A • Toast - Breakfast & Juice Bar

Ever since I've started working, Sunday mornings are the only day of the week where I can choose to either sleep in or hunt some new place for a hearty brunch. After seeing several posts of this humble little sandwich shop on Instagram, I've decided to drag Kev along to try it out. Their sandwiches simply look irresistible!

Located just a stone throw away from the Pudu LRT Station, this place serves a variety of sandwiches, french toasts and salad for breakfast as well as some pasta for lunch at affordable price. Open as early as 6am during weekdays, it's the perfect place to grab a healthy and filling sandwich before work. The only downside is probably the limited seats since the place is pretty small in size. Since it was the weekend, we pretty much mentally prepared ourselves to queue. True enough, there was a queue when we arrived and we had no choice but to settle with a outdoor seating despite the hot weather cause we are starving already.

Basically it's self service, so you have to head to this counter to make your order and you will have to collect your order at the same counter as well.

 What I love about this place is that they serve a variety of fruit juice as well! A cup of refreshing celery+apple+cucumber juice (RM8.90) for me and hot chocolate for him (: 

We ordered the signature Bamboo Charcoal Toast with scrambled egg and cheese (RM5.90) and the Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich (RM12.90). 

For the price we paid, we felt that it would be better if the sandwich has more than just egg, vege cheese and kimchi. Perhaps some chicken slices to complete the sandwhich? Besides, The kimchi was too overpowering as well that we couldn't taste any cheese.

On the other hand, I truly enjoyed this sandwich, the amount of scrambled egg and cheese was just perfect along with the soft fluffy bamboo charcoal toast. 

So thoughtful of them to provide some gloves; good for those messy eaters, no worries about dirtying your hands too while chowing down those delicious sandwiches!

So if you're searching for some healthy yet affordable place for breakfast, you should give A.Toast a try; especially if you love sandwiches (Y) 

A • Toast 早餐店
No. 291, Jalan Pudu,
Pudu, 55200, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel No: +6013-277 5654
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 6:00 am - 3:00 pm
                             Sat-Sun:9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Official FB Page: www.facebook.com/atoast.my

xx 

Zen Korean BBQ Buffet

Korean BBQ? YESS! Nothing beats grilling different cuts of rosy-red slabs of meat over a tabletop grill, to be enjoyed with complimentary sides; and not to forget soju and beer, ay? With the Korean revolution still going strong in Malaysia, the numbers of korean bbq joints have  increase over the years as well. No doubt, it has become an integral part of our lifestyle.

If you're a big fan of korean bbq, you shall not miss this place. Free flow of Samgyeopsal and Mok-sal for only RM25 per pax! Yeap, you heard me right. Zen Korean BBQ is tucked away in a corner of Ampang (slightly further from the famous Korean Village) and may look somewhat ordinary from the outside, but you know how the saying goes, NEVER judge a book by its cover.

Hidden in one of the corners of Ampang, Zen Korean BBQ is the place where you can eat your heart out  for only RM25? Yeap, I repeat. For ONLY RM25 per pax! But of course for the price you're paying, do not expect a full buffet spread. You'll basically get a set of refillable banchan and lettuce, free flow of samgyeopsal and mok-sal according to the number of pax and a bowl of doenjang jiggae. I was abit bummed that my favourite steamed egg wasn't included in the variety of side dish but it's available in their ala-carte menu for RM10 T__T 

Don't hestitate to ask for refills! 

The meats here are pretty decent quality and huge cuts,  I must say. 

And of course, there will be no server grilling the meat for you so you'll have to do it on your own. But the owner was nice enough to occasionally check on you, just in case you're not grilling it right. TIPS: Cook as a whole slab then snipped it into smaller pieces later on. And oh, keep your eye on the meat! Flip from time to time for even cooking. If a piece looks done, place it to the side so it doesn’t overcook. Or better yet, eat it! 

Mmmmm look at those heap of mouth watering and juicy pork belly! :P 

This is how you should eat your meat; wrapped with lettuce along with some chopped chilies, garlic, kimchi and gochu jang!

Super comforting doenjang soup! 

These are some charred goodness; slightly crispy on the edges. They were really generous with their meat servings that me and Kev both surrendered after the second round. It felt like eating a whole week worth of meat! *slipping into food coma immediately*

Zen Korean BBQ Restaurant offers quite an extensive Ala Carte menu as well, so you can try their kimchi pajeon or bimbimbap if you feel like having some carbs to complete your meal.

The restaurant itself is pretty spacious and they even have a private room with karaoke. Definitely the place to catch up with a bunch of friends over some grilled meat or to have a hearty family dinner! 

The downside would be their limited parking space (the road itself is always congested) and the poor ventilation. Be prepared to leave with a smoky after stench. Overall, I still personally think that their Korean bbq buffet is value for money (if you're not expecting much and just literally wanna have a satisfying meat feast) and the staff there are extremely helpful and attentive. I've visited them thrice and it never disappoints me so far.

Zen Korean BBQ Restaurant (Non-halal)
14-L2, Ampang Putra Residency,
Jalan Ampang Putra,
68000 Ampang.
Tel No:+60 3-4256 2007
Operating Hours: 11.30am to 11pm (Daily except Tuesday Lunch)

xx

The Daily Fix Cafe @ Malacca

Tucked behind a batik shop in the midst of Jonker street, The Daily Fix Cafe is definitely one of the must visit cafes in Malacca! So happy that I managed to drop by this cafe just earlier this month when I was in Malacca with Kev and his family to attend his cousin's wedding. 

Such a cute sight isn't it? To have a cheerful TV to greet you :D

The interior is well done with a rustic and quaint vibe. You can spot antiques, souvenirs and old kitchenware at almost every corner of the cafe, simply nostalgic.

Their indoor lighting is quite dim so if you want to take better photo or should I say insta-worthy photo of your food and cofee, you can opt to dine in their backyard which has ample of natural lighting. 

I'm pretty sure a lot of you have seen this iconic wall filled with colourful plates all over Instagram and Facebook. 

Hot Caramel Macchiato (RM12.50) for him and Iced Rose Latte (RM11.00) for me. The rose scent is  delicate, creating a soft contrast to the bold coffee, making it quite a refreshing treat on a hot day!

Since we had quite a heavy breakfast, we decided to order some mains to share. We tried the Smoked Duck Sandwich and The Lot which is basically a big breakfast platter. So the main highlight of the visit would definitely be their

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super fluffy PANCAKES!
You can really tell that this is their specialty. I was never a big fan of pancakes (cause I'm more of a waffle person heh) but THESE pancakes are exception. The best I've had so far; it's just so light and yummy and most importantly no overpowering eggy taste which I loathe in every other pancakes I've ever tasted.  Imo, both the pandan and durian pancakes are equally delish!
 

This is actually a new addition to their menu; the almighty Durian Pancake -- RM14.90.

Amazing would be an understatement for these fat pancakes with strong flavour of durian. So good that I secretly wished that I could have the whole plate to myself. If you are a durian lover, you should totally go for this! And if you don't favour durian, you can have their signature Local Pandan Pancakes instead.

Local Pandan Pancakes -- RM13.90 served with caramelized coconut and gula melaka. The ice-cream (RM3.50) is actually an add on that we requested for.

The cafe can be easily missed if you didn't notice the chalkboard signage so look out for NEXT KK Sdn. Bhd instead, the cafe is just right inside (: On a side note, be prepared for a full house especially during weekends.

Last but not least, here's a short walkthrough video of the cafe! Enjoy :D

The Daily Fix Cafe 得益啡
55, Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker street),
75200, Melaka.
Tel No: 06-283 4858
Operating Hours: Mon- Fri 10 am to 5.30 pm
                            Sat & Sun 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
 Official FB Page: HERE | Instagram Page: thedailyfixcafe

xx

Umai-Ya Japanese Restaurant KLCC

Back to one of our many #KEVDA food adventures last year; this was in Oct which I remembered quite well cause it was part of my belated birthday celebration. I love the fact that one of the common things we share is our love for Japanese food, definitely makes it easier when it comes to deciding what to have when we are out. 

UMAI-YA has been around since 2007 with currently 3 branches running in Klang Valley. Their extensive menu offers up to 200 food and beverages selection ranging from sushi to yakitori as well as authentic and contemporary fare.

Working hard behind the sushi counter is Executive Chef H.M. Yau who has been working in the kitchen since 1987 and has great passion towards Japanese cuisine.

Started off our meal with these fat juicy salmon sashimi and uni. The salmon sashimi was really fresh and its buttery taste just literally melts(!) in your mouth. 

The uni (sea urchin) is one of their seasonal dishes and it will be priced according to the current rate as well. Since I have never eaten sea urchin before, Kevin suggested that I should try it since it's available during our visit. I would say the taste was rather unique cause I was actually expecting some fishy taste but boy was I wrong. It is a combination of ocean briny taste with a subtle sweetness and texture of a creamy custard; no wonder it's so pricey!

Salmon Kimchee Maki which is basically kimchi, seasoned scallop wings with raw salmon and cucumber.

Bikkuri Maki which is tuna, salmon, shiro maguro (which is actually white tuna), cheese and cucumber rolled with dry fish. Their sushi rolls are definitely one of the best I've ever tasted, their not so typical combination turns out to be just amazing. It felt like party in my mouth with every single piece, I kid you not.

My all time favourite Chawanmushi (*＾ڡ＾*) 

Lastly, we ordered Gyu-tan Teppanyaki as well; thinly sliced beef tongue cooked over a grilling pan. Yes, you read it right, it's BEEF TONGUE. Initially, I was grossed out by the thought of it until Kevin convinced me that it's actually tasty. And so I had my very first slice and mmmm I jizzed in my pants! It was soooooooo good, taste like beef but ten times better.

I definitely see myself coming back to try out some of their other signature dishes. Weekend lunch buffet (RM58++ with free flow beer) is sadly not available at KLCC but you can always head over to their Puchong or Damansara Utama outlets. Overall, I think their food is quite fantastic and worth every cents we paid albeit on the pricey end. Their service could have been better if the waiters are more attentive to their customers.

UMAI-YA (Suria KLCC) 
Lot No. 428, Level 4, Suria KLCC
Jalan Ampang,Kuala Lumpur.
Tel No: 03 2161 3939
Opening Hours: 11.30am - 10pm daily
Official FB page: HERE

xx

Banana Leaf Rice @ Devi's Corner

On one of our usual weekend food hunts, we decided to try out the banana leaf rice at Devi's Corner in Telawi. Coincidentally, the girlfriend was gonna have her hair cut in the area, so win-win for us because we get to omnomnom as well. 

Pretty sure everyone knows that Telawi is growing in popularity as a food haven, housing a lot of KL's well known cafes and hipster joints. But not only that, they're also home to some of the best restaurants that serve banana leaf rice. The first being Sri Nirwana Maju, and the other is obviously Devi's Corner! 

Having dined in Sri Nirwana Maju before, I must say there are some differences that set both places apart. The first is the availability of seats. In Sri Nirwana Maju, the place is more than often jam packed and its difficult to get a seat unless you're willing to queue. For Devi's Corner, the banana leaf rice segment is housed in the upper level of the restaurant, with plenty of places to sit. 

I'll admit right off the bat that we thought we were hungrier than we actually were, so we ended up ordering more than what we can eat. You can practically see that the sauce was overflowing out of my leaf.

Service was prompt and we were served as soon as we were seated. For the mains we ordered a serving of Chicken Varuval, Mysore Mutton and some fried chicken. (Bad idea)

The Chicken Varuval was bursting forth with flavors and spices, and is best enjoyed with a drink if you aren't into spicy food. The Mysore Mutton on the other hand was a surprise. The compound of indian spices really gave the dish an aroma to die for, and the thick gravy goes very well with plain rice. The mutton was well cooked, I think it was braised instead of the usual roasted style (correct me if I'm wrong) and it results in a stew-like variation of the dish instead of the typical semi-dry dish. Overall very pleased with the mutton and would definitely come back for more of it. :)

Quite a generous serving of deep fried bitter gourd and papadum to help us buka selera. We were basically stuffing ourselves with these even after our dishes arrived.

The girlfriend's serving on her leaf which looks a lot more modest compared to mine. :D

The fried chicken. Nothing to shout home about, but it's well spiced and tender. Probably should have specified that we wanted some other part. Girlfriend liked it much better than I did, but maybe it has something to do with my having to eat chicken almost everyday growing up.

You can't really tell, but the curry on our rice is crab curry! Yums, you can really taste the difference and it was nice because the taste of coconut milk wasn't too overwhelming like the other curries.  Not photographed but we also had crab rasam, best taken while it's hot because it's very jelak after it cools.

My "Let's Makan!" face. Obviously the food was tasty, but you can see that we've heavily favored the mutton more than the Chicken Varuval :P

Other diners enjoying their experience. I still think banana leaf rice is best eaten with your hands..but we didn't want our hands to smell of curry and spices that day, so we ended up eating with utensils.

The array of different dishes are laid out next to the cashier, so you can take a glimpse before having a seat if you don't know what to have. We've heard that the sotong (read: squid) is also not bad, so perhaps on our next visit we shall give that a try. :)

All in all, would say that it was well worth the visit and would also recommend those in the area who are craving banana leaf rice to give it a shot, especially if Sri Nirwana Maju is packed to the brim. On a last note, the price for dining between the two of us with 3 main dishes came up to less than RM50, which I would think is not too bad at all for banana leaf dining, no?

Devi's Corner
14, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar, 5
9100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel No: +60 3-2282 7591

Bonus content! Please watch this. Like seriously. Especially if you want to learn how to eat banana leaf rice with the agility of a seasoned martial artist.

Signing off,
The Fatter Half.