The word Mie Keriting simply means Curly Noodles when literally translated into English. Here at Mie Keriting P. Siantar, a classic and old noodle shop offersa humble menu of various dishes with its main being their Classic Curly Noodles. Although it is quite far from the CBD, I would recommend it to anyone who would like to try an old classic Chinese Indonesian dish. I should say that the recipe has been brought down from generations as it has been opened since 1954.
Madam Paf is located at Tunjungan Plaza 1 near the cinemas area and as I walked past it, it made me realise that I haven't had cream puffs for a while now. So, I decided to have a go at these.. It was rather quite empty but when we were looking at the different puffs on offer, some people started coming in and buying either one or two and even a box full.
Imperial Treasure La Mian Xiao Long Bao, Plaza Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
Chinese December 20, 2015
Imperial Treasure Chinese restaurant is located in Plaza Indonesia offering a wide variety of Chinese dishes. Signature dishes such as La Mian and Xiao Long Bao is a huge hit for diners but overall, whether it may be their appetizers, seafood, soup or even their desserts, they are delicious with full of flavour allowing you to order dishes to share in the middle of the table with your families and friends.
When in Melbourne, sometimes you just have confusion when eating out because of the so many choices available. We were wanting European food that night and I just really wanted German or Bavarian food and so off we go trying to look for a restaurant in the CBD near our hotel. Since we knew we might be having a very meaty dinner, we decided not to be too full for lunch but to leave our tummies grumbling by the time we arrived for dinner. It was the best choice we made because that night, as we entered Hofbrahaus with grumbling tummies and left with what felt like a giant in our tummies and too full to walk back to the hotel..
'Chocolate Alchemy Cake' |
Koko Black in Royal Arcade, Melbourne may just be one of the sweetest chocolate cafes I would have been in. The arcade itself is filled with many boutiques and cafes. This post may be abit outdated since it was last year when I came but I didn't have the time and yes, again, I lost a few of the pics somewhere and all I could find was these ones so I might as well write a bit about it and will write more when I visit again. I'm pretty sure some of the cakes has changed now since then but some are still the same.
Papparich has finally stepped into Brisbane and finally we'll get a taste of Malaysian cuisine in our own Wintergarden Shopping Centre, CBD. Established in 2005 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, ten years ahead from when they started, they have established a total of 70 outlets worldwide and still growing. Having an open concept, you are able to see their Pappa White Coffee or Roti Canai being prepared on the spot, its interior design are also to give a warm earthy colours giving diners a cosy and clean ambience to enjoy either with family or friends.
Soup Restaurant in Plaza Indonesia is one of the must go restaurants I guess when you're here. It may not be one of the best known Chinese restaurant as there are many competitions around but I feel that they have character and good service which is always a tick when you enter to dine. Having the influence of Chinatown in the 1930s, the Samsui Lady would look forward to her daily ritual of a simple meal with her sisters from her hometown which made it a treasured moment to remember. Her legacy passes on leading Soup Restaurant to have the Samsui heritage, bringing their heirloom recipes of authentic Chinese Heritage Cuisine which takes you back in time..
Having Chinese Braised Peanuts is always a delight to have before a meal.. |
'Minced Beef with Salted Vegetables' (IDR60rb - AUD$6) is a simple dish but lovely to eat with warm rice. Seasoned minced beef stir fried with salted vegetables, the seasoning was on point, the salted vegetables was not too salty with overpowering the minced beef. It had a nice texture and taste overall.
The must-try dish in this restaurant is definitely this.. 'Samsui Ginger Chicken' (Large: IDR190rb - AUD$19). There are two sizes you can order this dish in, a Small and a Large in which we ordered their Large size. A traditional Samsui dish where it has been said were only consumed once a year during the Chinese New Year. The whole chicken is steamed at a specific duration and temperature allowing it to maintain its rich aroma and taste.
Having robust flavours that burst out oily goodness, when you eat this, it might just melt in your mouth somehow or another.. Pick up a piece of the meat, a spoon of the ginger dip, a few cucumber slices and simply wrap it all up in a piece of Iceberg Lettuce and Oh, it's heaven.. You will be able to get the crunch of the lettuce and the fragrant, tasty chicken along with the ginger and sesame oil dip.
The ginger dip in the middle is placed in a seperate saucer with sesame oil allowing to remove excess wind from the body as believed by the Chinese. The cucumber slices is fresh giving the whole dish that extra freshness but the highlight of the dish is the chicken and the ginger and sesame oil dip which was delicious to eat.
'Salt and Pepper Soft Shell Crab' (IDR90rb - AUD$9) is another favourite of mine but also because I'm a huge Soft Shell Crab person. There is Black Pepper and also Cereal versions of the Soft Shell Crab but I feel like they all deliver different elements on the table in which if you wanted something saucy then choose the Black Pepper, if you like a crispy but fragrant dish then choose the Salt and Pepper and if you wanted something different and crispy, then Cereal it is. The Salt and Pepper was quite strong and with the combination of red and green capsicum made the dish more colourful. The Soft Shell Crab was cooked perfectly and allows the Salt and Pepper to compliment the crab well.
Another thing I have a huge sucker on is anything with Salted Egg but usually either Soft Shell Crab or Prawns are usually the best combo really.. 'Salted Egg Yolk Prawn' (IDR78rb - AUD$7.8) is a delicious, buttery, salty dish but allows you to also taste that softness and texture of the well cooked prawns.
'NZ Venison Fried Ginger and Spring Onions' (IDR125rb - AUD$12.5) is a dish you might not be able to get anywhere or easily in other restaurants. Venison, for those who aren't familiar with the meat, is the meat of a game animal which tends to be the meat of a Deer. So if you would like to try and taste what a Deer meat would be like, then come here and have a try.. Don't cringe yet just by hearing it, but it might surprise you with its tenderness and how lean the meat is when eaten. Quite different when compared to your usual Beef meat.
With a dish that contains Venison, I feel that you don't need many elements to accompany it so fresh ginger and spring onions, some carrots did it for me fully. It showcased the meat more allowing its flavour to shine out.
'Sambal French Beans' (IDR55rb - AUD$5.5) is another simple dish that just needed to be there to compliment all the other dishes ordered. Fresh french beans stir fried with a spicy savoury homemade sauce. I found it not spicy at first but after one bite, the spiciness gets me... and you guys know, I'm not a big fan on spicy food. The French Beans were cooked well although it might have been too mushy for some or they may have left it on the pan for longer than they should.
I would come back again and dine here, its customer service was not bad but there were a few times when it was hard trying to get the attention of the waiters since they seem to just walk around in a particular area. Though, we were seated outside.. more like at their deck or some sort.. What I love the most is that the saying they have 'We want everybody's reunion with their loved ones to be moments they can cherish everyday. To us, it is Everyday Reunion'
Ribs and Rumps in Fortitude Valley is a place I hardly go to for ribs and I'm unsure why. My usual ribs is always down at the Gold Coast and sometimes I would try ribs in restaurants but none has topped my favourite yet. Coming here for a friend's birthday dinner, it was very packed that night with people bustling on both floors. Located near Emporium, it was convenient if you wanted to go for dessert or coffee afterwards too.
Mr Bap is located in Pinelands Plaza where Nandos, Shalom, Toppoki 88 and Coles etc are at. I didn't realise there was a Korean BBQ restaurant in the complex but I always go past the shopping complex everytime I go to one of my favourite sushi spots. A friend of ours had suggested to come here and so here we are.. It was quite empty when we entered for lunch, with only maybe a few tables were filled while we were there.
Michel's Patisserie has just launched a new fun way to create your own cake with your own designs. There are only a few steps to follow, choose a pick up place and date and when the day comes, just simply pick it up from your preferred Michel's Patisserie store. When Michel's Patisserie offered the chance to review the cake, I was quite excited as it sounds fun to do and I have tried a few of their cakes before in which I enjoyed eating.
Before this wonderful restaurant opened, it was quite hard having a local Japanese restaurant to keep going to whenever there were events or just a dinner with friends. Since my visit to Nikuya, I have enjoyed the experience and the service that they have shown. Of course, the food and ambience of the restaurant is key and I do have to say that so far, they have always nailed the food. The ambience isn't your typical traditional Japanese restaurant, no Tatami room and so on, but it is more of a modern, simplistic and yet it has its history within it here and there. And, have I mentioned that they do offer free parking? Score!
Donut King this year is offering every donut lovers to these frightfully spooky treats with a variety of different Halloween themed designed donuts to tickle your tastebuds.. Some stores do have a few that are the same but some may not be in all stores. Luckily I contacted Deagon's Donut King as they do have their stand-alone DK store where I would usually go to one of the malls nearby for DK but since I called before I ordered or walked in, I found that many of the stores would have many of their Halloween themed donuts sold out by the afternoon and Deagon's DK was nice enough to allow me to book a pack of 6 which I could choose what I wanted in it from their available designs in to be picked up the following day. Score!
Wara Wara was one of my favourites back then, but it seems their quality and standards has decreased over the months and years now. Here for lunch, we came in with grumbling tummies, we entered into Wara Wara since it was the closest.. We ordered our dishes but were quite dissapointed with both in the end..
Just recently, The Burrito Bar has just opened its doors at Carseldine Central in Brisbane's northside. So for you Burrito lovers, there's no need to have to go down to Portside or the CBD just to grab your favourites as you can get it somewhere nearer now. I've tried Burrito Bar only a handful of times, and have had both good and just okay experience in regards to both customer service and food. As we arrived on a weeknight, I think it was a Friday night, there were live music and nearly all the tables were filled..
Kinn Thai is one of the many restaurants in Westfield Garden City's forecourt. Kinn Thai may just be the only Thai restaurant in the mall and with stunning views of the outdoor garden and fresh air, you sure are missing out if you don't give this a try whether it may be for lunch or dinner..
Moo Moo The Wine Bar and Grill in the historical Port Office Building brings one of the best steak restaurants in the CBD. They also have a restaurant in the Gold Coast but usually, you sometimes may end up going somewhere else when you're down there. Have a drink at the bar while you're waiting for your table, the venue itself boasts a modern interior with a stunning spiky Italian pendants in Moobar, a private area is available for functions or events, their custom designed furniture throughout the venue will make you feel relaxed but yet also in an elegant ambience. Just remember that this is also a part of Stamford Plaza Hotel so it is somehow connected. This review may be a few months outdated, ma apologiiesss...
Gyoza Bar Ann is a humble Japanese eatery found at Emporium in Fortitude Valley. Although I did think they only sold dumplings and maybe a few this and that, their menu also have a lunch menu which offers a wide variety of obentos. They also have a few Tapas and grilled dishes but do try their Lunch menu if you have time. When we came, it was already past their lunch hours so we decided to just try their normal dishes. It was quite empty with only 2 tables filled when we were there.
Coming to Palazzo Versace always brightens you up, either by the ambience or just by having high tea or even having tea or coffee. We decided to enjoy a cuppa or two and nibble at Le Jandin, which is the cafe you would see right in front of you as soon as you enter Palazzo.
Who is behind Getta Burger? Well, do you know That BBQ Joint food truck? Well, the mastermind of the food truck has finally decided to open their own American serving burgers with weekly specials to the neighbourhood.. Their motto "Just Good Burgers" delivers delicious and mouthwatering burgers even on socmed you may have seen.
Although coming here would be your coffee and cake usual spot, Three Monkeys also offer some hot food.. May it be a sandwich or focaccias or salad or even just a bowl of chips, it may not be a whole hearty food but something to nibble on sometimes is just better than sweet cakes. It is usually quite full on Fri or Sat night, but when you come on a weeknight or even Sunday night, it usually isn't too bad..
Scuzi is a cafe situated inside the newer area of Westfield Chermside. This place has been changed numerous times but Scuzi seems to have maybe lasted the longest so far. It offers your traditional brekky, your typical tavern and also bistro-like lunch dishes and they also offer coffee and desserts too if you just want to have a nibble or a drink somewhere nice with a breeze. Since they have both outdoor and indoor seatings, I quite liked the food I've ordered and the environment too.
It has been a while since I went to Chur Burger in the Valley and whilst I walked past the new Chur Burger Express in the Eagle St Pier food court. When I was recently invited to the new menu tasting, luckily it was a good time too as I was still on my uni winter holidays, I did not second think but confirmed my attendance. I remembered my first time trying Chur and I fell in love with their burgers. 'Nuff said.
Now, before you drool anymore after seeing the photo above, be prepared for more drooling photos of more mouthwatering burgers as you read on..
Waking up early in the morning just to drive down from Brissy to Byron Bay kind of makes you go all woozy if you haven't had your cup of coffee let's say, or haven't had that pancake for breakfast. There was a slight delay in going up the summit though, why? The gate was closed!! So, there was traffic around the end of the road, right before the gates area to go in. We could see people getting dropped off and doing a U-turn because the parking was full up there already. I do have to say they really need extra parking because it's hideous. Only a few cars can fit and how many people come down every morning? Of course there were joggers and runners around too that would jog up or walk up the hill to get to the summit area.
Another revisit to Wara Wara on a fine but chilly day, coming in at mid afternoon means that restaurants would not be full but quiet. We entered Wara Wara and its design and interior is still the same regardless of the fact that their nearest competitor has just expanded their restaurant in which both were Korean restaurants but Wara Wara has more of a fusion of Japanese within some of its dishes. We sat in one of the booths and looked through the menu. One downside I have to add about Wara Wara is that they don't have any Korean BBQ, although we initially wanted Korean BBQ but as soon as we realised there weren't any, we thought we might just order what's available instead of changing restaurants.
The American trend is really hitting it down under. Boom Boom Burger is located on Surfer Paradise's Chevron Island. A dozen of burger choices which also includes your salads and sides, oh and good drinks too, burgers and beer is always a match made in heaven. If you're not a burger person, then do try their Hot Dogs. Their curated collection of craft beers, wine and cocktails allows you to drink and enjoy both the food and drinks, all in one place.
I received an Invitation to try the new joint out however, since I was busy with uni, I came in at the end of June. Hearing that it has a diner style but also a French Twist makes me the more excited to try. Oh, and have I mentioned that it also has a touch of gastronomy?
Now, for your Melbourners, you don't have to worry about this and you guys would probably already know what I'm going to write about. But for those who has never been to Melbourne or Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, then you are missing out big time mates.. Of course, Queen Victoria Markets is filled with goodness, from fresh fruit and veges to fresh baked pastries or deli cheeses and cured meats, even handmade goods or your fresh fishes, you can find it all here, all under one roof. It doesn't open everyday but when it does, it will be good if you could come before lunchtime because it does get packed quite easily. It's always nice walking through the markets on a chilly day in Melbourne. Now, this little ball of goodness above is a Queen Victoria Market visit must-have, oh this is a definite fix you must entice yourself upon whenever you go to Queen Vic, don't ask why, just do it and after you have taken a bite, I'm pretty sure you will fall in love with it as much as I did.
Of course, for those who knows Melbourne and its home to all of the interesting food and European style laneways, you will not be surprised by the amount of Best Breakfast in town that was listed. Of course, don't forget the Melbourne coffees.. I definitely know that Brissie has topped up their game in the food industry and have presented us with various openings of new creative and unique food culture. Brissie or Sydney or Melbourne, they all have their food culture, in their own uniqueness and dashing way.
As we were in Melbourne for a few days, we thought we would visit the Great Ocean Road where the 12 Apostles lie. Along the way, we stopped by at Apollo Bay Hotel for a quick lunch before heading off to see the 12 Apostles. Apollo Bay Hotel is a humble hotel located in Apollo Bay, situated with a magnificent views of the ocean and mountains, a popular tourist hotel when wanting to stay over while taking a trip down to the 12 Apostles.
It was about 9.30 pm in chilly Melbourne when we decided to have dinner. As I had a few places I had wanted to go for dinner, we made our way to the restaurant. We wanted a nice warm chinese meal at the time so we didn't particularly noticed the Italian or Korean etc etc restaurants as we passed by it. Unfortunately, the restaurant I had wanted to go to was closed and so, having to walk back again, I decided to try the next one on my list, and again, it seemed to have closed earlier than what I thought it would normally be. I wasn't being judgemental or anything, but since it is in the CBD, plus near Chinatown, and may I have to remind you that it is a Chinese restaurant may it be a Dumplings restaurant or just a noodle soup but no, I did not expect it to close at around this time.
And so, our journey ended us with grumbling tummies, trying to look for a Chinese restaurant in the heart of Little Bourke St area and some were quite filled but the menu didn't interest us. We came across 'Spicy Fish' a restaurant located on the GF of Target Centre, a restaurant that didn't look as much as appealing but what the heck, we gave it a shot.. So that's how we ended up here, in 'Spicy Fish', whilst being tired of walking around at night trying to find a casual delicious Chinese restaurant.
If you ever stumble upon Degraves St in Melbourne CBD, I would recommend you to walk through it, find a suitable or eye-catching place and dine there whether it may be for breakfast, lunch, dessert or even just coffee and cake. Degraves St is a must visit definitely, with its European style laneways, a variety of coffee shops and as you walk through it, the smell of the aroma from coffee beans is just what make Melbourne, Melbourne. Alfresco setting, warm interiors, it just simply reminded me of those little European cafes even their lamps and seats reminded me of them.
Gami Chicken and Beer has a few locations scattered in Melbourne CBD, we wanted to go somewhere close to where we were so we went to the Little Lonsdale St Branch, however we kind of got lost and went the opposite direction and since it was hard finding the numbers on the buildings, we actually ended up having to make a u-turn and walk back to the other side, Little Lonsdale St was quite a long road. So, this chicken better be good we thought, since we even wanted to go somewhere else since we couldn't be bothered walking back and far.. but in the end, we thought, who cares, just give it a go, and definitely... no regrets.
When I heard that Pizza Capers was launching their new Rustico Thin Base, it got me thinking.. Will it be those really thin bases that when you pick your pizza slice up, it will just get soggy down the bottom? Pizza Capers said it will be full of flavour, made in store using quality ingredients and a traditional recipe. Along with their generous toppings, the thin base would be complemented well. Let's have a try shall we?
Hurricane's Grill on Surfers Paradise do win you without having to drive too far off the Surfers precinct plus you do get your beach view if you dine in near the balcony area. However, since my bad experience of hard meat, meat not being off the bone in Sydney's Darling Harbour branch, I still preferred my favourite ribs place to go which yes, does require a further driving to do but is definitely worth it. Of course, we are here to talk about Hurricane's and not that... Located in a perfect location, entrance may get confusing if you're not used to your way around, but signs are there to guide you. Bookings are essential but sometimes if they are quite empty, seatings are available and you won't have to wait for long. It was quite packed when we came in, it was the weekend anyway, but for lunchtime, it shouldn't be as packed as dinner time, so for those wanting to come down during dinner, do book..
Pizza e Birra is a casual and relaxing dining eatery serving gourmet pizzas and popular classic comfort food. Having both traditional Italian and non Italian, it will allow everyone to have a try at different pizzas and suit your tastebuds.. If you wanna have a few drinks, then go ahead, their beer selection is not too bad so whether it may be your lunch break or meeting up with friends, this place is sure to be a casual but fun dining area for you guys.
I've walked past this shop numerous times but never really got my head turning for it, other than I realised there was always a line which I usually can't be bothered to wait for.. However, since my sister recommended it to me one day and told me to try it when I have time, so, I did. We were quite full from lunch, wanting to go for dinner but since the time was still quite early plus we were quite bored of walking and shopping around, we decided to just try it as I mentioned it to him as we walked past it..
One of the places you need to visit when you're in Bali if you like your Barbecued Ribs.. Although this would not be your typical ribs since it will be basted in an Indonesian spice and a very much different atmosphere than the Ribs restaurant we have here in Aussie. A more relaxed, casual but hot and humid atmosphere, filled with naughty but nice ribs. However, I have heard that there is a competitor now that may just beat them in both taste and basting wise which I yet need to try but for now, here is Naughty Nuri's Warung's ribs for you in review..