Mind Blowing Homemade Chili Sauce and Marmalade at Plaza Mont Kiara Night Market

I grew up eating bread almost each day for breakfast, packed sandwiches for school.

Whenever I opened my container, I just sighed. 

It was either: margarine spread with a sprinkling of sugar, peanut butter or orange marmalade.

I felt rather 'bleh' sort. But thinking back, I realised how grateful I am back then, to have food and all but still complaining.

Back then, my parents were not that well to do, so they couldn't afford to give me pocket money on a daily basis to 'indulge' in canteen food.

Fast forward a couple of decades later, my tastebud somehow goes rather nostalgic and I do, as a matter of fact, appreciate all those flavours mentioned above, EXCEPT margarine.

I have multiple types of fine butter, several jars of peanut butter and also jars of different brands of marmalade.

Speaking of which, I guess you won't quite understand this marmalade thing if you are not from Sarawak.

I have been swaying, brands after brands finding that perfect marmalade.

And I stumble upon this.

Homemade confitures, salt and an array of sauces, curds and such at Plaza Mont Kiara Thursday market / night market (pasar malam). 

She made these amazing condiments herself.

Celio Orange Marmalde at Plaza Mont Kiara Thursday Market

I was a bit sceptical in the beginning, but I thought, since it was (and it is still is) affordable, so I decided to get a small bottle and try.

Homemade Condiments by Celio at Plaza Mont Kiara Thursday Market

I was like, oh…this is way better than Chivers!

Very fragrant, just that perfect hit of sweetness and that signature tang of marmalade.

Cannot be more perfect than this.

And that is not all, she makes very very mind-blowingly tasty chili sauce.

So good, that I have to scoop a few teaspoons onto my food daily. 

It has chili, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and a hint of lemongrass maybe? I can't really figure out, but as long as it gives pleasure to my palate, I am all for it!

It drives my husband crazy that I incorporate chili sauce in whatever savoury dish that I am about to eat, but then again, I remind my husband over and over again, that I practise food democracy in my household. 

That is to me, my freedom of eating. 

Needless to say, it is a perfect match with chicken rice.

Homemade Chili Sauce at Plaza Mont Kiara Thursday Market

I mean, just look at that.

Apparently, I am not the only one who is obsessed with the chili sauce.

I saw lots of people from Plaza Mont Kiara ordered from her.

Fret not if you are not from this area, and would love to purchase from her.

She has Facebook page

The contact details are there.

She would be more than happy to post to wherever you are in Malaysia.

Best of all, her products are carefully and meticulously cleaned and prepared (that's a lot of love going in there)

So, worry not, and enjoy.

There are very affordable, I promise you. 

Homemade Condiments at Plaza Mont Kiara Thursday Market

These are so good that they are worth mentioned in Time Out KL.

She has a plethora of other condiments, some I have yet to try.

So if you like to meet the seller in person and try for yourself or just to ascertain if I am just bombastic, you head on down to Thursday Market in Plaza Mont Kiara.

I do not know what time she starts her business, but what I do know is that I spot her there as early as 3 pm. 

Don't go to bed dreaming of chili sauce and marmalade tonight. 

Baaji's 1 Mont Kiara

Do you know that there is a small middle eastern willy wonkish shop tucked in 1 Mont Kiara? 

It is small and quiet and maybe not many people are aware of this shop.

It is located on the first floor of 1MK mall, not very hard to find. 

They have small pretty little baklavas in various shapes and sizes, stuffed dates, nougats, date vinegar, oh. I cannot remember what else.

But one thing that is a must for me to bring back to Sibu (because baklavas are dainty) is the almond dragees. 

Baaji's 1 Mont Kiara Mall

Baaji's 1 Mont Kiara Mall

 Don't let the colours fool you.

They are so delicious, they are out of the world!

Another term for almond dragees is Jordan almond.

Chocolate coated almond with a hard shell sugar surface.

It tasted like artisanal M&M's

Only better.

Almond Dragees at Baaji's 1 Mont Kiara Mall

 So, so, good.

Normally I buy the bottled ones, bubbled wrapped them and stashed them in my suitcase. 

A few months back, the sales person gave me a chocolate date to try (because I bought a lot of baklavas and nougats)

Chocolate Date at Baaji's 1 Mont Kiara Mall

And I was like. Ooo.

This is super! 

So this Chinese New Year, I got my family chocolate dates too.

How can something so simple, just dates coated with chocolate can taste so good?

Oh yes, they can.

Give them a visit.

The one in 1MK.

The shop is very cute, trust me. :)

Baaji's 1MK

L1-10 1 Mont Kiara Mall,

50480 Kuala Lumpur

Caffe Crema at Plaza Mont Kiara, KL

Their tagline is, coffee with passion.

And my reply is Uwwaooo! splendid. :) Standing ovation. 

This place may seem rather posh from outside (it's just next to number 76 salon, what say you. any hair - obsessed people will know number 76 salon, and it looks equally posh as the salon next door)

Toblerone Dark Chocolate Cheese Cake at Caffe Crema

If you're familiar with my blog, you know that I love to bake.

I am rather sceptical when it comes to cheesecake. I have been baking cheesecake for almost 10 years; my close relatives are in cheesecake business.

So I tried this cheesecake, and I was blown away.

The texture was spot on. I do not want to throw in my cheesecake related jargons here, but, it truly was very very delicious. Baked to perfection.

Cappuccino at Caffe Crema

My man opted for cappuccino.

Flat White at Caffe Crema

I had flat white.

Mokka Pot at Caffe Crema

Coffee was perfect 10.

Maybe Time Out might want to include this as one of the best coffee joints in 2015.

Also, they do serve coffee in mokka pot.

If you have not tried coffee brewed in mokka pot, I suggest that you try.

My man makes me coffee every morning with mokka pot. Bialetti mokka pot.

That's why I am one of the happiest women on earth. ;)

But if no one makes you coffee this way, be sure to drop by caffe crema.

Caffe Crema

E-01-02 Block E, Plaza Mont Kiara,

2 Jln Kiara, Mont Kiara

Ru Yi Lou, Publika, Solaris Dutamas

Deep within the Publika maze, there nestled a small restaurant right in the food court.

Ru Yi Lou

(Located in Eat Food Village, Publika)

One fine Saturday evening, my favourite stalls ran out of food and were near to closing.

So my next best bet was just to bank in on Ru Yi Lou and see what they had to offer.

I ordered Ham Tan Kai (salted egg chicken)

Lo and behold.

Salted egg chicken with rice at Ru Yi Lou, Publika

The portion was small.

For a total of RM15.30 you will get: Rice with meat of your choice (small serving for both rice and meat), stir-fried medley of vegetable (small portion) and a spring roll, plus a bowl of soup of the day, and a glass of Chinese tea.

Taste was great.

If you are not a big eater, this is definitely a perfect place for you.

Not saying that it is not a great place for a big eater-me.

I learn my lesson and I shall order just a la carte meat, vegetables and rice to satiate my voracious appetite.

Best part of all, there was no MSG throat-swelling moments after the meal.

Which means, I approve of this place. 

Ada bagus. :)

Ru Yi Lou

Eat Food Village

Lot FC3, Level UG, Publika Shopping Gallery,

Solaris Dutamas, 1, Jalan Dutamas 1,

50480 Kuala Lumpur

Rum Cakes Up for Order from Sibu Food Diva's Kitchen in Kuala Lumpur

I do received baking requests from time to time.

But please take note that my kitchen is non-kosher.

This year, I am not going back for Christmas in Sibu, so I am free to accept cake orders.

For those of you who are not familiar with my baking, i'll take you on a journey of my baking.

I don't quite do fancy cakes. For me, simplicity is the best policy, as I want to bring out the best flavours with my uniquely sourced ingredients.

Cranberry and white chocolate scones by Sibu Food Diva

Key lime cheese cake with ginger biscuit base by Sibu Food Diva

Spinach and beef bacon quiche by Sibu Food Diva

M&M cookies by Sibu Food Diva

Traditional tiramisu with zabaglione and mascarpone cheese by Sibu Food Diva

Vanilla bean cake with Jackson Pollock-ed chocolate drizzle by Sibu Food Diva

Victoria Sandwich cake with lemon curd cream and raspberry jam by Sibu Food Diva

Liberalised semperit cookies by Sibu Food Diva

Cheddar and English mustard spiked with pimiento cookies by Sibu Food Diva

Strawberry pavlova with rum cream by Sibu Food Diva

Chocolate tart with rum infused custard with fruit toppings by Sibu Food Diva

Up for orders are these below:

Rum butter cake, 7" at RM 30

White chocolate and cranberry scones at RM 20 for 8 pieces

Do email me at mukututu@gmail.com or yavorgd@yahoo.co.uk to purchase.

Once you have placed order, it is to note that I need 3 days in advance.

I bake with a lot of love, you know :) 

I do not have helper so I do everything on my own, meticulously, like a typical perfectionist.

And also, I do not do delivery.

Pick up is in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.

Cheerio!

I will close order anytime when it is overwhelming, as I need to take my time to bake and can't fast-track stuffs. Else it will be as the mass produced cakes, and I do not belong to that category.

Lastly, thank you and happy holidays.

Sarawak Soul Food at Kedai Kopi Nam Chun, Bangsar, KL

Kuala Lumpur is not famed for its food; as much as Penang or Malacca.

But.

It is a haven where all the food from almost all the states in Malaysia come together.

Ever since I left Kuching for good, boy… do I miss the food.

I tried to comfort myself by slurping the replicated versions in Sibu, but none comes as close.

But these days, I hardly go back as often as before to Sibu too.

And surprisingly, I chanced upon this place when a friend introduced me to a very good popiah at this coffeeshop. 

Popiah was very good. Even a class above the average popiah. But it was not popiah that stole my heart; but these two below:

Sarawak Laksa in Kuala Lumpur

And may I say, holy camoly. Both dishes packed with the exact flavours from Sarawak.  

Both contain that Sarawakian essence that I cannot describe here.

It can only be sensed by a true Sarawakian palate. 

Kolo Mee in Kuala Lumpur

I love them.

I love Auntie Christina (Laksa stall operator).

The only problem is that this coffeeshop is jam-packed and filled to the brim everyday. 

If you crave for kacangma chicken (Motherwort herb and alcohol infused chicken stew) you can get it here too. I think only on Saturdays and Sundays.

Love you lots, and love you long time. 

Keep up the Sarawakian spirits you two.

2, Lorong Ara Kiri 2,

Lucky Garden,

Bangsar.

Hand Chopped Wagyu Beef Patties, BIG Supermarket, Publika

I love shopping at BIG Supermarket. Or known as Ben's Independent Grocer / B.I.G.

My hubs is always at least RM100 poorer each time we come here.

Recently there is this thing that caught my eye at the meat section (where they display an array of seasoned meat; from lamb to beef to chicken).

Rounded beef patties wrapped in cling wrap retailed at RM15 per piece.

Called, wagyu hand - chopped burger.

For me, it's like, hmm...RM 15 doesn't hurt, at least I try, and if I don't like it I just don't buy it the next time.

So I persuaded my banker to buy me two pieces.

Here is my take:

Wagyu Hand - Chopped Patty from BIG Supermarket

Boy, I was floored.

I made my burger very simple: that's the acid test to know if the patty is good.

I started off by buttering up the buns and toasted them.

Slather with a thin layer of grainy mustard (mortared a l'ancienne)

Then the patty. I pan - fried the patty to well done, as I gauge the doneness by prodding on the meat, I overcooked it, but somehow the meat was tender so even it was well done, when pressed, it was actually the softness of a medium rare, in a lightly bouncy state.

I immediately placed a slice of Emmental cheese on top of the scorching hot patty so that it will melt a little. The reason I choose Emmental is that, I love that fruity note of Emmental which is a good contrast to the beefy intense flavour of the patty.

While the patty is resting, I fried up two slices, cut into two; applewood smoked bacon. These are placed on top of the cheese.

Before I finished off with the top layer of bun, a slice of red juicy tomato. 

That's it.

Wagyu Hand- Chopped Patty from BIG Supermarket

It was [fill in the blank]

I went to Heaven and back. :)

Succulent. Unpretentious. (I did not add any other seasonings).

The beef juice oozed out on the plate!

And that's well done. What if it is cooked to medium rare doneness? You can imagine what sort of riot of flavours and juices happening in your mouth.

At RM 15, it is the most affordable wagyu burger and also probably, the best in town! 

(RM15 is a misnomer for the burger as it is the price of the patty only. By rough estimation, the cost of MY burger does not exceed RM25, which is still reasonable.)

Affordable, and full of flavour burger.

Give it a try! 

By the way, don't snap up all the wagyu patties please. Leave 2 for me, thank you.

Caipirinha at La Boca, Pavilion

Murphy's Law hit me hard. 

La Boca is running a Venezuela week. I got to know from my friend's blog post here, at The Yum List.

Heh, and I am not in KL, how appropriate. :)

I love this place very much. I once brought a friend who used to work for food magazine company in New Zealand, he loved it very much, went back and ordered chicken fajitas (again). :) You know who you are if you are reading this.

Apart from the food, I come here specifically for:

CAIPIRINHA!

;)

Caipirinha at La Boca, Pavilion, KL

and also,

Cubano Espresso or Espresso Cubano.

Whichever it is.

Espresso, Cubano at La Boca, Pavilion, KL

Love :)

Best Nasi Lemak in Mont Kiara, KL

So.

Tell me about it. What is going on in KL, Kuching and Sibu? 

Feel free to drop me an email, would love to hear. :)

I have been away for so long, I miss local food so much!

Nasi Lemak at Hainan Station, Plaza Mont Kiara

This is my usual breakfast haunt, and my favourite order.

Nasi lemak extra sambal. 

It is very tasty, and even better than Madam Kwan's.

Should you have friends coming to Malaysia, you should bring them here.

The rice is very fragrant, and the dish is very consistent. 

Fiery sambal as always.

Hainan Station deserves ISO 9002.

:)

Oh by the way, it is for breakfast only. 

You may try your luck for lunch but no promises. 

Petit Four, Plaza Mont Kiara

*update: October 2013; Petit Four has decided to scrap off the Thursday market, they are now available  online basis, do contact them at https://www.facebook.com/petitfour.com.my *

I've got SMS asking me if I need some rescue team to look out for me. :)

I'm all good, and how have you been?

I've been away from KL for a few weeks, I admit I kind of miss KL.

Especially when I have goodies to look forward to, every Thursday at Pasar Malam Plaza Mont Kiara or notoriously known as Thursday Market.

I have blogged about Petit Four before, they were then stationed at 1MK (1Mont Kiara) mall on a fortnight basis. Feel free to ransack my blog to read about them.

But now, they are there at the Thursday Market Plaza Mont Kiara every Thursday.

Opposite HSBC stall no. 018

Red Velvet Brownie by Petit Four, Mont Kiara

Everything they have to offer tastes very awesome.

And I mean it.

Frittata by Petit Four, Mont Kiara

Date and Fig Cake by Petit Four, Mont Kiara

That little round thing beside the cake is persona non grata. It is my home baked scone, just happen to be in the photo (I use wide angle camera with fixed lens so I can't possible zoom in on the cake and leaving out the little scone.)

Let's talk about the date and fig cake. I love it! It is very fragrant, I don't know, correct me if I am wrong, I tasted some apples in there, or am I just hallucinating. This cake is not always on the stand, the texture is very similar to pound cake, not everyone loves this type of dense cake, but I know I do. Very much! 

Let's talk about my scone. :) I unashamedly tell you that my scone rocks. So meticulous. But delicious in every way, that is because I spend so much time for the whole baking process. My narcissistic streak is showing, I know. Anyone who tells you that scones are very easy to bake, that's a big lie. To achieve that flaky and fluffy interior yet crunchy exterior, there is actually lots of homework to do. 

Carrot Halwa by Petit Four, Mont Kiara

Burek by Petit Four, Mont Kiara

Red Velvet Cake by Petit Four, Mont Kiara

Cauliflower and Minced Beef Frittata by Petit Four, Mont Kiara

Apple Pie by Petit Four, Mont Kiara

Who needs McDonald's apple pie when you can lay your hands on this?

I'm a big fan of apple pie, but simply, too lazy to bake.

Before Petit Four comes into the picture, I had to put up with McDonald's.

Now, no. 

I have these gems in my fridge, in case of emergency hunger attack. 

I never get bored of eating these, buy them every week, in bulk, whenever I am in KL. :)

Apple Pie (up close) by Petit Four, Mont Kiara

Coffee Stain by Joseph, Solaris Dutamas, KL

I'm a coffee junkie.

Coffee Stain by Joseph, Solaris Dutamas, KL

Espresso is a must, everyday.

Coffee Stain by Joseph, Solaris Dutamas, KL

But this one.

Serves one of the best espresso around.

Coffee Stain by Joseph, Solaris Dutamas, KL

Coffee Stain by Joseph, Solaris Dutamas, KL

Lorina Orange

Coffee Stain by Joseph, Solaris Dutamas, KL

Espresso

Coffee Stain by Joseph, Solaris Dutamas, KL

Affogato

Coffee Stain by Joseph, Solaris Dutamas, KL

Coffee Stain by Joseph, Solaris Dutamas, KL

Espresso macchiato

Coffee Stain by Joseph, Solaris Dutamas, KL

Coffee Stain by Joseph, Solaris Dutamas, KL

Love coffee :)

If only they have more variety of cakes to go with the coffee.