The Tom Yum Goong project...

... Was a success! If I say so myself. For a first timer, i.e. I mean, using an instant tom yum paste is easy and all that, but after having tasted some of the most delicious original tom yum in Phuket, I just had to forgo the easy work and try to go conventional. Key word: Try.

I actually watched various YouTube videos on this from reputable chefs (Thai chefs, mostly of course, since they are the authority on the subject) and they made it looked so easy. Given, it looks easy in a way, but in reality the work is a bit tedious. So after a few deliberations, I finally decided that since my man and I both love original tom yum, why not try make one? YouTube is a reliable tutor, hey! And no instant tom yum paste! Yay!

I'm no chef, but thanks to technology, here's lil ol me sharing my humble bowl of Tom Yum Goong (Goong means prawn, so of course there will be prawns in this dish):

*This serving is initially prepared for 3-4 people.

The Ingredients:
A cup of medium sized prawns, deshelled (I should've used huge tiger prawns for this!)
Half a cup of medium sized squids, sliced (cause we had some leftover in the fridge...)
6-8 pieces of kafir lime leaves (also called daun limau purut)
Juice from 2 lemons
3 tablespoon of fish sauce
1 stalk of lemongrass (serai)
8-10 thin slices of galangal (lengkuas)
A handful of mushroom, sliced (I used medium shitake mushroom)
3-4 fresh chili (cili padi)
300ml of shrimp stock (using the head/shell from the prawns coz I don't have chicken stock)
Coriander leaves for garnishing (cause I couldn't find cilantro leaves anywhere... sama sik kah?)
And the secret ingredient: 3 tablespoon of Thai Chilli paste!! (although it's optional to some)

I found this authentic looking can of Thai Chilli paste at Everrise Padungan (after trying to look for them everywhere from Plaza Merdeka to Green Heights Cold Storage)... and they only had 2 left! Lucky me! This one is a popular brand in Thailand (I know cause I Googled, duh) and sometimes they have a different packaging. Priced at RM16++ I think, I don't remember because it didn't matter.

Maepranom Thai Chili paste...

I'm not going to tell you the how-to right here because it's very basic cooking once you have all the ingredients ready, besides, writing about this right now makes me salivate. Haha. Anyway, if you're looking for good video tutorials, I basically just followed Ms Pailin's step-by-step YouTube easy instructions.

Half and hour and almost a burnt tongue later...VOILA!

Tom Yum Goong Coffee Girl's version...

For an amateur, I think I did pretty well, thank you very much! Perhaps I should try remaking it this weekend, with a bigger prawn, maybe?

Easter Monday home-cook day ...

Note: This was supposed to be last Monday's entry... but the pictures came late.

Spending a day off resting at home with lil Carissa on Easter Monday because I had to work over the weekend and I miss the late mornings with her. This is me trying to compensate for those precious moments. Babies grow up very fast, I know, so I don't wanna miss out -- at least trying my best not to -- on her day-to-day development.

Ah. Since it's rest day, I had a bit of time and energy to visit the kitchen. So here's Easter Monday dinner! Simple dish of dad's organic ayam kampung cooked with terung asam. I'm not sure if the term 'spring chicken' is the translation for 'ayam kampung' but as a way of explanation, my dad has a small chicken farm which he tends to every day as a hobby. Ok maybe 'farm' sounds too big... chicken coop then. He bred them organically, more for the meat, so I'd say they're lean, mean and very healthy. Dad's chicken meat supply never runs out, halleluyah for the family.

Sup Ayam Kampung Terung Asam
The What:
- A quarter of a spring chicken or ayam kampung (I select the best parts)
- Half of a terung asam (because the one I had was big in size)
- a stalk of lemon grass
- onion and garlic (blend or crushed)
- dry chilli (blend or crushed)
- fresh bird's eye chilli or cili padi
- Maggie chicken stock cube
- a young turmeric leaf
- 150ml water

The How To:
- Easy lah. Throw everything in a pot, and cook over slow fire.
- Ayam kampung meat is known to be a bit tough so simmer until tender for 30 - 45 minutes
- You may taste the seasoning every now and then to see if the broth is nicely flavored and if the meat is tender enough.
- If you prefer, you can always exchange the turmeric leaf with coriander leaf, although it probably won't taste as exotic.
- No oil is used in this cooking. What you see came from the chicken... =)
- When it's done, just scoop and serve hot with a plate of steamed rice. Simple right?

There you go... Voila! A simple anybody-can-cook meal. 

Easy peasy chicken soup...

I'm a budak kampung and so I kinda like my plate of rice submerged with the glorious spicy hot broth, the more banjir (er... flooded) the better.

Flooded...

HAPPY BELATED EASTER EVERYONE!

Caffeine therapy at The Coffee Clinic, Kuching...

Well Hello December! My favourite month of the year!

Today's routine trip to the obgyn stresses one thing only: that I should be actively mobile and spend time doing rounds at all the malls in town for Christmas shopping and buy things we don't need, since we still have a few more days before the EDD. A good therapy, that. 

A session with the doc and the ultrasound adventure always make me feel like celebrating. So that's how we ended at The Coffee Clinic, another new coffee place opening up in Kuching. Well they have been around a few months earlier, it's just new to me because I haven't been living up to my namesake expectation of late... but let's not go there.

Overall outlook. Photo: Coffee Clinic Facebook

This place is really pretty, for lack of a better word. Kinda like what I imagine my dream coffee place will be like someday (if I ever I get to relive that dream, ever). Small, cozy, tastefully decorated, a little homely, and a lovely setup for a first coffee date or meet-up or get-together. There wasn't any loud music at the time of my visit... just some low melody barely heard playing in the background. 

They have a range of coffee brew and flavor for you to choose from... served either hot or cold, ice-blended, or straight from that little tube-like lab glasses that oozes off steam and dripping off black concoction. (Sorry no demo pic). And they also have fruit flavored tea and classic branded tea. Ask for the flavor of the day tea! It sounded like fun! Except I already ordered my latter, so perhaps next time.

Front counter...

They also have cakes and biscuits and biscotti to go with your drink. The cake selections may not be as elaborate as Secret Recipe's or Starbuck's, but they have quite a lovely range to feast your eyes upon. 

The cake counter...

Meanwhile, the hot caramel latte macchiato I ordered was exquisite and looking really fine, served with a really creamy and melt-in-your-mouth almond cookie...

Caramel latte macchiato... a pretty one...

... To go with my cheesy chicken panini. They also have pasta, burgers, finger food... but for this time, nothing too heavy, after all it's just mid morning. The toasted panini was not bad either, since I wasn't expecting anything fancy. It was enough to assuage the morning hunger pang.

Cheesy chicken panini...

My partner in crime on the other hand, decided to order their Meal of the Day -- Ayam Penyet -- knowing full well it might be a gamble. And a gamble it was... in which they lost. I had a taste and all I can say is... If you had called it Grilled Chicken Rice instead of Ayam Penyet, my system would learn to accept and appreciate it better. Because in fact the dish is okay, it's just the name that would make you expect more.

Ayam Penyet, menu of the day...

Anyway, I didn't manage to snap a few other shots of the interior and exterior as I was too busy trying to settle my big belly down. Haha. But credits to blogger Dora for this lovely shot of the upper bunker seats, kinda like an attic seating setup, with contemporary handrails, and seats a maximum 5. 

Photo: Blogger Dora Yeu

Overall, I'd say getting your dose of coffee fix at a clinic like this may be a little pricey, but hey... once a while, when it's worth the drink, why not? My blood type is coffee, it says. 

The midmorning damage...

Hey listen, I won't recommend coffee for pregnant ladies, but talk to your doctor first. I got my clearance at just a cup a day (including coca cola, tea and all other caffeine intake) since I began, so don't judge me. =) This is the only clinic legal to give you the kind of high you need in a cup. 

Location: Refer to the receipt above. It's at Jalan Song. Next to The Bedroom, same row with Secret Recipe. Right opposite the road from CityOne Mall. You can't miss it.

Have a great December everyone! 

Celebrating 36 Weeks at The Cozy Cafe, Jalan Song

Pre-Note: Here are 2 stories for the price of one! Hope you don't get lost reading them...while I'm a bit rajin...

Hellooo!

It's been awhile since I last found a good place to hang out at that has good food, cozy atmosphere and nice music. Me, being the kind of person that doesn't really 'hang out' anywhere per se, but rather what I would call spending quality time not rushing to get full but to idle the hours away watching the world go by.

So we stumbled upon this cushy little café, aptly called 'The Cozy Cafe' when we were driving around looking for a place to celebrate the 36th Weeks milestone. Apparently the routine visit to  the obgyn that morning gave us too much to gush and be excited about that all I wanted at the time was a good dose of a celebratory drink -- a fancy coffee or some expensive tea.

Well ... if you saw your baby yawned for the first time inside your womb, you would be very very moved to the point of tears too. Who knew the little one could yawn in there? The little sleepyhead just opened that small mouth with eyes closed, made a tiny yawning motion, then rubbed a tiny palm over one closed eyes. Wriggled out of the scanning monitor, then proceeded to sleep. All in real time!

It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. My heart stopped that minute, then melted. I can't quite describe the feeling. Won't water go into the mouth, people asked me after I told them? I asked myself that too, but the doctor seemed to read my mind and simply said "babies learn a lot of those natural habits in the womb. Who can explain the miracle of conception?''

When we got home, I did a little Googling, and it seems that that is possible. My baby looked kinda like that picture below too. Except with chubbier cheeks. So after witnessing that with my own eyes at the 4D scanning, oooooh yeah that IS a very good reason to be joyful!

4D scan shows a fetus yawned in the womb... Reported SkyNews

 

So sakai ho. But sakai happy what. Haha. Anyway, back to Cozy Café...

With jubilant mood... we saw the exterior of the cafe and immediately decided to just check it out instead of wasting time driving around. This place has been around for awhile but is new to me because the last time I stayed within the area (about 11 months ago) it was not there yet. It looked pretty comfy the moment you walked in. Clean, classy, cushiony and soft looking, exactly what I imagine a part of my entertaining room would look like someday.

Drink counter... an impressive collection of coffee and tea...

Part of the cozy interior...

 

I initially just wanted coffee and maybe something light... like a piece of apple pie or cake, but when the menu was handed over, I switched to pizza instead. They have 8-inch and 12-inch serving, so for a 2-pax, an 8-inch would be suffice. My opinion? Probably one of the best thin-crusted pizza I've ever had, if you ignore the look, that is. They have a few variety of flavors to choose from.

Bacon cheese pizza...

 

And a pot of hot strawberry mango flavored tea for me. Yeah well... it felt like a tea moment anyway. In a tiny twist of drama, le hubby ordered iced latte for himself and it almost made me regretted ordering tea in the first place. =)

Switching roles...

Meanwhile my significant other ordered the beef steak medium rare. Yes we both thought we wanted to just snack and go... but the menu seems to have changed our minds a lot. So this steak was looking pretty awesome on its own. Perhaps a heavier dose of black pepper sauce would make it slinkier (but you can always ask for more). The chef left a thin line of fat on the side of the meat and that makes it taste almost like pork chop. I should totally order this next time...

 Beef steak medium rare...

 

A blissful fare. One heck of a midmorning to celebrate the 9th month along. I'm pretty sure baby was happy with the food too because right after that, I was nodding in the car like a stalk of reed blown by the soft wind.

And just to add in a point, the next time I came back here (a few days later) I ordered this garlic and egg spaghetti that was served with a long chicken sausage. My my... creamy and very fulfilling. They have this king prawn pasta too, but I should warn you that they might serve the prawn a little bit rare for your liking, so if that happens to you, just call for the waiter and ask them to do the prawn 'well done'. Otherwise sayang bah membazir kena engkah ke tepi sebab rupa gik mentah...

Garlic and egg spaghetti ...

There you go! My review on the café. Service is usually fast and they'll pre-inform you should your order be a bit late. Staff is courteous and friendly. They also have a variety of cakes for dessert. Price-wise is not too bad, can come across as cheaper to some, compared to other similar cafes. And oh one other thing... It's Non Halal. (but if you're ok with ordering something else non-pork, then you're fine.)

Location: Jalan Song 4, Tabuan Heights, 93350 Kuching. Just behind Oinks. And next to One Jaya mall.  

Post Note: This post is backdated so that means I am now 37 weeks along. Wohooo!

Review: Best Laksa Sarawak in Kuching...

According to me, that is.

Street food, hawker's favorite, uniquely Sarawak... whatever it is called, this dish has always been my favorite Saturday morning breakfast. Laksa Sarawak is easy to find all over Kuching compared to other parts of Sarawak, but whether you like what you're being served is very subjective and entirely up to your taste buds. Or if you're a little industrious and diligent, then hey you can also opt to fix a bowl on your own!

But in case you're new in town --- and remember this is a review based on MY taste buds only --- and is looking for some awesome Laksa Sarawak experience, here's MY Top 10 places to have the best Kuching.

1. Fat Cat Cafe, Stutong 
- same row with J&J Cafeteria Stutong and next to Ambank
- RM6 for a big bowl. Steamed chicken as per photo below is additionally ordered from the chicken rice next stall (cause I like my chicken in big pieces instead of shredded)
- Very consistent in taste.
- Opens daily but they normally finished serving by 11am, so wake up early man.
- This Cafe is usually crowded in the weekends but not so bad on other days
- My rating: 10 star!

Fat Cat Laksa...

 
2.  Chong Choon Cafe, Jalan Abell
- same row with Air Asia sales office; Raja Ayam Bakar)
- Around RM6 - RM8 for a big bowl
- Also consistent in taste. And they also have a very big glass of teh C peng to go with it.
- Normally finished serving by 11am, so if you're late, then it's your own fault.
- This cafe is almost always packed with customers so sharing tables with smiling strangers are almost always a necessity too. Food connects people, yes?
- My rating: 9 star

 Chong Choon Laksa...

3. Sin Chong Choon Cafe, Green Height Commercial Centre

- just right behind the Cold Storage

- very crowded during peak breakfast hour at any time of the day so if you mind waiting, you can nicely ask to share table, although waiting for an empty table won't be that long

- Around RM8 for a big bowl

- We usually order steamed chicken drumstick (no rice) from the next stall to add in to our laksa (the chicken rice is also not bad weh)

- My rating: 7 star (or 6.5 if they don't have the coriander leaves which I love so much in my laksa)

Sin Chong Choon laksa...

4. Foody Goody Cafe, Stutong/Jalan Setia Raja
- the next block of shop before Kuching Specialist Hospital; in fact it's also almost at the same area with Fat Cat Cafe, just different blocks of shops
- reasonably priced for a big bowl, although sometimes the prawns are not so big even when you ask for a special bowl (which they make up for with quantity)
- Business is brisk and the good news is they normally finish by 12pm, if you're lucky, which is convenient for me in case Fat Cat laksa is gone, I can always opt to come here as a second choice
- My rating: 6.5

 

Foody Goody Laksa...

5. Mom's Laksa, Jalan Semarak or at any location
- This cafe has a few branches in Kuching, just watchout for the logo (with the same name)
- The one I normally visit is at nearby Gita/Matang area, opposite Bemmers Cafe, because it's closer to home. There's another one at Jalan Astana, Petra Jaya
- Opens daily (7am - 11pm)
- The gravy is slightly thick and creamy and sometimes they have king prawn to go with it, if they don't run out of stock too fast
- My rating: 5.5

Mom's Laksa...

6. Fu Xiang Food Court, in between Rubber Road/Jalan Satok
- I might have missed the road signs but this food court is right opposite Hong Leong Bank in Satok (this side of the road on Rubber Road) before you pass by the Original Car Wash
- The laksa here is not bad, in fact if they also serve it with the green soup leaves (or coriander), I might've frequented it more often since it's not that far away
- The gravy is consistently nice
- We also usually order extra steamed chicken meat from the next stall just to add more bites to it
- My rating: 5 (also because the lady owner is sweet)

Fu Xiang laksa...

7. Madam Tang's Cafe, Jalan Petanak, Padungan
- ah king prawn, the 'big special' is priced at RM12, last time I ordered
- The gravy is nice but not always consistent, sometimes it's a bit salty and sometimes slightly bland but I supposed I can forgive them for the amount of garnishing they usually put
- Laksa is served throughout the day although lunchtime would be very packed and you won't be able to find an empty table for awhile
- My rating: 4.5

 

Madam Tang laksa...

8. Ciak Pa Boi Cafe, Jalan Datuk Tawi Sli
- Near 3rd Mile roundabout and Jua Joo Park, you can't miss it on your coming down from the flyover heading to Boulevard Mall
- The good thing about the laksa here is that it opens from morning till late at night
- A special order would have the red pork meat in them (so this makes it non-halal)
- The gravy is not bad (although can be better) and the portion is big
- My Rating: 4.5

Ciak Pa Boi laksa...

9. Yee Ho Yan Cafe, Matang Jaya
- Is a new cafe, same block with a discount score
- Now this place was introduced by an avid food critic on FB.
- Overall I'd say it was ok
- Gravy slightly lacking in the creamy department but the presentation is nice; the lady selling it was also friendly. If all else fails, I'd probably make this the second last resort
- My Rating: 4; but you gotta try it to rate it yourself

 

Yee Ho yan laksa...

10. Garden Cafe Laksa, Golden Arch, Hua Joo Park
- right at the 3rd Mile roundabout, can't miss it
- Finding a parking would be a slightly challenging task
- The laksa sarawak here used to be the talk of the town due to its big prawns and real creamy gravy.
- Lately I found the gravy getting spicier, like hot spicy, the kind that can make your nose run.
- The service is fast and the waitresses are always friendly especially to regular customers, so points scored for that.
- On a normal craving day, this would be my last resort
- My Rating: 3.5 

 Golden Arch laksa...

So there you have it! You either take my word for it or you don't, that's entirely up to you. And there are actually a lot more other places selling really nice Laksa Sarawak, but probably I haven't discovered them. These ones above have been tested and tried.

 

And if you noticed, most of these cafes have Chinese names, but that's Sarawak for you. And don't be worried about its state of halal or non-halal. Most Laksa Sarawak do not have pork or lard in them (otherwise you would be informed about it). Or to be safe, you can always opt to visit Muslim cafes selling laksa. :-)

 

ON THE OVERALL FRONT... And this goes without saying...

Of course, I still prefer my own home-made laksa sarawak (below) because I can customised however I want, add more prawns than I dare and play around with the garnishing according to my own taste buds. You can read about that little laksa adventure HERE.

Coffee Girl's home made laksa...

Bon appétit and have a great laksa ahead people! :-)

Those little thirst quenchers...

I once resolved to actually chronicle this whole journey here (some parts anyway), but between here and there and so much going on in between, that became another forgotten good intention. Who knew being in the family way could sap the energy from a person like a vacuum suck up dust?

Anywayyyyyy... Week 34 today and thus far all I can say about myself at this stage are:

1. Didn't completely leave coffee off my diet the entire time, well, i.e. until the first trimester was over and we sailed by the danger zone safe and sound. It was completely nuts going cold turkey on such a short notice, but hey... things we do for love, right? Although I alternately consume them consciously and rather sparingly during the second trimester onwards, and counting my quota per day, as per doctor's advice. 

 Ipoh white coffee...



2. A sucker for Coca Cola at most times... A lot of times... All the time. The minute I think or say about having one, I gotta and must have one. In fact last night I had two cans before bedtime which kept we up slightly later than usual. Wasn't proud of myself, but sometimes you just got to have one, you know, as long as it's counted in the quota intake. Wasn't this crazy about Coke before, but hey... At least this craving is easier and cheaper to assuage than some crazier and more unreasonable ones that some other people have, thank God.

 

 Coke on the rock...

 

3. And young coconut juice. Funny how I never actually liked it before, now I just cant have enough. On the bright side, reviews actually said they're good for the baby and me. 5 points for that!

Fresh young coconut juice with extra ice...

 

4. I still drink the recommended maternity milk... usually with a dose of cereal to make it tastier. Although now a little less since we changed gynae. He said those are 'stuffs made of sugar and fat' and that it would do us both a lot better having my calcium intake from natural fiber sources. Well ok doc... You know best.
 

Milk with choc cereal...

 

5. Lots and lots of plain water in between. Other than to dilute the sugar/caffeine intake as per above etc, also excellent for avoiding swollen ankles/hands or puffy face caused by water retention. Makes no sense to reduce water retention by drinking more water right? Apparently it works! Although it frequents the toilet trip. But no biggie. 

 

 Iced plain water...

So there you have it. No judging please. We're fine. Meanwhile, this oversized otter has a few more weeks to go... So with God's grace and mercy, we can do this baby! Wohoo!!

Note: Photos of S3 and Mi3 quality only

Homemade Cucur Cempedak ... Checked!

So I had been craving for this delicious coffee-time delicacies for a few days and finally managed to assuage the yearning last night, by fixing it on my own at home since it's really difficult to find stalls selling this stuff anywhere in Kuching.

The locals call it Cempedak. I don't know the English word for it, but it is in the same family with jackfruit and breadfruit. But of course, cempedak is softer, lusher, and best eaten as cucur cempedak (or cempedak fritters), for me lah. This fruit is in season now and easily found in your local farmers market for a price of RM3-RM5 per fruit, depending on the size and level of ripeness.

Ok now pictures, do your stuff. Let me take a back seat while I imagine eating them again.

Step 1: Get a ripe or medium ripe fruit. You can ask advice from your seller the best one to make fritters with. The too ripe one will be too mushy and might caramelize the whole mixture later.

Source: EverydayMalaysia.com

Step 2: Cut the fruit open. Notice the perfect yellowish medium ripe colour...

Some people prefer to fry the flesh with the seeds together, but I prefer mine all fleshy. Your preference really, I just don't like to chew the seeds while enjoying my fritters, and besides, the seeds tend to be undercooked anyway (and might end up thrown away).

Step 3: My preference? Using clean hand, separate the flesh ...

Step 4: ... from the seeds. Put the seeds aside, we'll deal with that later...

Step 5: For the flour mixture, combine regular wheat flour with a pinch of salt and enough water in a bowl. Then immerse the cempedak flesh inside the batter, ready for deep-frying ...

Step 6: Heat enough regular oil inside a deep-frying pan, then carefully scoop and put the immersed cempedak in, one by one...

Step 7: Wait for 5 - 8 minutes or until it has turned a slight gold, then turn them over and fry for another 5 - 8 minutes until completely turned gold. Watch your frying temperature...

Step 8: Scoop them out, and tadaaaaa!! First batch is done! Get ready for the next batch until you finished frying the whole lot...

Step 9: Fork one and take a bite while it's still hot! Or bring them over for some good cuddling time in front of the TV while watching Lifetime Channel with your loved one...

That was easy right? I'm no chef, but when the time calls for desperate measure, then we will answer the call!

Oh by the way, as for the seeds, those are edible too. For the final step...

Step 10: If you had decided to split them from the flesh, you can boil this inside a pot for like maybe 20 -30 minutes on medium fire or until the seed is soft. Sprinkle a pinch of salt for some flavor. When the seeds has softened, hey it's cooked! Drained, serve and best taken on its own, like you would eat boiled peanuts... or sprinkle with melted brown sugar and have some with sugar-free tea. :-)

So that's it then. What baby wants, baby gets. Have a fun cucur cempedak day everyone! 

.

.

Note: Pictures of Xiaomi Mi3 quality only.

Totally missed April... and homemade Laksa Sarawak!

Hey look who's back from the brink of unplanned hiatus and blogging self-exile?

*INSERT GRINCH-OF-APRIL-PAST GRIN*

I know. I almost missed March. And now I have completely missed April! It's unheard of. Broken promises to constantly write. Or make an appearance. But you know... like Spiderman whispered to Gwen Stacy about broken promises: "Yeah but those are the best kinds."

Anyway. A month is too long to stay away. I know some of you don't miss me at all, and some don't even know I exist, but that's the beauty of it all. It's not about reading, it's always about writing.

It has been a few eventful months, and I predict (correctly I hope) the upcoming ones are going to be more swamped and frenzied, but no less exciting. It's always more happening at the beginning of the year, peaking at the middle and anti-climaxing by the third quarter, and reclining to a more steady and relaxing pace by year end.

So before I bore you with more nothingness... here's some tough love on your diet list: LAKSA SARAWAK! I'm not the expert here, however I can say to you that it's relatively easy to make, once you get a hold of the key ingredient: Laksa Sarawak paste.
 
Note: This serves two (for my tiny household lah)

Ingredients:

- 1 packet of Sarawak Laksa Paste (of any brands you prefer, mine is Haji Manan)

- 1 packet of rice vermicelli or bihun (some like to substitute with yellow noodle)-blanch in hot water
- 500 medium sized fresh tiger prawns (you can opt for shrimp too) - blanch in boiling water
- 1 pcs chicken thigh/drumstick (boiled for fresh stock; meat are shredded into strips)
- 2 eggs (optional) - mixed together, fried, and cut into strips
- 5 limes (cut in halves)
- Parsley leaves (or you can also opt for coriander leaves) - chopped
- A handful of beans sprout - blanch 2 secs in hot water to leave it just crisp enough
- 1 tsb Prawn paste (for the sambal)
- 1 small packet of instant coconut milk (the liquid type is more convenient)
- Chili (optional)
- 5 cups water to boil
- Salt to taste

Methods (mine actually):
1. Soak the bihun in hot water until tender. (some may prefer blanch in boiling water, but I find if I do that, the vermicelli will lose a lot of its texture). Put aside.
2. Boil the chicken meat in a pot maybe half an hour, to cook the chicken and to make fresh chicken stock. Then take out the chicken and put aside to cool. Once cool, use fork to shred the meat into strips. (I normally just chop instead of shred if it's just for 2 person, less work and looks better on presentation. Hehe)
3. Using the fresh chicken stock in the pot, keep water to boil. Add in the laksa paste and coconut milk. Add in salt for flavors (although the paste might already have salt.) Slow down the fire and bring the laksa soup to boil.
4. Beat the eggs in a bowl until just slightly puffy. The fry until golden. Once it's cool, cut into strips and put aside.
5. Boil another pot of water to blanch the prawn and beans sprout. 
6. Mix the prawn paste with chilli and 2 lime juice to make the sambal.
Hope I didn't miss anything. And now to serve it...
7. Divide the bihun in two servings. Arrange nicely the chicken meat, beans sprout, prawns, and egg strips on top of the bihun.
8. The pour the laksa sarawak soup on the arrangement in the bowl, just enough to half-drown them (so-called lah). Sprinkle the parsley leaves on top.
9. Serve with the sambal belacan and lime.

TADAAA!!!

 See how big the prawn is? The ones they serve you at laksa stalls are too small lah. :D

Easy to do right? Note: There are many brands out there available in supermarket or most grocery stores. I've experimented with some and found that I like this one better (Haji Manan's).

So there you have it! My version of homemade LAKSA! Have a merry-fantastic May!!

Almost missed March... And some homemade cooking!

What can I say, even a busy bee is not as busy as me. Exaggerating, of course.

Life has been awesome thus far. So many things to write about, if only I have the time and patience for it. As it stands, I am stuck between experiencing a writer's block or merely going through a state of complete idleness (from blogging i.e).

It's the beginning of the year, and that probably explains the block. The Key Performance Index or KPI lists go on and on and I/we must catch up with or run faster than it, as long as I don't get left behind before the third quarters. That's work for you. Work hard now, play hard later. 

Won't it be nice to be a housewife and still get paid what I'm being paid now? Travel the world every now and then, do as I please, spend as I may, write what I want. But alas. Isn't that every woman's dream job?

But, I have been visiting the kitchen more often these days because it's so therapeutic. And nothing is as flattering and as rewarding as having your husband gaining weight from all those loves. Hehe.

While we're at it, here's a simple recipe for Kueh Tiaw Indulgence Soup (because most everyone can fix this. It all depends on your taste buds, your creativity and how indulgent you want to be.)

My Ingredients:

- 1 packet of plain kue tiaw (store-bought)
- A handful of fresh medium sized prawns (or as many as you like in your soup)
- 1 chicken thigh 
- Three-layer pork (about 3 inch length) - sliced thinly
- A handful of fresh bean sprouts (taugeh)
- Bok choy or choi sum (or whatever greens you prefer)
- 4 fat beef balls (store-bought) (if you prefer)
- Onion & garlic
- Parsley leaves (or you can also opt for coriander leaves)
- A pot of water
- Chicken stock
- White pepper powder (if you prefer)
- Vegetable oil & sesame oil
- Birds eye chilli (cili padi)
(Note: This serves 2 only) 

My Methods (instructions, if you may):
1. Boil the chicken thigh in a pot for 20 - 30 minutes or until cooked. Take out the chicken and wait to cool.
2. Use the same water in the pot to boil the deshelled prawns (I normally leave the heads to preserve the taste) for 1-2 minutes until the color comes out. Take out the prawn and wait to cool.
3. Bring the same water in the pot to boil, add onion & garlic, beef balls, extra chicken stock and pepper for seasoning and flavors, add a few drops of sesame oil. Taste the soup according to how you prefer. Leave the soup aside but keep it boiling on small fire.
4. Put the slices of pork in a non-stick pan and fry using its own lard on a small fire, until crispy. Put aside.
5. Fill another pot with water, bring to boil and add drops of vegetable oil. Once boiled, blanch bok choy, beans sprouts and kue tiaw in it until slightly soft; probably 1-2 minutes only. Cut the boiled chicken into few bite-size pieces.

All the ingredients are now ready. Here comes the easy part.
7. Arrange kue tiaw into two servings inside two bowls. Arrange crispy three layer pork on top of the kue tiaw, add the boiled chicken, bean sprouts, bok choy, and prawns in equal share. Arrange nicely, presentation does matter.
8. Pour the soup on top of the serving, and garnish with red chillies and parley leaves.

Voila! Dinner is served!

Easy right? And yeah... You can't really see the kue tiaw, it's like emm... drowned by all the awesome ingredients on top and all around. And that's why I named it Kueh Tiaw Indulgence Soup everyone! Hehe.

Have a great weekend ahead! Muahh!

The Beginning of All Things Good...

My first post for the New Year! And I am like 14 days late! So random.

There are a few posts on the way prior to this one being written, but they are still in the draft list. And some more stories I said I'd write about, but hey, first thing first...

ALL HAIL 2014!

And ya, if you noticed, I attempted to give this blog a makeover. A bit overdue. But I hope it will stay awhile until I can do some more proper revamping work. Whatever it is, there will always be coffee somewhere in this space. :)

Anyway, I promise to write more soon. There are soooooo many things to put into words I hardly know where to begin! The wedding tips, the honeymoon cum Bali trip, the moving house, the whole interlada about being called a new wife cum daytime career woman etc ... it's a lot to digest but it's an adventure of a lifetime that is much better in reality than just coffee-induced daydream. And here I am, can hardly believe I just said that. Haha.

Hope I still have my writing muse, so hold that thought. :) Meanwhile, here's a visual of our first meal cooked and ate at our new home, by yours truly. Never going to be a world renowned chef ever, but I promise I can fix a decent meal. Like my mother. Hopefully.

Herbal chicken, kangkung in oyster sauce (water spinach) & salted fish...

Till then, hope you all have a good month and a good year!! :)

Dine Around The World at The Raintree Restaurant, BCCK

When they said they had this last year, I began to wonder where I was at that time to have missed it. Probably went around the world myself no doubt, because I won't miss an opportunity like this -- to feast and file, gorge and gauge, chew and review -- for the world.

So anyway, as the Chef de Cuisine of The Raintree Restaurant, Ms Virginia Kedit said it, "the International Buffet is back by popular demand!" With special group booking packages no less. Let me get to that in a minute because right now the only and most important thing that you need to know is how I liked the food. My answer? Very much indeed!

The cuisines choices this year have more variety. Well honestly, I have to take their word for it because I didn't manage to try last year's to be able to make a comparison on it on my own. But if I say so myself, it was an impressive list of variety where international and local cuisines meet for that 'dine around the world' experience. They rotate the menu per weekly too. So, what's a body like me got to complain about? :)

As usual, before I lay down the pictures, I'll warn you that when it comes to BCCK and food, I never follow the food protocols. I'm Asian maa... my appetizers are my desserts and vise versa, and my main course is whatever I take in between. Whatever makes the tummy full, baby, and whatever satisfies the senses goes. Humor me. :-)

I don't know what the above is called, but it's pretty unique. See the yellowish cubes in the middle of the glass? That's mango in spicy paste (sambal asam), the bluish layer below it is jelly, and topped with fried prawn. It's probably the weirdest combination and I don't know how but it works for me. =)

And then there's the pumpkin soup -- just creamy and thick enough. Not really a fan of pumpkin soup but try dipping fresh bun in it when it's hot and you'll get the same sensation you do as with mushroom soup. But that's just me... The bread station is nicely decorated and replenished with freshly baked french breads etc.

Sushi anyone? The only problem I have with this Japanese cuisine is that the California roll has too little ingredient, unlike the ones I'm accustomed to at a proper sushi restaurant, but then I probably shouldn't hope too much.

Baked potatoes coupled with a variety of baked veges, done with just the right heat... a healthy choice.

Pan seared fish with tomato coulis! A nice addition for the already heavy laden dinner plate y'all! Haha

Some more appetizers to meddle with the senses: Mediterranean lamb tagine (bottom), dim sum variety (top) and something I don't quite remember the name but is pretty tacky and filling. What is that, zucchini wrap? Perhaps...

 

Ah. Buttered prawn. My all time favorite. Buttered to perfection. And seen at bottom pic is Japanese potato salad. I actually forgot to try that one out, but you can try it next time and let me know.

That one above is another dish I didn't manage to try. Sigh. Baked salmon with olives, herbs and lemon. Sounds like tiny little heaven. You shouldn't miss this, because you better tell me how it tastes like. I might just come back for it.

I told myself I was going to try each of these lovely looking marinated dish above when I took shots of them, but when I checked them out 20 mins and a few main courses later, they were all gone! *Sigh* All the more reason to perhaps, return huh. Top is the marinated mushroom, bottom left is the black olives marinated in olive oil, and bottom right is marinated capsicum. Those are sold-out dishes!

Baked chicken with olive and potato. Now that's one dish I can try to fix at home. The chicken meat was so tender, and it may looked oily but that's olive oil for you... good for vein cleansing.

Somebody made a huge hole in the lasagna before I managed to take a picture, so all I had was this. I've tasted good lasagna, creamy lasagna, fulfilling lasagna... this is all of that packed together. I would've preferred seafood lasagna, but here's hoping they would have that in the rotation next week. =)

This roasted beef is to die for! BCCK is quite well known for its whole roasted lamb (as per the Ramadan Buffet), so when I asked Mike Cheng, our Coordinator and host, he simply smiled and said "Oh that's the Ramadan specialty. But for this buffet, we give you something else of a similar quality." I have no complain there. The beef, soaked in black pepper sauce, was simply delicious... for lack of a better word. If you can't take my word for it, then take a bite.

Fried kuay teow! Another awesome dish, if that glistening picture is anything to go by. It's seriously nice though. It's only missing some fat clams, if I had it my way.

 

So we're wrapping this up with a proper dessert then... fresh fruits and ice cream! The usuals...

Puddings, various cakes etc... and chocolate fountain with fruit dips. Not exactly my thing... too sweet and too weird to be coating my fruits with melted chocolate, but you go ahead. To each his own.

And the last layer of goodness to settle them all down... a good dose of strong black coffee. Guaranteed to make you perk up and attentive during the mingling and mixing sessions with friends or new friends while you get better acquainted. :-) See how strong the brew is? I could literally carve my own name on it if I were given a toothpick. You may also ask for their specialty -- The Bristot Coffee -- now that I think about it, why didn't I ask for one that time ho? Never mind.

So if you feel like dining out or having a family reunion, or just looking for a relaxing and romantic place to take a loved one to, why not head to The Raintree Restaurant at BCCK (that stands for Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, by the way) and try out their International Buffet? The food is superb (you can take my word for it), the service is excellent (attentive waiters everywhere), the atmosphere is charming, and the panoramic view is simply, well, Sarawak.

Price per adult is RM72++, price for children aged 5-12years old is RM34++ per child, and kids below 5 eat for free.

And yes the special group booking discount! Every booking of 10 to 19 adults can enjoy the buffet for RM60++ per person and RM28++ per child. And every booking of 20 adults and above can enjoy RM55++ per pax and RM25++ per child. See, perfect for a family reunion!

Oh by the way, the International Buffet is available every Friday, from 6.30pm to 10.00pm. For reservations, call 082-392988.

Thank you Sarawak Bloggers and BCCK for this opportunity to have a go at one of the finest restaurant in town. As for you all... have fun dining around the world!