Tea with a View @ David Brown's Sky Terrace, Penang Hill

It's been years since I last stepped foot on Bukit Bendera (more commonly known as Penang Hill), that I could barely recall how Penang Hill looked like.  Although I come to Penang on an annual basis for Qing Ming Festival, but we hardly could find time to take a ride up given the tight schedule.  This year, however, we decided to extend the annual visit a little longer so that we could re-visit Penang's golden gem again.

I must say, for the very first time, I realized how nicely managed Penang Hill is.  Totally impressed with the smooth ride on the nice air-conditioned train coaches.  I actually thought this was something I could not find in Malaysia - well, Penang has proven me wrong.

Anyway, back to the topic.  Right after alighting at the upper station of Penang Hill's funicular railway, I was feeling a bit hungry.  Since it was also time to feed my hungry, little niece, I suggested to find a spot to have some snacks.

So, just a few minutes' walk away from the upper station, there is a stairway that leads you up to Strawberry Hill.  Founded by the very same person who made Smokehouse a popular landmark in Cameron Highlands, David Brown's Sky Terrace @ Strawberry Hill is a great spot to enjoy the panoramic views of the Penang island while having a drink and delicious, light snacks.

Since scones are the talk of the house for Smokehouse, I couldn't resist but to order the Devonshire Cream Tea (RM 24).  This tea set comes with two freshly-baked scones with fresh homemade strawberry jam, Devon clotted cream and fresh butter, served with a pot of green tea.

I love the warm scones as they are very fluffy and buttery, very different from the ones I have tried before.  With each bite, you can feel the fragrance bursting in your mouth.  On top of that, the scones are quite moist and so, it is good to eat on its own.  Definitely live up to its reputation.  I barely touched the butter as I felt the scones didn't need more of it.  In fact, I kept spreading strawberry jam, which I quite like it as it was not too sweet but yet have a nice strawberry fragrance (you know it's the real thing).

A book to go with the scones would be absolutely perfect.

As snacks, I decided to order the Chicken Finger Nuggets (RM 20) as they sounded as though it would be kid-friendly.  I was initially expecting some processed frozen nuggets but surprisingly, they turned out to be made from real chicken meat pieces.  To put in another way, it was deep-fried boneless chicken strips.

The deep-fried nuggets are coated with a nicely seasoned breadcrumbs, which looked visually appetizing and tasted fantastic. The nuggets were crispy on the outside, but inside, the meat is so juicy.  As they were piping hot inside, it was mind-blowing given the cold windy breeze up at the hill.  For dipping,  it came with homemade tartar sauce and chilli sauce.  The chilled tartar sauce was alright and not too creamy but I felt that there was not enough pickles for that extra kick.  Nevertheless, it still goes well with the nuggets, more than the chilli sauce.

My brother also went to the cake display and ordered a cute Chocolate Mini Mousse (RM 15).  Despite the name, no, I don't feel it was mini at all.  This cold dessert was very smooth and creamy with a rich chocolate flavour.  This layered mousse is topped with dark chocolate ganache, followed by dark chocolate mousse and right at the bottom is a sweet white chocolate mousse.  Would could resist such chocolate dessert!

For drinks, my brother ordered the cappuccino (RM 12) which I didn't try but the coffee art was quite good.  According to him, the coffee was nothing outstanding.

Towards the end of the meal, I realized the food served in the Sky Terrace are actually prepared in David Brown's Restaurant & Tea House (which is an old bungalow located at the top of Strawberry Hill), before bringing down to serve.  The only difference is the casual setting at Sky Terrace.  If you prefer a more quiet and quaint environment, it would be better to head straight up to the restaurant as it has a beautiful garden setting.

Overall, the experience was fantastic.  Even before leaving Penang Hill, I told myself that I have to come back to Sky Terrace another time.  I must stress how beautiful the view is, and it is sort of Penang's version of Victoria Peak.  Especially given the cold, windy weather that day.

I already miss it.

David Brown's Sky Terrace

Strawberry Hill @ Penang Hill

11300 Ayer Itam

Penang

GPS:  5.424035,100.269787

Kaya Puffs @ Sin Eng Heong, Ipoh

If you think kaya puffs (加央角) is just something very ordinary and it would have tasted pretty much the same, then you have definitely not tried the kaya puffs at Sin Eng Heong bakery, Ipoh.

You know you are at the right stall when you see a very long queue, that doesn't seem to move very much.  In fact, we have waited more than 30 minutes standing in the queue waiting for this sweet, crispy treat.  My friends have already finished their rounds at buying the taufu-fa and the salted chicken, and yet, it's not even our turn to put down the orders.  But at least, the wait was worth it.

The kaya puffs are very fluffy and crispy, loaded with a generous amount of fragrant kaya paste.  Made based on the family's secret recipe, the kaya paste is very unique - smooth, creamy texture.  Although on the sweeter side, the kaya puffs are very yummy.

 If these kaya puffs tasted so good hours after purchase, imagine how good it would have been if it was eaten freshly straight out from the oven.  Sold in a 5-pieces pack or a 10-pieces box, each kaya puffs costs only RM 0.80.

Just a word of advice, do come early so that you can beat the crowd, otherwise, you'll have to endure a long, boring wait.  Not to forget, an assurance that you'll get hold of this little, tasty treat.

Kedai Biskut Sin Eng Heong

64-66, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri (Jalan Clare),

30300 Ipoh, Perak

Tel: 05-2439659

Korean Food @ The Street Cafe, Sunway Pyramid

Tuck deep inside the Asian Avenue, Sunway Pyramid, you can find a very nice casual cafe serving yummy-licious Korean street food - The Street Cafe.

Okay, I know it has been there for a very long time and it did took me quite a while to actually bring myself to try a meal here.  Seriously, I'm truly missing out so much because the food here is really nice!  I can't believe it took me so long.

Their tagline "The Best Korean Street Food" is definitely no lie, at least in my opinion.

Korean food.  When this first come into my mind, I'll definitely say Korean BBQ or maybe its more famous dish, kimchi.  Of course, there are the other more commonly seen dishes like bulgogi and japchae.  But the menu has always been focusing on the BBQ dishes.

So, when I opened The Street Cafe's menu (KS & I were still deliberating whether we should u-turn back to the earlier cafes until we stopped here), I was quickly hooked to it.  There's so many types of dishes on the menu, and it was so colourful.  It just made me wanna sit down and continue reading the menu.

They serve a variety of dishes - bibimbap, ramyun, lunch box (this is really cute, served in real lunch boxes), toboki, raboki, buchingae and the list goes on.  If you're feeling hungry, you can order the Combo Sets, which looks pretty huge, with a main dish served with either a kimchi soup or kimbab.

As the names were a bit quite unfamiliar to us and there were too many to choose from, we decided to stick to the "Highly Recommended" and "Must Try!" indicators on the menu.

Jajangmyeon (RM12.90) tagged with "Highly Recommended".


Now, if you have watched enough Korean dramas, you would noticed this dish often being mentioned.  To be honest, I have never come across one and had no idea how it looked like or tasted.  To me, Jajangmyeon sounded very close to the Chinese ZhaJiangmian (炸酱面) and suspected it may actually be the same thing.

Well, in fact, the Korean version is really an adaption of the Chinese dish, introduced into Korea by the Chinese migrant.  In a way, it is very similar but then again, it is also very different.  The key ingredient that makes it different is the base of the sauce.  In the Chinese version, yellow soybean paste is used for the sauce but in the Korean version, black bean soy paste is used instead.

If you like food that are on the sweeter side, you'll like this dish as it does taste a bit like honey BBQ sauce or maybe the Japanese curry.  Served with pieces of grilled chicken (which tasted very like teriyaki chicken), shredded vegetables, sweetcorn kernels and cubed carrots,  the thick wheat noodles are covered with thick and dark sauce, that makes you feel like slurping the noodles like spaghetti.  It may not look very appealing, but it does taste nice.

Kimchi Buchimgae (RM 13.90) tagged with "Must Try!".

This Korean-style pizza, or more commonly known as Korean pancake, is so beautifully laid out, with a lot of spicy kimchi spread all over it.  Similar to a regular-sized pizza, it had a lot of toppings and the texture of the pancake gave that lovely gooey texture, just as though there was cheese.

I do admit it is slightly oily, but the flavour is tremendously good.  The spicy kimchi that have been used is very flavourful and gave just enough taste for the pancake.  The base of the pancake, on the other hand, had just the right level of thickness - thick enough to feel the pancake, thin enough to make you feel like having more.  It tasted so good that you don't even need the dipping sauce.  As an in-between snack, this would be a perfect treat.  I would definitely come back for the buchimgae again.

They always say the best indicator of whether the place is whipping up nice dishes is to see the level of crowd relatively to its neighbours.  Well, for The Street Cafe, that is really true!


The Street Cafe
Lot 197 Asian Avenue
First Floor
Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall
Petaling Jaya

Yao Yao Bing @ Rawang

Remember those younger days when we go crazy over ice potong when the ice-cream man come cycling your neighbourhood?  Well, at Yao Yao Bing @ Rawang, you can find a similar treat that can remind you of those old days.  The form may be different but the taste is exactly the same - after all these years, this stall still manage to maintain the taste.

Come in various flavours - red bean, assam boi, lychee, cendol and sweet corn - the crushed ice are scooped and packed tightly into a paper cup.  These inexpensive treat is very nice and refreshing on a hot afternoon.  Each time I go to Rawang, I must stop buy to buy one cup.

For me, the red bean flavoured ice is my favourite.  This not-too-sweet ice has a lot of sweet red beans in it and a right balance of coconut milk.

Yao Yao Bing
Jalan Welman, Rawang
(in front of TOTO shop)

Afternoon High Tea

There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea -- Henry James

The idea of an afternoon tea was first introduced in England by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford.  Back in those days, when there were only breakfast and dinner, the long hours in between was too hard to go by without ever feeling hungry.  Tired of feeling down & hungry, it was then that the Duchess got a briliant idea to have a light snack in the middle of the afternoon, accompanied by a pot of freshly brewed tea to stem the hunger.

Initially started off as her own private enjoyment, this idea quickly became a fashionable hit among other socialites to hold events in the afternoon to sit around, sip tea and nibble sandwiches.  

Until today, this old British tradition still stays as one of the popular afternoon activities.  Whether it is a simple afternoon tea or a luxurious spread, everyone will find something to indulge in.

Afternoon tea usually consists of finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes.  Then, there is a choice of coffee or tea to go with it.  It may or may not be served in tiered trays, but if it does, it is a wonderful feast to the eyes.

**********************

Ever since both KS and I started to go crazy over the idea of afternoon tea, we are now making a point to try out different places serving these wonderful creations.  While some qualify as a traditional afternoon tea, there are also some that are just variations of the more traditional setup.

1)  A lovely, highly recommended afternoon tea @ Delicious, 1 Utama & Marc Residence

(yet to be published)

2)  A traditional afternoon tea @ Grand Dorsett, Subang Jaya

Click here to read more on the afternoon tea @ Grand Dorsett, Subang Jaya

3)  A gourmet high tea @ Ettora, Solaris Dutamas

Click here to read more on the gourmet high tea @ Ettora, Solaris Dutamas

4)  One of the best high tea @ House, G Tower

Click here to read more on House's high tea


5)  Warm, cosy high tea @ Ten28ight Boutique Cafe, Desa Sri Hartamas

Click here to read more on Ten28ight Boutique Cafe

**********************

A must yet to try..The traditional afternoon tea at Carcosa Seri Negara, Kuala Lumpur - a must-try for the true experience of a traditional afternoon tea within the grounds of a historical heritage mansion.

Gourmet High Tea @ Ettora, Solaris Dutamas

When I first hear gourmet high tea, I had a huge expectation for rich flavours.  Well, at least something worth paying extra more to indulge in the experience.  Despite the disapproval mark from KS, I insisted to give it a try - at least a one-in-a-lifetime experience.

Here goes my experience of a gourmet high tea @ Ettora, Solaris Dutamas.

So what's in this gourmet tea?

• Large Cookies (4 pieces) - Hazelnut Shortbread, Oatmeal Raisin, White Chocolate Cranberry and Luxury Oat Almond
• Belgium Mousse Chocolate (2 pieces)
• Curry Puff (2 pieces)
• Belgium Chocolate Cupcake (2 pieces)
• Date Walnut Brownie (1 piece)
• Fruitcake (1 piece)
• Drinks - Swiss Iced Chocolate & Iced Peach Tea

Bear in mind, the portion above is for two person.  To be honest, I strongly feel the portion is just too small for one to really taste the cookies & cakes.  If you ask me, we barely could remember what each of these tasted.

For each of the cookies, I only had half a bite since they only gave one flavour each and I wanted to share with KS.  Plus, the description of "Large cookies" was pretty misleading - think it is just slightly larger than the Oreo biscuits (you know what I mean).  But I must admit, the cookies are quite nice (just that I can't remember exactly what was good).

If you look at the picture, you can also notice how small the brownie and fruitcake are, which you can finish off in one bite, if you want to.  The level of enjoyment is just not there - you only get to enjoy food when you know you have more bites to go after the first.

The curry puffs are pretty typical, just lacking the spicy kick and not fragrant enough.

But I must strongly recommend you the Belgium Chocolate Cupcake (RM 5 each).  Oh, we love this so much.  I think this rich cupcake is the highlight of this gourmet high tea (without this, we would have felt really cheated to fork out that money).  This small cupcake is very moist and with every bite, you can feel the creamy, gooey melted Belgian chocolate hidden in every part of the cake.

Another worth mentioning are the Belgium Mousse Chocolates.  Both KS and I felt the vanilla mouse coated with milk chocolate is quite nice and not too sweet.  On the other hand, the strawberry mousse coated in white chocolate is too sweet - wouldn't really recommend it as the combination does not match very well.

For the drinks, the Swiss Iced Chocolate was a huge disappointment.  I think any kid could have made a better chocolate drink than Ettora.  I was expecting a rich, creamy chocolately drink but all I got was a super diluted drink.  Try imagining an iced Milo left out in the room for hours - that was pretty much how it tasted.  Sorry, but I couldn't make myself to finish this drink.

The peach ice tea is pretty standard, pre-mix fruity drink.  At least, I enjoyed this more than the chocolate drink.

But then again, Ettora's core business is on their cookies & Belgian imported hand-crafted chocolates, so it will be pretty unfair to pin them down on the drinks.

So, if you want to try some luxurious cookies & chocolates, you can drop by Ettora.  Their products are homemade using imported ingredients.  But be mindful, it does come with a very hefty price (which in my opinion is not worth it).

Ettora

D1-G3-07, Solaris Dutamas,

No. 1, Jalan Dutamas 1 

50480 Kuala Lumpur

Tel:  03-6211 5416 

Handmade Oyster Mee Sua @ Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks

When I think about Taiwanese snacks, the first thing that came to my mind is the mouth-watering Handmade Oyster Mee Sua  ( 蚵仔麵線) from Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks.

Came to first know about this simple but delicious bowl of noodles when KS introduced it to me.  From then, I am totally hooked to it.  Each time when we feel like getting snacks in-between meals, I would begged to go to Shihlin.

Each bowl is filled with handmade mee sua served over a hot-piping flavourful soup, topped with generous amount of oysters & shredded chicken.  And the extra kick to this mee sua is the chilli paste, giving it a nice touch of spiciness.  It is also not too starchy, so every spoon of it just makes you keep wanting it without feeling bloated.

Oh no, I am already drooling for it now..

This popular franchise serves a variety of popular Taiwanese snacks, and another snack which I always order is the golden and crunchy Sweet Plum Potato Fries.  These savoury sweet potatoes are battered and lightly fried, seasoned with plum powder.  Not too oily & a definitely healthier snack compared to french fries.

You can find Shihlin almost everywhere is most shopping centres.  Perfect to stop to rest your tired feet while munching on the delicious snacks before continuing your shopping spree.

Frozen Yogurt @ 9 Berries, KL City Walk

NOTE:  Starting from 20 October 2012, 9 Berries will be operating from a new place at Sunway Giza Mall, Kota Damansara.

Along the longest strip walk in KL, KL City Walk, lies a very nice, cozy little stall that serves delicious frozen yogurt (commonly known as froyo).

Owned by a very friendly Korean couple, Andy & Mimi, 9 Berries is very nicely decorated.  They display a lot of Korean items such as accessories, CDs and decorative items, all for sale.  So, while your taste-buds enjoy the icy treat, your eyes can feast on the goodies.

KS and I decided to drop by right after work to snack a bit before going home (and get stuck in the Friday jam).

1)  Korean style frozen yogurt

Unfortunately, there are only 2 flavours available.  So, we decided to go for the Original flavour instead.

We ordered a medium size (RM 6.90) and it comes with two toppings - cornflakes & chocolate chips (In fact, you're free to decide what toppings you want.  They  have choco balls, Oreo Biscuits, a range of fruits etc).

The yogurt is so nice!  Unlike the frozen yogurt from Tutti Frutti, their frozen yogurt is very light and fluffy.  Also, the texture is very smooth.  Taste-wise, real yogurt and the sweetness is just right.

Just the perfect treat on a hot afternoon!

Note, I am no big fan of yogurt (never really liked the taste), but I actually like the frozen yogurt they serve here at 9 Berries.  So, you can imagine how nice it tasted.

Definitely will be coming back for a second round to taste the other flavours.  Maybe this time, I will go large (Large for RM 9.90).

And apparently, their frozen yogurt are made daily with fresh milk.  So, you can be sure the quality is good.

2)  Liege style Belgian Waffle

The key feature of Liege style waffle is the tasty sugary coating on the surface of the waffle as a result of the caramelisation of the pearl sugar during the baking process.  It is usually denser and chewier than the normal waffle we normally find - Brussels waffle.

This is my first time eating Liege style waffle and so, was kinda caught by surprise when it turned to be chewier than the usual waffle.

The texture is a bit like wholemeal bread and slightly on the drier side.  Despite having the caramelized sugar coating, it was not very sweet.

It would have been much nicer if it was slightly warmer to bring out the crispiness of the sugar coating.  But I guess it could be because it is almost the end of the day, and the waffle has slowly gone soft.  Maybe if eaten while it is still fresh would have been much better.

Still, it tasted great when eaten together with the frozen yogurt.  The combination is quite good since the waffle does not go soggy very fast when combined with the frozen yogurt.

They also serve yogurt smoothies on their menu.

For those working nearby, it is definitely worth dropping by this cozy little stall to sample this non-fattening, healthy treat.

Note:

• If you are coming from Pavillion using the overhead bridge, just get down at Bank Islam.  The entrance to KL City Walk is between Bank Islam building & Impiana Hotel.
• 9 Berries is closer to Jalan P Ramlee (right behind Wisma Hong Leong).

9 Berries
F4, KL City Walk
Jalan P Ramlee
50250 Kuala Lumpur

(open on weekdays until 7pm)