Stir fried beeehoon

Stir fried beehoon (Rice Vermicelli). Traditional breakfast, at least for me and my family. Bee Hoon fried with shallots, chilli, dried shrimps then add bean curd and fish cake.

Chicken Rendang

 

Home cooked dishes has always been my preference. Here is chicken rendang, made by my wife. This version is from Pahang recipe (I assume it's Pahang because she's from that region). Coconut milk, tumeric leaves, chilli, star of anise, shallots etc. My favorite traditional recipe.   

Ayam Masak Merah (Red Pepper Chicken)

 

A colleague of ours decided to bring Ayam Masak Merah to the company potluck. Basically lemon grass, shallots, onions, pounded red chillis and tomato paste. Not too hot. Just nice. 

Ox Tongue Steak

I was told by my friend before leaving for Indonesia, that Ox Tongue Steak is a must try. So when I arrived in Medan, I asked the local where TipTop Restaurant was. It is a colonial era restaurant and is very famous. The restaurant is actually located in the heart of Medan.

We took a motorcycle taxi they call TukTuk. And 20 minutes later we arrived.

The ox tongue steak was served with brown sauce, accompanied with veges and fries. I ignored the side dishes and went straight for the tongue. It was delicious. The meat was firm yet soft and separates easily when cut. The distinct taste of ox tongue definitely did not effect the experience.

Chiangmai Style Duck

While I was in Chiangmai, I noticed almost all of the restaurants sells ducks. In fact more ducks than there were chickens. A friend of mine told me this was because it is easier to rear ducks than chicken in highland areas. So ducks are popular in Chiangmai. This one was roasted and then served with thick gravy. I never had ducks like this before, it was very tasty.

Khao Sao Gai or Khao Sawi (Noodles)

I went to Chiangmai Thailand a few months back. It was a new experience for me, so when the local guide recommended me their local noodle, I did not decline. This is Khao Sao Gai or Khao Sawi, I did not remember which, but the noodles were cooked in coconut curry gravy with lamb stew. It was served with whole shallots and pickled chinese cabbage. I did not fancy the cabbage, but combining the noodles with the shallots is a great combination. Definitely a must try.

Cucur Udang

Cucur Udang, (Shrimp fritters) is shrimp fried in batter then eater with cucumber and fried tofu dipped in either sweet chilli sauce or savoury peanut sauce.

Cucur Udang from the northern states are usually eaten with peanut sauce.

Kelantanese Food

A diner near my house specialises in Kelantanese food. Nasi dagang (white rice with a mixture of glutinous rice), nasi kerabu (usually with blue food colouring, dont know why; but is rice with a mix of kampong greens), nasi tomato (rice mixed with tomato paste) and of course nasi lemak.

The only distinction between the nasi lemak from Kelantan and nasi lemak from other states is that it's sambal (chilli gravy) is very sweet, as with all other Kelantan cooking, sugar is a must.

Nasi Kuning Sabah

They sold this near my house. It looks similiar to nasi lemak, but is yellow in colour and with a lot of fresh tumeric taste, a slice of hard boiled egg and sambal with a small piece of fried chicken. It's called Nasi Kuning Sabah (Sabah Yellow Rice). I asked the seller and he told me in Sabah, they have this instead of the usual nasi lemak. I could not verify this. I have been to Sabah a few times but have not seen this sold anywhere.

Anyway it tastes nice.

Seremban Arab Food

Last July, I went to an Arabic restaurant located in Seremban near Taman Shukor. The restaurant's name is Restoran Damsyik. It serves a limited variety of Arab cousine, mostly briyani rice and either lamb, chicken or beef.

Then setting is simple. Tables on the outside and pillows for seats and low tables inside. Drinks are served in plastic cups, so are the gravy and soups.

As far authenticity, it certainly looks and tastes Arabic. I had tasted a few in Putrajaya, PJ and KL area, this one taste about the same.