Marutama Ramen

Passed by Marutama Ramen at United Square, decided to pop in for a try. Was surprised by the menu, it is Ramen and nothing else. Ok, there was a special curry rice and a steamboat which is served only in the evening. But otherwise, it is just Ramen and side dishes. Even Ramen has basically 2 choices of soup base - chicken or chicken with 7 kinds of ground nuts mixture. Or, you can have a choice of spicy or non-spicy. That's about all the possible combination.

Ordered a Marutama Ramen (non-spicy) and a Nama Karashi Ramen (spicy) - one is spicy, one is not, other than that, both are exactly the same. A generous serving serving of noodles in a large bowl. Noodles are pretty springy but looks like instant noodles! haha. Served with vegetables and seaweed toppings plus a slice of char siew. The soup was quite tasty but the char siew was a little too salty for me.

Nama Karashi Ramen

The wait staff also recommended the Yaki Char Siew. OMG, it is a must-try. Nicely grilled roast pork, thinnly sliced, succulent and melts in the mouth.

Yaki Char Siu

The Dashimaki which is an omelette was also nicely done.

Dashimaki

Karaage

Overall food is good but a little pricey considering you pay $12 for a bowl of no-frill ramen.

Peranakan Fusion at InterContinental Singapore

from the hotel's website "A PERANAKAN-STYLE LANDMARK IN SINGAPORE’S BUGIS PRECINCT InterContinental Singapore, the only world class hotel in Singapore to preserve Peranakan artistry in a shophouse-style setting, is located next to Bugis Junction shopping complex, Singapore's first glass-covered, air-conditioned shopping street. Descendants of the Chinese traders and local Malay women from as early as the 17th century, the Peranakans blend Chinese art and Malay style harmoniously to create a unique architectural look."

So it is only natural that they serve Peranakan during their InterContinental Meeting Launch.

Capaccio of tuna and scallop with brown butter and soja dressing Herb lettuce, Sevruga Cavier

Pandan infused poached Halibut with Israelis Cous Cous with pickled Cucumber, Mint and Jalapeno Vinaigrette

Braised Wuxi Bangalow Pork Belly with Clams and Celeriac puree

Bubur Cha Cha

Starbucks

Some shots from my various visits to Starbucks.

Oozie-licious Lava Cake

Oreo Cheesecake

Molten Chocolate Cake

Potato Curry Puff

KL Aug 2010 - U-Village Restaurant 又一村

After our event and all official commitment, we have half a day of free time to roam around a little. Andrew brought us to this little Hong Kong Cafe at Sungai Wang Plaza. He highly recommended this place . On arrival, realised I have been here with him before.

A typical Hong Kong cafe with almost all the regular noodles, dim sum, buns, toast and drinks. Price was reasonable. Was surprised we didn't have to wait for a table at around 12.30pm. But within 3 minutes of sitting at our table, there was a queue of almost 15-20 people waiting for tables.
 
 

Island Coffee

 
 

Char Siew and Roast Pork

We ordered a 双拼(double combination roasted item). The char siew was sweet, nicely roasted . Similar for the Roast pork, it was tender, soft to bite. My only gripe was the skin was not crispy enough. Probably the way they store/hang the roasted items, or not enough heating in their display area.
 
 
 

 
  The fried chicken wings were a little on the salty side. Tasted more like 虾酱鸡。
 

Shrimp Dumpling Noodles

 
The shrimp dumpling noodle  水饺面 was the main delight for me. The size of the 3 huge dumplings put a smile on my face and they were really succulent and tasty. The dried noodles were prepared the correct Cantonese/Hong Kong way with black sauce. Instead of char siew, there was a topping of minced meat. So it also felt like eating bak chor noodles with dumplings. ha
 
 
The rest of the guys ordered baked rice, pork ribs rice and peanut butter toast.
 
Great variety, tasty food and reasonable pricing. Definitely worth a return visit the next time I am back in KL.
 
 
U-Village Restaurant

LB, Sungai Wang Plaza,
Jln Sultan Ismail,
50250 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-2148 9686

KL Aug 2010 - Hakka Restaurant

Hakka Restaurant (yes, simply known as this) is near to KL Convention Centre, just behind the Pavilion shopping mall.

Looks like a large beer garden, with a small air conditioned section inside. This place serves traditional Hakka cuisine with a pretty large selection of seafood. There were so many items on the menu and so many dishes that the servers were rattling off the many recommended dishes. Took us a while to decide what to order.

sharksfin omelette

Deep fried minced pork with salted egg

Sambal Prawns

Homemade tofu

Food was tasty and the ingredients were fresh, though it was a little on the salty side.

Address: 6 Jalan Kia Peng

Bali Jul 2010 ~ Ikan Bakar Cianjur

A good friend brought me to this local makan joint for some ikan bakar (grilled fish).

Ikan Bakar Cianjuar (aka IBC) has been in business since 1989 and now has a chain of 19 restaurants across Indonesia. We went to the branch at Denpasar and boy was it crowded. Tables just get turned around and around the time we were there.

The ambience/decor was nothing special, spacious, down to earth, feels like you are in a foodcourt.

The menu is Indonesian traditional cuisine with a lot of Sudanese influence. Food was tasty and the pricing was very reasonable.

Young coconut juice

Grilled Lele (catfish)

Grilled Gurame (carb)

Ayam Bakar