Category: Food & Drink

Food & Drink, My Personal

Discover 5 Charming Restaurants and Cafes to Elevate Your Christmas Celebrations

dixonthum

As we eagerly count down to Christmas and gear up for the festive season, consider these inviting restaurants and cafes for your annual gift exchange and heartwarming get-togethers with family and friends. Here’s a personal selection of charming dining spots that I have dined in before and would suggest that you should give it a try too, promising a touch of warmth, delightful ambiance, and a range of enticing choices to make your Christmas celebration truly special.

1. Take A Bow, Bangsar
Expect a diverse culinary journey with a blend of Western and fusion dishes, complemented by a range of refreshing beverages and coffee options.
Price range: 💲💲💲
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended menu: Cooling elixir and liquored cakes
Note: Pork-free, serves alcoholic desserts
Website: https://www.instagram.com/takeabowpls

2. Lil’ Bird & The Big Bear, Taipan USJ, Subang Jaya
It’s a place to explore an extensive selection of Western dishes, including pastas, tacos, and pizzas. Additionally, indulge in a variety of beverages such as coffee, milkshakes, coffee and juices.
Price range: 💲💲💲
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended menu: Argentinian Fish Tacos
Note: Pork-free, serves alcoholic drinks
Website: https://lilbirdbigbear.com/

3. Common Man Coffee Roasters, Desa Sri Hartamas
It offers an extensive breakfast and lunch menu featuring options like toast, granola, pasta, salad, hummus, pizzas, and desserts. Renowned for their specialty in coffee.
Price range: 💲💲💲
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended menu: Duck & Foie Gras Pie, Okinawa Black Sugar Tiramisu
Note: Pork-free, serves alcoholic drinks
Website: https://www.commonmancoffeeroasters.com.my/

4. Chizu, IOI Rio, Puchong
Indulge in a diverse range of cheese drinks, desserts, and pastries. Surprisingly, they also feature savory options such as drumstick rice, and their menu includes brewed coffee as well.
Price range: 💲💲
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐
Recommended menu: Cheese drinks, croissants
Note: 100% Halal
Website: https://www.instagram.com/chizuofficials

5. Basil Food Foundry, Cheras
This cafe offers an assortment of Western and fusion dishes, along with an extensive array of pastries and desserts.
Price range: 💲💲💲
Taste: ⭐⭐⭐
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐
Ambience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended menu: Foundry’s Yellow Sub, pastries and desserts
Note: Pork-free, serving alcoholic drinks
Website: https://www.instagram.com/basilsfoodfoundry

Food & Drink

Turkish Coffee Delight: Celebrating ‘World Turkish Coffee Day’ on 5th December

dixonthum

I’m so excited to share my love for Turkish coffee as we celebrate ‘World Turkish Coffee Day’. The unique taste and traditional significance of Turkish coffee earned it a coveted spot on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2013, and since then, December 5th has been globally recognized as a day to celebrate this iconic beverage. This annual celebration holds significance for the Turkish community, and this year, I am honored to join in the festivities alongside the His Excellency (H.E) Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Malaysia, and other distinguished guests.

Discovering the Soul of Turkish Culture
My fascination with Turkish coffee began with its omnipresence in Türkiye. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a social ritual that brings people together. The anticipation of a warm cup is embedded in the very word for breakfast, “kahvaltı.” It’s more than just a drink; it’s a cultural heartbeat.

Brewing Magic in Every Cup
The magic of Turkish coffee lies in its unchanged brewing method, a tradition upheld for centuries. Discover the artistry behind the preparation, as finely ground coffee beans dance in a ‘Cevze,’ creating a frothy masterpiece. Unlike other coffee traditions, Turkish coffee is served with its grounds, accompanied by a glass of water, Turkish delight, or other sweet treats.

Diverse Variations Across Türkiye
Türkiye’s diverse regions contribute unique flavors and variations to the Turkish coffee experience. From the Aegean’s mastic-infused delight to Gaziantep’s Menengiç Coffee boasting pistachio roots, explore the regional nuances that elevate Turkish coffee to a cultural celebration. Don’t miss the mild aroma of Dibek Coffee, crushed in a stone mortar, or the solid and bitter Mırra Coffee preferred in Türkiye’s southeast districts.

“Every Cup Carries 40 Years of Memories”
In Türkiye, a traditional proverb beautifully captures the essence of Turkish coffee’s significance – “Every cup of coffee carries 40 years of memories.” It means that Turkish coffee isn’t just about drinking; it’s like a time machine that takes you back to happy moments. How awesome is that?

Turkish Coffee Fortune Telling
At the event, we, the guests, had a fun time trying out Turkish coffee fortune telling. Everyone took turns looking at the patterns in their coffee cups and guessing what they might mean. It brought lots of laughs and made the event feel even more special. Some of us saw patterns of horse, mountains, mermaid, humans and many more. It was like a game that added extra joy to our time together. I really had fun and made new friends too.

About Türkiye
Located in the Mediterranean Sea and connecting the Asian and European continents that are separated by the famous Bosphorus, Türkiye is a unique destination and a hub for cultural interaction. In addition to its perfect climate, Türkiye inspires visitors with its history, nature and gastronomy, all of which reflect the diversity of civilisations from over many centuries. Located at the crossroads of cultures, Türkiye has a distinctive understanding of art and fashion which is the synthesis of tradition and modernity, and its dynamic shopping and entertainment life also attracts visitors from all over the world. For more information about Türkiye please visit: https://www.goturkiye.com/

Food & Drink, Travel

Indulge in Festive Delights: Royale Chulan Seremban’s Christmas and New Year Buffet Extravaganza!

dixonthum

Royale Chulan Seremban is offering exciting Christmas and New Year buffet spreads from 24 November onwards. The buffet spread, prepared by Chef M. Suresh and his team of culinary experts will be held at Asiatique Restaurant at the Lobby Level.

Among some seasonal must-haves are Roasted Beef Wellington, Turkey with Black Pepper Sauce, Pasta Bella, Lamb Leg with Rosemary Sauce, Oyster on Ice, Cream of Seafood Chowder Soup, Mussels with Herb & Butter Sauce and many more. Some of the Asian cuisines are Biryani Rice, Stir Fried Prawns with Oats, Satay, Dim Sum and Mutton Parathal. Check out the dessert corner where you can find Strawberry Tiramisu, Berry Panna Cotta, German Stollen, Christmas Pudding with Vanilla Sauce and Christmas Cookies. You won’t want to miss any of these.

Block your calendar and get ready for the buffet extravaganza! 

🍗 Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner (6.30pm to 10pm)
RM98 nett (adults), RM68 (child), RM78 (senior citizen)
*early bird price RM80 nett (adult only) lasts until end of November 2023. 
*Christmas Carolling is tentatively scheduled on 24th December 2023, at the concourse area of the hotel.

🍗 Christmas Buffet Hi-tea (12pm to 4pm)
RM78 nett (adults), RM48 (child), RM58 (senior citizen)
*early bird price RM68 nett (adult only) lasts until 20th December 2023.

🍗 Christmas Day Buffet Dinner (6.30pm to 10pm)
RM88 nett (adults), RM58 (child), RM68 (senior citizen)
*early bird price RM78 nett (adult only) lasts until 20th December 2023.

🍗 New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner (6.30pm to 10pm)
RM98 nett (adults), RM68 (child), RM78 (senior citizen)
*early bird price RM80 nett (adult only) lasts until 28 December 2023.

🍗 New Year Day Hi-tea Buffet (12pm to 4pm)
RM65 nett (adults), RM32 (child), RM50 (senior citizen)
*early bird price RM55 nett (adult only) lasts until 28 December 2023.

Secure your seats now at 016-920 9985 / 06-766 6620/6609 or email to fbdept.rcs@royalechulan.com. Plus, if you’re born on Christmas day or New Year Day, your meal is on the house—just show your ID card! Don’t miss the chance to catch the early bird prices and make this holiday season truly memorable.

About Royale Chulan Seremban
Royale Chulan Seremban is a 4-star hotel part of the Boustead Royale Chulan Hotel chain in Malaysia. It is situated in the heart of Seremban town and offers 345 guestrooms, three dining options, and 17 function rooms.

For more information about Royale Chulan Seremban, visit their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

Food & Drink

Richiamo Coffee: Budget-Friendly Premium Coffee & Malay Delicacies!

dixonthum

Discovering Richiamo Coffee’s Chic Ambience
As I stepped into the Gurney Mall UTMKL branch, I was immediately captivated by the chic black and white theme that defines Richiamo Coffee’s identity. The décor exuded a classy yet inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a casual hangout, lepak with friends or a hearty meal with family members.

Premium Coffee and Malay Traditions
Being a coffee enthusiast, I couldn’t wait to dive into Richiamo Coffee’s extensive menu. The café takes pride in offering premium coffee varieties, and my taste buds were treated to the rich flavors of their signature Iced Americano and Ice Blended Classy Dark Chocolate. Each sip was a delightful journey into the world of quality coffee and chocolate. I’m glad that I can get the best of both worlds here. Of course, they offer a wide selection of other drinks like Caramello Cappuccino, Salted Caramello Cappuccino, Macha Latte, Teh Tarik Premium, Mango Peach Tea, Fresh Lemon Tea and many more!

Nasi Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak
Spaghetti Salted Egg Prawn

What sets Richiamo Coffee apart is its commitment to preserving Malay culinary traditions. I indulged in the Nasi Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak, each bite a harmonious blend of spices and authentic flavours. The menu, as diverse as Malaysia itself, also features tempting options like Nasi Daging Salai Asap, Nasi Itik Salai Asap, Nasi Siput Sedut Asap, and Nasi Ayam Kari.

Ice Blended Classy Dark Chocolate
Chocolate Mint Cake

Besides that, my wife had her appetite filled with Spaghetti Salted Egg Prawn. Other options available are Spaghetti Beef Bolognese, Spaghetti Chicken Bolognese, Spaghetti Cabonara and Spaghetti Aglio Olio.

Budget-friendly Price
To my surprise, this hidden gem stands out not just for its stylish setting and a diverse menu featuring premium coffee and authentic Malay dishes but also for its incredibly affordable prices. Going through the menu at Richiamo Coffee, most of the dishes here cost less than RM20 while drinks costs less than RM10 on average.

Satisfying the Sweet Tooth
As a dessert lover, no meal is complete without a sweet treat, and Richiamo Coffee has that covered too. I couldn’t resist trying their delectable pastries, including the Chocolate Mint Cake and Tiramisu Donut. The flavours were a symphony of sweetness that perfectly complemented the aromatic coffee, perfect combo!

Fret not. There are many other desserts and pastries options to choose from like Salted Caramel Macadamia Cheesecake, Apple Crumble Cheesecake, Cempedak Cheesecake, Blue Velvet Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Oreo Donut, Strawberry Donut, muffins, croissants and puffs.

A Comfortable Retreat
This outlet that I went to is situated conveniently at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, in Gurney Mall UTMKL (also known as Residensi UTMKL). Richiamo Coffee has over 100 outlets nationwide, and offers a comfortable retreat for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re seeking a quick coffee fix, a leisurely meal with friends, or a family gathering, the café’s welcoming ambience makes it an ideal place for food and joy.

A Foodie’s Paradise at Richiamo Coffee
My dining experience at Richiamo Coffee was nothing short of delightful. From the chic décor and warm hospitality to the diverse menu that caters to various palates, this café is definitely one I would return for more. If you’re a food enthusiast like me, don’t miss out on the chance to experience the perfect blend of premium coffee and traditional Malay flavours at Richiamo Coffee. It’s not just a meal; it’s a memorable dining adventure!

📍 Location:
Richiamo Coffee UTMKL,
Gurney Mall (Residensi UTMKL), Jalan Maktab, 54000 Kuala Lumpur

For more information:
Website: https://richiamocoffee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichiamoCoffee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richiamocoffee

Food & Drink, Lifestyle

WonderMeat Unleashed: GoodMorning Global Revolutionizes Malaysia’s Culinary Landscape

dixonthum

In a groundbreaking move that promises to reshape Malaysia’s food industry, GoodMorning Global Group Holdings Berhad has officially launched WonderMeat, Malaysia’s first dry-mix complete nutrition plant based meat. This innovative product is set to meet the surging global demand for plant-based food alternatives while making waves locally for its induction into the prestigious Malaysian Book of Records.

I have tried this product myself during the event and to my surprise, I couldn’t really tell that it’s plant-based meat. The texture and taste feels like real meat, to be honest.

WonderMeat’s Spectacular Debut in Malaysia
At the Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the launch ceremony witnessed the unveiling of WonderMeat, a powdered plant-based meat that has already garnered attention for its unique approach to meeting dietary needs sustainably. Kluang Member of Parliament Wong Shu Qi, the esteemed guest of honour, praised GoodMorning Global for their remarkable achievements in the realm of food biotechnology.

Dato’ Dr. Lim Sin Boon
Founder & Group Executive Chairman of GoodMorning Global Group Holdings Berhad

During the event, Dato’ Dr Lim Sin Boon, Executive Chairman, and Founder of GoodMorning Global expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “WonderMeat isn’t just a food product; it’s a leap towards a sustainable future.” This sentiment underscores the company’s commitment to using food technology to enhance lives while delivering delicious, affordable culinary experiences that prioritize balanced nutrition.

WonderMeat: A Culinary Revolution
For your info, WonderMeat is more than a plant-based alternative; it’s a culinary revolution. Designed to replicate the taste and texture of animal meat, this product not only expands options for vegetarians and vegans but also transforms the meat industry itself. The powdered form offers advantages such as streamlined transportation, extended shelf life, reduced costs, and a diminished carbon footprint – marking a significant stride toward sustainable living.

Primarily composed of soya and pea, WonderMeat is a rich source of dietary fiber and protein. Additionally, it is fortified with CaHMB and boasts 28 types of vitamins and minerals, ensuring a complete and balanced nutritional profile in every serving.

✅ Trans Fat Free
✅ Cholesterol Free
✅ No Preservatives
✅ High in Protein
✅ High in Dietary Fiber
✅ No Garlic and Onion

Dr. Charles Cheng Fang Chin
Group Chief Executive Officer cum Chief Financial Officer of GoodMorning Global Group Holdings Berhad

Global Recognition and Earlier Achievements
The introduction of WonderMeat follows a string of notable achievements by GoodMorning Global. In July, the company secured RM20 million (US$ 4.4 million) from 1,046 investors in an equity crowdfunding campaign, propelling their biotechnology and food technology research into new frontiers. In March, their plant-based nutrition beverage, GSure, received approval from the Sultanate of Oman’s Centre for Food Safety and Quality.

GoodMorning RAHMAH
Good news to fellow Malaysians! GoodMorning Global also introduces several GoodMorning Rahmah packages that aims to encourage more people to practice healthy diet and balanced nutrition. They offer discounts up to 54% off! Check out the packages here: https://www.goodmorning.com.my/shop/pakejrahmah

Looking Ahead: WonderMeat and the Future of Food
As GoodMorning Global continues to push the boundaries of food technology, the WonderMeat launch signifies a pivotal moment in the journey towards a more sustainable and healthier future. The company’s dedication to transforming the food industry, evident in their flagship product GoodMorning VPlus 18 Grains, showcases their belief that ‘nutritious can be delicious.’

About GoodMorning Global
Established in 2008, GoodMorning Global is a food tech and multigrain company committed to transforming the food industry. By leveraging biotechnology, they aim to provide sustainable, healthy, and innovative plant-based food solutions that resonate with the evolving needs of consumers worldwide. Join them on this exciting journey toward a more flavorful and sustainable culinary experience.

Website: https://www.goodmorning.com.my/