Tut's Egyptian Eatery @ 1 Utama Shopping Centre, PJ

Think about Egypt, I see images of deserts and giant pyramids floating in my mind almost instantly. What about Egyptian food? I was guessing it could be something close to Arabic cuisine since Egypt is one of the Arab countries, but NO, now let Tut's Egyptian Eatery reveals the truth.....

Named after King Tut, the monarch who once ruled ancient Egypt over 3000 years ago, Tut's Egyptian Eatery is the very first Egyptian restaurant in town. Now we can save a trip to Egypt and just head to 1 Utama Shopping Centre and be among the first to experience the authentic taste of Egypt in Malaysia!

Location wise, Tut's is tucked at the corner lot in the Oval Concourse, LG Floor in New Wing, right next to the exit to the Rainforest. It does not take us too long to search for this shop since we are frequent shoppers here.

Ambiance wise, the family-friendly interior exudes very strong influence of Middle Eastern flairs. Bright, vibrant and nothing overly elaborated.

Also, don’t forget to have a good read on the infographics on the table. It explains the main ingredients used in typical Egyptian dishes – rice, pasta, lentils, and Middle Eastern spices any other Arab fare – which combine as one comfort food at its finest.

So, all the dishes we are having today are the timesless Egyptian classics savoured from the streets to royal palaces, prepared with love using the homemade recipes passed down from family to family.

Upon being seated, we are treated with the welcoming snack – Crisp toast with TUT’s fiery chilli dip – before indulging into the Egyptian gourmet.

(From Left to Right) Egyptian Lemon Mint @ RM8.00

(Citrusy lemon and sharp mint in milk concoction)

Sobya Milk @ RM7.50

(Milky sweet coconut drink)

Tropical Tamarind @ RM7.50

(Exotic aged tamarind drink similar to the local “Asam Boi”) 

Kiwi Pineapple Mixer @ RM8.00

(Kiwi, pineapple, what else can give Vitamin C boost more htan this?)

The first 3 are timeless Egyptian beverages which are commonly prepared at every Egyptian home to beat the heat and quench thirst, while the one on most right is a modern blend of fruity goodness to deliver all the vitamins you need.

My personal favourite goes to the Sobya Milk which tickles my taste buds with smooth lingering sweetness and strong aroma of coconut milk. Slightly thick, but neither too creamy nor filing for my liking. I heard it is the “must-have beverage” during Buka Puasa (Muslim’s fast breaking) in Egypt too. Interesting!

Molokhia Minced Leaf Stew @ RM9.90

The soup arrives first as the starter, but this warm bowl of finely chopped Molokhia leaf stew is not an ordinary soup. The Egyptians love cooking it with lots of spices such as fine butter, garlic, coriander, cumin and black pepper to make it an extremely savoury stew.

I am delighted that there is no “raw earthy” taste in it at all, and the aroma of butter does help to enhance the flavours well. Since it is served with a choice of side, we choose the Egyptian-style “Royal Rice”. The aromatic flavoured rice is slightly sweet on its own, and pairs well with the leafy stew as a comfort meal for light eaters.

Koshari Mixed Grain Bowl @ RM14.30

Our star of the day is no other than this staple Egyptian dish which is widely available all over Egypt, from street stalls to restaurants. Back in the olden days, Egyptians cannot afford having meat in every meal, hence they have Koshari - a delightful blend of pasta, rice, lentils, onions and beans that yield an absolutely delicious harmony of aroma and taste.

Although it is dubbed as the "poor man's food", the taste isn't poor at all! TUT's version is served with tomato sauce, TUT’s chilli sauce, chick peas, lentils, and fried onions - all are refillable as much as you wish. Mix the ingredients together, and enjoy every spoonful with bursting flavours of sweet, sour, spicy and savoury!

Oh I don't mind having healthy carbs like these!


Herbal Hot Plate Chicken with Baked Rice + Vegetables (Original/Spicy) @ RM25.90

Surprises come one after another. The slow-grilled chicken served on a hot plate is, again, not an ordinary "chicken chop" dish. Thanks to TUT’s secret herbs and sauces, the chicken is rich in exotic Egyptian flavours - so tender and aromatic with the charness on point. It tastes better than any BBQ chicken I've ever tried! The complementing handpicked potatoes, bell peppers and rice are just perfect for a hearty meal.

Available in 3 options, in case if you don't fancy much rice / vegetables:
❤ Herbal Hot Plate Chicken + Vegetables + Baked Rice
❤ Herbal Hot Plate Chicken + Baked Rice
❤ Herbal Hot Plate Chicken + Vegetables

Tut’s Dynasty Fries / Sweet Potato Fries @ RM4.50 per portion

If you feel like having more side dishes to perfect the meal, there are 11 options to choose from! I go for the two best-selling fries with an interesting twist of flavours, and I have never thought that the fries can be so special here.

Tut's Dynasty Fries is breaded with TUT’s secret herbs for a tastier, fuller flavour to the crisp potatoes. Be warned, once hooked, you may not be able to stop munching these yummy fries!

Whereas the Herbs-coated Sweet Potato Fries are classic favourites. Overall, it is ideal for communal sharing as it keeps the streams of conversations going. Best served with the oh-so-cheesy homemade TUT’s Cheesy Sauce!

DESSERTS

To put a sweet endnote to our Egyptian gastronomic journey, we pick the top 3 crowd’s favourites among the 5 types of desserts available on the menu, which are also the classics created since the ancient Egypt.

Roz b Laban Creamy Delight @ RM 6.85

"Roz B Laban" simply translates to "Rice and Milk" in the Egyptian dialect. Traditionally it is eaten during breakfast as it is the most crucial time of the day to get that high energy boost. With a little twist to the dish, it can also be a delicious dessert that pleases the palate with cool sweet flavours of milk and vanilla.

Nutty Nile Nougat @ RM7.50

My eyes are wide open with excitement when I see "Nougat" on the dessert menu. I mean, I am a super fan of nougat snack bars, but this is my first time having deconstructed nougat in a glass. Digging into the chilled creamy concoction, I discover loads of crunchy almond chunks in every spoonful that adds biting pleasure to the sweet treat.

Om Ali Bread Pudding @ RM9.80

If you prefer something sweeter, try this traditional Egyptian dessert. The base is pretty similar to the Western-style bread pudding, so soft and warm with strong milky flavours. Topping it off with two mini scoops of Sangkaya's Coconut or Gula Melaka ice cream adds an interesting local twist to the dessert and balances it with coolness that leaves you wanting more.

Verdict:
1. Overall, an amazing Egyptian affair with local and Western twists that is ideal for friends and families alike.
2. The dishes here are suited for local taste buds, and I find that the main ingredients i.e. spices used in Egyptian cuisine are easily acceptable. Nothing shocking, all pleasing to the palate.
3. Must try: Koshari Mixed Grain Bowl and Herbal Hot Plate Chicken with Baked Rice

Tut's Egyptian Eatery

LG333A New Wing

(next to the Rainforest)

1 Utama Shopping Centre,

Bandar Utama,

47800 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor.

Website: http://tutseatery.com.my

Facebook: fb.com/tutsmy

Instagram: @tutsmy

Business Hours: 10am-10pm daily

DC Comics Super Heroes Café @ SkyAvenue, Genting Highlands

Yes, conceptual cafe is finally here in SkyAvenue! Stepping into this DC Comics Super Heroes Cafe feels like being transported to the land of fantasy. Imagine being surrounded by Batman, Superman, Wonderwoman, etc; I love this cool space!

DC Comics Super Heroes Café, a F&aB business extension by DC Comic licensed by Warner Bros Consumer Products, is not something new to the city dwellers in KL as we have seen several outlets popping in Pavilion KL, Sunway Putra Mall and more. But experiencing it at a 6,000 feet above sea level could be something very different altogether.

During our food hunt in Sky Avenue, DC tops my list of favourite cafes here! Located at the corner shop lot on the 3rd floor of Sky Avenue by Resorts World Genting, DC attracts comic geeks and superheroes fans to gather and immerse themselves in the world of super heroes and villains.

The concept reminds me of an American diner, but all you get here is a wide variety of themed food and drinks – for instance, gigantic Batman burger, Green Lantern salad, mystical Wonder Woman drinks and latte with Superman coffee art.

The Western fare seems pretty standard when I see the menu showcasing a list of sandwiches, burgers and pizzas for mains, as well as beverages such as sodas, ice blends, shakes, coffee and tea. Oh did I forget to mention that the dessert options such as gelato, pancakes and waffles come with elements of superheroes too?

We, being supporters of Superman and Batman order two signature sets of burger to try,

and few Superman Batman themed coffee.

Superman Punch Burger @ RM28

(Homemade beef burger with cheese, pineapple and bolognaise sauce served with fries)

Team Superman is excited for the beef burger that comes in a Superman logo-shaped box.

The slightly charred bun also carries the Superman logo, how cool is that!

Batman VS Hawkman @ RM23

(Egg and turkey roll burger served with fries)

Whereas Team Batman is impressed by the bat-shaped box and quickly whack the entire content.

Again, the charcoal bun is printed with a bat shape in vibrant yellow color to match the color theme.

I find that the beverages are more interesting with the cute superhero logo art on it.

They have really gone great length to ensure everything is on point!

The ambiance of the café – the well-loved superhero theme – compensates for the mediocre food. Looking around the café, every nook and corner comes with emblems of our favourite DC superheroes.

It’s just hard to resist myself from taking pictures with every character there because the paraphernalia here is amazing. All the tables and chairs are printed with comic strips, surrounded by the walls beautifully adorned with comic book posters. Not forgetting the human-size models of superheroes taking the limelight at the shopfront.

The café is right next to the DC Comics Super Heroes retail outlet,
so you can shop for shirts and merchandise after your superhero meal.

Verdict:

If you are not too fussy about the food as long as you enjoy the experience being in the DC Comics universe, then you are at the right place.

DC COMICS SUPER HEROES CAFÉ 
Level 3, T2B-06
SkyAvenue
Resorts World Genting
Genting Highlands
Pahang
Malaysia.

Facebook: fb.com/dccomicssuperheroesmalaysia

Looking for more food at Sky Avenue? Read more about my food reviews at Resorts World Genting:

#1 Top 3 Restaurants in SkyAvenue feat. Burger & Lobster

#2 Top 20 F&B Outlets inSkyAvenue feat. 8 types of cuisines

Coffee Affair with Matcha CaramelCrisp Popcorn

Coffee has been part and parcel of my life. For those who can't live without coffee, high five! I guess that's why you are here, all ready to indulge in a coffee affair with me and curious about the little surprise added into my luxurious brew.

They say coffee is a warm delicious drug that makes everything feels better. Well, I am not sure how true is that, but one thing I am certain is that coffee definitely makes Garrett Popcorn tastes better. Wait...or should it be the other way around? 

Green Garrett Popcorn? Nope, it is neither seaweed nor wasabi flavor. Garrett Popcorn, the renowned popcorn label from Chicago, USA has recently added an interesting twist to its hugely popular flavour, CaramelCrisp, by infusing the refreshing flavour of Green Tea into it, hence creating a wholesome new limited time flavour: Matcha CaramelCrisp, coated evenly with golden green hue.

If you have tried Garrett Popcorn in other flavours such as CheeseCorn, Macadamia CaramelCrisp and Almond CaramelCrisp, I am sure that you know Garrett has never compromised in terms of quality. Similarly, the new green tea flavour is nothing artificial but is deliciously crafted using the high quality harada matcha from Shizuoko prefecture, Japan.

Some who have been to Japan may know that Shizuoka is an area famous for green tea plantations, hence the "Aki Matcha" (green powdered tea) or "Hiki Cha" there has fresh and strong green tea aroma, taste, mouthfeel and color.

In fact, the Matcha CaramelCrisp flavour has been well-received by the Japanese. It balances out the sweetness of the original CaramelCrisp flavor without overpowering it. 

What's more interesting about it is that, I realize it goes along very well with my cuppa, be it a dark bitter coffee or a foamy milk coffee. When both the aroma of coffee and green tea meet, it exudes a sweeter and less acidic flavour on the nose.

I even try soaking the popcorn into the freshly-brewed coffee for a couple of seconds to absorb the bitter concoction. To my surprise, the synchronization of flavours works! Smooth, sweet and bitter, all come at once; Definitely a warm comforting treat for both young and old.

Good things are meant to be shared, especially with the loved ones. Munching on the crispy popcorn while we keep our conversations going, I seriously didn't realize I have finished a large portion of the popcorn in my 1Gallon Tin!

Be warned: Once hooked, it is difficult to resist those green tea caramel goodness, so eat at your own risk! 

Whenever you are at home or in the office, a simple cup of coffee and a bag full of 

Garrett Popcorn's Matcha CaramelCrisp can be an indulgent midday treat to reward yourself or

perfect as a family snack during the evening TV hours.

Let's enjoy our #GarrettTogether moments with family and friends! 

(But please don't fight for the whole 1Gallon Tins with me!)

Garrett Matcha CaramelCrisp Popcorn is available in the following:

Bags (Small, Medium, Large) from RM17.00 to RM29.00

Tins (Quart, 1Gallon) from RM40.00 to RM110.00

If you are one of those who will never miss any latest green tea desserts in town,

then you should really check this out!

Only limited batches of Matcha CaramelCrisp are available each day

from 16 March to 10 April 2016 across all Garrett Popcorn Shops in Malaysia: 

Mid Valley Megamall: Lot G001-B, Ground Floor (opposite Starbucks)

Suria KLCC: Lot C15I, Concourse Floor (near Maybank)

1 Utama Shopping Centre: Lot G139B, Ground Floor

KLIA2: L2-112, Level 2, gateway@klia2

For more information, kindly visit the website: www.garrettpopcorn.my

Don't forget to follow them on Facebook for more updates: fb.com/GarrettPopcornMY

Chinese New Year Gift from Garrett Popcorn Shops: 2016 Year of the Monkey Tins

*Double the Gallon Tins, double the happiness*

Can you believe that Chinese New Year is just around the corner? How fast time flies. And recently I have been busy hunting for CNY gifts for my friends and relatives. Gone are those days where we give away traditional hampers and mandarin oranges. How about treating them with delicious snacks from Chicago, USA? 

Yes, I'm talking about Garrett Popcorn which is now available in this specially designed 2016 Year of the Monkey Tin adorned with red stripes and whimsical monkey motifs. It makes me feel so festive already! 

I remember the first time I tried Garrett Popcorn in Singapore, I was totally hooked on it! I miss those days when I was carrying a Bag of Garrett while enjoying my rides in Universal Studio Singapore. Until recently I bumped into Garrett Popcorn Shops in Malaysia, I knew I must get some home to relive those happy moments with my family. 

For CNY, I got two 1Gallon Tins of the best-selling Signature Flavor, Chicago Mix, which is a sweet-savoury blend of the two popular flavours: CaramelCrisp and CheeseCorn. Once I opened the lid, the cheesy aroma immediately filled the space, followed by hints of sweetness from the caramel.

Look at those golden, beautifully-popped kernels! Don't you just want to dig into it?

The Tin is generously filled to the brim with whole popcorn (I don't see any crushed bits at all!). Coated with brown sugar, the CaramelCrisp is buttery and sweet, but it is the nice crunchy texture that leaves me craving for more.

On the other hand, the cheddar cheese coated CheeseCorn is slightly more melty in the mouth, with strong cheesy flavour on the nose down to the palate. I am surprised that both flavours can pair so well together, achieving a balance of sweet and savoury goodness.

*Popcorn is happy food*

Quality wise, Garrett can easily beat others that I have tried. Every small batch of Garrett is hot air-popped throughout the day and coated with Garrett's secret family recipes in old-fashioned copper kettles. I notice each and every piece of Garrett is almost a perfect sphere, and it is so evenly coated with the flavour.

Since it is made fresh daily, I am always satisfied with its crispy, light texture of popcorn stored in the tightly sealed Tin. I prefer to consume it immediately upon purchase, to enjoy Garrett at its freshest state.

That's why Garrett remains my favourite choice after so many years, as it is worth every penny spent.

I'm holding a 1Gallon Tins, can you imagine how huge is it!

Customers can buy the 2016 Year of the Monkey Tins in bundles of two 1Quart Tins at RM68, four 1Quart Tins at RM128 or two 1Gallon Tins at RM148, filled with a choice of Signature Flavors of Chicago Mix, CaramelCrisp, CheeseCorn or Buttery. Upgrades to Nut CaramelCrisps are available for an additional cost.

Just leave those overly-priced hampers aside, I think my friends will be happier to receive such a cute festive Tin of premium Garrett Popcorn during this season of gifting.

This handcrafted happiness is meant to be shared! Just keep the popcorn in an airtight container, along with other CNY snacks, so that you and your guests can have #GarrettTogether during house visiting. I am sure that Garrett will be more popular than the rest of the traditional cookies, especially among my nieces and nephews.

But I hope my family does not finish it before the guests actually get to try it, because it is simply addictive for both young and old! Once tried, we can't help but to keep munching on the Garrett Popcorn during our family TV time. After finishing the Garrett, the beautiful festive red Tin can be reusable as home food container. 

Whether indulging in the delicious Chicago Mix in small bowls or having it directly from the huge 2016 Year of the Monkey Tins, Garrett Popcorn is the perfect treat for sharing. Even my parents who don't usually love sweet stuff can easily wipe the bowl clean, one after another. 

Enjoy your Garrett Popcorn Party with family and friends during this CNY!

Available at all Garrett Popcorn Shops now, the new Garrett Popcorn 2016 Year of the Monkey Tins are the perfect gift to spread the joy of celebrating Chinese New Year.

Garrett Popcorn Shops in Malaysia are located at:
Mid Valley Megamall: Lot G001-B, Ground Floor (opposite Starbucks)

Suria KLCC: Lot C15I, Concourse Floor

1 Utama Shopping Centre: Lot G139B, Ground Floor

KLIA2: L2-112, Level 2, gateway@klia2

For more information, kindly visit the website: www.garrettpopcorn.com

Don't forget to follow them on Facebook: fb.com/GarrettPopcornMY