Perak Delicacies | Labu Sayong Signature Restaurant (Gourmet)

This time around, Labu Sayong is NOT a Labu Sayong.
And let me tell you why.

If you google, you will find that Labu Sayong in English means The labu Sayong (water container) is a Malay earthenware container. As many of you know, Labu Sayong is a significant heritage craft of Perak. An iconic Perak pride originated from the village called Sayong, in the district of Kuala Kangsar. This gourd-shaped clay pitcher existed hundreds of years ago, it was crafted by the Malays living along the Perak River. It was used to store drinking water by the locals back then.

Todate, this local fine dining restaurant is called Labu Sayong Signature, named after the Perak famous craft. Labu Sayong Signature is housed in Rumah Kutai in Meru serving the usual nasi campur (mix rice lunch menu) as well as fine dining gourmet dinner. Very the haute cuisine dinner (kira macam arts of fine food and drink gitew). And guess what, I get to experience all this!

Labu Sayong Signature described themselves as ‘Labu Sayong Signature is the perfect stop for anyone seeking for the true taste of Perak. The original and traditional restaurant offers a wide array of dishes with the unique and authentic flavours of Perak.’. Some of the dishes are new to me but I have to admit, they taste are superbly yummeh.  There were a lot of ‘ooohhhh, aaahhhh…. and wow!’ as the dishes were served. We were awe-strucked, mind-blown, spellbound and obvious speechless (cos I am very sure all of us combined, our vocab range is more than ‘ooohhhh, aaahhhh…. and wow!’ [eyes rolling]).

Some of you might be wondering, Malay fine dining? Gourmet dinner? Haute Cuisin!?!

Let me share with you…. [wink]

Appetizer

Tenggiri Kepai Pandan Udang Kertas

Traditional baked mackerel fish mousse with crispy prawn & seafood black sauce

Soup

Rusuk Kambing “Tongkat Ali” Kelapa Muda

Aromatic soup of lamb with onion, lemongrass & “Tongkat Ali” root in coconut

Main Course

Nasi Lemuni

Ikan Purba Kala Sayong

Deep-fried seabass stuffed with 27 local ingredients accompanied with bird eye chilli ginger sauce, vegetables & Lemuni Rice

Dessert

Putri Gunung Ledang dan Pisang Goreng Rangkai

Rice flour dumpling stuffed with date sesame served with coconut gravy, deep-fried crispy banana

With end it with the good trusted tea/coffee coupled with good fun laugh.

I was told that for course meal, you need to book a day or two in advance. They also have serving options such as tiffin style or makan berdulang. I was thinking to bring my mom and try the tiffin style. What do you think?

Note : Rumah Kutai or Kutai House - “Kutai” means old or ancient and the houses could be seen along the banks of Sungai Perak, from Kuala Kangsar to Pasir Salak.

Labu Sayong Signature (Labu Sayong Cafe Sdn Bhd)

Persiaran Meru Raya 1

Bandar Meru Raya

Ipoh, Perak

Phone : +605 237 5237

Email : signature@labusayong.com.my

Operating Hours

Sun until Thurs : 11.30am – 10.00pm

Fri & Sat (include eve of Public Holiday & Public Holiday) : 11.30am – 11.00pm

Lunch : 11.30am – 2.30pm

Afternoon tea :  3.00pm – 6.00pm

Dinner : 6.30pm – 10.00pm (Weekdays)

The VM2020 Heritage and Family Fun 2019 Media Fam Trip is organized by Tourism Malaysia in partnership with all its sponsors.

Perak Mosque Trail (Jejak Masjid Perak)

I was ecstatic when I received the invitation, glancing thru the culture and heritage places that we will be covering, plus food (oh this time around the food is simply amazing!), not forgetting the educational and fun part (this is rather mind blowing if I may say so myself). You guys better stick to my blog like a Scrat to an acorn (Ice Age reference) cos everything, and I mean E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G that I covered will simply impress and surprise you. Basically you will be ‘im-prise’. Ahaks.

I have covered Ipoh Heritage Trail some time ago (click HERE) and I was glad that this time around we will be covering… jeng jeng jeng…. The Ipoh Mosque Trail! I bet many of you are not aware the existence of this trail huh. Neither do I, but I am so glad that we did cos the mosques that we manage to cover were rather unique.

Perak Mosque Trail Map. (Credit to DKosognLapan)

Back in 2014, Tourism Malaysia Perak has compiled a mosque trail covering Masjid Dato’ Panglima Kinta (built in 1898), Masjid India Muslim (1908), Masjid Kampong Paloh (1912), Masjid Pakistani (1930), Masjid Sultan Idris Shah II (1968), Masjid Baru Cina Muhammadiah (2013) and Masjid Ubudiah in Kuala Kangsar (1917). Travelers will get to see the architecture dated way back in 19^th century being preserved. Interestingly, all the architectures have the elements of Chinese, Hindu and British.

I was told that this trail has attracted travelers from all over the world. Unfortunately for us, we only managed to cover 3 mosques during this trip; Masjid Dato’ Panglima Kinta, Masjid India Muslim and Ipoh State Mosque. I would like to also share 2 mosques that I wrote in my previous blog entry, namely Masjid Ubudiah in Kuala Kangsar and Masjid Ihsaniah Iskandariah in Padang Rengas.

Indian Muslim Mosque

Mogul style architecture, lacey scallop design and green in colour is the famous Indian Muslim Mosque. Constructed in 1908, the mosque was funded Shaik Adam, a wealthy Tamil Muslim. The main purpose was to gather the Indian Muslim community within the area. I was told that the khutbah is done in Indian language.

Indian Muslim Mosque

Jalan Seenivasagam

Ipoh, Perak

Masjid Sultan Idris Shah II / Ipoh State Mosque

Despite that the Sultan Idris Shah II Mosque or the Ipoh State Mosque looks very simple and not as grand as the Ubudiah #Mosque in Kuala Kangsar but the info about it is rather interesting. This mosque was officially opened in September 1978 and it is unique as it jas 44 orange domes. There are 30 dome ventilation airways (not sure what I should name it), and 14 round-flat ventilation airways. The 44 ventilation roof airways was sealed when they fully air-conditioned the whole place in 1995.

Masjid Sultan Idris Shah II

Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab

Ipoh, Perak

Masjid Dato’ Panglima Kinta

Also known as ‘Central Mosque’, this blue Moghul-designed mosque was built in 1898 by Dato' Panglima Kinta Muhammad Yusuff to commemorate his wife who passed away. This was once the largest mosques in Ipoh back then. There is a family mausoleum located behind the mosque, a renowned Egyptian Quran teacher Shaik Tholji who popularizing Quran recitals in Perak is also buried in Panglima Kinta's family mausoleum. Somehow this reminded me oh Shah Jehan and Muntaz Mahal love story.

Masjid Dato’ Panglima Kinta

31, Jalan Masjid, Kampung Kuchai

Ipoh, Perak

Ubudiah Mosque

Known as the most photographed mosque in Malaysia, this beautiful gold dome mosque is located next to the mausoleums of the Royal Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar. Built in 1887 by Sultan Idris Murshidul Adzam Shah, Ubudiah Mosque is also known as the Royal Mosque. It is said that the architecture influenced by `Saracenic' (Islamic-Indian) and the domes were taken from the Indian Moghul architecture.

Ubudiah Mosque

Jalan Istana

Kuala Kangsar

Perak

Ihsaniah Iskandariah Mosque

The intricacy of kelarai (woven bamboo strips) - a cultural and artistic heritage from the mosque's walls - have made Masjid Ihsaniah Iskandariah's famous nationwide. Also known as Masjid Kampung Kuala Dal, this unique 1936 mosque with Arabesque influences was financed by Al-Marhum Paduka Seri Sultan Iskandar Shah, the Sultan of Perak. It is aslo said to resemble a bird cage. The mosque was built by Chinese artisans and assisted by local residents. The ornamentations and wall of the mosque were carved and woven by locals, making it even more special. The mosque had a relatively short life - it stopped being used in 1976 after the Al-Wahidiah Mosque was built next to it. Read HERE.

Ihsaniah Iskandariah Mosque

Kampung Kuala Dal

Padang Rengas

Perak

(To cover in the near future : Masjid Kampong Paloh (1912), Masjid Pakistani (1930) and Masjid Cina Muhammadiah (2013))

As you can see, the mosques(trail) in Perak comes in different architectures, colours and audiences. No one mosque is the same hence none should be missed.

The VM2020 Heritage and Family Fun 2019 Media Fam Trip is organized by Tourism Malaysia in partnership with all its sponsors.

Denmark | Nyhyn & Chilling at PapirØen (The Paper Island)

Second DIY trip with Anna.

We decided to venture places ‘unventured’ before (no, there is no such word exist).    

I was sincerely impressed with Anna, knowing that she is very much a city girl, trolley dolly and tour group type of traveler. The first time she agreed to travel with me is to the Balkan countries where we covered Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Austria and Germany (Frankfurt). To be honest, I was a tad worried as everything was not pre booked and these countries is not as modern as London, Paris or US that she frequented. But I was surprised that she coped really well and don’t mind all the long tiring walk (after all, I am the type that absolutely love to walk and wander around the city, especially old town). In fact, she wandered alone in Frankfurt, Vienna and in Sarajevo. Tabik spring…

I can’t recall how we plan, decide, or whatchamacallit… all I remembered was Anna whatsapping (or was it a call?!!) me saying we going to both Iceland. As we are flying via Copenhagen, that smart woman did the math and said we can actually extend our transit in Copenhagen for a few days with an additional RM600 (IF I remembered correctly). And so we did.

1 month later, we were in Denmark.

The only thing we did was book a flight and our 1^st city location, we plan to book the stay in Reykjavik the day we arrive Copenhagen. Smart huh. NOT.

We figure we shall learn to travel spontaneously. Since I was able to do the same in South India, I am sure we will fare well in this trip. We did bump into a few hiccups when we were in Iceland, kinda panicky one.

Anyway. Copenhagen is super easy to navigate oneself. Really. Super. Easy.

Stay in the city and your life is a bliss. Even if you don’t stay in the city, the city itself is pretty straight forward. You can even do your own walking tour. In fact, ‘get amazing lost’ in the city… you’ll find your way back in no time. Trust me (and all we have is a paper map). We stayed a walking distance from the stay, roughly a 10 mins walk or so, and this 10 mins walk is very pleasant and we will be walking by bakery shops, canal and old churches. There are a few ways to get to the city and my favourite is the route where it takes you through Nyhavn or New Harbour… it is the icon of Denmark.

Nyhvn

Almost everywhere can be done on foot, Nyhvn, Tivoli Gardens, Hard Rock Café, The Little Mermaid, Christiansborg Palace, The Radhus or Town Hall and etc. That is, if you up for a walk lah, a very very loooooong goooood walk. Hahhahaha…. As you walk into the street of Nyhavn, you’ll see the 17th-century colourful waterfront buildings, canal with boats docking, cafes and pubs blasting soft music in the evening sunset. Been to many cities in my travels, yet only Nyhvn gives me this ambience hence I always have the urge of going back, reliving my memories.

Papiroen or Paper Island

In one of our walks, we heard music by the warehouse at the rivedbank, people enjoying the sun, breeze and snack. We check the map and found out this place is called Food Market on Paper Island or Papiroen. We knew it’s a place we must venture…

This is the place where you sample Denmark street food. Yup!!!! Street food.

Opening Hours (Autumn / Winter)

Monday – Wednesday 12:00 – 9:00pm

Thursday – Saturday 12:00 – 10:00pm

Sunday 12:00 – 9:00pm

Copenhagen Street Food

PapirØen/The Paper Island

Warehouse 7 & 8

Trangravsvej 14

Copenhagen

Kwai Chai Hong, Chee Cheong Kai and the Chinese settlers

Been wanting to visit Kwai Chai Hong for the longest time (tak long sangat pun as they launched only recently), but I was happy that there would be a media trip here.

Nehh…. The above intro tak cun. Let me start again.

As some of you might know, I simply love meeting a story teller especially if it is about history and stuff. And Zeen is definitely damn good one, her passion and flare at telling a story got me glued. Spellbound. Basically gawking lah…

Many of my Malay friends know Kwai Chai Hong as Kwai Chai Hong, but for me… I understood it as Ghost Boy Lane (literal translation). And today, I get to know why Kwai Chai Hong is called Kwai Chai Hong. According to Zeen, there’s 2 version of this story, the 1^st one being this area was once infamous for gangsterism, prostitution, gambling, drugs/opium den and all other vice activities known to mankind back then.

And in Cantonese dialect, all the vice activity folks are colloquially called gambling ghost, opium ghost and pimp ghost. Similar to the Malay language, we always say hantu judi or kaki judi, hantu perempuan and etc. Hence the lane is called Kwai Chai Hong or Little Ghost Lane.

The 2^nd version is about Chinese settlers that came to Malaysia in early 1960s. Most of them works in the (starch) flour mill at the end of the street hence the name Chee Cheong Kai, meaning 'Starch Mill Street' also popularly known as Petaling Street or Jalan Petaling. The kids are usually cared by the grandparents, and kids being kids, they prank the elders to keep themselves entertained. Hence the name Kwai Chai Hong, for the kids are often being scolded ‘naughty like a ghost’.

Project Kwai Chai Hong is a ‘5-sekawan passion project’; Ho Yung Wee, Coco Lew, Terence Liew, Javier Chor, and Zeen Chang. Their vision is to not only restore this neglected lane, but most importantly to revive and reflect the early Chinese settlers’ lifestyle and scene during the 1960s.

With its narrow doors and windows, lack of a five-foot walkway and the back door is facing the street (weirdly), Kwai Chai Hong is enveloped by Guangdong Xiguan style buildings that was built during British colonial era between 1884 and 1906.

Challenged by NGOs, Zeen has proven that the maintaining the architectural heritage is her utmost priority, consulted with the heritage subject matter expert, she ensure that the Kwai Chai Hong area is not repainted nor torn down. The display windows and the roof tiles used were recycled from the collapsed roof and worn out windows. The red moon bridge at the entrance was to camouflage the restaurants drainage pipes that happens to face Kwai Chai Hong's walkway.

Cast iron lamp post

To ensure visitors are well informed of its history, QR code are placed at key designated area to hear assumed conversation that took place back in those days.

To take visitor down the memory lane, murals depicting the old school scene can be seen at strategic location (with QR narrating the story) such as an old man playing the erhu, kids playing marbles, a calligrapher writing letters on behalf of illiterate family members (to be send back home), and a fiery prostitute. One can also see an old cast iron lamp post that was estimated to be 100 years old.

There is also a landlady mural that reminded me of Kungfu Hustle movie, within the mezzanine floor one need to search for a ‘merdeka’ clue.

Todate, Kwai Chai Hong has hosted many events and rented its location for movie/advertisement. And from 16-24 November 2019, Kwai Chai Hong hosted Panggung Puisi as part of Urbanscapes 2019 event.

Panggung Puisi at Urbanscapes 2019

Panggung Puisi at Urbanscapes 2019

Kwai Chai Hong

Lorong Panggung

Kuala Lumpur

URL : https://www.kwaichaihong.com/

Operating Hour

Daily : 9am - 12am

Kuala Lumpur For All Fam Trip is in collaboration with VisitKL and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Delicious Malay cuisines at RasaDesa Damansara Heights

There are many local malay food lauk/hiding style in Kuala Lumpur that is delicious, dining style and opens at night. This is to my knowledge lah until I saw their Instagram appeared on Explore, I start scrolling their feed and checking out their dishes, presentation and the restaurant. I remembered ‘nodding and saying not bad’, and that I can recommend this to Gaya Travel for thei KL Fam Trip. I was jumping with joy when Della said that she contacted Rasa Desa and they are happy to welcome us (feed our tummy more like it) and true as the Instagram feed, the food served is as good as the photos.

The question would be, which one should I try kan?

ALL…. The masak lemak cili api itik salai is yummy, like…. Yummy giler. Then there’s the asam pedas, masak tempoyak and etc. The sambal belacan is also sedap, even their sago with santan and gula Melaka also mouthwatering (sumpah sedap).

I asked the beautiful owner Syarifah Nadzlira Myra on why Malay food, why in Damansara Heights and why she venture into the food business. Came from family that love and appreciate good food, it is no surprise that she decided to dive into food business. Exposed to cooking at a young age, this young  restaurapreneur enjoys cooking Malay cuisines, and is passionate at introducing our unique delicacies internationally. When bouncing the options of where she wants her RasaDesa Restaurant to be at, a few places came to mind, finally she settled with Damansara Heights where there’s plenty of offices, in a township that is located in between KL and PJ, and lacking of good Malay cuisine restaurant within the area. And I have to agree, it is indeed a good choice.

Eating  tips

1. Parking – as the restaurant location is in Medan Damansara, we all know how the parking is lah kan. So come early or be prepared to walk the distance or alternatively you can park at the Covered Car Park next door. Just be ready with your Touch N Go Card jer. But trust me, you won’t be disappointed (even you have to walk a mile #eh) as the food is tasty. Gitew…

2. Must tries – The masak lemak cili api itik salai is so sedap, so is the tempoyak dish. The sago gula Melaka also is a must MUST.

3. Reservation – Highlight recommended as the restaurant is not that big, if you guys are coming in a big crowd then do reserve first yah. I don’t want you guys to wait/queue.

4. Opening time – They open for lunch and dinner.

5. Lunch set – Yes, do check their Instagram as theyhave lunch set promo from time to time.

6. Entertain client – A great place, ambience and food for you guys to entertain your client on Malay local delicacies. Also an ideal place for you to bring parents (in law)… if you plan to impress them lah. *wink*

7. Friendliness – Base on my experience, the Rasa Desa team is super friendly and nice. Insha Allah they will during your visit.

I am planning to bring my mom here. Howabout you?

RasaDesa

47, Jalan Medan Setia 1

Bukit Damansara

Kuala Lumpur

Operating hours

Mon-Wed : 11am-5pm

Thur-Sat : 11am-3pm, 630-10pm

Mobile : 012-260 6433

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Rasadesa.KL/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/rasadesa.kl/

Kuala Lumpur For All Fam Trip is in collaboration with VisitKL and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Craze Pop | Deliciously Designed

Cake Pop. Am sure you have heard of one or at least seen/ate one.

Well, I haven’t but I have been ogling Craze Pop Instagram account for quite awhile now, you won’t believe how thrilled I am when they have been selected to be part of KL Media Trip. Rain or shine, I will be there, me telling Della.

No no… you need to understand how long this was for me, how I want to try but have no reason to buy (am not a birthday/party sort of girl [so don’t bother throwing me a surprise birthday party, I probably get upset]). What I did a couple of months back was I placed an order and paid (curious punya pasal) but TERforgot to take it. Betullll... lupa ambek.

So here I am, meeting the Craze Pop owner, lotsa of questions to ask (but I need to mum cause I need to give way to other media and Shad to ask questions [internal joke] but 10 mins before we bid adieu, I got my ‘time’ to ask her questions. Muahahhaha….. ß evil laugh.

We were taught on how to make the cake pop and etc, knowing myslf, I should do what I do best – BUY! Hahhahahaa…. Leceh bebenor nak belajar buat bagai.

Anyway, lemme share abit about Kak Nur. She used to be in the work force, an experience designer. Then she decided to quit and focus on work that she can manage her own time and yet, still involve in designing (well, kinda). Not into baking, she began to search on baking that doesn’t require baking (oven type of baking). Cake pop was the easiest and closest she could find as she can buy a good delicious cake and start from there… however, she said now she has to take up baking as well as the order quantity increases. This is to ensure consistency in taste and availability.

Ass shown, the design varies upon request. Kak Nur will analyse the feasibility of creating the requested design before agreeing with the order. This is the part that requires creativity, artistic flare and stable hand. Go check-out her Instagram account and go oohh-aahh… over her food art.

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazepop/

For order and class enquiry : whatsapp +6019- 334 8010 or https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=60193348010

With regards to my uncollected order. Kena order baliklah kan. Hahhahaa…

Kuala Lumpur For All Fam Trip is in collaboration with VisitKL and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Bingka KL | Souvenir going lokal

I bumped into this brand at one of the art bazaar at GE Mall of Jalan Ampang.  I immediately feel this brand can go far, it has a good objective and focus just by looking at the concept and product. What Malaysia independent art souvenir scene is currently lacking (cakap macam real-real je, ahaks).

Joke aside, the concept is very good. Well thought thru in my opinion.

The product is pretty much normal but not common in Malaysia if one is looking for a gift/souvenir from souvenir. The usually stuff that we get tends to be the fridge magnets, keychain, fan, luggage tag and etc. But what Bingka KL did was on top and above, as they covered kitchen towel (you can get this easily in Europe), coasters, pouches and tote bag. What made Bingka stands out is in its concept, it features Malaysia culture and heritage, something that is so common but did not get enough visibility (I think so lah).

Instead of featuring the Melaka Stadhuys, the twin tower,  the orang utan, Batu Caves and etc, Bingka injected ‘design’ that is close to Malaysia heart, one that we wouldn’t mind buying for ourselves. Kuih Bingka, pulut tai tai, Malayan Tiger, Negaraku, sirap bandung, mooncake, mangkuk sia/tingkat, Penang shop façade, kaya… and many more. Something that any of us can buy and bring when traveling, exchange or as a gift to new friends. A great conversation starter, we can educate and promote Malaysia, our culture and heritage.

A nice touch to it is that at the back of the pouches, stated ‘With Love from Malaysia’. This makes it sound very personalized.

Pouches are my favourite as it is practical and one can use it for almost anything, next would be a tote bag. And the placemat is cool too, gosh…. I might be buying the whole design (facepalm).

The Bingka team were besties since standard one - Adrihana and Emmalyn, both were Mechanical Engineering and Digital Animation students, respectively. Adri leads the operations in Bingka and Emma, designs what we see today. In fact, Emma has worked on international blockbuster movies before.

When asked why Bingka, why not Lapis, Kasui, Putu Piring and etc. They said that they wanted a short, catchy and easy for people to pronounce, regardless of nationality. What better then Bingka, a traditional food where us Malaysia appreciate of/most.

Web : https://www.bingka.my/

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/bingka.kl/

Kuala Lumpur For All Fam Trip is in collaboration with VisitKL and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.