More Dim Sum....(Emperor, Sheraton Subang) (2)

Crowd-pleasers: Flaky Mini Egg Tart and Shrimp Roll with Mango/Cheese
Yep, been overloading on dim sums lately. Thank goodness it ranked as one of my favourite food. Anyway, this is one of the more recent outings at Emperor Chinese Restaurant in Sheraton Subang.

Initially, I was only thinking to go for their ala carte dim sum but as we walked in, we noticed that they were haivng an "Eat-All-You-Can" Dim Sum promotion. Of course, ala carte orders are still available but looking at the former which was priced at RM60++, and the prices of ala carte dim sums on the menu, plus that I have the Starwood card that gives me 50% discount; it didn't take long to work out that the promotion was much more worth it.

So we settled down and ordered a very nice pot of Jasmine tea.

Basically, one can order any dim sum from their usual dim sum menu except for the shark fin dumpling in broth (kun tong kao) and chef's special. In addition, there was a selection of items on the buffet table, including roast duck and roast chicken as well as a "cook-to-order" porridge stall.

Picture: Buffet Spread

Most dim sum items on the buffet spread consist mainly of deep-fried and pan-fried items. Our selection include:

TOP PICTURE (Left-to-Right): Pan-fried radish cake, Shredded Duck Meat Springroll, Yam Puff
BOTTOM PICTURE (Clock-wise from Top-Left): Mini Sesame Dumplings with Peanut Paste, BBQ Chicken Puff, Mini Egg Tart, Shrimp Roll with Cheese/Mango
Maybe it's due to the fact that they're displayed as a buffet spread, we didn't really find anything that was worth going back for a second helping with the exception of the wonderful mini egg tart that has a delightful crispy and flaky crust and soft melting custard centre. Not the best I've tasted but I would rate it highly. Almost as pleasing is the shrimp roll. (Both pictured above). Some were rather alright, like the Sesame Dumplings and Yam Puffs but I think that all of them would have scored higher points if they were ordered fresh from the menu.

Top-to-bottom: Fresh Fish Congee with Century Egg and Roasted Duck
We also ordered a small portion of the roast duck and a small bowl of fish congee with century egg. The duck was ok although a tad chewy and a tad gamey. On the other hand, the congee, which was prepared-to-order was rather good! Fresh fish meat in a thick and heart-warming gruel, I like...

The steamed items (ordered from their menu but included in the promotion) were better than those items on the buffet spread, largely due to the fact that they were made fresh to order. We tried some of the more unique-sounding ones;

Clockwise from Top-Left: Stuffed Crab Claw, Shredded Scallop with Crabmeat Dumplings, Sharkfins Dumpling and Stir-fried Radish Cake

Top-to-bottom: HK Cheong Fun with Scallops filling, Tea-Leaf Eggs (this was from Buffet Spread), Scallops Dumpling, TeoChew Style Dumpling

I like the Stuffed Crab Claws as it is stuffed with real shredded crabmeat (not the imitation) kind. Others ranged from mediocre to alright particularly anything stuffed with whole prawns as they were fresh and bouncy-to-bite. On the other hand, the first plate of Stir-fried Radish Cake that arrived were a let-down although it looked promising albeit slightly too dark. To give them credit, I did like the texture, as the cubed radish cake was slightly charred and crispy outside while the inside still remained slightly wet and gooey. Unfortunately, there was unmistakeable taste of "burnt-ness" to it which the waitress explained was actually the "wok-hei" (??) when we complained (perhaps too much "wok-hei" then?). Nevertheless, they willingly took the plate back and exchange with another plate that was less crispy, not as delightful to bite but minus the "burnt" taste.

Desserts selection were not much. Some standard hotel-styled cakes, pastries, cut fruits and ice-creams which were forgettable but the Double-boiled Sea Coconut with White Fungus and Longan was excellent!

There were quite a number of items from the menu that we did not get to try this time as we were too stuffed too soon. Then again, many of items on the menu especially the non-steamed, pan-fried and deep-fried items, were already displayed on the buffet spread. Come to think of it, they might tasted better if we were to order from the menu instead of taking it from the buffet spread. Oh, well...

Emperor Chinese Restaurant (Halal), Sheraton Subang Hotel

Previous post on Emperor Chinese Restaurant here.

Dim Sum Lunch at Imperial Garden, Intan Square

Imperial Garden
One fine weekend afternoon, a girlfriend and I were suddenly craving for dim sum. First choice was to go Oriental Pavilion but rather than risk waiting for a long tine without a confirmed reservation, we trudged our way to Tai Thong newest outlet, Imperial Garden at Intan Square (beside Asia Jaya).

We were relieved to see that tables were aplenty hence no waiting was required.

Ordering of dim sums was done through their menu as they are prepared ala minute to ensure freshness although I personally prefer to take my pick for the dim sum carts. Choices were sufficient although not vast. We asked for house recommendations and also picked some from their “weekends specials” menu.


Steamed Fresh Fish Balls
According to the server, this is very popular. Not difficult to see why. The fish balls were fresh and bouncy.


Steamed Dried Scallops and Chinese Celery Dumplings


Steamed Assorted Mushrooms Dumplings

Rather than going for the stand “har gow”, we opted for these 2 dumplings from their weekend specials menu. Not bad although to me, they didn’t taste too different from the usual har gow and siu mai. The thing about steamed dumplings, it’s best to eat them fast while they are still warm as the “skin” tends to get hard pretty fast once cooled.


Steamed White Radish Pudding “HK Style”
This tasted a bit weird. You can still taste strands of shredded white radish which according to my friend, reminded her of old winter melon. It’s pretty bland as well although it does come with a small plate of soy sauce as dipping sauce. It also has a strange after taste that I couldn’t really decipher nor agree with. Should have gone for the stir-fried or pan-fried version instead.


Mini Yam Buns
According to the server again, these are really popular and so far, is only served at this particular TT outlet. These morsels were tasty alright. Soft, fluffy buns encasing a generous dollop of mashed/creamed yam.

Cross-section of yam buns
Thinking back, they tasted pretty similar to my favourite frozen yam paus that my mom bought from the supermarkets. *lol*


Crispy Durian Pancakes
Both of us being fans of durian, we went for this when it was time to pick a dessert. Served in a plate of half a dozen, they were pretty delicious although not the best durian desserts that I’d came across. Sliced durian flesh encased in flaky pastry. Although deep-fried, they were surprisingly light rather than oily.

Prices range between RM5.80 to RM8.80 per basket for most items.

Imperial Garden Restaurant
7th Floor, Intan Square,
No 3, Lorong Utara C, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
03-7956 6868

Something New....Lammeeya @ One Utama

Saw a new F&B outlet opposite Kluang Station Kopitiam in One Utama recently while trying to decide on a place to lunch. As te outlet was relatively empty compared to its nighbours (aka no waiting time), we thought there's no harm giving it a try.

Like its namesake, this outlet specializes in various type of Lam Mee. My lunch partner ordered their original while I went for something slightly different, the Mushroom Lam Mee.


Original Lam Mee. Looks as good as the one pictured on their wall (see picture at the top of this post).
The Original Lam Mee arrived first and it looked truly promising. My lunch partner was slurping the noodles up in big gulps; a sign that he has given it his seal of approval.


Mushrooms Lam Mee
Soon after, my order arrived. Again, it looked truly tantalizing - assorted mushrooms including big glossy chinese mushrooms on top of thick noodles in a hearty and aromatic broth. And boy, I was so glad that it tasted as good as it looked. Despite my initial doubt that the serving size would be too much for me to finish, I enjoyed every slurp of the noodle up to the very last bite.

Besides Lam Mee, other typical local fares are available too. Their menu was pleasing to browse through as it was filled with gorgeous and mouth-watering pictures of their offerings. In fact, it reminded me of another outlet in JayaOne and I suspect that they could be related.

The noodles are priced around RM10 and above. A tad pricey for a plate of Lam Mee (if compared to the kopitiam version) but then again, the serving was generous, the taste - delicious, and after all, it is located in One Utama.

Will be back to try more.

By the way, Happy New Year, folks!

LAMMEEYA
One Utama, New Wing.
Opposite Kluang Station Kopitiam

Wishing Everyone A Merry & Joyous Christmas!

It's my most favourite time of the year again.... It's Christmas time! So what have you got planned? Any "chestnuts roasting on open fire" and "Jack Frost nipping at your nose"? Over here, you would probably see the former being roasted by a roadside seller using charcoal over a big wok anywhere and the only "Jack Frost" nipping at your nose is probably from the blast of chilly cold air-cond. Anyhow, now matter where you are, Christmas is as lovely anyway so long it already happened in your heart.

So here's wishing everyone a truly wonderful and blessed Christmas!

Christmas, a time for sharing and a time for giving gifts,
But most importantly, it is a time for remembering the greatest gift ever given,
Emmanuel.

And here's the recipe to the wonderful flourless chocolate cupcakes you see above. Especially good when served warm with cold ice-cream but just as delectable simply topped with macadamia nuts or frosted with chocolate ganache.

Easy Flourless Dark Chocolate Cupcakes
(Makes apx. 10 cupcakes)
100g dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup butter
1/2c + 1/4c sugar (increase if choc is bitter)
1+3/4 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
1/2 cup good quality cocoa powder
Method:
Preheat oven to 175c. Grease muffin pans and dust generously with extra sifted cocoa powder (if you find that you are using a lot, take some from the portion allocated above in the ingredients).
Melt the chocolate and butter together in a medium bowl set over a simmering pot of water, or zap in microwave for a quick fix. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar, vanilla, eggs and cocoa. Mix well.
Pour into muffin pans and bake for 15-16mins or until done. Cool in pans for 5 mins before turning them out to be cooled completely on wire racks. If you are frosting, make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting.

Nero Teca - My Favourite Place for Long & Lazy Brunches

My ideal place to have long brunches or lunches. Good food, great stock of vino, cozy ambience and great company - nothing could be better...


I love their complimentary focaccia. Either dipped with a good balsamic vinegar in olive oil or with salted anchovies and some whole olives.


I am usually spoilt for choice when it comes to picking something from their menu. But the first thing I look at is their weekly special menu. Usually something different and usually never tasted anything but good. But there are several tried-and-tested dishes that I usually go for such as the hearty Bruschetta Speciale (chicken, spinach, sundried tomatoes and melted goat cheese); Romagnola (open piadina bread with parma ham and buffalo mozzarella); the lovely and bright Genovese Salad (mesclun and rocket salad with chili mustard, asparagus, prawns, roast capsicum, smoked salmon, codfish, tuna and cherry tomatoes) or if I can make it in time before their breakfast hour ends, their Tonica breakfast set that comes with espresso, apple and celery juice, two fried eggs with mushroom, rocket salad and parmesan cheese. Simple ingredients but brings about delicate flavors that are both exquisitely light and balanced


Not to be missed are their selection of desserts. They do one of the better "tiramisu" in town as well as a very good panna cotta. And for coffee drinkers, their coffee is excellent, from the simple black coffee to latte.

Nero Teca (www.neroteca.com)
Ground floor, Somerset
8 Lorong Ceylon, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03/2070 0530

D'Empire Brasserie @ Solaris Mont Kiara

Pan-seared Canadian Cod
Nestled in the maze of pubs, cafes and eateries within Solaris Mont Kiara is this rather cozy corner bistro-like restaurant serving basically European/Italian fare. Twas was a friend's birthday and there was a big group of us. A variety of dishes were ordered although unfortunately, I only managed to take pictures of those that were within my vicinity.

Some starters were ordered but I was a little late and forgot what was served. However I do remember their personal pizzas were really good. Laddened with hearty ingredients with a thin and somewhat crispy base, it was how I like my pizza to be (sorry, no pic). The same thing can't be said about the soup that we ordered though. I couldn't really remember whether was it seafood minestrone or seafood chowder.

Seafood minestrone or seafood chowder? Presentation was better and not as above, we redistributed it into smaller bowls, hence the "messy rim".
I was expecting a thick type of soup for it was mentioned in the menu that it came with some bread. As a matter of fact, the soup was rather thin and lacked of flavour despite the rather generous seafood given. There was also no bread in sight but we did not pursue the matter as we were given an additional complimentary small bowl of the soup (sucker for free stuff, lol). Also, I doubt the bread would help the rather 'thin' soup much.

For my main, I ordered their special of the day which was not on their menu, Pan-seared Canadian Cod (apx. RM60 / pictured above). How was it? To be frank, it's rather easy not to go wrong with a good piece of cod as most of its flavour comes from its thick and creamy flesh. However, my main was just slightly overcooked and there wasn't anything partcularly exciting about the way it was cooked or the accompanying condiments. Overall, it was still decent

Seafood Pasta done aglio olio style
2 types of pastas were also ordered, one is seafood and the other is spicy sausage (or something that sounds similar). Both are done aglio olio style. My friends who ordered did not have any complaints. I stole a few bites and find it slightly too bland, even for an aglio olio style pasta. Also, the addition of chinese parsley seems a bit out of place, rendering the dish to taste like noodles cooked chinese-style.

Spicy Sausage Pasta done aglio olio style
Desserts were nothing to shout about (hence no photo too) and I would give it a miss although I wouldn't mind returning for their yummy pizzas.

D'Empire Brasserie
22 Ground Floor,
Jalan Solaris 4, Solaris Mont Kiara,
Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 603- 6203 6887

Opera Cake "Wannabe"

Chocolate Opera Wannabe Cake
This is a cheater's guide to making an Opera Cake. In fact, I wouldn't really call it a classic Opera Cake. A more apt description would be "Chocolate Opera Wannabe Cake". Well, when time and ingredients do not permit one to bake an almond sponge base, one would have to make do with a normal plain sponge. Here's what I did:

Slice the baked and cooled sponge cake into a few layers, and spread a layer of Baileys-flavoured chocolate hazelnut buttercream. Chill it for awhile then top with a layer of chocolate ganache. Chill again till the chocolate ganache hardens. Repeat the above. On impromptu, I also added a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts and biscuit crumbs in between the layers to make up for the feeling of a "slightly crunchy almond sponge cake". Once done, frost and decorate the cake with leftover buttercream, chocolate ganache and biscuit crumbs.


Chocolate Opera Wannabe Cake

The cake (sans baking time) and frostings took me a matter of minutes to prepare. The frosting and decorating? A matter of hours, no thanks to clumsy and amateurish fingers as well as unco-operative hot and humid weather.

Lunching @ Koryo-Won Korean Restaurant, Suria KLCC

One fine afternoon, a few old friends and I made plans to lunch in KLCC. Usually, I tend to think that the dining options at KLCC are not what I would call “exciting”. However, a friend suggested a “new Korean place” that according to her, had just opened not too long ago at KLCC so we decided to give it a go.
Upon arrival, the “new Korean place” turned out to be Koryo-won, not exactly a new place as there’s one (not sure if it’s still around) that had been around for a long time just across the road.

Entrance
Browsing through the menu, I could see standard Korean fare. As it was lunch, some set lunches options were also available. In the habit of sharing food, we ordered a few dishes.

Banchans (mini appetizers)
A customary prelude to most Korean meal is the serving of a variety of banchans (mini appetizers). This is one of my favourite parts of a Korean meal; and the fact that since most restaurants generously offer “free refills” too. Not so for this restaurant however. I couldn’t recall what we were told but after having 3 refills (not 3 rounds), we were told we couldn’t have any more unless we pay for it. I think the reason had got something to do with the number of ala-carte main dishes that we ordered. Nonetheless, we weren’t too pleased with their reasoning, nor the manner we were told.


Beef Bulgogi
The Beef Bulgogi was alright. Tender thin slices of grilled beef fillet in saltish-sweetish sauce, it tasted best when paired with plain white rice.


Kimchi Chigae
Another favourite dish of mine and which I usually ordered at Korean restaurants is the Kimchi Chigae which is some sort of a spicy vegetables stewed in kimchi broth. The serving size of this is really miniscule (the photo you see above is misleading as it's just a close-up) although not uncommon. Again, it tasted just mediocre. It just didn’t have the right “zing” for us.


Bibimbap in Hot Stone Bowl
I love Bibimbaps! There is something about tossing plain white rice with a variety condiments topped with a raw egg in the sweetish spicy bean sauce that proves to be really addictive! Even better is having it in a hot stone bowl. The slightly charred rice at the bottom of the bowl provides a delicious crunch.

Aside from the above, a friend who came later ordered their beef bulgogi set lunch which came served in a bento box not unlike what you see (here) except for the fact that it is almost 3x the price as compared to the latter. (eeks!) Then again, this is in KLCC-lah so one can hardly expect the price to be cheap. Still, I find paying RM8 for a glass of cold green tea to be too much although it came with free refills (however it seeems like they refill the glass with just plain water).

Also, we were less than amused with their service. We weren’t in the mood to put up with sulky waiters and waitresses who bordered on being rude. During the course of our lunch, one waitress actually broke something twice, one of it being rather near to our table with nary an apology. Geez! No prize in guessing that we would definitely not be in a hurry for a revisit!

Koryo-Won Korean Restaurant
Level 4 Ramlee Mall (418/419)
Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Tel: 603- 2171 2189/ 603- 2166 6189

Link to this article published in Sunday Star, Metro 11-01-2009

Korean Street Food @ Ccozi & Friends

Yummy Tuna Kimchi Rice Balls (RM8.00)
Truth to be told, I love street food/snacks. When travelling, put me in an area lined wth local street food and I will be extremely delighted. Similarly, I was delighted to have discovered this little outlet that specializes in Korean street food. Nestled in the maze-like Asian Avenue in Sunway Pyramid, it is not exactly easy to find. I could only describe its location as being somewhere on the 'right-hand side', in the 'middle' of the avenue.

The outlet itself is rather small, more like a stall. There are a few small tables with "not exactly comfortable" bar stools. It is hard to imagine how a group bigger than 3-4 persons could dine there comfortably.

Ccozi & Friends offer quite a variety of light eats ranging from various meat skewers, ddok bok ki (korean sliced rice cakes), stuffed rice balls, student lunch boxes served in metal tins, noodles and meals in hot stone bowls. The Tuna Kimchi Rice Balls (pictured above) that we ordered were delicious! I wasn't really expecting that I would like it so much but tuna flakes in slightly spicy kimchi sauce rolled together with the fluffy and slightly moist rice proved to be a delectable combination!


Grilled Chicken Bulgalbi (Korean BBQ Sauce) RM4.50
The Grilled Chicken Bulgalbi (Korean BBQ Sauce) skewers tasted as good as it looked in their menu although I would have preferred it to be served to us in skewer stick as seen in their menu rather than just serve the meat pieces on a plate minus the skewer stick. I reckon the latter is more convenient for the patrons but it just didn't look so good"lah". Fortunately, the chicken was delicious. Juicy, slightly smokey and really flavourful!


Delicious Ddok Bok Ki (korean rice sticks) (RM8 - 9.50)
Ever since I keep seeing the ddok bok ki (korean rice sticks) in korean dramas, I have been curious as to how they actually tasted for they sure look yummy drenched in the vibrant red sauce. So we ordered a plate of ddok bok ki with vegetables to share. Indeed it did not disappoint. The ddok bok ki was not unlike our cheongfun except that it has a thicker and more chewy bite to it. Together with the slightly sweet and spicy sauce, every bite was delicious!

One of us also ordered their hotstone bibimbap. I didn't try so couldn't comment on it. But it didn't really look that irresistable, for otherwise I would not be able to resist trying, would I?


Ccozi & Friends
First Floor, Asian Avenue
Sunway Pyramid
Link to this article published in Sunday Metro, The Star on 30 Nov 2008
Other reviews:
Pinkpainter
LjuN9

Assam Laksa with a Twist (Well Cook Gourmet)

Ever heard of "assam laksa goreng" (fried assam laksa)? I haven't till I read it here. I thought to myself, "how unique and innovative"; and since I stay in the same area there is no reason not to satisfy my curiosity.

And this is how it looked like. Loaded with generous servings of shredded chicken, cucumber, pineapple and shallots, and topped with natural taste enhancers such as torch flower (bunga kantan), mint leaves and a squeeze of lime, the dish was appetizing and well-flavoured. However, it reminded me of a spiced-up and more tangy version of mee goreng. I thought the absence of the two most important ingredients; chunks of fish meat and har koh (prawn paste) automatically disqualifies it from being called assam laksa, fried or otherwise.


The outlet also serves quite a decent version of popiah. The popiah was fat and juicy, and generously loaded with fillings. Although not the best that I have tasted (still prefer SS2 Sakura popiah), it was decent enough. However, I thought it is rather expensive at RM2.50 for one roll or RM4.50 for 2 rolls.

Restaurant Well Cook Gourmet
74, Jalan SS 14/2, Subang Jaya
(along the same road as the famous nasi lemak stall in the corner kopitiam)
Open from 12pm - 9pm

Other reviews:
masak-masak
KampungBoy Citygal

My Favourite Moist Chocolate Cake (No-bake)

Moist Chocolate Cake topped with dark chocolate fudge
Rich and luscious, moist yet fluffy; these are the words to describe my favourite chocolate cake. Not only mine, but my family's too. Best of all, the recipe is really simple and easy. It requires no baking, but is steamed instead. Therefore, it is also suitable for those who do not have an oven. And if you do not have a mixer, no worries. Just boil and stir. Too good to be true? Try it yourself and you shall see...

Recipe for Steamed Moist Chocolate Cake
A
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup good quality cocoa powder
1 cup unsalted butter (250g)
¾ tsp instant coffee powder
B
3 large eggs (lightly beaten)
½ cup condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract (vanilla essence will do)
C
1 ¼ cup plain flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder

Mix A together and cook over low fire until sugar is completely melted. Stir constantly to prevent burned bottom. Set aside to cool.
Mix A and B together until well-blended.
Sift C together and add into the mixed liquid mixture. Mix well until there are no lumps of flour to be seen.
Pour into a greased 8" (and lined) round pan and steam over high heat for 45 minutes to an hour. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into center of cake.
Cool in pan for 5 mins. Remove from pan carefully and let cool completely on rack.
Serve plain or with chocolate fudge. Cake is also suitable for frosting.
*Recipe courtesy of my SIL.

New Set Menu @ Celestial Court, Imperial Hotel KL

Recently, my friends and I found ourselves back at the opulent Celestial Court again to sample their newly introduced set menu, thanks to the invitation from FoodStreet. Named Ying, Yang and Jing respectively, each of the set menu came with a carefully selected set of 8 to 9 dishes. Pricing per pax starts from RM98++(Ying), RM128++(Yang) and RM158++(Jing) with a minimum of 6 pax. As there were only 4 of us that night, we were served with a selection of 5 dishes from all 3 of the set menus.


Braised Shredded Abalone with Dried Scallop and Roasted Duck Meat
Starting with Braised Shredded Abalone with Dried Scallop and Roasted Duck Meat (from the Ying menu), the thick soup was tasty albeit a tad salty for our liking with a somewhat strong medicinal aroma (although not in a bad way), probably from the chinese herbs used in creating this tummy-warming soup.


Roasted Baby Duckling
Next to arrive was the Roasted Baby Duckling (from the Ying menu). To be honest, as far as I could remember, that was my first time having baby duckling although to me, I would have said that it's roasted pigeon if I didn't know better.

Anyhow, the roasted duckling was exactly how it should be; glossy thin skin fried till delicately crispy, with juicy sweet flesh within. The melting tenderness of the fatty parts would surely be a delight to those who knew how to enjoy it.


Stir-fried Prawn Roasted Minced Garlic
Easily the most popular dish of the night was the Stir-fried Prawn Roasted Minced Garlic (from the Jing menu). Big fat de-shelled prawns tumbled with lots of fragrant roasted minced garlic. The jumbo-sized prawns were sweet and bouncy yet firm to bite, indicating the freshness of the seafood. A definite hit for us!


Braised Vermicelli with Seafood
The Braised Vermicelli with Seafood (from the Yang menu) was a delicious jumble of seafood tossed amongst noodles and leafy vegetables. This noodle dish was generous with the fresh assorted seafood, if just a tad salty.


Double Boiled Snow Fungus with Sea Coconut and Lotus Seed
The Double Boiled Snow Fungus with Sea Coconut and Lotus Seed (from the Jing menu) provided a sweet ending to our meal. Although served warm, the nutritious sweet soup was cooling and refreshing although we would have liked it more if it was a little bit less sweet.

It was a delight to see that the restaurant currently offers a 50% discount for senior citizens as I am pretty sure my parents would have enjoyed the menu under the luxurious ambience of Celestial Court. In addition, diners who ordered the set menu will also receive complimentary parking.

Celestial Court
Hotel Imperial Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Sultan Ismail
Phone 60 3 2717 9900

Pan Mee Triology (Face To Face, Home Recipe, Sec.14 Medan Selera)

Recognize this?

The potent yet vital ingredient for a decent chilli pan mee, popularized by the much-talked-about Kin Kin in KL and made available almost everywhere by Face To Face chain of outlets that specializes in various styles of pan mee.
I don't think I would bother ordering the classic soup pan mee at Face To Face. But their version of chilli pan mee is not bad. It is actually dry pan mee in dark sauce topped with a poached egg, some minced meat and fried anchovies. 4 types of chilli are available at every table.

Pick your choice, generously sprinkle onto your pan mee, burst the yolk, give it a swirl and slurp it all up. Oishi!!!


A colleague introduced me to this stall in the Section 14 Medan Selera in PJ. She told me they sell a decent pan mee. I gave it a try one day and find their classic pan mee in soup to be mediocre. It's not that it wasn't delicious, but defintely nothing to remember by.


Another time, I decided to give Home Recipe kopitiam (which was located next to the famous Paramount Garden pan mee shop) a try after I saw their rather huge banner advertising their home-cooked style pan mee. I was thinking, if they dared to put up such a big advertisement just right outside their restaurant which is located next to a "always crowded famous pan mee shop", it must at least be something, right?

If I am not mistaken, a standard bowl costs slightly more expensive than average pan mee sold at kopitiam. However, it was a rather big serving and loaded with ingredients. I pretty much remembered that the pan mee was rather obviously outnumbered by the vegetables and other stuff. In fact, after I'd finished eating all the pan mee, the bowl was still swimming with loads of ingredients. I would say it was a pretty decent bowl of pan mee although I think it could be better if they reduce or eliminate the use of garlic (or was it shallot?) oil in their soup. Too garlicky for my liking...

Where to find:-
Face To Face (various outlets in Klang Valley, including SS15 Subang Jaya).
Medan Selera Section 14, PJ.
Home Recipe, Sea Park, PJ. (Updated 21/11/2008: Outlet closed.)