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31 August, 2012

Hui Lau Shan (許留山) Healthy Dessert @ Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

#1 Welcome to the Heaven of Mango! 

Hui Lau Shan is introduced in Malaysia since May 2012, and I am tempted to try when I first heard about how awesome their mango desserts are!

#2 Expanded Kiosk @ Pavilion KL

It has recently opened its 4th outlet at Pavilion KL, around July 2012, and expanded to Gurney Plaza @ Penang, and more to come in near future! 

 #3 Healthy Concept in the Menu

Initially, the chain was selling only herbal jelly and teas in 1960s. Later, fresh fruits and juices were added to the menu. Now, their signature items are revolving around mangoes including fruit dessert, stewed dessert, fruitiest jelly, mango mochi, curry combo and signature sauce radish cake. 



 #4 Philippines VS Thailand Mango

The mangoes are air-flown every alternate days from Philippines to produce the freshest, best quality mango desserts. Unlike Thailand mangoes, the King of Fruit in Phillipines is so famous as its ripe, unpeeled mangoes give off a very distinctive resinous, sweet smell.

#5 Signature Curry Combo (咖喱什锦) @ RM7.90 

We fill the stomach with something savoury first. Similarly served in Hong Kong & China, but the curry in Malaysia is stronger and localized with flavours of spices but not spicy and throat-choking. 

What makes it special here is the use of daikon radish (白萝卜). It is a welcome change instead of the usual potatoes, because it imparts sweetness into the curry when cooked for long hours. Paired with healthy radish, there are dried beancurds (Tau Fu Pok 豆腐卜) and cuttlefish to lift up the overall taste.

#6 Spicy Swiss Sauce Chicken Wings (香辣瑞士雞翼) @ RM4.90

Comes in 2 pieces, the tender chicken meat is lightly sweet and savoury at the first mouthful. Going down the throat, it burst with sharp spicy flavour which keeps me going for more.

 #7 Double Delight Sweetie Ball (糖不甩) @ RM4.90 

After the savoury dishes, first on the dessert list is Chinese glutinous rice balls (Tong Yuen 汤圆). Each is bouncy and chewy without being softened after some time upon serving. Just great to dip it with sweet crunchy crushed peanuts and sesames.

#8 Fresh Mango Mochi (芒果糯米糍) @ RM4.90 

For 3 pieces, the legendary Mango Mochi which sold like hot cakes is only a fraction of the price of Mochi Sweets! Definitely a healthier, economical choice for fresh bouncy mochi.

Cut into half, I can taste the natural sweetness from the real mango chunk inside. 
The outer coconut shave is a nice addition to reduce the gumminess of the skin.


#9 Supreme Coconut Stewed Bird’s Nest with Harsmar (Hot/Cold)
 (燕窝椰皇炖雪蛤- 冻/热) @ RM22.90  

The luxurious dessert tastes as good as it looks. The bird's nest is silky smooth and very light in sweetness. Simply soothing for the body when I have it warm. 

#10 Fresh Papaya with Harsmar and Coconut Milk 
(原只木瓜雪蛤膏) @ RM11.90 

I enjoy the lovely presentation of the dessert which allows me to sip through the light coconut milk while scooping the real papaya fruit. The crunchy coconut flesh adds better texture to this warm yet cooling dessert. 

#11 Stewed Papaya with White Fungus and Almonds (Hot/Cold) 
(南北杏雪耳木瓜-冻/热) @ RM8.90

Next is a traditional Chinese dessert which is best served hot to enjoy the beauty benefits. Unfortunately, if the chef could have been a little more generous with rock sugar, then it could be a winning taste. 

#12 Mango Fiesta (芒果小盛宴) @ RM12.90 

Here comes the long-waited house specialty Mango Mania Series. The trio combination is great for sharing, especially when you want to try a few varieties at one go.

 #13 Mango Fiesta Combo: 
Left:  Icy Mango with Coconut Flesh (多芒撈河)
Right: Mango Icy Sweetie Ball ( 芒小丸子) 


The first two selections in the combo are available separately in the menu at RM9.90 and RM11.90 respectively. The one on the left has a rich, compact scoop of mango sorbet, while the other is more like ice blended beverage. Taste wise, it is pretty similar but the texture determines which to go for.

  #14 Mango Fiesta Combo: 
Mango Ice Cream Sandwich

For me, serving my favourite ice cream between layers of crushed biscuits is thumbs up. Along with the crunchy cookie crumbs, it tastes strongly of vanilla soft serve and rich mango bits. Well, who doesn't love ice cream? 

 #15 Sweetie Ball Mango Romance (芒之恋) @ RM12.90

If you're not a fan of ice cream, here's another signature truly mango combination to sink your teeth in. Mango lovers would have a great time with this platter of dessert! 


#16 Fresh Fruitties Sweetie Ball with Double Juices 
(芒果鸳鸯捞丸子) @ RM14.90 

Great option for those who don't enjoy much of mangoes, the mixed fruit platter is just as tasty and healthy. I find the juices quite unique as the mango juice is deep in flavour without overwhelming the light unsweetened watermelon juice.

#17 Special: Double Fruit Juices

What makes this dessert a star is its freshly blended juices, where you can choose from a wide varieties such as Coconut, Honeydew, Cantaloupe and Papaya apart from the signature Mango & Watermelon fruit juices. 

#18 Fresh Fruitties Icy Double Juices (什果双捞) @ RM11.90 

This gelato-like fruity ice is more delightful for me than the juices, although it only comes in only two flavours--- coconut and mango. Soft and creamy inside, it melts in the mouth with a very refreshing taste! 

#19 Golden Pinky Sweetie Ball (金粉捞丸子) @ RM11.90 

Wanted to try both juices and ice creams? Then this combination suits you better as the strawberry and mango juices are paired together with a big scoop of mango ice cream. You may enjoy chewing the sweetie balls with soft fruit cuts while waiting for the frozen ice cream to de-freeze. 


#14 Fruity Juices & Ice Blended

Maybe some day I'd drop by for some thirst-quenching drinks before continuing my long shopping day there. Do expect only natural flavours from fruits, because the beverages are quite mild without any added sugar. 


Verdict:
1. Hui Lau Shan has done the best so far on its special mango desserts, in line with its healthy concept of desserts, using 100% real fruits and no sugar/sweetener at all. 
2. Recommended: Mango Mochi, Mango Fiesta Combo, Curry Combo and Chicken Wings
3. The price of most desserts here ranges from RM7.90 to RM14.90, so it's worth giving it a go. 


Hui Lau Shan (許留山) Malaysia
Lot 6.43.00 (Same floor with Tokyo Street)
(At centre court, in front of Al-Amar) 
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
168, Jalan Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: 603-21103313
GPS Coordinates: N 3° 8' 59.9316", E 101° 42' 46.2996"

Visit Hui Lau Shan outlets around Malaysia at:
  • Berjaya Times Square 
  • Cheras Leisure Mall 
  • The Mines 
  • One Utama 
  • Gurney Plaza 
  • ...and more to come!
A must-visit outlet at Hong Kong and China too!

Website: www.hkhls.com
Email: customerservice@hkhls.com
Facebook: fb.com/Hui-Lau-Shan
Business Hours: 10am to 10pm daily

30 August, 2012

Shine Through The Youth with LAC Taut®

After numerous rounds of social trips and food reviews lately, I find it hard to cope up with my skin. No time to do face mask, facial treatment, spa etc... and I'm losing youth in my skin! :( 


I have never trusted any collagen drinks, because there are too many self-proclaimed 'good' brands out there, until a friend introduces me with a Japan-manufactured brand, LAC Taut® Gold Standard Collagen Drink

#1 LAC Taut® Gold Standard Collagen Drink

What makes it so good is:
  • 13,000mg of premium, low molecular weight collagen peptides 
  • Can be easily & rapidly absorbed by the body
  • Greatly improve the skin elasticity and strength to achieve youthful-looking skin

Normal ones are only 10,000mg of peptides, 
which is scientifically not so effective as compared to LAC Taut. 

13,000mg, that’s the highest mg available and sold in stores currently!

This is how TAUT works.


I have tried it myself;
TAUT is bright gold / yellow in color, revealing a sweet-sour aroma like berries.
Very concentrated, with great taste of orange flavour like Vitamin C.
Best taken before bedtime, 1 bottle each time, for 3-4 times a week.

#2 LAC Taut® White

Along with this series of product, I try a sachet of white powder which is poured into the collagen drink and consumer for the best skin whitening effect. Goodbye to dark spots and welcome crystal clear, fair skin!

#3 LAC Taut® Gold Standard Collagen Infusion Mask

This is a luxurious and high intensity facial mask. For just 10 minutes of applying the mask, I can feel my skin velvety smooth, supple and lifted almost instantly! 

If you use it at least 2-3 times a week, fine lines will eventually disappear and skin looks remarkably firm and youthful. 

"Think Skin, Think Young, Think Taut"

LAC Taut® Collagen Drink
RM219.90 for a box of 8 individual bottles
Available exclusively at GNC stores nationwide


Verdict:
1. I love the face mask the most, with immediate effect on my skin.
2. Although I'm yet to turn 25 years old, I feel the necessity in taking up age-defying supplements due to my hectic lifestyle and frequent make-up T______T
3. Pricewise, I'd invest in high-price beauty products in exchange for top notch quality. 


29 August, 2012

Coffee Terrace (咖啡苑) @ Maxims Genting Hotel, Genting Highlands, Pahang

During my last visit to Genting Highlands, the organizer has treated us with a lavish buffet dinner at Coffee Terrace, an all-day coffee house where I saw a huge crowd on a Friday evening.


The interior is brightly lit, complementing the dark furniture. Very spacious, and I love the contemporary design which brings comfort upon dining. It offers both buffet and ala carte menu, catering for all your needs.


#1 Salad Bar 

The buffet spread began with a salad, with freshly-baked breads, dips and condiments as a perfect palate opener, before we were spoilt with choices for main courses. 

#2 Sushi Bar

At the Japanese section, they had both cooked foodstuff (Udon, chicken teriyaki, tempura, etc) as well as raw sashimi platter and freshly-prepared colorful sushis. I go gaga everytime I see petite maki sushi of different hues and fillings!

 #3 Sushi Rolls

#4 Assorted Vegetable Tempura

#5 Chicken Teppanyaki 

The Japanese corner didn't fail to tempt me with loads of good food! Due to the cold weather in Genting, I had a bowlful of hot, flavourful miso soup to warm my stomach before enjoying the fresh salmon and tuna cuts.


#6 BBQ in Skewers

For the flavours of Local Favourites & Nyonya, I'm delighted with the succulent chickens on hot plate grill. They even have my favourite grilled fish, so well-marinated as it burst in myriad taste of spices.

#7 Pari Bakar (Grilled Stingray)

#8 Ingredients for Steamboat 

I think most of the visitors there are mainly of Chinese, since the restaurant is only a stone throw away from the casino. So I find the Chinese section of the buffet has a wider spread than usual. 

 #9 Dim Sum

Another favourite pick of mine is the steaming hot dim sum, varying from Siew Mai, Har Gao, to steamed fluffy buns. All of them are Halal, yet they taste so delicious in a very Chinese traditional way. 

 #10 Pan Fried Seabass

 #11 Beef Roll with Asparagus Mushroom

 #12 Marinated Lamb

Stopping by at the Western corner, I saw the skillful chef slicing through the juicy lamb with lightly-charred skin. The meat was well done, and I just asked for more slices to satisfy my carnivorous appetite. 

 #13 Naan Bread

If you're a fan of Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, pick your favourite from the Roti Naan, Masala, assorted curry as well as dips. 

#14 Pandan Bread & Butter Pudding

Well, this is probably my favourite, because of its warm and soft texture, scented with refreshing pandan flavour. So delicious that I had this as a main course with some vanilla dip and chocolate sauce. 

 #15 Assorted Jelly & Pudding

 #16 Assorted Tartlets and Churros 

Besides the colorful pastries, I was surprised to spot my favourite Churros on the buffet spread here. Dip them into the chocolate fondue and viola, the crispy dough stick melted perfectly with the thick chocolate coating!

   #17 Rainbow Cake

Not only kids went gaga with this colorful piece of cake, I also got drifted away with this light spongy cake, with fresh cream topping sprinkled with colorful chocolate rices. Surprisingly, it's just nice in sweetness and soft for my liking. 

The dinner was so enjoyable when completed with a little hint of alcohol.


Verdict:
1. Taste wise, it is satisfying and most importantly, FRESH! :D
2. Recommended: Raw Tuna Sashimi, Marinated Lamb, Rainbow Cake
3. Probably the widest, best buffet spread you can find at Genting Highlands.

Coffee Terrace (咖啡苑)
Level 2,
Highlands Hotel,
Genting Highlands (云顶娱乐城)
69000 Pahang, 
Malaysia.
Website: www.rwgenting.com

Business Hours:
BUFFET
Breakfast: 5.30am - 10.30am
Lunch: 12.00 noon - 2.30pm
Dinner: 5.00pm - 9.30pm

ALA-CARTE
Breakfast: 10.30am - 12:00 noon
Tea: 2:30pm - 6:00pm
Supper: 10.30pm - 5.30am

Restoran Woo Ng Kee (胡伍纪冷气海鲜酒家) @ Taman Ehsan, Kepong

 
If you happen to search for traditional Chinese food around Kepong, then you should drop by at Restoran Woo Ng Kee, a third-generation family run business. Although it took me some time to find this place as I'm a stranger in Kepong, the trip was really worthwhile with loads of good food here!

From a roadside stall at Pudu 60 years ago, it is relocated into a two-storey restaurant since more than 26 years ago and the business remains brisk until today. 

Its warm ambiance is rather old school which reminiscences the nostalgic yesteryears. The restaurant is of the size of 3 shop lots yet you may still need to queue outside during weekends or public holidays.

#1 Double Boiled Garoupa Fish Head Soup in Claypot (沙窝鱼头) @ RM80

We started the dinner with the claypot fish head broth, an elegant creation stuffed with goodness of abalone slices, white fungus, goji berry, Chinese herbs and longan.

After the first round of boiling from the kitchen, now pour the old chicken soup essence into the broth and allow it to boil second time for 5-10 minutes, so that the myriad flavours are well-absorbed by the soup.

The broth is so fresh with natural sweetness from the concoctions of ingredients, along with a drizzle of Rice Wine (Shao Hsing Hua Tiao Chiew 绍兴花雕酒). Rich in herbs and great in textures, it is not only tasty but also brings health benefits. 

 #2 Cold Hors d'Oeuvres Platter (七彩冷盘) @ RM85

Traditionally served before the main courses, it was once a very famous dish served in wedding banquets during 1960s. But now it is very difficult to find such hearty treasure because of the complicated process of preparing it. 

Jellied into a clump, the steamed kampong chicken, fresh prawns and thick slices of abalone have a firm, translucent texture. The village chicken is flavourful and it satiates the taste buds without being heavy on the stomach. A dip of mayonnaise just added little touches of tangy sweetness into the dish. 

 #3 Claypot Fried Rice (瓦煲炒饭) @ RM40 (For 4-5 pax)

My favourite of the evening is, in fact, the simplest dish that most Chinese can relate to: Fried Rice. Of course this is not the ordinary one. Very well-thought and it's the best fried rice I've ever sampled!

This is the luxurious creation by the young son of the owner, featuring caramalized rice crackers sipped within the claypot fried rice, topped with fresh crab, scallop and bacon, along with a garnish of spring onions to further enhance the taste and texture. 

  #4 Pei Pa Aromatic Duck (枇杷烧鸭) @ RM40

I can sense what's coming when I smell beautiful aromas wafting in the air from the flattened roasted duck. With the complicated process from steaming, drying to roasting which takes around 5-6 hours, limited amounts are served daily so do preorder to avoid disappointment. 

I always love Pei Pa Duck which is drier, crispier and less fatty than the usual roasted duck. Slightly saltier but smoky enough to whet my appetite! The duck, when dipped into a choice of plum sauce or chilli, has a refreshing twist to the crispy flavourful meat. 

  #5 "Mei Lan, Mei Lan, Wo Ai Ni" (梅蘭梅蘭,我爱你) 
from RM8 (2-3 pax)

The founder is a master chef with more than just great culinary skills but also high creativity in mind especially when naming his signature dishes! 

Here's an unique combination of preserved vegetables (Mui Choy 梅菜) and young Chinese broccoli (Kai Lan Miu 芥兰苗) which is bitter-sweet and salty on the edge. Surprisingly, it is very mouth-watering and I can't stop reaching for more. 

  #6 "Pig & Dog Friends" (猪朋狗友)
from RM16 (4-5 pax)

Next on the menu was the metalpot braised pork knuckle, traditionally known for its body-heating benefits and best taken during winter. The sweet-salty juiciness is revealed as I fork through the lean meat laden with fats. 

This dish is related to dog, because the herbs are used by our ancestors to treat dog meat, but now Mr. Woo has replaced the dog with pork instead. 

  #7 Guilin Crab Dumplings (桂林蟹枣) @ RM1.60 / piece

Beneath the crispy skin, each crab ball gives a soft, moist texture. Overall, the deep-fried light bite is so bouncy and flavourful that it is the first to be wiped out at the table. 

  #8 Nam Yu Pork Ribs (南乳排骨) @ RM15

Mr. Woo and his crew are also experts in authentic Hakka dish as the pork marinated in Red Fermented Beancurd is superb with its crispy deep-in-flavour crust. It is served on a bed of pickled vegetables (酸菜), making for a delightful combination of flavours.

#9 Curry Garoupa Fish Head (至尊咖哩鱼头) 
@ RM22 (Small) / RM30 (Medium)

To wrap up the evening meal, the chef delights us with its best-selling dish, a boiling hot pot of curry fish head instead of Chinese desserts. The graciously garnished fish head claypot is bracingly fresh, with rich creamy curry which is more on the sweet note than spicy. Awesome!

This is how the business started with their famous roasted duck 60 years ago.

Not only the service here is excellent, the humble owner is very generous to treat us with Whisky. To sum up, it is an enjoyable dinner to have a group of chatty friends along with good food and tasty red wines and liquor.


Verdict:
1. Woo Ng Kee is perfect for classic comfort food especially with family to bring out a homey feel.
2. Recommended: Curry Fish Head, Claypot Fried Rice, Pei Pa Aromatic Duck, "Mei Lan, Mei Lan, Wo Ai Ni" and "Pigs & Dogs Friends"
3. Pricewise, it is decent and good value for money considering the generous amount of ingredients.


Restaurant Woo Ng Kee (胡伍纪冷气海鲜酒家)
545, 546, 547, Jalan Ehsan 3/7, 
Taman Ehsan, 
52100 Kepong, 
Kuala Lumpur.
Contact: 603-6274 2305
GPS Coordinates: N 3.22116, E 101.623906

Business Hours: 
11.00am - 2.45pm daily
5.00pm - 11.00pm daily
Close on every Thursday

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