Food & Drink

Taste the Tradition: Xin Cuisine’s Dim Sum Delights in Concorde Hotel KL

April 4, 2024April 5, 2024 dixonthum

In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, there’s a special place called Xin Cuisine. It’s part of the Concorde Hotel, known for its great food and nice atmosphere. With its elegant ambiance and delectable offerings, Xin Cuisine has carved a niche for itself as a premier destination for lovers of Chinese cuisine, specifically dim sums & roasted meat, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It has been operating since many years back but this was my first dining experience there. I really enjoyed it. When Xin Cuisine is the very few non-halal restaurants in a hotel in Malaysia, you know this must be really classic and gold.

Embracing Timeless Traditional Cantonese Food & Dim Sum at Xin Cuisine
For your info, Xin Cuisine is all about serving really good Cantonese food. They have lots of different dishes, like juicy barbecued meats, porridge, noodles and assorted dim sums. Every piece of dim sum was handmade with care, and I could really taste every bite is full of flavour and sincerity.

Dim sum, the beloved tradition of Cantonese cuisine, takes center stage at Xin Cuisine, where diners can savor a wide variety of these delectable bite-sized delights. Steamed, fried, or baked to perfection, dim sum offerings at Xin Cuisine range from delicate dumplings to fluffy buns, all served in the traditional manner using push-carts, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.

Among the popular choices are:
Trio Combination Platter (BBQ Pork, Roasted Pork, Roasted Duck)
Prawn Dumpling 故乡鲜虾饺
Siew Mai 烧卖
Steamed Chicken Claw 豉汁蒸风爪
Steamed Fish Ball 茜菜蒸鱼卖
BBQ Pork Bun 蜜汁叉烧包
Seafood Dumpling Soup海鲜灌汤饺
Fried Salad Prawn 沙律炸虾角
Prawn Fritters 韭菜虾饼
BBQ Puff 叉烧酥
Egg Tart 酥皮蛋挞
Fried Beancurd Prawn 鲜虾腐皮卷
Baked Coconut Bun 菠萝椰丝包
Bamboo Rice 竹筒咸鱼粒饭
Lychee Cheesy Prawn Ball 荔枝芝士虾球*
Rice Wine Chicken Bun黄酒鸡包*
Fried Shrimp Cheong Fun 炸脆皮肠粉*
Osmanthus Jelly 桂花糕
Mango Pomelo Sago 杨枝金露
*Limited-Time Dim Sum Specials – Weekday Exclusive

Private Functions and Weddings
Xin Cuisine provides four themed private dining rooms exclusively for private groups. On weekends, these rooms adapt to host larger crowds by opening their walls. Additionally, Xin Cuisine is available for wedding dinner banquets, accommodating approximately 20 tables.

I’m glad I visited on a weekday because I had the pleasure of enjoying beautiful Chinese music played by a resident artist on the traditional instrument known as the ‘guzheng’ 古筝. This is only available on weekdays.

@dixonthum
Speaker on 🔊🔊🔊 beautiful music #古筝 #guzheng #concordehotelkl #xincuisine #dimsum
♬ original sound – Dixon Thum – Dixon Thum

The History of Two Dragon Pillars
At Xin Cuisine, you’ll find an enduring elegance embodied by two ornate dragon pillars that have adorned the premises since the era when it was known as Hotel Merlin. Crafted from a single tree trunk sourced from Taiwan, these pillars were skillfully carved by a talented craftsman from Taiwan during that time.

📍Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Concorde Hotel KL, Jln Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours :
Monday – Friday: 11.00 am – 2.30 pm (brunch) & 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm (dinner)
Saturday: 9.00 am – 2.30 pm (brunch) & 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm (dinner)
Sunday & PH: 8.30 am – 2.30 pm (brunch) & 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm (dinner)
Tel: 03-2144 2200 extension 2338
*This is a non-halal restaurant
*Booking is allowed on weekdays. Strictly no booking on weekends.

Discovering the Legacy of Concorde Hotel KL
Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, (formerly known as Merlin Hotel) a landmark in the bustling cityscape of Kuala Lumpur, provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience at Xin Cuisine. With its strategic location in the Golden Triangle, the hotel offers easy access to major shopping malls like Suria KLCC, Pavilion KL, Sungei Wang, entertainment venues, and corporate offices, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business travelers alike.

Food & Drink, Travel

Unwind in Nature: Tuba Island Cottage Offers Serenity in Langkawi

March 18, 2024March 18, 2024 dixonthum

To truly experience Langkawi, you’ve got to spend a night or two on Tuba Island. It’s just a quick 20-minute ferry ride away. Tuba Island, also called Pulau Tuba, sits right next to the main island of Langkawi. The distance between the two islands is pretty short, usually just 1 to 3 kilometers, depending on where you are. Getting there is easy-peasy—just hop on a ferry from Langkawi, and you’ll be there in no time. The ride usually takes about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the waves and where you set off from.

Take a ferry from Jeti Pelancongan Kuah to Tuba Island

My own ferry trip with Bestuba took around 20 minutes, from Jeti Pelancongan Kuah to Jeti Pulau Tuba. And guess what? It only cost RM5 per person.

One of the places to stay in Tuba Island is Tuba Island Cottage which offers a serene escape for couples or groups who want a peaceful getaway with comfy vibes and a special atmosphere. This cozy place opened its doors in 2018 and has since become a hit with travelers who want to escape the busy city life and just chill.

Tuba Island Cottage is all about peace and coziness, offering a variety of rooms to fit your needs. There are 10 rooms in total, each equipped with essentials like bed (either single or double), bathroom, air conditioning, TV, and kettle. Among them, six spacious Superior Rooms feature extra perks like fridge, sink, and more space, while the four Standard Rooms provide a simpler but still comfy stay. Plus, there’s a standby room available for last-minute bookings, making sure everyone can enjoy this serene retreat.

From my personal experience, what sets Tuba Island Cottage apart is how close it is to nature. When you’re here, you’re not just visiting—you’re really part of the island’s natural beauty. You can hear the trees rustling and even the chickens clucking. Every moment on the island is a chance to feel connected to the world around you.

Just a short ride or a quick walk from Tuba Island Cottage, you’ll find Warung Pokok Asam, a restaurant that’s only a minute or two away by motorbike, or about a 5-minute walk. They serve up a bunch of tasty dishes, especially prawn noodles like Mee Udang, Nasi Goreng Udang, Beehoon Goreng Udang, Kuetiau Kungfu Udang, as well as Nasi Goreng Ayam, Nasi Pattaya, and lots more, all at really good prices. The restaurant is open every day from 11 am to 11 pm.

This restaurant is a mere 5 minutes walk away from Tuba Island Cottage

If you want a quiet escape surrounded by nature, Tuba Island Cottage is the place to be. To book a stay, just give Puan Watie a call at 019-831 7810. And if you need a ride to the island, they can arrange transportation for a small fee, so you can relax and enjoy your trip without any worries.

@dixonthum
Love the natural vibes here. The cottage is so close to nature, with 2 room types to choose from: Standard and Superior. Not many knows about this place but it’s definitely one you would want to stay in when you’re in Tuba. Contact Kak Watie for booking & enquiry (catch the number in the video 😀) #QttGroupTravel #BestTuba #JupeterHolidays #KembaRojak #NaturallyLangkawi #JomMaiKedah #NatureBasedTraveler #Langkawi99MagicalIslands #NatureBasedTravelers #TubaIslandCottage  @BESTUBA @qttravelsgroup @QTT Group Plt @KembaRojak 📍Tuba Island Cottage, Sungai Teluk Puyuh, Pulau Tuba, 07000, Langkawi, Kedah
♬ Hanya di kau – Tan Sri P. Ramlee

📍Tuba Island Cottage
Sungai Teluk Puyuh, Pulau Tuba,
07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Booking: 019-831 7810 (Puan Watie)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/Tuba-Island-Cottage-100057236508135/

_____
Like what you read and intrigued to incorporate nature-based travel, immerse in Malaysian cultures, and embark on thrilling adventures into your itinerary? Reach out at 017-407 9734 or 019-303 6008, or email qttgroup.management@gmail.com for additional details and quote referral code QTTNBT-07.

QTT FAM Trip to Langkawi is organised by QTT Group Plt in collaboration with LADA, Jupeter Holidays and supported by KembaRojak.

Food & Drink, Travel

Dangau Langkawi: A Hidden Gem of Langkawi’s Traditional Malay Culinary Scene

March 16, 2024March 18, 2024 dixonthum

As soon as I stepped into this restaurant, I felt like it was something special. It’s a place you should definitely visit at least once, if not more, because it’s not just about the yummy food, but also the great vibe. Dangau Langkawi is like a hidden treasure in Langkawi, surrounded by beautiful nature and a really nice atmosphere. It’s tucked away behind Makam Mahsuri, so it’s a peaceful escape from the busy city life. The restaurant’s location lets you enjoy the lovely scenery of Langkawi’s rice fields and traditional village vibes. One cool thing about Dangau Langkawi is that the staff all wear traditional Malay costumes, like what Hang Tuah would wear. It adds a special touch to the whole experience!

At Dangau Langkawi, you can enjoy delicious Malay food that’s full of flavours. They offer a variety of traditional Malay dishes, from tasty ikan bakar (grilled fish) to rich gulai ikan (fish curry) and udang sambal petai (prawns with stink beans in chili paste). You shouldn’t miss trying the siput retak seribu masak lemak (clam cooked in coconut milk), sotong goreng kunyit (turmeric fried squid), and fresh ulam-ulaman (Malay salad) with assorted sambal belacan. The prices are fair and won’t break the bank, making it a great value for the tasty meals they serve.

What makes Dangau Langkawi special is its lovely atmosphere that takes you back to nostalgic village life. The restaurant’s main attraction is the ‘dangau,’ a traditional Malay hut where you can dine surrounded by peaceful padi fields. With the gentle breeze and beautiful sunset over the mountains, it feels like you’re in a picture-perfect scene. That’s why Dangau Langkawi is so popular among Instagrammers who love taking selfies and the beautiful nature around them. Absolutely aesthetic!

Apart from the yummy food and beautiful views, Dangau Langkawi is known for its excellent service. They make sure every guest has a great time. The staff are really friendly and welcoming, and you can even play traditional game like congkak while you wait for your food. We were told that they even have live music on Wednesdays, which adds to the fun atmosphere. It is all about making your dining experience special and memorable!

Based on my experience, Dangau Langkawi shows how simple things and Malaysia’s culinary are really special. The delicious dishes, breathtaking views, and friendly service make it more than just a place to eat. It feels like you’re experiencing the true essence of Langkawi.

📍Dangau Langkawi
Lot 70, Mukim, Kampung Mawar, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Operations hour: 12.30PM to 7.30PM daily (except Tuesday)
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dangau_langkawi
FB: https://www.facebook.com/dangaulangkawi

🗓️ Notice: Dangau Langkawi is taking a break from 5 March to 16 April 2024 due to Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Business resumes as usual from 17 April 2024 onwards.

@dixonthum
Such an amazing experience dining traditional Malay food by the padi field. A must-try at Langkawi! QttGroupTravel JupeterHolidays KembaRojak NaturallyLangkawi LangkawiBestWey JomMaiKedah NatureBasedTraveler EscapeToBeautifulNature Langkawi99MagicalIslands DangauLangkawi  @KembaRojak @QTT Group Plt @qttravelsgroup @dangaulangkawi 📍 Dangau Langkawi, Lot 70, Mukim, Kampung Mawar, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
♬ Tari-Tari Wau – Mohram

QTT FAM Trip to Langkawi is organised by QTT Group Plt in collaboration with LADA, Jupeter Holidays and supported by KembaRojak.

Food & Drink

AVANTÉ Hotel’s Santapan Rasa Sayang 2024 Ramadan Buffet Dinner Returns!

March 16, 2024March 16, 2024 dixonthum

Great news, guys! The highly anticipated Santapan Rasa Sayang 2024 Buffet Dinner is back! Reminiscing the roots and origins of iconic recipes from all across Malaysia. Served at Chek’s Coffee House, AVANTÉ Hotel, guests can sample signature dishes handpicked by the hotel’s Chefs, featuring the diverse ingredients and flavors of each state.

Daily, a different variety of dishes will be served and rotated throughout the buffet period. This season’s signature dishes are presented by Chef de Cuisine, Chef Arih bin Ahmad and Junior Sous Chef (Malay Kitchen), Chef Yana — Daging bakar masak lemak, a Negeri Sembilan classic, harks back to Chef Arih’s fond memories of his mother’s cooking. Spiced with serai, cili padi and kunyit, the smoked beef tenderloin (‘daging salai’) is then paired with creamy santan, a combination that melds spicy, rich and smoky flavors, a traditional dish that whets the appetite.

Over from the East Coast, Sotong Sumbat Bakar packs a spicy kick with sambal belacan, dried chilli, creamy santan and serai, stuffed in fresh squid and grilled to crunchy perfection. For the first time, Chef Arih and Chef Yana have also taken on the challenge of combining their recipes to present a harmonious medley, the classic Rendang Tok. A Perak delicacy, beef tenderloin is marinated by our Chefs in a myriad of spices including coconut kerisik, lemongrass, kunyit, garlic, onion, star anise, cinnamon and more, slow cooked to maximise its burst of flavor.

Other signature dishes include Perut Masak Lemak Cili Api and Ayam Percik. With unmissable showstoppers of tender, juicy Kambing Kebuli with rice, sliced and served piping hot at the buffet, guests are welcome to sample all, from Rendang Ayam Hijau, Ketupat Palas, Satay, Sup Tulang and Murtabak, to Gearbox Soup, Kebab, Roti John , Udang Masak Lemak, Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak, Nasi Tomato, Sup Kambing/ Perut, Pecal & Lontong, Kerabu, Ulaman and more!

A fine selection of international dishes will also be served: black pepper fried crabs, sushi, salted egg squid, BBQ steak, Hong Kong braised Yee Mee to name a few. Catch our chefs making crispy sizzling Apam Balik, or enjoy the ‘Goreng-Goreng’ stall – Pisang, Sukun, Keledek, Cekodok, Cucur Bilis and Cucur Manis. End the night on a sweet note, Dodol, Kuih-Muih, ABC, Bubur, assorted French pastries and fresh local fruits.

Santapan Rasa Sayang 2024 Buffet Dinner
12 March – 9 April 2024
6:30pm – 10:30pm
Chek’s Coffee House (Level G), AVANTÉ Hotel

Normal Price

Adult	RM198 nett
Senior Citizen	RM138 nett
Child	RM108 nett

UP TO 20% OFF FOR ONECARD / Maybank / UOB / CIMB / Avis Malaysia / BSN / AFFIN / Petron Miles / Hong Leong Bank / Alliance Bank
NOTE: 12 March – 18 March 2024 AND 9 April : 20% OFF
19 March – 8 April: 10% OFF
*Applies for adult price only @ RM198, with minimum booking of 2 persons

For bookings or enquiries:
Tel: +603 7681 7666 / +603 7681 7777
Whatsapp: +6016 302 7838
Email: cheks@avantehotel.com.my
*T&Cs Apply, dishes rotated on a daily basis

About AVANTÉ Hotel
AVANTÉ Hotel, Bandar Utama, located in the heart of Petaling Jaya, is connected via 10 minutes elevated covered walkway, to Bandar Utama MRT Station and one of the world’s largest shopping malls, 1 Utama. The hotel, which officially opened on 26 November 2021, has an impressive 610 hotel rooms; guests can pick from Superior, Deluxe and Suite rooms (including rooms configured for physically challenged guests), all furnished with curated designs. The Suite rooms also feature a Kitchenette, equipped with a microwave, fridge and induction cooker, making it especially ideal for business and/or longer-stay travellers. AVANTÉ Hotel also provides ample covered car parks, including valet service.

The Grand Ballroom comes with a state-of-the-art sound system, geometric chandeliers and a pillarless ballroom layout – a direct view of our 4 huge built-in LED Screens. Also available are 2 VIP holding rooms and a classy, ventilated smoking lounge. Across Level UC, G and 1, meetings, corporate dinners, conventions, exhibitions, romantic weddings and more, the hotel’s Grand Ballroom and 11 Conference / Function Rooms of various sizes are an ideal event destination.

On the level 15 facilities deck, guests can enjoy the saltwater infinity pool, connected jacuzzi and wading pool, CHXpress Fitness 24/7 (open 24 hours), Beauty & Wellness Centre and Kiddies Club. The hotel’s wide array of tantalising and affordable dining options include: Chek’s Coffee House (all-day dining), Poolside Bar, and SkyDeck rooftop dining.

Follow their Social Media for more updates
Website: https://www.avantehotel.com.my/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/AvanteHotelBandarUtama
IG: https://www.instagram.com/avantehotelbandarutama

Food & Drink, Travel

MakLang by Ilham Ceramic: A Fusion of Pottery and Culinary Arts in Langkawi

March 11, 2024March 12, 2024 dixonthum

Langkawi has definitely changed a lot, for the better, of course. I am amazed that there’s this place called MakLang by Ilham Ceramic – a small cafe that serves local delicacies like Laksa Utara and Nasi Lemak, located in Kampung Bendang Baru which also provides pottery workshops and classes to their patrons.

Origins of MakLang by Ilham Ceramic
Founder, Mohammad Radzi Ismail’s journey into the food and beverage domain was not premeditated but born out of the persistent requests from his pottery students. Radzi started teaching pottery classes since 2020, during the pandemic. He noticed a recurring query from participants about the availability of food & refreshments. Responding to this demand, he initially started by sourcing local treats like kuih-muih and snacks from nearby stalls. However, as the suggestions to start a café grew. He saw an opportunity to enhance the overall experience for his clients and support the ceramic business further.

At the moment, the pottery class is on hiatus due to a staffing shortage resulting from the departure of one of their instructors. However, once a new teacher is onboarded, the classes will recommence. I am eagerly anticipating the resumption of classes. In the meantime, they continue crafting and selling pottery items such as plates, cups, and pots in their modest shop, alongside various other handicraft products.

Location and Ambiance
Situated adjacent to the pottery workshop and showroom on a plot of land owned by Radzi’s grandfather, MakLang by Ilham Ceramic opened its doors on 1 February 2023. The cozy structure exudes a welcoming atmosphere, providing patrons with a charming setting to enjoy a delightful fusion of art and culinary delights.

Homage to Mak Lang
Named in honour of Radzi’s mother, Barishah Hussein, affectionately known as Mak Lang in the village, the restaurant pays tribute to her culinary legacy. MakLang by Ilham Ceramic offers a diverse menu, spanning breakfast, lunch, and snacks, ensuring a delightful dining experience throughout the day.

They are open everyday, except Friday, 8am to 6pm and serve 7 kinds of laksa namely laksa biasa, laksa telur goreng, laksa isi ketam, laksa udang, laksa sambal sotong, laksa kepah and laksa campur (isi ketam + udang + sambal sotong). There are rice dishes too like nasi lemak, nasi sambal petai and others. They are also famous for their cucur udang for they sold out very quickly.

Preserving Family Recipes
Despite his initial reluctance to be labeled a ‘tukang masak’, Radzi took it upon himself to learn the cherished family recipes. Inspired by his mother’s culinary skill, who used to cater for large events and weddings, Radzi is now the guardian of these culinary traditions. With Mak Lang’s guidance, he ensures that these recipes endure and continue to tantalize taste buds which I personally think that he has successfully achieved this.

Honestly, I would return to this location for another serving of laksa, and ideally, by then, their pottery workshops will have resumed their usual schedule, allowing me to participate.

MakLang by Ilham Ceramic
No 33 (150A), Kg. Bendang Baru,
Kampung Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Open 8am to 6pm daily (except Friday)
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xHZk7pcPpUp74R9Y8
IG: https://www.instagram.com/maklang1952
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089818930983

@dixonthum
Asam Laksa MAKLANG BY ILHAM CERAMIC. Terbaik! 7 different types of asam laksa here. 📍 MakLang 1952 No33 (150A, kg. Bendang Baru, Kampung Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah #QttGroupTravel #JupeterHolidays #KembaRojak #NaturallyLangkawi #LangkawiBestWey #JomMaiKedah #NatureBasedTraveler #EscapeToBeautifulNature #Langkawi99MagicalIslands #MakLangCafeLangkawi  @qttravelsgroup @QTT Group Plt @KembaRojak
♬ Enak Sedapnya (Remastered 2023) – Rnjb Beats

QTT FAM Trip to Langkawi is organised by QTT Group Plt in collaboration with LADA, Jupeter Holidays and supported by KembaRojak.

Category: Food & Drink

Taste the Tradition: Xin Cuisine’s Dim Sum Delights in Concorde Hotel KL

Unwind in Nature: Tuba Island Cottage Offers Serenity in Langkawi

Dangau Langkawi: A Hidden Gem of Langkawi’s Traditional Malay Culinary Scene

AVANTÉ Hotel’s Santapan Rasa Sayang 2024 Ramadan Buffet Dinner Returns!

MakLang by Ilham Ceramic: A Fusion of Pottery and Culinary Arts in Langkawi

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