Kim Lian Kee (金莲记福建面美食馆) @ Kenanga Wholesale City, KL

Kim Lian Kee is a famous Hokkien noodle stall in Petaling Street since the 1920s. It claims to be the first Hokkien-style fried mee in Kuala Lumpur, using charcoal for frying to maintain its unique taste. I have long heard about it, but not tried any. Until I visited Kenanga Wholesale City in KL, I found its newest branch there. Tempted by the nice aroma wafting from this stall, I just can't stop myself to savor some.

#1 Signature Hokkien Mee (福建面) @ RM8.90

If you're a first timer, the must-have is the house specialty hokkien mee. It comes with a choice of mee, mee hoon, kuey teow or yee mee. Anyway, my hokkien yee mee is not as aromatic and flavourful as I'd expect, but it is nicely added with crispy pork lard and sliced pork. Overall, it has nothing to shout about, but good to fill a hungry stomach after hours spent on shopping there.

 #2 Cantonese Style Noodle (广府炒) @ RM8.90

I always prefer this method of cooking, with plenty of egg gravy and not so dry for the palate. The portion is sufficient to fit an average individual, but definitely smaller than those we normally have at the hawker stall. This dish scores higher in terms of taste and flavours, without being overly salty.

 #3 Moonlight Kuey Teow (月光河) @ RM9.90

It is basically a plate of fried kuey teow with an added raw egg at the centre. You have mix the noodles around in order to 'cook' the egg before it can be served. I personally love enjoying the noodles when it is glued with runny eggs, and the dish could be better if the kuey teow is less sticky and watery. 

So much as I love eating around, I am a health conscious and watch my daily intake carefully. Sinful, I believe washing down the calories and cholesterol with a glass of iced lemon tea would do great to the palate.

Verdict:

1. Despite of the fame and popularity, I believe this branch of Kim Lian Kee needs to retrain its chef in order to keep up the quality with other outlets. 

2. Price falls on a rather steep side, yet it is a very good choice to dine in as compared to other stalls in the food court.

3. I'll make sure I have breakfast/lunch before visiting this place again. 

Kim Lian Kee (金莲记福建面美食馆)
Non-halal Food Court, Level 7,
8.01, Kompleks Kenanga Wholesale City (何清园时装城)
Jalan Gelugor, Kuala Lumpur.

Food Republic @ 1 Utama Shopping Centre [Part 3]

Food Republic, the Singapore-based food court has operated for more than half a year since 23 July 2011 at 1 Utama Shopping Centre. And I've tried almost all the foodstuff here, noticing that I've made two posts about them HERE and HERE. 

#1 Milo Dinosaur @ RM5.00

When I come across Milo Dinosaur, automatically my mind thinks of a typical Malaysian! Most of the time, only locals would opt for this. And today I'd be sampling some local cuisine at Food Republic.

#2 Nasi Dagang @ RM 8.90

Served with banana leaf, this plate from Serimuka is a famous East Coast Malay food. The combination of red yeast rice, brown rice, glutinous rice and hurba (a kind of traditional Malay spices) gives the rice its unique flavour and fragrance. 

The accompanying dishes include Gulai Ikan Tongkol, some local tuna richly spiced in coconut milk with lemon grass, chilli paste and turmeric, and some lightly Pickled Vegetables. A good one can rarely be found in West Coast, but I'm glad to find this with the right balance of sweet and spicy taste.

#3 Curry Chicken Drumstick with Steamed Rice @ RM12.90

Introducing another local food which comes in a relatively large portions, usually males will definitely opt for this one at Little Wok Kitchen. The curry chicken rice is smothered in a creamy, piquant Indonesian-inspired curry.Along with small servings of salad, shrimp, mayonnaise and fried egg, it satisfies a big eater.

#4 Chicken Rice @ RM6.80

Here's a Chinese version from Farm House Chicken Rice, in which the owner introduces his original Sarawakian chicken rice. The tender meat comes along with a bowl of Pandan Rice. As I scoop a spoonful of the rice, its aroma wafts up.

#5 Portugal Style Stingray with Rice @ RM7.90

Coming across the stall named Hot Plate, their spicy sweet sauce whets my appetite! Accompanied with ladies fingers, onions and greens, the stingray is firm and flaky. I can taste the goodness here.

#6 Young Coconut @ RM5.00

If you feel like having another drink after the meal, you can try the Young Coconut Water to soothe your throat after a series of spicy local specialties. 

***

If the above is not up to your preference,  

then check out other cuisines served in the Food Republic as listed below!

A full list of tenants there include:

• Farmhouse Chicken Rice VISITED
• Serimuka VISITED
• Little Wok Kitchen VISITED
• Rama 9 [Part 2]
• Pepper Lunch Express [Part 1]
• Hong Kong Roast [Part 1]
• Shokuji [Part 2]
• Tarbush Express [Part 1]
• Hot Plate VISITED
• Western Cuisine Express  [Part 2]
• Teppanyaki Express  [Part 2]

Verdict:

1. Personally, Nasi Dagang is my favourite local food there. 

2. Malaysian foodstuff are normally quite oily, but not the ones served at Food Republic. 

Food Republic 

S346-S347, Second Floor, 
One Utama Shopping Centre,

1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, 

Bandar Utama City Centre, 

47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Food Republic @ 1 Utama Shopping Centre [Part 2]

For the past 20 years, food court has always given me a bad impression for its unhygienic, filthy state. Until I step into the Food Republic at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, its uptrend look gives me a total change to my perception.

It is located at the rainforest, so there is a bridge connecting the food court, now can you imagine how big it is? The 13000 sqft food atrium can seat 550 at maximum capacity! If you are not aware of, my first try for the foodstuff is posted HERE, and now it's my second time visiting. 

#1 Carrot Juice and Apple Juice @ RM3.30 each

Here I am to sample some international cuisine available at the food court. A glass of fresh juice is perfect as a thirst quencher before trying out the main courses, and I'm amazed that fresh juice is priced so reasonably there.

 #2 Teriyaki Salmon Bento Set @ RM16.90

Let's start off with Japanese food. This bento set is served by Shokuji, along with Chawan Mushi and Miso Soup. What a great deal it is, considering the taste that is similar to the major Japanese food franchises around Malaysia. A huge piece of salmon fillet will satiate your gastronomical needs, without burning a hole in your pocket.

The fillet is thick and succulent, and I can say it's fresher than those served in some local Japanese food chains. To add a twist into the mild, original taste of salmon steak, I'd prefer the special Teriyaki Sauce. A hint of sweetness definitely make me salivate.

#3 Chicken Chop Set @ RM13.80

Another type of famous Japanese food includes the Chicken Teppanyaki set from Teppanyaki Express. This sumptuous set comes with Chicken Teppanyaki as the main dish, along with vegetables, bean sprouts, Miso soup and rice. 

Seeing the skilful chef cooking in front of the customers, the aromatic, fresh ingredients attract me to sample some.

The chicken is seasoned with pepper, chilli and special sauce before being stirred and sizzled. 

Then the chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces upon serving. The chicken is fluffy and full of flavours as the Japanese soy sauce mixed with sugar and garlic is immersed into each chicken cutlet.

 #4 Young Mango Salad

Next, here comes the Thai food, from Rama 9. Priced reasonably under a set promotion, it's time to tantalize your taste buds with some refreshing salads. Mild and tangy, it is appetizing just like my favourite Papaya Salad.

#5 Pad Thai @ RM11.90 with the salad / @ RM9.30 without salad

The Thai-styled char kuey teow is less oily as compared to the Chinese version. I also realised that the noodle used is much thinner than the usual ones, combining the fiery chillies with sour lime, a hint of sweetness and a touch of salt with egg adding texture. Hot and spicy, it is more aromatic and goes along well with the lime juice.

 #6 Spaghetti Skillet Salmon @ RM18.90

Here comes the common favourite of all, Western food from the Western Cuisine Express. The business is really flourishing especially during weekends, and its best-selling is a slice of salmon fillet served with a moderate portion of spaghetti. Most importantly, the spaghetti cooked al dente with a  coating of tomato cream sauce with hints of Italian herbs--- It is neither too thick nor creamy, just nice for a hearty meal!

***

If the above is not up to your preference,  

then stay tuned for other cuisines served in the Food Republic!

A full list of tenants there include:

• Farmhouse Chicken Rice
• Serimuka (East Coast Malay food)
• Little Wok ("Tai Chow" in little wok style)
• Rama 9 VISITED
• Pepper Lunch Express [Part 1]
• Hong Kong Roast [Part 1]
• Shokuji VISITED
• Tarbush Express [Part 1]
• Hot Plate (Fusion and local food on sizzling hot plate)
• Western Cuisine Express VISITED
• Teppanyaki Express VISITED

Verdict:

1. In my personal opinion, I enjoy dining at a clean and organized place where I can see how my food is prepared.

2. All international cuisine comes in a fairly huge portion, which suits those who work within the vicinity of 1 Utama. 

3. The taste is acceptable and I'd go for it because of the value for money.

Food Republic 

S346-S347, Second Floor, 
One Utama Shopping Centre,

1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, 

Bandar Utama City Centre, 

47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Food Republic @ 1 Utama Shopping Centre [Part 1]

Frankly speaking, I have not visited the food court at One Utama despite of my numerous visits to the shopping mall. Hearing that the Food Republic is opened since last July with diversified choices, I am tempted to have a try there.


It indeed overturns old perceptions of food court dining to fresh outlooks at new heights with new hopes and ideals. With an array of hawker food and express outlets (15 tenants altogether), I'm impressed with the good services from each stall.

#1 Salmon Pepper Rice with Cheese @ RM12.90 
(Add RM2.00 for cheese)

My all-time favourite at Food Republic is this hot sizzling plate from Pepper Lunch Express. Despite of the wide selection of chicken and beef, the best-selling hot plate is no other than this Salmon rice.

The iron plate consists of generous amounts of fresh Norwegian salmon, rice, corns and some hidden delicious cheese. All I need to do is to mix them evenly to cook well and serve it while hot! How simple it is for a filling meal. 

Originated from Tokyo, Japan, Pepper Lunch is famous for its pepper and the signature salty honey sauce. Both act as a flavourful condiment to spice up the dish! Enjoy it yourself, and you'd fall in love with it.

 #2 BBQ Chicken Drumstick Rice @ RM 7.90

Call me a typical Chinese, I have strong liking towards the chicken rice from Hong Kong Roast. With the crispy roasted skin, the meat is savory and I can hardly see fatty meats there. The secret of the dish is the thick honey hoisin sauce (family recipe of course!) which we normally use to roast in a Chinese style to make the skin into sticky sweet perfection.

 #3 Shish Tawook @ RM 15.00 (Chicken Skewers)

The next one in my Top 3 list includes this healthy platter from Tarbush Express, a Middle Eastern cuisine. Cubes of juicy boneless chicken breast are skewered and grilled to perfection along with pickled onions, fresh crunchy salad and fries.

It's suitable for a bread person like me as it comes with some flat bread, allowing me to have a pita wrap of the lettuce, tomatoes and pickled turnips. This sandwich version is indeed low-fat and healthy!

If you don't love having sandwich, then enjoy the dish on a platter with French fries.

Best served with Tarbush special garlic sauce, this Kebab platter is very unique and one of its kind. I'm quite satisfied with the exotically spiced chicken, although some say healthy seldom tastes that good.

***

If the above is not up to your preference,  

then stay tuned for other cuisines served in the Food Republic!

A full list of tenants there include:

• Farmhouse Chicken Rice
• Serimuka (East Coast Malay food)
• Little Wok ("Tai Chow" in little wok style)
• Rama 9 (Thai food)
• Pepper Lunch Express VISITED
• Hong Kong Roast VISITED
• Shokuji (Japanese bento set)
• Tarbush Express VISITED
• Hot Plate (Fusion and local food on sizzling hot plate)
• Western Cuisine Express
• Teppanyaki Express

Verdict:
1. Personally, among all, I'd still go for Pepper Lunch and Tarbush.

2. The place is very inviting, with affordable price range. It pleases me well, considering the quality of the food. 

3. The non-smoking eatery is a bonus for me.

Food Republic 
S346-S347, Second Floor, 
One Utama Shopping Centre,
1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, 
Bandar Utama City Centre, 
47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.