Royal Wadeh

So we headed to Asli Village at Downtown East looking for something and ended up buying something else. Ever happened to you? Luckily for us, it was a pleasant surprise!

We chanced upon a shop selling one of the must-haves when we see it... WADEH!!

They called themselves Royal Wadeh (which means they have to be good right?) and we saw a couple of newspaper clippings featuring the couple in-charge, Mr Mohamed Aki and Ms Hafizah, who were busy behind the counter preparing their much coveted Wadeh.

Tiger Prawn Wadeh ($1.50 each, $5 for 5)

 Looks great right!! Makes me feel like walking over and getting a pack now LOL

This Wadeh was actually quite unique in a way. I've had 2 types of Wadeh. One is the dough type which is floury and sometimes even fluffy. The other type is the dense type with bits of lentils (dhal) inside so you get a unique flavour too.

Well guess what? This Wadeh has the best of both worlds!

 

This Wadeh has the nice dough texture which I love because it's still fluffy!

And on top of that, you can see they incorporate the dhal into the Wadeh so you get a great bite.

The Wadeh is also really tasty but if you want to spice things up, bite into the green chillies!!

One thing that's actually as important as the dough itself is the topping and it's getting really hard to find good quality ones nowadays. When I think of Wadeh, it's normally the ones we buy at the pasar malam and the prawns are either really not fresh or really small.

Well, at Royal Wadeh, we are talking about Tiger Prawns and we are talking about fresh stuff too!

And for the price we are paying, it's really really worth it!! The difference in price is comparable to what we normally pay and we are talking about a premium product here!!

Royal Wadeh has more than just Tiger Prawns on the menu though!

Really interesting toppings like Mussels, Crab Claw Meat, Baby Squid and even things like Salmon and Soft Shell Crab!! Interesting or what!!

You can see them frying up the Wadeh fresh and hot right before your very eyes!

Tell me that doesn't get your appetite going....

And of course, like most things, best enjoyed piping hot!!

Adam's Verdict:

Tiger Prawn Wadeh 3/5

Maryah's Verdict:

Tiger Prawn Wadeh 3.5/5

This is definitely a shop we will probably be visiting a lot. Not only because it's near our place but also because they have a good product! Feel like having some Wadeh? It's at Pasir Ris and confirmed power to the gedegak!

PS they even have delivery for large orders plus catering for events like weddings!!

Royal Wadeh

Asli Village
1 Pasir Ris Close, #01-03 Downtown East
Stall #7

www.facebook.com/royalwadeh
Tel: 94999 543

Operating Hours:
3pm til sold out Tuesdays til Sundays
Closed on Mondays

Pizza Hut - Squid Ink Linguine & Traditional Bolognaise

Yeah okay we know. Kinda unexpected to suddenly post about Pizza Hut when it's not a special item like the last time we posted on their special Hand-stretched Signature Series.

But hey. We passed by a Pizza Hut and ate there so we figured we'd post it.
After all, we love to eat right?

Squid Ink Lunguine ($15.50)

Okay I have to be perfectly honest and say this is not what I was expecting at all.
When I see pictures of Squid Ink pasta dishes, the squid ink is normally incorporated into the pasta during the actual making of the pasts which results in a black-coloured noodle.

I had no idea that sometimes, the squid ink was made into the sauce!
It was so unbelievable to me that I had to ask a few 'experts' who worked in restaurants that served Squid Ink pasta to confirm it. Yeah I know I'm a jakun. Anyways I'm not sure why I was making such a big deal about it since it was Mein Bruder who ordered it.

The sauce was very 'lemak' because of the cream but kinda lacked any seasoning. Maybe a little bit more could have been added to the sauce to give it some taste instead of just relying on the black squid ink.

There were some prawns and slices of squid to go along to for an extra bite by the way.
And a word of advice - the stuff stains your mouth and teeth so be sure to wipe to avoid any possible embarassment!

When they say Black Squid Ink, they mean BLACK Squid Ink!!

Traditional Bolognaise ($11.50)

I went for a safer bet and had the Traditional Bolognaise (said in my best Italiano accent).
Yeah I know. Kinda boring right? But I guess I just felt like going the traditional route for lunch.

The Bolognaise was pretty standard and it comes with 3 (kinda small) beef meatballs.
Serving was just nice for 1 and made for a pretty hearty meal. Meatballs were nice too and reminded me of the meatballs at Swensen's but without the black pepper kick.

Adam's Verdict:
Traditional Bolognaise 3/5

Azlan's Verdict:
Squid Ink Linguine  3/5

All in all a pretty standard set at Pizza Hut. I guess technically it's still fast food right?
A great tip is to go during lunch so you can have the Lunch Set Meals.

The cost between $9.90 and $13.90 (depending on your choice of dish) and comes with soup and a drink too! Well worth it! And for the record, the Traditional Bolognaise was part of the $9.90 set and the Squid Ink Linguine was part of the $13.92 set.

Pizza Hut

26 Restaurants Island-wide

Delivery Hotline: 62353535
www.pizzahut.com.sg

IndoChili Part III

I'm guessing most of you might know by now how much we simply adore IndoChili.
This is our 3rd visit and probably not our last. And everytime we visit, we order some favourites and try some new stuff too!!

This time we visited to celebrate a birthday with the whole family of about 12 people!
IndoChili is definitely suitable for a quite dinner for 2 or even a celebration with a big group.

Sate Ayam Madura ($7.80)

As always, one of our favourites and a must-have whenever we visit is the Sate Ayam Madura.
Tender chicken bathing in peanut gravy is a sure win. Never ever fails to satisfy and most times we even end up ordering a 2nd serving.

We did try something a little differently this time though.
Since we were dining with a pretty large group, we didn't order individual dishes like we normally would.
Instead, we took the opportunity to try something on a slightly larger scale.

Combo Bakaran ($42.80)

If you've got a large group and looking to try a few different things, then this is definitely something you should consider trying.

It's basically a platter of grilled goodies including fish, squid, prawns, sate and some chicken.

And of course, we are going to run it down for you :)

This is a Black Pomfret grilled in the style of the 'masak kecap'.
And unfortunately this was the only disappointing thing in the whole Combo Bakaran platter.

Maybe it was our bad luck but the fish wasn't as fresh as you'd expect.
I visited with a whole bunch of 'professional fish eaters' and I definitely trust their taste when it comes to the consumption of fish and other assorted seafood.

Seasoning was nice but just unlucky with the quality of fish this time around.

Next up was the Cumi Jimbaran or grilled squid.
This was definitely better and was just as good as the first time we tried it.

We had the Belado the first time around and for the grilled version this time, it's got a very nice and sweet glaze to go along with the tender squid.

For me, this was the real star of the platter - the Udang Bakar Jimbaran.

Jimabarn in Bali is famous for its delicious seafood and IndoChili has taken a page out of that book and definitely put it to good use with the squid and prawns here. A nice sweet glaze coats the prawn and enhances the already sweet flavour of the prawn. And as you can see, it's a bloody giant prawn!!

I'm not really big prawn fan to be honest but even I enjoyed this which really says a lot.
But there are only 2 prawns in this platter so you have to either be nice and share or be quick and stingy!!

For the chicken component, they have 2 servings for you.
2 skewers of some Sate Ayam Madura (which is already a win) and Ayam Panggang Padang.

If you remember, we tried the Ayam Panggang Padang the last time we visited.
And it was one of the biggest surprises! (Pleasant one of course)

It looks like a really simple dish but sometimes simplicity is best I reckon and it's proven here.
The chicken is tender and grilled to perfection and the spice gravy coating is simple delicious.
The chicken is marinated well because you can taste the flavour when you take a nice big bite.

So overall, the Combo Bakaran is worth it if you have people to share it with so everyone can have a bit of something that they like. But if you like something specific, then perhaps it might be best to order just that dish for yourself and be satisfied.

Nasi Kuning ($2.00 per serving)

Oh and by the way, I decided to try the Nasi Kuning this time instead of the usual white rice.
Thought it'd be nice to have something new with all the dishes we ordered.

This is definitely more tasty than the normal white rice.
But I must give you fair warning - the rice is cooked to a soft and still slightly mushy texture. So if you're like me and have a preference for a drier texture, you have been informed!!

Rendang Sapi ($9.80)

This is a dish that I tried during the last visit but didn't get a chance to review.
The reason being - it was snapped up so fast that I didn't get a chance to photograph it!
But alas! I have succeeded this time!

The menu says that they the meat is "slow-cooked for at least 4 hours". And they weren't kidding.
The beef is super tender and succulent. I just just through it with a fork!
And the spicy gravy is a delight and bursting with flavour.

Tempe Pete ($8.80)

And last but not least for the feast is something that some people may fancy and some people may not.

Some people call it Stink Beans. It's scientific name is Parkia Speciosa.
One thing for sure - Petai is definitely an acquired taste.

I only started eating (and enjoying) petai in recent years. Most people are put off by its strong taste and pungent after-smell. Well it may be quite a mouthful but for those who enjoy it, it's simply a delight when enjoyed with some accompanying sambal.

The IndoChili version is paired with some tempeh which is fine. The dish itself is quite tasty and definitely on the spicy side. But I do find the price a little on the high side though (it's more expensive than the Sate!!)

Adam's Verdict:
Sate Ayam Madura 4/5 -- Combo Bakaran 3/5 -- Rendang Sapi 4/5 -- Tempe Pete 3/5

Maryah's Verdict:
Sate Ayam Madura 4/5 -- Combo Bakaran 2.5/5 -- Tempe Pete 2.5/5

Simply put - enjoyed the dinner at IndoChili and can't wait to visit again.
Still so many things we want to try on the menu! Mark my words... next time - Tumping!!!

 IndoChili

54 Zion Road

www.indochili.com
www.facebook.com/IndoChili
Tel: 6445 1766 / 8168 4958

Operating Hours: 
11.30am til 10.30pm Daily

IndoChili Part II

Our original review of IndoChili was a whopping success with a massive response! Even til today I'm still getting messages and emails inquiring about and praising IndoChili!

I'm not sure why it took me so long but finally found the time for a 2nd visit!
This time, it was dinner with some colleagues so more chance to sample some of the other inviting dishes on the menu!

Sate Ayam Madura ($7.80)

Still a hot favourite is the Sate Ayam Madura!
Soft tender chicken is going to make you go back for the next stick and the peanut sate gravy is actually really really delicious. It adds just the right touch to go with the chicken sate which was been grilled to perfection.

In our original post, we had 2 sticks of the Sate Ayam Madura which came with the Welcoming Platter. I said I would get the full 5-stick plate on the next visit right? Well we ordered 2 servings! Craving satisfied!

For the mains, since there was a group of us, we had some white rice with some dishes to go along.

Ayam Panggang Padang ($8.80)

I honestly would have gone for another choice like the Ayam Bumbu Rojak or something but thankfully, someone ordered this dish instead and what a welcome surprise!

The chicken was really grilled to tender perfection! And don't let the lack of gravy fool you because the chicken was very flavourful and the minimal coating actually gives you just the right hints of flavour.
Looks like they really know how to grill their chicken right at IndoChili!

Cumi Sambal Balado

Talk about a beautiful presentation!
All you chili lovers out there rejoice - the spicy dishes have arrived!

The squid was not overcooked and the Balado gives you a nice mouthful of heat and chili flavour to go along. I'm not much of a squid fan but I do love me a good Balado. And some of you might be thinking that it's going to be unbearably spicy but it's  not - it's just right!

Kacang Panjang Balado

Someone had this the last time they visited and simply swore by it.
Long Beans smothered with Sambal Balado will pretty much go with any other dishes you're having with your rice.

Delicious chili flavour as always with the Sambal Balado without burning your mouth off.

Cah Kangkung ($8.80)

Another fave is always the Kangkung am I right?
But don't worry, this one is not that spicy because there's some Belachan in there to take the spicy edge off.
I know it looks fiery and spicy but I reckon this was probably the least spicy of all the dishes we had.

There is actually one more dish that I wanted to add but it was so delicious that I totally missed out on snapping a photo of it before it was snapped up. So I may not be able to include in this post but for those who trust me - order the Rendang Sapi. Seriously!

Adam's Verdict:
Sate Ayam Madura 4/5 -- Ayam Panggang Padang 3.5/5 -- Cumi Sambal Balado 2.5/5
Kacang Panjang Balado 4/5 -- Cah Kangkung 3.5/5

IndoChili is not just a great place for a quiet evening dinner for 2 but also great for dinner functions with colleagues and a group of friends. Good food and good company always go well together and I right??

And in case you were wondering - YES! It was Es Teler for dessert!!
(And yes it's still the bomb)

IndoChili

54 Zion Road

www.indochili.com
www.facebook.com/IndoChili
Tel: 6445 1766 / 8168 4958

Operating Hours: 
11.30am til 10.30pm Daily

KL Sedap Part 4: Nasi Kandar Pelita

My parents started driving up to KL for short trips since we were kids.
And the routine was almost always the same - leave the house at 6am, drive up to KL, makan Nasi Kandar and then finally check-in at the hotel.

We would literally drive straight to the Nasi Kandar and have lunch first. Kind of like a tradition.
Our Nasi Kandar place is actually Mohd Yaseen Nasi Kandar (along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman) which my darling wife and I have had in a recent trip there.

But since her trip up to KL with a friend, she's been raving about the Nasi Kandar from Pelita.

I remember having it once but I can't really remember much.
And since our hotel this time was nearby a rather famous Pelita branch, Razali, Azim, my darling wife and myself decided to have a hearty lunch before heading out for shopping.

So what exactly is Nasi Kandar?

Apparently, Nasi Kandar actually originated from Penang and is basically mixed rice with an Indian influence. That means you'll get a wide spread of dishes including seafood (fish head, squid, crabs, prawns), meat (chicken, beef, mutton), vegetables and other assorted side dishes.

You'll normally also get a serving of veggie mix (normally cucumber, pineapple and carrot) as an accompaniment.

So far like normal right? But what makes Nasi Kandar unique?

Well just give the guy dishing out your food the 'word' and you'll find out.
Say 'kuah campur' and he'll put a little bit of each type of curry/gravy on display for you including the special 'kandar' gravy which is dark and tasty.

Don't worry he's not going to drown your rice in gravy until it becomes a soup.
But just how many types of gravy are we talking about here?

Well it's normally at least 5 types and mostly curry.
Crab curry, prawn curry, chicken curry, meat curry and Kandar gravy. If there's more then he'll put more.

So common things to have with your rice?
Chicken is a popular choice like fried chicken for example. They also have a special dish of chicken which is basically the chicken with the Kandar gravy. (RM6.00 per piece of chicken)

You can also have seafood. Prawns will cost between RM5.00-RM15.00 depending on size.
Squid will be about the same. And trust me - they have some pretty big prawns and squids.
You can even get a Fish Head (Curry) for about RM30.00.

Nasi Kandar with Ayam Kandar, Ladyfingers and Salted Egg

Nasi Kandar with Fried Chicken, Cabbage, Ladyfingers and Salted Egg

 The average price per plate for the servings above is about RM9.00.
And it may not look like much in the photos but believe you me that's a full meal right there.

For my Ayam Kandar though, it was a little different from what I usually have at the other Nasi Kandar place. It seems that here, they fry the chicken here first which mean they just put it in the gravy later.
This kinda makes the outer skin have that Kandar taste but the meat is completely clean.
Definitely a minus for me.

And apparently, Azim had the fish and he wasn't really impressed either.
Only the Fried Chicken seemed to be okay. Maybe because it was just simple.

And another thing. He may have put all the different curries and gravies for us but somehow it still turned out to be only a little bit of gravy on our plates. A case of stingy-with-the-gravy?
Normally at other (Pelita) outlets they apparently are a lot more generous and dish out the kuah the way it should be in Nasi Kandar.

Sotong Goreng Tepung (RM15.00)

We also decided to have the Sotong Goreng Tempura.
As this is only made to order, this would mean it was supposed to be fresh and hot and crispy but unfortunately this was not the case. I'm guessing it was sitting on the counter for awhile before the server finally picked it up and sent it to our table.

Anyways, don't expect much in the flavour department. The batter was completely tasteless.
But at least the squid itself was not overcooked.

Adam's Verdict:
Nasi Kandar 2.5/5 -- Sotong Goreng Tepung 2/5

Maryah's Verdict:
Nasi Kandar 2.5/5 -- Sotong Goreng Tepung 3/5

Razali's Verdict:
Nasi Kandar 2/5 -- Sotong Goreng Tepung 3/5

Azim's Verdict:
Nasi Kandar 2.5/5 -- Sotong Goreng Tepung 3/5

Pelita is actually a very famous Nasi Kandar chain in KL so I have no doubt that it's actually a nice place to have Nasi Kandar. Maybe we just went to the wrong outlet on the wrong day. Maybe next time other outlets might be better.

Oh. Any by the way. Avoid going during lunch hour unless you're okay with a large crowd.

Nasi Kandar Pelita

No 149 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel: +60 3 21625532
www.pelita.com.my

Operating Hours:
24 Hours Daily (Closed between 1pm til 2pm on Fridays)