Mee Diao, Mee Jawa & Dumplings @ SS2/4A PJ

Had dinner with Teckiee one evening and contrary to what one might think of floggers, we sometimes run out of ideas of what and where to eat. After throwing few suggestions around, Teckiee suggested Alisan Mamak and told me to try Mee Diao. I had no idea what she was talking about as that was my first time hearing of such noodles and of Alisan Mamak.

After she navigated me to Alisan Mamak, I realised that I eat at this place now and then; usually the Assam Laksa and the Teochew Chai Kuih (Masak-masak mentioned that it's Teochew Crystal Dumplings due to their translucent skin). Turns out the Mee Diao that Teckiee spoke about is from the same stall that I have been patronizing all this while. I find the Kedah Assam Laksa here average but lots of customers love it. We were quite blessed that evening as the usual long queue was not seen at this stall as some folks were probably staying away due to the looming rain clouds above us.

For a stall of this size, they sell quite a variety of noodles, local kuihs and tong sui.

Pots and pots of soup and tong sui at the side of the stall.

I've not tried the Mee Jawa before and we decided to order that and Mee Diao. The Mee Jawa soup would have been better if it was thicker but taste wise was quite good. I enjoyed the fritters that came with the noodles, at RM3.50 (USD1) for a small plate, I couldn't ask for more.

The Teochew Mee Diao was akin to economy fried noodles. Plain with shredded carrots, bean sprouts and chives (no meat); the noodles seem to be a slightly thicker wheat version of vermicelli. Eventhough it came pale looking, the noodles were actually very palatable and the addition of the dollop of green chilli padi (bird's eye chili) and garlic paste made this such a treat at just RM2.20(USD0.60) a plate! Teckiee, thanks for introducing this noodles to me!

We ordered two versions of the crystal dumplings, both filled with shredded cooked turnips and the other version with additional chives (the chive filled ones are at the bottom in the photo above). I like the dumplings here as the skin is thin and soft; fresh ones definitely.

The Guan Chang Kuih is something that we might be able to get from the market but not easily from stalls. Over here at this place though, you can find both the steam and the fried variety. I like the steam version better, it's floury and with soft bits of peanuts in it. It has a very nice flavour and it's tasty enough to be eaten on its own without any chili sauce. I really can't make out what it's made of but it seems to be of a mixture of both flour and a bit of glutinous rice. All the local kuihs are at RM0.70 (USD0.20) each.

We finished off our satisfying meal by sharing a bowl of Mak Chook tong sui (barley wheat) which was smooth and not that sweet! Not bad at all at RM1.20 (USD0.35) for a small bowl.

Directions : Coming from Taman Bahagia LRT on your left, turn right at the traffic lights. Then immediately take the left turn, that would take you to SS2/4A. You will see a row of stalls out in the open. This Kedah Assam Laksa stall is at the end of the row, self-service. This stall opens after 7.30pm and doesn't seem to have a fix day for rest. Call to check at 012-3912082.

I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond. ~ Mae West

Noble House, Imbi

After seeing Jackson's post on Noble House back in June, I decided to surprise my mom. I didn't let her know where we were going or what we were eating till we arrived at the destination. After letting my brother know earlier, he decided to also follow along with my nephews. Noble House opened in 2003 was recently awarded Best Restaurant 2007 by Malaysia Tattler. Upon entering the building, the place was quite impressive with its decor and koi fish pond in the lobby area. However, those who were there for the buffet were ushered to a bare big function room where the spread was laid out. We arrived there just in time and were the first few ones to enter the room. Ethan, my older nephew and I took the opportunity to take photos of the spread that was before us while the food was still untouched. Check out his photos HERE.

This special "New Wave" Chinese buffet is only available on Sundays and public holidays and we have two buffet sets to choose from. RM39++, (RM46, about USD13 with taxes) which comes with a bowl Braised Shark's Fin with Crabmeat and Crab Roe or the RM50++ (RM58, USD16 with taxes) which comes with an order of Double Boiled Shark's Fin Stuffed in Chicken Wing. Well, the truth of the matter is I've been abstaining from shark's fin but having the buffet here meant it came along with it. The 5 of us opted for the RM39++ set and with that, we were all promptly served a bowl of the braised shark's fin.

I have not eaten Shark's Fin in a long while and I must say this tasted really good, they definitely didn't stinge on the ingredients. Served with an optional light coloured and good quality vinegar, this had to be one of the better shark's fin I've tasted in a long while. But then, it's really been a long while that I've eaten some! ha ha ha...After we were done with the bowl, we started on our buffet round.

The wonderfully tossed Lobster Salad....lip smackin' good!

Lidako - Baby Octopus. There are many other appetisers around. You have to be there to fully appreciate the way the spread is laid out. Individual tiny bowls, on spoons and also in little glasses like the next photo.

Here you have what one might call "Prawn Shooters".

Escargots-Chinese style which was sweet sourish with bits of cucumber and pineapple

Some food here are visually outstanding in their presentation. This was also my first time eating New Wave Chinese Food, still wondering what that really means actually. There are enough varieties available to keep us busy and as a matter of fact, we left the place without trying quite a number of them.

Fried dumpling with slices of lotus root

\

Simple hollow cucumber with small diced potatoes tossed in light salad dressing.

This was strangely addictive....pan friend chee cheong fun (flat rice noodles). With bits of chives and dried prawns, it was somehow plain yet tasty at the same time to me. Biting into the slightly chewy texture, I couldn't really figure why I like it more than I should. Ha ha ha...On the other hand, I am a big fan of Chee Cheong Fun. so, that might explain why.

My favourite Peking Duck-had several servings of this. The duck skin has very little fats on it, so that's good news for those who likes to indulge in some good food minus the fats :o) but that would also mean that it isn't as fragrant as the ones with fats!

Claypot Salmon with Mushrooms and Fu Chook ( Beancurd Skin). The gravy was a bit too starchy but otherwise, it was alright.

Char Siew Bao - BBQ Pork Steamed Bun was rather nice. Here's one broken into three parts. Me and my rule of three when it comes to taking photographs! ha ha ha....

Ma Lai Gou (Malay Kuih???) has always been a favourite of mine and the ones here are nice and not that sweet, which is good! But the nicest ones were from Ming Room, Bangsar Shopping Complex (which is also under the same Oriental Group as Noble House) but they were given a fancy name like Thousand Layer Sponge Custard. Check out Oriental Group of Restaurants HERE.

Noble House Restaurant
No.19, Jalan Delima, Off Jalan Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 03- 2145 8822 Fax : 03- 2141 3822
Directions/Map to Noble House
(Please take note that road directions have changed as at Aug 11 and this is not reflected in the map).

"I went to this restaurant last night that was set up like a big buffet in the shape of an Ouija board. You'd think about what kind of food you want, and the table would move across the floor to it." - Steven Wright

Dune Bashing & Camel Riding

The blogging world has definitely widened my circle of friends, some remaining faceless but in my thoughts nevertheless while some bloggers have become a familiar face. However, before you know it, some familiar ones will be leaving for elsewhere. Being the most recent, Kat and her family.

me: Sigh, when are you leaving? Your dates, I mean
Kat: on waiting list
me: Confirmed date?
Kat: not yet should know by end of this week
me: I see....A bit sad...To have found a new friend and to see you leave
Kat: awww....you come and visit me and we go have kebabs!! hahaha. I am making sure hubby gets me unlimited broadband otherwise i sure die!!
me: Well, I haven't been to AD
Kat: yup! come and we go dune bashing! and camel riding!
me: Well, once you have settled down...haha...camel riding???
Kat: and eat under the stars in a bedouin camp
me: : Wah lau....
Kat: sounds like fun, hor??
me: Can't throttle too much....my eye can't take the vibrations. Got slow and old camel can lah! Muah ha ha

Well, just before leaving, I managed to meet up with Kat and her family again for a karaoke session with KTX joining us too. Singing, eating and laughing ... we spent three hours revealing our hidden talents. And hidden and faceless they shall still be in the blogging world. Yup, definitely some soul baring like you said Kat....I really enjoyed the outing that day. Guess, we all are definitely game for another round when you all are back here visiting.

Mmmm....whose hands are these?

Mmmm.....we did try to sing along but I think we decided to let the pro, KTX, do a solo performance!

The show must go on....he actually woke up the moment we all stopped singing! LOL!

Kat and hubby, HY and WK...hope to see you all soon again. Whether be it back here in Malaysia or over there....I'm definitely looking forward to some dune bashing and camel riding too. Take care and God Bless...Don't be a stranger, see you around...

Meanwhile, this is about as close I can ever get to dune bashing for now....

Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them.
~ Francesco Guicciardini