How to Take Instagram-worthy Food Shots and Win Food Vouchers worth up to RM700!

If you have been following me, you'd notice that I am an avid cafe hopper and shutter bug. I take pictures of almost every food I have, and the questions I often get from my followers are: "What camera are you using?".

To be honest, you don't need a powerful camera for an Instagram-worthy shot. Of many food photography tips that you may search online, I personally find that there are a couple of noteworthy tips that I am happy to share with you guys here!

Serai @ Shaftsbury Square, Cyberjaya

Serai is famous for its finest twist of "East meets West" cuisine, however my favourite moment here is always about its popular range of desserts. Perhaps I'm not a fan of authentic Northern cuisine, but if you are, Serai is one of the best homegrown restaurants that lure you with Kelantanese delights injected with Thai recipes.

The restaurant boasts a chic and cosy atmosphere that makes your dining experience more comfortable and satisfying.

SALAD

Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Salad @ RM24

I spot something not so local on the menu and decide to give it a try. Thick slices of smoked salmon are twirled into rose shape, and tossed with cherry tomatoes, onions, olives, potatoes, lettuce and poached eggs in horseradish mayo dressing.

It may feel heavy on the palate due to the overzealous application of mayo, but thumbs up to the generous portion of salmon that melts in the mouth with smoky aroma. 

Pumpkin Salad @ RM16.90

Vegans can try out the healthy pumpkin salad featuring a delicious concoction of roasted pumpkin with chickpeas, tomatoes, portobello mushrooms and crunchy walnuts in honey lemon dressing topped with wild rocket leaves. 

Don't belittle this platter, the chunks of soft pumpkin actually make me full to the brim! 

MAIN

Nasi Kerabu @ RM22.00

Northern dishes are not cheap, but do expect large portions served at Serai. I am expecting aromatic blue colored rice, but it comes white to my disappointment. Served with crispy fries, pickles and salted egg, I am pleased that the sauces don't flood the entire platter. 

The roasted chicken leg is well-marinated and cooked into charred perfection. 
I love the drizzle of spicy sweet sauce on top of it, and it will be better if more of that sauce is given!

DESSERTS

The home-baked dessert selection here is always so tempting, especially the best-selling Berry Pavlova and Tiramisu!

Berry Pavlova @ RM15.90

If you are into the sugar-laden combination of crisp meringue, softly whipped cream and berries, then the pavlova here is definitely a must try. Melting perfectly in the mouth, it is so deliciously sinful!

Tiramisu @ RM15.90

If you are a fan of tiramisu cake, surely you've heard of the much sought-after Tiramisu from Alexis. But when it comes to comparing that with Serai's, I would vote for this decadent slice of Tiramisu at Serai for its rich, velvety mascarpone layer and caramelized nutty coating. 

Red Velvet Cake @ RM15.90

I don't normally like my red velvet cake to be dense and overly heavy with cream cheese. And Serai does it perfectly right in terms of flavour and texture. The combination of airy sponge layer, crunchy nuts topping and cream cheese do not overwhelm the palate at all! 

Pistachio Creme Brulee @ RM15

Other dessert on the menu that is made ala minute include the pistachio creme brulee served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and shaved nuts. It has a very velvety smooth texture and burst with beautiful aroma of pistachio; so lovely!

Affogato @ RM8.90

If you can't decide between coffee and dessert, why not have both in a glass? The espresso here is nothing to shout about, but I believe when it is combined with ice cream, everyone would love it!

Verdict:

1. It is a perfect place to chill out under relaxing ambiance. The only downside is that, securing a seat during lunch hour is difficult because of the huge corporate crowd. 

2. Service is friendly and quick, but the desserts are a little on the high side price-wise.

3. Recommended: Pavlova, Tiramisu, Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Salad

Serai
P3A-16 & 17 (Level 3A)
Shaftsbury Square
Persiaran Multimedia 6,
63000 Cyberjaya,
Selangor.
Contact: +603-8322 6717
Email: info@seraigroup.com.my
Website: www.seraigroup.com.my
Business Hours: 10am - 11pm daily

Other outlets:
KL Life Centre
Jaya Shopping Mall
Empire Subang Jaya
Paradigm Mall

Namoo Grey Korean Cafe @ IOI City Mall, Putrajaya

After watching movie at IOI City Mall, the theater hall exit led us to the first floor of the mall, where we stumbled upon this cute Korean cafe-- Namoo, which opened its first outlet in Publika. And hence decided to settle for lunch there.

Namoo Grey Korean Fusion Cafe is easily accessible as it is located just one level below GSC Cinema. Beautifully adorned with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, old-school decorations, and comfy couches, the cafe is cozy, and it definitely exudes a Korean ambiance that adds to the dining experience.

Its weekday lunch promo looks really tempting to us-- For less than RM15 nett per set, we can enjoy a main course, with 3 mini Korean side dishes and bottomless Korean rice tea. We thought, why not give it a try?

The generously-portioned set meal can easily feed more than one person! Sharing is recommended among ladies, but if your appetite is more than ample, there are plenty of Korean appetizers available such as spring onion pancake, Korean bingsu and lots more.

Chicken Dakgalbi Rice

Similar to what pictured on the menu, the tender chicken rib drenched in the special Korean spicy and savoury sauce is very well-portioned. Every fluffy piece of meat is quite appetizing with intense flavours of spicy sweetness. Nicely served with Korean white rice.

Bibimbap Rice

For the famous bibimbap rice dish, it is my favourite Korean Bibi chilli sauce that spices up the entire mixture of mixed vegetables, chicken and rice. Served separately, the amount of sweet spicy gravy sauce is adjustable according to your liking. I'd usually get a second helping of the sauce and mix with the rice! However, it would taste better if served in hotstone. 

Kimchi Fried Rice

Going for simpler dish such as the kimchi fried rice is equally recommended, if you are a fan of Korean kimchi. The sweet spicy flavoured fried rice is served with a sunny side-up egg, chicken sausage and a topping of shredded seaweed. Simple yet comforting.

Sweet and Sour Chicken @ RM16.00

To complement our main courses, we order an additional platter of popular Korean style fried chicken cooked in the secret sweet and sour sauce. Crisp sweet and sour on the outside, tender on the inside; It is done perfectly to my liking!

If you prefer something sweeter, it is also available in Honey Citrus flavour while those adventurous taste buds can explore the new Hot and Spicy flavour.

Verdict:
1. Overall, it is a nice cosy cafe for budget lunch during weekdays if you are craving for some Korean fusion flavours.
2. Revisit? Yes! I'd definitely be back for its famous Sweet Potato Cake and Korean Bing Soo.
3. Recommended: Sweet and Sour Korean Chicken

Namoo Grey 
L1-72, Level 1,

IOI City Mall, Lebuh IRC,
IOI Resort City,
62502 Putrajaya,
Malaysia.
Contact: +603-89591269
Facebook: fb.com/NamooGrey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namoogrey/

Airisse Bakery @ Glomac Cyberjaya

Checking out the latest commercial area in Cyberjaya, I am thrilled to spot a relatively new bread factory and cafe here--- Airisse Bakery, which has been around Glomac Cyberjaya for half a year now.

Like many bakery shops, the grab-and-go concept in Airisse allows customers to pick some 100% HALAL freshly baked buns, sandwiches and pastries while on the go. If you plan to stay longer for some drinks and quick bites, there are a couple of tables and seats for customers to chill around. 

Ice Bubba Tea @ RM5 ; Ice Bubba Green Tea @ RM5

Aromatic, milky and thirst-quenching for a hot scorching day!

CAKES

But their specialty is still the amazing range of cakes. Airisse is famous for its chocolate moist cakes such as Snicker Chocolate, Toffee Nut Chocolate, Horlicks Cake... (And more new flavours to come!)

Interestingly, the beautiful presentation of the whole cakes caught my attention at the first sight! It takes only 2 days reservation before you can collect your cake at the outlet or have it delivered to your doorstep (Within Cyberjaya area only). 

 French Macaron White Chocolate Cake @ RM13

This cake is a chocoholic's dream! ❤ The layers of chocolate cake are very soft, moist and well intensified with rich chocolate flavour without being too sweet for me. Simply yummy on its own or with creamy white chocolate frosting!

 Toffee Nut Chocolate @ RM12

Similarly, the toffee nut chocolate is equally decadent with an honest chocolate taste but slightly sweeter with rich caramel toffee and crunchy toasted almond aroma. Best paired with strong black coffee to accentuate the chocolate flavor.

The best part is, every Friday you can enjoy 40% OFF on ALL sliced cakes!

Apart from cakes, they make amazing puff pastries too!

In case you are wondering, all the breads and pastries are baked every morning,
for bulk supplies to neighbouring offices and for retail in the shop.

If you are interested to learn baking, Airisse Bakery also hosts baking classes; You can register online at www.airisse.co or manual register by Whatsapp-ing to 6019-6950400 and make direct payment accordingly. 

Japanese Cream Puff @ RM4.50 for 3 pieces

Their Number 1 best-selling pastry is the Japanese cream puff. Comes in a box of 3, I am surprised by the light, crisp and airy texture of this choux pastry. ❤ Its sweet delectable cream filling melts in the mouth perfectly along with sugar dusting. 

Eclair @ RM4.50 for 2 pieces
Eclairs are equally great for chocolate lovers!

Mini Cheese Tarts (3 pieces in a box): Nutella Cheese and Blueberry Cheese

The cheesy filling is softer and creamier than the usual ones I've tried, just the way I love it to be!

BREADS

If you are a bread person like myself, surely you must also check out what's on the rack!

Cheezy Bun: MUST TRY!

The soft and fluffy bread may look ordinary from outside, but it is the

generous amount of soft cream cheese filling that adds little surprise to the bread. 

 Chocolate Butterscotch Bun @ RM2.50
The butterscotch and dark chocolate drizzles with toasted almond toppings are just heavenly!

 Pulla Bread with Cheese and Raisin @ RM2.50

Mildly-sweet twisted roll flavoured with melted cheese and raisins

Tuna Bun topped with Chicken Floss @ RM3.20

To sum up my experience here, I enjoy the concept of Airisse Bakery that offers a very wide variety of savoury Breads, Brioches and Buns, sweet treats such as Japanese Cream Puff, Cakes (Whole and Slice), as well as Baking Classes for beginners and intermediates. 

Don't forget to check it out if you are in Cyberjaya!

Airisse Bakery
11, Block B,
Jalan GC 3,
Glomac Cyberjaya,
63000 Cyberjaya,
Selangor.
Contact: 603-8322 8300 / 6019-695 0400
Website: www.airisse.co
Facebook: fb.com/AirisseBakeryCyberjaya
Instagram: @airissebakery
Twitter: @airissebakery

Business Hours:
Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm
Sat: 8am-1pm
Closed on Sundays

TCBY Frozen Yogurt @ IOI City Mall

Other than ice cream, gelato and popsicles, the craving for sweet frozen treats can be easily satisfied by indulging in healthy frozen yogurt, or better known as froyo. We are here at TCBY to check out the premium soft-serve Super Fro-Yo that is jam-packed with live active cultures as well as the indulgent hand-scooped froyo!

The name, TCBY, which stands for The Country's Best Yogurt, by itself, sets a high expectation for froyo aficionados. We know that not all real dairy yogurts are created the same, and what makes TCBY froyos distinctive from the rest is the new classification of "Super Fro-Yo" that offers greater nutritional value as it contains a minimum of 7 types of probiotics, high content of dietary fibre, Vitamin A and D, calcium and protein.

Although this brand seems less renowned in Malaysia, TCBY is backed by a strong history in USA's healthy froyo-making business since 1981 and that leads to its expansion to over 500 stores across the globe now. 

Italian Tart Soft-Serve Froyo 

A small scoop of TCBY froyo yields only 120 calories, which is twice as low as compared to ordinary ice creams. With a minimal 0% to 4% fat content, don't you agree we can all indulge in healthy froyos without any guilt?

For first timer, do try the original Italian Tart flavour which is free from fat and cream yet tastes rich in sweet tartness similar to Greek yogurt but less icy and creamy than the usual soft-serves.

TCBY's self-serve stores allow customers to mix and match flavours, pick from dozens of toppings, and pay by the grams. It delights us when we can choose up to 4 flavours of soft serves ranging from the non-fat range such as Italian Tart and Dutch Chocolate to the low-fat varieties including Cookies and Cream, White Chocolate Mousse and Golden Vanilla.

Don't miss out the fun toppings such as coconut flakes, peanuts, Koko Crunch, Cornflakes, cherries and nata de coco!

Cookies and Cream, and Dutch Chocolate Soft Serve Sundae with crunchy toppings

Healthy goers will definitely love this low-fat, protein-packed sundae especially when added with a punch of crunchiness from nutty toppings, cereals or digestive biscuits. Moreover, the fat-free Dutch chocolate flavour is amazingly light and not as sweet as I thought. 

Besides soft serve, TCBY is the only place I've found that serves hand-scooped froyo and sorbet. Despite of being a much healthier alternative to ice creams, TCBY does not compromise on its taste. Its hand-scooped froyo is so creamy and rich that it can easily beat the luxury giant ice cream parlors in town. 

Imported from US, it comes in 12 flavours of hand-scooped froyo and sorbet rotating on a weekly basis. I'm a happy kid when I see the Rainbow Cream, Chunky Chocolate Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Delight and Mint Chocolate Chunk!

Those with sweet tooth may have stronger liking towards hand-scooped froyo as it is creamier, more compact and full-bodied than the soft-serves. Plus, some of the flavours are jam-packed with crunchy nuts, dried fruits and more! 

Vanilla Bean

If you prefer something plain, nothing satisfies more than TCBY's luxuriously creamy vanilla bean. Have it pure and simple, to best savour its deep, sweet richness from every spoonful! 

Rocky Road

Super addictive! Every scoop of Rocky Road melts perfectly in the mouth as we happily dig into the lip-smacking concoction of chocolate and marshmallow flavoured froyo laced with chunky rich dark chocolate pieces and toasted almonds.

Cookies and Cream 
Pure vanilla indulgence injected with chunks of crispy chocolate sandwich cookies.

Mocha Almond

Coffee flavoured froyo intertwined with a ribbon of chocolate fudge and liberally
sprinkled with chopped almond nuts. Chocolate chips are available as additional toppings.

Cotton Candy 

For a taste of something playful, try the pink and blue Cotton Candy which is uniquely recreated as a childhood treat for an adult palate. Ah, such fond memories.

Strawberries and Cream

I love having chunks of real fruits in my froyo to add chewy texture and drive the flavour stronger. And TCBY's version of strawberry froyo is crafted perfectly to my liking! It produces a more intense strawberry flavour and a much smoother, less icy consistency.

Chocolate Chocolate
Calling all the cocoa fanatics, this decadent flavour is so chocolatey that it is named twice.

Raspberry Sorbet and Lemon Sorbet

The only downside is, we can't find any fresh fruit toppings here but we can still enjoy fruity freshness from the hand-scooped sorbets. Since we are so fond of fruits, the strong citrus note with cool, refreshing finish is all we want during hot, summer days! 

OH SO YUMMY! 

Mocha Almond Milkshake

TCBY gives you more choices of enjoying healthy froyo. Just pick any flavour of hand-scooped froyo from the counter and have it blended with low-fat milk into creamy milkshake. 

Shivers- Rocky Road

For a richer taste and texture, skip the milk and get your favourite froyo swirled and blended with as many toppings as you'd love. Although it kinda reminds me of McFlurry, but it definitely tastes better with thicker consistency.

TCBY will be serving up parfaits, sorbet fizz, smoothies and waffles very soon.
Don't forget to stop for a well-deserved, guilt-free treat to cool down during sunny days. 

Prices start from RM6.60 per 100g of Super Fro-Yo and RM8.50 per hand-scooped froyo/sorbet,
with additional RM1.60 per topping. All prices exclude GST charges.

Verdict:

1. Super Fro-Yo is my favourite among all, for its Greek tart flavour and light, airy texture that can easily be my meal replacement.

2. For the hand-scooped froyo, I have no complaints at all about the portions, prices and varieties. I love TCBY for its taste and texture; which is to me, perfect as it is not too icy nor creamy.

3. Recommended: Italian Tart Super Fro-yo, Vanilla Bean and Rocky Road Hand-Scooped Froyo


TCBY Outlets
Oasis Damansara
Lot G-33, No.2, Jalan PJU1A/7A
Contact: 603-7859 8597

Nu Sentral Mall
Lot 49, Lower Ground Floor
(Opposite MBG fruit store)
Contact: 603-2276 4441

IOI City Mall
LG-76A, Lower Ground Floor
Contact: 603-8328 0152

Quill City Mall
LG27, Lower Ground Floor
(Opposite AEON)

Johor Premium Outlets
Suite 1402, Second Floor

*All outlets operate from 10am to 10pm daily (except for Oasis Damansara that closes on Sundays). 

Contact: 603-7859 6650
Email: info@justpie.com.my
Website: www.tcby.com.my
Facebook: fb.com/TCBYMalaysia
Instagram: @TCBYMalaysia