. He loved it so much, and decided to bring the flavour back to Malaysia. The sauce has similar taste to rendang, but it's lighter.
Assam Laksa (RM 8.90). I'm not a big fan of assam laksa, but I like ones at Uncle Chong. They use fresh ingredients to make their laksa broth, and it has a nice balance of spiciness and acidity.
Dry Curry Chicken Noodle (RM 8.90). This is another dish that was a crowd favourite. Compared to the curry laksa, the dry curry has deeper flavours.
Salted Chicken with Chinese Herbs Rice (RM 9.90). If you are not a fan of spices and curry, this homey dish is perfect for you. The chicken is tender and well-marinated with Chinese herbs. All I need is a bowl of rice and this would be a perfect meal for me!
As much as I love my espresso-based coffee, I enjoy sipping on local coffee too. In order to preserve the flavours, they have been using the same coffee supplier since the family first started business. Thick and smooth local coffee is the perfect match!
When it comes to Uncle Chong's Local Delights, it is not about the interior but the authenticity in their dishes. With over 40 years of experience and determination of preserving the "taste of KL", this is definitely a place to go, if you are looking to reminisce on the good old days or to tryout authentic local food.
The pricing is very reasonable too. During the day, the traffic at the area might be a little bit busy. Hence, I would recommend dropping by during dinner hours - as the traffic would have died down and is easier to get a parking spot too.
To know more updates on Uncle Chong's Local Delights, check out their Facebook.
Address: Commercial Center, Aked Esplanade, No. 3-G, Jalan Jalil Perkasa 13, 57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Operation Hours: 10am - 10pm (Monday - Saturday) | Sunday CLOSED
Contact: +6016 330 0555
The Majapahit Empire was once a great and powerful empire that ruled over a large part of Southeast Asia. During its glory days, the Majapahit Empire stretched over the entire present-day Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Sulu Archipelago, Philippines and East Timor.
Inspired by this mighty empire, The Majapahit Restaurant & Bar in Arcoris Mont Kiara has dedicated their menu to flavours of Thailand and Indonesia, along with a mix of Malaysian and Vietnamese taste.
Situated opposite 1 Mont Kiara and just a few steps away from Plaza Mont Kiara, The Majapahit Restaurant & Bar gives out a seemingly casual vibe but thoughtfully arranged, if you look closer. Stepping into the restaurant, I can't help but to notice the tropical theme interior with greens and both wood and rattan furniture. The place is brightly lit up with lots of natural sunlight flowing through the floor to ceiling windows. If you happen to drop by on a breezy afternoon or evening, take an outdoor seat and enjoy the natural breeze.
Occupying 2 floors at Arcoris Mont Kiara, the restaurant is really spacious and can accommodate up to 200 pax. If you plan to visit on a Friday or Saturday night, bring some friends along to enjoy the food and while the live band keeps you and your friends entertained.
Curry Galore (RM 52). Don't know what to choose? The Platter section is a good place to start, especially the Curry Galore that comes with a tray of 4 types of umami-filled curry - Thai Red Curry Beef, Thai Green Curry Chicken, Indonesian Squid Curry and Malaysian Prawn Curry.
My personal favourite would be the Indonesian Squid Curry and Malaysian Curry, as they pack a stronger punch than the other 2 in terms of heat and spices. The Curry Galore is served with a side of Chapati Bread and Cassava Crackers.
Satay of Southeat Asia (RM 52 - 12 sticks) | (RM 84 - 20 sticks). Almost every country has their own version of meat on the stick, and in The Majapahit, you get to enjoy 4 of their signature satays - Balinese Fish Satay, Malaysian Chicken Satay, Indonesian Beef Satay and Vietnamese Sugarcane Prawn.
The satays are really succulent and each are paired with unique dipping sauces to go with.
Spicy Seafood Tom Yam (RM 32). Tom yam is a must have when it comes to Thai food. The hot and sour soup works wonder in awakening the palate. I was expecting the spiciness to be toned down a few notches due to the expat demographic, but how wrong was I!
The soup was nicely balanced with aromatics such as kaffir lime and lemongrass, with generous serving of sea bass, squid and prawns.
Crispy Flying Fish (RM 52). Fried till crispy, this beautifully presented fish is one of the signatures at The Majapahit, served sweet and spicy dark sauce.
Coconut Butter Chicken (RM 25). For a non-spicy option, the rich stew of tender chicken pieces tossed with blend of ground spices and coconut milk is certainly a highly-recommended dish. I love the hint of aromatic curry flavours that comes through really nicely in the thick gravy.
Thai Stir-Fried Baby Kailan (RM 29). Although you'll see a chili sign next to the dish on the menu, the dish is not spicy. The greens were perfectly cooked with prawns, garlic and oyster sauce.
Nasi Liwet (RM 4.50). I was told Nasi Liwet is a fragrant rice dish from Java, cooked in coconut milk, chicken broth and spices. If you are wondering how does the rice taste like. It has a very similar taste to chicken rice.
Vietnamese Drip Coffee (RM 13). My daily dose of coffee was satisfied with the thick and aromatic Vietnamese Drip Coffee at The Majapahit. The condense milk would be served separately so you can adjust the sweetness to your own liking.
Overall, it was a nice dining experience at The Majapahit Restaurant & Bar. If you are looking to hang out with friends over some nice food, or you have visiting friends who are looking for some local culinary experience, The Majapahit is a perfect spot to be.
Reservations are highly-recommended as the restaurant is usually full almost every day. However, you can do try your luck to walk-in.
To know more updates on The Majapahit Restaurant & Bar, check out their Facebook and Instagram.
Address: Lot No.G8, G9 & G10, Ground Level, Arcoris Kuala Lumpur, No.10, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operation Hours: 12pm to 12:30am (Sunday to Thursday) | 12pm to 1:30am (Friday & Saturday)
Contact: +603 6411 7097 | +6016 226 1878
It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating Chinese New Year and now Ramadhan is just around the corner. Many hotels and restaurants are already starting to offer very attractive Ramadhan promotion, and one of them is Flavors Restaurant in Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur.
Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur is strategically located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur between bustling Bukit Bintang and the colourful Chinatown. Both the hotel and residences are connected via a link bridge, providing guests convenient access to the F&B outlets and other facilities in both sides.
During this holy month, Flavors Restaurant's Executive Chef, Chef Othman Abu Bakar welcomes the diners with a touch of Malay tradition through their kampung-styled dishes with an extravaganza of flavours to suit the modern palate. Chef Othman has 30 years experiences in the culinary field with 20 years' experience in the hospitality industry and specializes in rustic European and Malay styled dishes.
Called the "Selera Warisan" buffet spread, it showcases over 150 different dishes from freshly prepared salads to kerabu, soups, hot dishes, mouth-watering desserts and a variety of thirst-quenching beverages to break-fast.
You can some of the traditionally-infused recommended dishes such as Rendang Tok, Kerabu Udang, Siput Sedut Tumis Berlada, Masak Lemak Pucuk Paku, Asam Laksa, Bubur Lambuk and a selection of traditionally brewed soup which is on a daily rotation basis.
Also, back by popular demand, you can find their famous Kambing Golek (Roast Whole Lamb), Arabian-styled dishes with chicken, prawns or lamb among the buffet spread too. The Roast Whole Lamb is my personal favourite - tender and juicy with the right amount of gaminess!
Make your way to the show kitchen and you'll find their chefs prepare a la minute fresh seafood at the action stall such as Ikan Bakar, Satay, Cucur Udang and a selection of wholesome noodles such as Kuay Teow Soup and Asam Laksa for you to choose from.
To complete your buffet meal, be ready to be spoiled by their sweet choices! They have prepared an array of local desserts such as Penget, Assorted Jelly, Pudding, Kuih-Muih Nyonya, Buah Kurma, Cendol Pulut Tapai and other cold and warm sweet delights.
While you are enjoying your meal, you'll be treated to Live "ghazal" music performances every evening throughout this holy month.
To celebrate this holy month, Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur has come up with several offers for families and friends to enjoy the traditional "Selera Warisan Buka Puasa" event. Among the offers are the early bird promotion priced at RM 82 nett per adult.
Also, if you are from out of town, the hotel is also having a Ramadan Stay and Dine package between RM 250 nett and RM 320 nett per night inclusive of accommodation with Sahur and Buka Puasa.
To know more promotion and updates on Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur, check-out their Website and Facebook.
Address: 117, Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2785 1111
Brought to you by the same people behind The Hill, Signature is a premium gastro-lounge serving tantalizing Asian-International fusion cuisine. Located on the penthouse area of First Avenue, Signature has a contemporary settings (nice lighting too if you go before the sun sets) and give its diners a city view of Bandar Utama.
A nice place to enjoy an intimate meal with a view.
Soup of the Day (RM 16). Our soup of the day was a bowl of earthy and creamy mushroom soup.
Chilli Clams (RM 24). A pot of rich and creamy broth packed with umami flavours of the clams, and has a nice kick of spiciness. I love it so much and could have it all to myself. If you are looking for something to awaken your taste buds, the heat in the Chilli Clams would definitely do the trick, but just be careful with the chilli bits in it.
Carbonara Flying Pasta (RM 38). The carbonara is rich and creamy, yet not overwhelmingly cheesy. The pasta hits all the marks for being a good carbonara; and to make it even better, the "flying pasta" is definitely very Insta-worthy.
Beef Bulgogi (RM 32). For an Aisan touch, the Bulgogi is a good choice. At first glance, we thought the beef looked dry but it turn out we were very wrong. The meat was nicely marinated and the mild sweet-savoury flavours were a nice break from the creamy carbonara we were having.
Dessert Platter (RM 28). A meal is incomplete without dessert, and if you are not too sure what to have for dessert, why not have everything on a Dessert Platter? Personally I like my desserts small and dainty, and a dessert platter is just my kind of dessert. Consists of Lychee & Rose Cake, Peaches & Cream Tart, Strawberry Pavlova and Mix Berry Mouse.
The Dessert Platter is just nice to be shared among 2 people.
Apart from the tart, my personal favourite is the pavolva. The sweetness of the meringue and tangy flavours of the strawberries are perfect in cutting through the heavy meal.
Watermelon Slush (RM 40). When it comes to The Hill, many would definitely remember their signature drink - Watermelon Slush. A mixture of Vodka, Midori, Lychee Liqueur and watermelon, the Watermelon Slush is fun and refreshing to have at the same time.
Coco's Nutz (RM 28). A combination of Malibu, Rum, Banana Liqueur and Coconut Cream, one sip of Coco's Nutz will transport you to a tropical island. I was a bit skeptical about this drink, but the creaminess, nutty flavours and sweetness of the coconut was surprisingly good.
So far the dishes we had at Signature were pretty good and satisfying, and I would definitely return for the Chilli Clams as well as their signature cocktails too!
To know more updates about Signature by the Hill @ The Roof, check out their Website and Facebook.
Address: The Roof, 1 First Avenue, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operation Hours: 5pm to 2am DAILY
Contact: +603 8605 3388
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