Category: Food & Drink

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

Food & Drink, Travel

A Hidden Gem You Must Visit – De Bua Café in Satun, Thailand

dixonthum

During my recent trip to Satun, I stumbled upon a café that left me utterly mesmerized—De Bua Café Satun. Tucked away in this serene part of Thailand, De Bua (which fittingly means “lotus”) is a delightful spot that beautifully marries nature with exquisite dining.

Ambience and Setting
True to its name, De Bua Café features a picturesque lotus pond that adds a touch of tranquility to the atmosphere. The café offers a blend of indoor seating and an enchanting outdoor garden setting, perfect for photo op and OOTD shots. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful meal or host an event, De Bua Café is a versatile venue perfect for weddings, parties, and family reunions.

Delectable Halal Dishes
The menu at De Bua Café is a delightful surprise, featuring a range of halal dishes that cater to diverse palates. Here are some of my top recommendations:

Deep Fried Shrimp Donut
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—these are a must-try!

Steamed Seabass with Spicy Seafood Sauce
Perfectly cooked seabass paired with a zesty sauce that packs a punch.

Fried Seabass Spicy Salad with Herbs
A refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the best of Thai spices and fresh herbs.

Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab with Garlic
Crunchy and aromatic, this dish is a treat for seafood lovers.

Super Hot Tom Yum Noodle
For those who love a bit of heat, this noodle dish is a fiery delight.

Other delicious options include:
• Stir-fried Stinky Beans with Shrimp
• Stir-fried Malindjo Leaves with Egg
• Shrimp Paste Chili Sauce with Fresh Shrimps
• Beef/Chicken Khao Soy
• Desserts like Toast with Ice Cream, Assorted Bingsu and many more!

Why You Should Visit
The combination of excellent food, beautiful surroundings, and outstanding service makes De Bua Café a must-visit. Whether you’re a foodie looking to explore new flavors or someone seeking a relaxing spot to unwind, this café has something for everyone.

📍De Bua Cafe
66 ซอย 2 Khlong Khut, Mueang Satun District, Satun 91000, Thailand
Opening Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM
Tel: +66 97 470 6522

@dixonthum

A very Instagrammable café in Satun. No regret coming here. Good food, nice ambience. Perfect for a chill trip! Bua means Lotus in Thai. @debuacafe01 #tatkl #amazingthailand #amazingnewchapters #yourstoriesneverend @tatkul23

♬ Romantic Classical Piano Solo – FREDERIC BOUCHAL

If you find yourself in Satun, don’t miss the chance to experience De Bua Café. Trust me, it’s a hidden gem that will make your trip unforgettable! Fret not, the staff their speak simple Bahasa Melayu which makes communication so much easier for us!

Food & Drink, My Personal

Discover the Ultimate Dim Sum Experience at Lai Ching Yuen with Enhanced Buffet Menus Unveiled

dixonthum

If you’re a fan of authentic Cantonese cuisine and Dim Sum, then you need to visit Lai Ching Yuen at Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur. I recently dined there and was thrilled to discover their newly enhanced Dim Sum Buffet menus. Catering to both weekday indulgence and weekend revelry, these revamped menus embrace the essence of traditional Hong Kong culinary artistry and promise a gastronomic journey through delectable flavors and exquisite craftsmanship.

A Tribute to Hong Kong Dim Sum Culture
The moment I walked into Lai Ching Yuen, I was struck by the elegance of the place. The ambiance is a perfect blend of sophistication and warmth. The extensive selection of Hong Kong-inspired delicacies, meticulously crafted by a team of seasoned chefs led by Executive Chinese Chef Thye Yoon Kong, immediately caught my attention. With over 30 years of experience in Cantonese cuisine, Chef Thye is a true master of his craft, and his specialty is Dim Sum.

Chef Thye Yoon Kong, Executive Chinese Chef at Lai Ching Yuen

The essence of dim sum is handcraftsmanship which requires excellent skills and years of training. We are excited to introduce our enhanced Dim Sum Buffet menus, as we added 20 new dishes to offer our guests a wholesome experience of the Dim Sum culture which I have learned a lot about throughout my career in Cantonese cuisine.

said Chef Thye Yoon Kong, Executive Chinese Chef at Lai Ching Yuen

A Feast for the Senses
The menus feature an array of Hong Kong-inspired Dim Sum creations, from savory classics to innovative reinterpretations of time-honored Cantonese cooking methods. The diverse selection includes appetisers, soups, steamed-to-order delights, fried selections, stir-fried mains, and desserts, each promising a feast for the soul.

Some of the highlights from my visit included Steamed Siew Mai with Fish Roe, Deep-fried Bean Curd Roll with Shrimp (鲜虾腐皮卷), Wok-fried ‘Bei Fong Tong’-style Chicken (避风塘鸡片) , Pan-fried Buns with Salted Fish (香煎咸鱼包) and Steamed Rice Rolls with Shrimp (鲜虾滑肠粉)

To top off the meal, I indulged in the Hot & Sweetened Cream of Red Bean with Tangerine Peel (陈皮红豆沙), a sweet and comforting dessert that provided the perfect ending to a sumptuous feast.

Exciting New Varieties and Specials
In addition to their all-time favorites, Lai Ching Yuen has introduced 20 new dim sum varieties that promise to delight the senses. The Crispy Fish Skin with Salted Egg Yolk (咸蛋脆鱼皮) was an addictive snack with a perfect symphony of crunch and rich flavors. For a heartier option, the Braised Rice with Seafood (海鲜泡饭) was a comforting and satisfying dish.

Weekends and public holidays bring even more excitement with exclusive specials crafted by Chef Kong. The Steamed Siew Mai with Mini Abalone (鲍鱼蒸烧卖) and the Baked Durian Puff (榴莲酥), available in limited quantities, are not to be missed.

Weekday Dim Sum Buffet
Tuesday to Friday, 12noon to 3pm		RM88++ per adult;
RM58++ per child (between 5 to 12 years old) and senior citizen
Weekend & Public Holiday Dim Sum Buffet
Saturday to Sunday, and Public Holidays, 11am to 3pm		RM108++ per adult;
RM78++ per child (between 5 to 12 years old) and senior citizen
Buffet Details

Lai Ching Yuen has truly redefined the dim sum experience. If you’re looking for a culinary journey that showcases the best of Hong Kong Dim Sum culture, I highly recommend visiting Lai Ching Yuen. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

📍Lai Ching Yuen
Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur
160 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
*This is a non-halal restaurant

About Lai Ching Yuen
Lai Ching Yuen is an institution for authentic Cantonese cuisine, making it a go-to destination for those seeking for non-halal specialities in Kuala Lumpur. Guests have the unique opportunity to observe and engage with the chefs as they skillfully prepare dim sum dishes in the open kitchen.

Emphasising the use of the freshest ingredients, the menu is thoughtfully curated to achieve a harmonious balance of flavours, textures and expert cooking techniques. Beyond its renowned dim sum, Lai Ching Yuen presents a range of notable dishes including Mini Buddha Jump Over The Wall, Barbecued Whole Suckling Pig, Baked Iberico Pork Ribs, Wok-fried Lobster ‘Bei Fong Tong’ style, Stewed Spare Ribs with Yam Casserole and Richman Fried Rice with Fresh Scallop, Prawns and Egg White.

Lai Ching Yuen goes beyond offering dining experiences by extending its services to intimate-scale weddings as well, accommodating up to 120 guests. Couples are presented with three meticulously crafted wedding menu options, each designed to cater to a table of 10 guests: Eternal Love at RM2,888++, Double Happiness at RM3,888++, and Together Forever at RM4,888++. Alongside these delectable menus, couples are also treated to a range of complimentary perks as part of their wedding package. These privileges include a one-night stay in the luxurious Bridal Suite, exquisite floral arrangements and featuring a flower backdrop photo wall. Additionally, couples can enjoy a complimentary food tasting session for up to 10 guests, and exclusive use of a private room for their tea ceremony. As a delightful touch, the package also includes a multi-tier wedding cake for the ceremonial cake-cutting moment, among other generous perks.

Photo credit: https://www.millenniumhotels.com/

About Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur
Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is located in the pulse of the premier shopping address of Bukit Bintang, adjacent to Pavilion Mall and walking proximity to Starhill Gallery and Lot 10. It is nestled in the iconic Golden Triangle with accessibility to business and entertainment districts. The hotel features 468 spacious guestrooms including 16 suites, all-day dining – The Mill Café; authentic Cantonese cuisine – Lai Ching Yuen; and Bistro 160. Hotel recreational facilities includes outdoor resort-style swimming pool, along with fitness centre and The Spa. The hotel also houses a total of 1,500 square metres event space, capable of accommodating any type of events from business meetings, to social celebrations and weddings. For more information, please visit www.grandmillenniumkl.com

Food & Drink

Discovering the Aegean Flavours at Turkish Cuisine Week 2024

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From L to R: Chef Ramazan Bingöl, Turkish Celebrity Chef, His Excellency (H.E.) Emir Salim Yüksel, The Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur, Ms Ming Ho, General Manager of Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia, Doreen Heng, Senior Marketing Manager of Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia, & Chef Sylvain Dubreau, Chef Cuisine Instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia kicking off Turkish Cuisine Week 2024 that happens annually from 21 May to 27 May 2024.

I had the pleasure of attending a remarkable Turkish cooking presentation at Le Cordon Bleu in Kuala Lumpur, organized by the Embassy of Türkiye as part of Turkish Cuisine Week 2024. The event, held on May 10th, featured the renowned Turkish Celebrity Chef Ramazan Bingöl, who introduced us to the rich and vibrant flavors of Aegean cuisine.

Chef Ramazan Bingöl, Turkish Celebrity Chef, demonstrating the preparation of Izmir köfte (spiced lamb meatballs) and Tel kadayif (shredded kadayif dough baked in syrup with crushed nuts) in conjunction with Turkish Cuisine Week 2024.

The experience was nothing short of delightful. Chef Bingöl’s demonstration was both captivating and educational, as he shared the intricate art of preparing traditional Aegean dishes. One highlight was the İzmir köfte, spiced lamb meatballs that were bursting with flavor. We also indulged in Tel kadayif, a delectable dessert made from shredded kadayif dough baked in syrup with crushed nuts. Each dish showcased the region’s emphasis on fresh, healthy ingredients and sustainable cooking practices.

H.E Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur giving his opening speech at highlighting sustainability as a pillar of Turkish cuisine at the Turkish Cuisine Week event held recently.

H.E. Emir Salim Yüksel, the Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur, opened the event with a speech that shed light on the significance of this year’s focus on Aegean cuisine. He emphasized the importance of sustainability, a key pillar of Turkish culinary tradition, and how the Aegean Mediterranean diet exemplifies a healthy, waste-free approach to cooking. The ambassador’s insights added a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical context behind the food we enjoyed.

(Second from Right) His Excellency (H.E.) Emir Salim Yüksel, Ambassador of Türkiye to Kuala Lumpur, and (Far right) Ms. Ming Ho, General Manager of Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia, enjoying freshly baked Izmir köfte served by (far left) Chef Ramazan Bingöl in conjunction with Turkish Cuisine Week 2024.

The Aegean region of Türkiye is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and culinary heritage. This coastal area is celebrated for its use of fresh vegetables, local herbs, and abundant seafood. It’s also famous for its centuries-old olive trees and the production of high-quality olive oils, which are integral to the local diet and have been linked to long, healthy lives. The ancient olive oil workshop in Klazomenai, dating back 2,600 years, is a testament to the region’s long-standing tradition of olive cultivation.

Chef Bingöl’s presentation was not just about tasting delicious food but also about understanding the essence of Aegean cuisine. He explained how the region’s culinary practices are deeply rooted in sustainability and tradition. The demonstration of brewing traditional Turkish coffee was a perfect conclusion, adding a rich and aromatic touch to the event and highlighting the cultural significance of coffee in Türkiye.

Tel kadayif (shredded kadayif dough baked in syrup with crushed nuts)
Izmir köfte (spiced lamb meatballs)
Turkish Coffee

In conjunction with Turkish Cuisine Week, Curate at Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur will be hosting a Turkish culinary extravaganza from 21 – 26 May 2024. Esteemed chefs Karabatak and Atacan Uras from Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet in Istanbul will present a feast of exquisite Turkish flavors. The menu will feature a variety of dishes, from timeless favorites like kebabs and pilaf to rare delights such as Kuzu Tandir (Turkish Roasted Lamb). This event promises to be a spectacular gastronomic journey, and I can’t wait to experience more of Türkiye’s rich culinary heritage.

For anyone interested in exploring Turkish cuisine, I highly recommend visiting turkishcuisineweek.com for more information on the upcoming events. Turkish Cuisine Week 2024 is a celebration of tradition, sustainability, and the vibrant flavors that make Turkish food truly unique.

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/