Category: Food & Drink

Food & Drink, Travel

Cafes with “Healing” Vibes Across Thailand & Laos

dixonthum

As a food and coffee lover, travel without food hunting is no fun. Exploring Thailand and Laos offers a chance to discover spots that are perfect for unwinding and recharging. These cafes and eateries provide not just delicious food but also a calming atmosphere that soothes the soul.

Food Trucks at Samila Beach, Songkhla
I was surprised that there are many food trucks along Samila Beach in Songkhla that offer a unique and laid-back dining experience by the sea. Imagine savouring local snacks and refreshing drinks as you relax on the sandy shore, with the gentle sound of the waves in the background. Fret not, there are tables and chairs prepared, and you do not need to bring your own mat. The casual, beachside setting provides a tranquil escape, allowing you to soak in the healing energy of the ocean.

Kaogee Cafe, Vientiane (Kaogee Le Triomphe)
Kaogee Cafe in Vientiane, Laos, blends French influences with local charm, creating an inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxation. The cafe’s interior design features elegant touches reminiscent of French cafes, while the menu offers a fusion of traditional Lao dishes and French-inspired delicacies. Whether you’re enjoying a buttery croissant or a rich coffee, the soothing ambiance and refined decor make Kaogee Cafe a wonderful place to unwind and experience a taste of French elegance in the heart of Laos.

📍Kaogee Le Triomphe
Patuxay, ຮ່ອມ 13, Vientiane, Laos
Operating hours: 7AM – 8PM
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/go6dCgSgqXuFEFx67
Website: https://kaogeecafe.com

Hak Khong Restaurant, Nong Khai
Located along the Mekong River in Nong Khai, Thailand, Hak Khong Restaurant is known for its dishes made with fresh fish sourced directly from the river. This riverside eatery is a haven for food lovers and Instagram enthusiasts alike, with its picturesque setting offering plenty of photo-worthy spots. The combination of delicious, freshly prepared meals and stunning views makes Hak Khong Restaurant a perfect destination for those seeking both culinary delight and visual inspiration.

📍Hak Khong Restaurant
444, Sangkhom, Sangkhom District, Nong Khai 43160, Thailand
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/j1ng9foffP7uwbNg6

Barnnaa Cafe, Udon Thani
Barnnaa Cafe in Udon Thani is the ultimate spot to unwind and relax. The cafe offers a choice of cozy indoor seating or a breezy outdoor area, allowing you to enjoy the serene surroundings while sipping on a coffee or indulging in a sweet treat. The peaceful environment and beautiful decor create a haven where you can escape the hustle and bustle of travel and take a moment to recharge. Whether you choose to sit inside or outside, Barnnaa Cafe provides a tranquil retreat that’s perfect for relaxation.

📍Barnnaa Cafe
95 หมู่ที่ 1 Mu Mon, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani 41000, Thailand
Operating hours: 9AM – 5:30PM
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6dPoDPRX3wKZfrje9
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barnnaacafe

These spots across Thailand and Laos offer more than just food and drinks—they provide calming environments where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy a moment of peace amidst your travels. Who’s ready for a “healing” trip back to these eateries with me?

Food & Drink, Lifestyle

Experience Malaysia’s First Lavazza Pop Up Shop: New Capsules, Discounts & Fun

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Discovering the Lavazza Pop Up Shop
I just got back from Mid Valley as I had the pleasure of visiting Malaysia’s first-ever Lavazza Pop Up Shop at Mid Valley Centre Court, and it’s an experience I recommend for coffee lovers like myself. This event, running from the 19 – 25 August 2024, is a true celebration of Lavazza’s dedication to authentic Italian coffee, innovation, and fun.

Exploring the New Lavazza Capsules
One of the highlights of my visit was sampling Lavazza’s brand-new capsules: Rossa, Tierra, and E Gusto. These capsules are not only packed with rich flavours but are also compatible with Nespresso* Original machines, which is a great convenience for those of us with these machines at home. Each flavor had its own unique appeal—whether it was the bold richness of Rossa, the sustainably sourced and flavorful Tierra, or the smooth and balanced E Gusto. It felt like a mini coffee tour of Italy, right at the pop-up shop.

Exclusive Discounts and Shopping
Beyond the tasting experience, the Pop Up Shop offers exclusive discounts on all Lavazza products, including capsules, beans, grounds, and instant coffee. It was the perfect opportunity to stock up on my favorites and try out some new flavors. If you’re a Lavazza fan, these discounts are definitely worth checking out.

Fun & Games with Lavazza
What made the event even more exciting were the interactive games and opportunities to win prizes. With every purchase, you could try your luck at the game stations there, but luck was not on my side, haha! I did not get any interesting gifts.

Savouring Special Coffetails
The Coffeetails were a delightful surprise. Lavazza’s Barista crafted these special coffee drinks, which were as delicious as they were creative. It was the perfect way to end my visit, sipping on a refreshing coffee cocktail while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. For me, I had the Mango Tango Qualita Oro.

If you’re in the Mid Valley area, don’t miss out on this unique coffee journey with Lavazza. Whether you’re there to shop, play games, or simply enjoy a good cup of coffee, the Lavazza Pop Up Shop offers something for everyone.

Food & Drink

Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara Launches Exquisite Mooncake Selection for Mid-Autumn Festival 2024

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I recently had the pleasure of attending an exclusive session at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, where the hotel unveiled its exquisite mooncake collection for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival 2024. Alongside fellow bloggers, I indulged in mooncake tasting and had a hands-on experience making my own mooncakes!

Good news to us all! From 11 June to 17 September 2024, Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara is offering a delectable selection of mooncakes to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Sofitel Lunar Luxe: Exquisite Mid-Autumn promotion features a range of enticing flavors, carefully crafted to satisfy every palate. Guests can choose from two exclusive sets: the Premium Pink Peach Blossom set, starting at RM268+, and the Classic Turquoise Harmony set, starting at RM178+, each containing four pieces of mooncakes.

Chef Lee Wei Loong

Early Bird Promotion & Bulk Purchases Exclusive Discounts
Too bad we have miss Sofitel’s Early Bird promotion, which is perfect for mooncake enthusiasts. From 11 June to 14 July 2024, clients can enjoy an exclusive 25% discount on all purchases, making it the perfect time to secure these delightful treats. Additionally, guests who opt for the Premium Pink Peach Blossom set will receive a complimentary mini tea set, adding a touch of luxury to their Mid-Autumn celebrations.

However, you are still entitled to their bulk purchases offer with attractive discounts:

  • 15% off for 10 to 20 sets
  • 20% off for 21 to 99 sets
  • 25% off for 100 sets and above in a single receipt

Exclusive discounts are also available for Accor Plus members, Hong Leong group employees, DC Residensi residents, DC Mall tenants, and all participating credit and debit cards.

Assorted baked skin mooncakes
Signature Blueberry with Cream Cheese

Exquisite Mooncakes Crafted to Perfection by Chef Lee Wei Loong
The baked skin and snow skin mooncake selection at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara showcases the best of traditional flavours crafted to perfection by Chef Lee Wei Loong, Wan Chun Ting’s Dim Sum Chef. During the session, I sampled a variety of flavors including:

Nutella Chocolate Baileys Irish Cream and Vodka
Musang King Durian
  • Red Bean
  • Pure White Lotus
  • White Lotus with Single Yolk
  • Pandan Single Yolk
  • Signature Blueberry with Cream Cheese
  • Musang King Durian
  • Nutella Chocolate Baileys Irish Cream and Vodka
  • Yam with Red Bean Paste
  • Matcha Green Tea with Custard

Each mooncake was a testament to Chef Lee’s craftsmanship, offering an exceptional taste experience. My personal favourites are Musang King Durian, Nuttella Chocolate Baileys Irish Cream with Vodka and the traditional Pandan Single Yolk.

Yam with Red Bean Paste
Matcha Green Tea with Custard

My First Hands-on Mooncake Making Experience
A standout part of the session was the hands-on mooncake making the team arranged for us during the session. Guided by Chef Lee, we rolled up our sleeves and crafted our own mooncakes. This interactive experience allowed us to appreciate the effort and precision that goes into making these delicacies. I really enjoyed the experience!

Place Your Orders Today!
To place an order or learn more about this exclusive mooncake promotion, visit Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara’s website or contact them directly at +6017 511 7725. Terms and conditions apply, and all prices include prevailing government tax.

The session at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara was a delightful experience, capturing the essence of the Mid-Autumn Festival. I look forward to sharing these exquisite mooncakes with friends and family, creating unforgettable moments of joy and togetherness.

For more information and reservations, visit Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara’s official website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Food & Drink

Discover the New Weekend Buffet with Exciting Deals at Melting Pot Cafe, Concorde Hotel KL!

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Starting from 12 July 2024, Melting Pot Cafe in Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur invites you and other food enthusiasts to indulge in a culinary adventure like no other with its brand-new weekend buffet. Featuring an array of delectable dishes and diverse culinary creations, this buffet is set to delight every palate.

Exciting Promotions and Special Offers
Melting Pot Cafe has rolled out fantastic promotions and special offers to make weekends truly memorable. Whether it’s a fun get-together with friends, a special family meal, or a team outing with colleagues, the new buffet offerings promise a stellar dining experience complemented by live entertainment.

Buffet High Tea on Every Saturday & Sunday
Every Saturday and Sunday, you can immerse in a delectable Buffet High Tea experience. The buffet boasts a range of dishes to satisfy every taste, including a Teppan BBQ station with sizzling steaks and ikan bakar, as well as signature local cuisines like beef and chicken satay, Hainanese chicken rice, beef rendang, ayam tandoori, ikan tiga rasa, and fried Hokkien mee hoon.

For those who enjoy Japanese and Western fare, the buffet includes gyoza dumplings, takoyaki, and the popular smashed burger crafted with homemade beef or chicken. Dessert lovers can indulge in local snacks such as crispy banana fritters, cucur sayur, cekodok, and refreshing treats like ABC ice kacang and leng chee kang.

Price: RM91.80 nett per person (after a 15% discount off the normal price of RM108.00 nett). Kids aged 6 to 11 years old eat for only RM54.00 nett (after a 50% discount).

Buffet Dinner on Every Friday & Saturday
The buffet dinner, available every Friday and Saturday, offers a mouthwatering selection starting with a seafood on ice display featuring succulent shucked oysters, tiger prawns, and mussels served chilled. Guests can watch talented chefs bring the Teppan BBQ to life with delectable steaks, tender lamb shoulder, and flavorful ikan bakar. Japanese cuisine enthusiasts can enjoy maki rolls and fresh sashimi.

The buffet also includes hearty local favorites like Hainanese chicken rice, rendang tok, sambal udang, mee goreng, Indian fish curry, chicken or lamb briyani, and prawn massala.

The special carving section features roasted lamb leg and crispy golden salmon filo pastry, while Western dishes include penne seafood aglio olio, pan-fried lamb shoulder, and mini chicken chop with garlic brown jus.

Authentic Thai dishes are available too, including white tom yam coconut chicken soup, grilled beef steak salad, glass noodle salad with prawn, shrimp rice, massaman beef curry, and green curry kai.

For dessert, guests can enjoy French sweet treats like chocolate éclair, mixed fruit pavlova, ivory raspberry verinne, and strawberry kiwi panna cotta, as well as local favorites like Portuguese egg tart, pengat pisang, bubur kacang, and assorted Nyonya kuih.

Price: RM142.80 nett per person (after a 15% discount off the normal price of RM168.00 nett). Kids aged 6 to 11 years old dine for only RM84.00 nett (after a 50% discount).

Live Entertainment and Special Celebrations
Guests can delight in the vibrant atmosphere with live performances by the Begema 5 Band, whose smooth tunes and lively beats elevate the dining experience. For those planning a birthday celebration, Melting Pot Cafe offers a special package for up to 20 guests, including a complimentary birthday cake and colorful balloons.

Make Your Reservation
Don’t miss out on this incredible dining experience at Melting Pot Cafe, Concorde Hotel KL. For reservations, please call 03-2717 2233 or 012-399 0734.

Food & Drink, Travel

9 Places to ‘Cari Makan’ in Satun, Thailand

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After my trip to Satun, I discovered 9 must-visit places perfect for anyone looking for food and ‘cari makan’ while traveling in this charming Satun town in Southern Thailand. From cozy cafes, delightful restaurants to street food, these recommendations showcase the food-hunting experiences Satun has to offer.

📍 Mo Cafe Halal Dim Sum
Each plate of dim sums here is just 20 Baht! So eat all you want without burning a hole in your pocket. Wide variety of choices and taste good to me!

Address: Yattrasawaddee Rd, Phiman, Mueang Satun District, Satun 91000, Thailand

📍 Tanjung Buri Cafe
Not as sensational as some viral ports nearby, but the seafood is very fresh. Taste as good, minus the crowd.

Location: Tanyongpo, Mueang Satun District, Wilayah Satun, Negara Thai

📍 Roti Bang Fan
Best place to lepak with travel mates as they open until late night, with many choices of roti (as in roti canai), western and local dishes with some fusion twist.

Location: Phiman, Mueang Satun District, Satun 91000, Thailand

📍 Eagle Feeding Trip at Tammalang
It’s my first experience dining on a boat, surrounded by flying eagles. The seafood was fresh and taste very good. My favourite were the clams and prawns.

Note: For this special dining experience, pre-arrangements are needed.

📍 De Bua Cafe
Perfect place for outdoor garden dining. Great natural backdrop for picture perfect moments.

Location: 66 ซอย 2 Khlong Khut, Mueang Satun District, Satun 91000, Thailand

📍 Corner Cafe
I love the wagyu beef steak here. So juicy and tender. Other local dishes were great too, a bit to the spicy side. Ambience was very nice too.

Location: Thung Nui, Khuan Kalong District, Satun 91130, Thailand

📍 De Aomai Cafe
Best place to chill by the seaside, with a cup of coffee and dessert. The whole building was aesthetically pleasing too.

Location: 90 ม.1, Tanyongpo, เมือง Satun 91000, Thailand

📍 Weekend Night Market at Duson
Also known as Nat Duson Khuan Don. Only opens on weekends, with super wide range of food choices, from fried chicken to sweet pastries. There are stalls that sell non-food items too like pre-loved clothes, shoes and toys.

Location: Khuan Don, Khuan Don District, Satun 91160, Thailand

📍 Night Market at Satunthanee Soi 3
This one operates daily. Relatively small, but you would be able to find something you want to try here, like I did. Quite balanced of choices like savoury and sweet choices, with fruits and condiments.

Location: Phiman, Mueang Satun District, Thailand