Back To The Streets - An Original AFC Production

In its latest production, the clipboard carrying Gundam loving male chef is paired with the bubbly celebrity female DJ where they play secret agent types with a subtle undercurrent of romance. If it sounds familiar, it should. 

Last July 24th, The Asian Food Channel (AFC) premiered its first ever, fully produced Malaysian travelogue, airing regionally in Asia to more than 45 million AFC viewers in ten different territories. Viewers in Malaysia can of course catch the AFC Original Production nationwide on Astro channel 703.

The twelve-part series (12x30mins) which was created in collaboration with Berjaya University College of Hospitality, features two bubbly and charismatic hosts: Malaysian celebrity chef, Chef Malcolm Goh and Malaysian radio DJ and host, Tham Zher Peen.

They play the role of undercover agents scouring the streets of Kuala Lumpur searching for local culinary delights. On their mission, they interact with stall operators and cooks, trying to get them to share their priceless nuggets of culinary knowledge, food insights and even to divulge their cherished trade secrets.

With the information gathered, Zher Peen and Chef Malcolm rush back to BERJAYA University College of Hospitality where Chef Malcolm, with the assistance of Zher Peen and his students, utilize the knowledge that he has learned “on the streets” to create his own inspired variations of the dishes.

In the first episode, inspired by the rich and robust flavors of Ngau Kee beef noodles, Goh makes braised oxtail, but he adds a twist in the form of spiral cut potatoes cut to resemble noodle strands.

Then, inspired by Pudu’s famous Wei Kee roast goose, Goh cooks roast duck by French sous vide techniques.

“It took us two weeks from May 8 to shoot the scenes around Kuala Lumpur,” said Goh, while Zher and the production crew selected the shoot locations.

“It’s not about recreating a whole dish but being inspired by the textures, spices and ingredients from it,” said Goh.

Maria Brown, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of the Asian Food Channel is delighted with the premiere of another successful AFC Original Series Production, “The Asian Food Channel is fortunate to have a large and very loyal following in Malaysia, a large percentage of whom, have expressed the hope that AFC would further feature the amazing cuisine that is available across the country.

We really saw this as an opportunity to explore the rich culinary heritage that is present in Malaysia and at the same time, showcase Malaysian local talent pan regionally and even globally. Chef Malcolm and Zher Peen can only be described as a “passionate and dynamic duo" and I strongly believe that they will capture the hearts of all our AFC viewers easily.”

“It was all very professional,” replied Goh when asked about Zher who had to miss the Press launch due to work commitments.

BERJAYA UCH Chief Operating Officer, Mae Ho remarked, “It has been a great pleasure working alongside Asian Food Channel, and we are very excited to see how AFC viewers will react to this AFC Original Production. BERJAYA University College of Hospitality has always been a strong supporter of promoting, as well as educating the people about Malaysian cuisine.

We are extremely proud to witness how far Chef Malcolm, who is one of our own Culinary Arts Supervising Chef has come.

Chef Malcolm is no stranger to camera, he first saw his television career come to life when he starred in another AFC Original Production, Great Dinners of the World, which featured him and three other highly talented Asian chefs as they travelled to France and Scotland where they cooked for guest lists full of society elite and even royalty. When he is not in front of the camera, Chef Malcolm works as a Supervising Chef at BERJAYA UCH where he conducts theory and practical classes for students majoring in Culinary Arts.

Zher Peen too has had her fair share of stardom; She is not only the host of 8TV’s Quickie, a 15-minute variety show, she is also a at Fly FM where she hosts Fly30, a 3 hour radio programme that airs daily. In addition, she has also been featured in campaigns for international brands such as Converse, Levi’s and Nike.

Keep an eye out for the special Raya episode, where they eat nasi lemak and mee rebus at Damansara Uptown’s Village Park.

For more information about the Asian Food Channel and its programmes, please visit www.asianfoodchannel.com.

all images by kind courtesy of Asian Food Channel

Ramadhan Bazaar at Paya Serai, Hilton Petaling Jaya

image credits: Veronica Ng

Paya Serai, Hilton Petaling Jaya are back with their famous over-the-top Ramadhan specials.

Break fast or “Berbuka Puasa” at Paya Serai, Hilton Petaling Jaya, is definitely an occasion not to be missed. Serving an extravagant spread of over 100 local as well as international delights, the extensive buffet contains a large variety of options.   Moreover, the buffet menu is on rotation everyday – there is always something new to try!

Live-cooking  stations  especially  the  roasted  lamb  carving  and  the  newly  added Chinese “lok lok” steamboat station are not to be missed.   Pick the ingredients and watch them prepared a la minute and served in a lively and interactive atmosphere at the bustling gourmet bazaar.

Popular for delicious and bountiful buffet spread, especially tailored for this spiritual month, Paya Serai’s brigade of talented chefs led by Chef Noor Hisham will spoil you with choices from authentic local “kampung” delights and quintessential Malay Ramadhan dishes to Indian, Chinese cuisine and hawker food.

Start your “Buka Puasa” experience by sampling some of the scrumptious salads and appetizers such as Buah Jeruk, Acar Buah Sri Rampai, Kerabu Sotong Kering, Kerabu Nangka,  Taufu  Sumbat,  Bubur  Lambuk,  Sup  Soto  Ayam.    Take  your  pick  of  salad ingredient  and  dip  with  a  wide  selection  of  dressing  from  Sambal  Belacan  to  Italian dressing.

For the main course, feast on local offerings such as Daging Rendang Tok, Burung Puyuh Goreng Madu, Lobster Slipper Masak Lemak Belimbing, Fish Head Curry, Chicken and Beef Serunding, Udang Tumis Daun Kari, Roasted Duck, Sweet & Sour Flower Crab, Gulai Nangka Masak Lada Hitam, Ayam Pongteh, Nasi Bokhari Ayam among many more.

There are various side dishes and accompaniments namely Lemang, Ketupat Palas, Kacang Botol, Vegetable Platter, Assorted Dim Sum and much more.  Not to leave out too, zest up your palate with the succulent Fresh Oyster, Fresh Mussel, Boiled Tiger Prawns and Boiled Slipper Lobster.

In addition, the “a la minute stalls” feature an interesting dining experience with spark and flames where one can catch exciting cooking action. To ensure the freshness of the dishes,  Kambing Panggang, Chicken and Lamb Shawarma with Pita Bread, Nasi Kandar, Roti  Canai,  Murtabak,  Putu  Piring,  Roti  Jala,  Nasi  Lemak,  Assam  Laksa,  Assorted Tempura, Satay and Grilled Fish, just to name a few, are made to order.

Apart from that, refresh yourself with invigorating drinks that include Soymilk, Air Sirap Bandung, Apple Juice, Barley Water, Ice Kacang, Cendol, and of course, the must-have Teh Tarik.

A perfect ending to this hearty meal is plenty of mouth-watering desserts that you simply must leave some room for, such as Pengat Pisang Bersago, Serawa Durian, Buah Kurma, Mango Pudding, Tapai Ubi, Pisang Emas, Pulut Hitam and Apam Balik with variety of fillings. Also available are cosmic selections of Malay Kuih, French pastries, ice creams, jellies and not to leave out the all-time favourite, Chocolate Fountain and Fruit Skewers.

Available from 7pm to 10.30pm, the abundant feast is priced attractively at RM99++ per guest on the first week and RM129++ per guest the following days. Child below 12 years old enjoy 50% discount on the Ramadhan price.

For Ramadhan Buffet reservations, please call 03-7955 9122 extn 4567/4261/4096. 

Visit Hilton PJ’s F&B blog, www.ZestPJ.com for the latest F&B promotions and entertainment scenes.    

Old Bazaar Café, Kuching

images by Veronica Ng

Lot 65 – 66, Lebuh Wayang 93000 Kuching Tel 082 238521

No pork served. Free Wifi. Open 7 days a week.

 

Old Bazaar Cafe is located right in the city center of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The premise used to be an old theater in front of a temple, believed to be the oldest temple in Kuching. The existing theater is still being used for religious celebration purpose nowadays, with 3 Chinese operas a year during March, April and August.

 

Their 3 kitchens serve a variety of Asian fusion local Borneo, Chinese and Malay food featuring noodles and fried rice. A firm favorite is the salted egg fried kueh teow. 'Lok Lok' steamboat can also be found here. The homemade chicken rice is extremely popular and there are expansion plans for a Satay garden at the side of the café. A recent addition is the San Francisco Grill with an Englishman from the UK as chef.

 

There are plans to expand the current 60 seater arrangement to a 120 seater outlet due to its popularity both among locals and tourists. There are also 2 air conditioned cozily furnished private rooms for functions.  For entertainment there are cultural dances and acoustic performances.

 

Besides the usual pouring liquors and wines, this place offers customers a taste of Sarawak’s original Tuak which it sources from a Bidayuh village. The outlet does not sport any draught beer taps, preferring to sell its Heineken, Tiger and Stout by the bottle. Non tipplers can indulge in both hot and ice cold Nescafe, Cappucino, Tea, White coffee, Milo, Teh tarik, Lemon and green tea, soft drinks, pulpy juice or refreshing bottled mineral water

Happy hours start daily from 1530 - 2100

The extremely friendly operator Alex Yap is always around to offer you his personalized brand of hospitality.

Old Bazaar Cafe is highly recommended by frigglive.com for its all round feel good factor. Do check it out on your next visit.

Premier 101 Food Court, Kuching

We'll let Veronica Ng's pictures tell you the story

Jalan Tun Jugah, Kuching, 93350, Sarawak.

 Yes, they really have 101 food stalls here

 Bamboo Chicken

 Bamboo Chicken

 BBQ Chicken

 Portuguese Grilled Fish

 Herbal Pork Soup with Mee Sua

 Kolo Mee

 Midin/Pucuk Paku/Fern shoots

 Pork Satay

 Salt Baked Chicken

Seafood Kueh Teow

Madam Tang Restaurant, Kuching

images by Veronica Ng

Jalan Petanak, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak

Operation Hours: 7am - 12pm

Madam Tang’s serves the usual laksa Sarawak, but with a wide range of toppings and sizes. They also cater nasi lemak, kolo mee and beef noodles which are extra scrumptious as well.

Madam Tang’s looks like any other kopitiam with an ambience almost like Ipoh Oldtown White Coffee.

A must-have is the Laksa Sarawak, a signature dish in Kuching. The bowl of Laksa topped with prawns, chicken slices, omelette strips and bean sprouts is served in a fragrant spicy coconut milk soup with a side of sambal belacan and lime.

Prices range from RM5.80 (classic) to RM13.80 for the special version. There are also other choices to choose from, including beef noodle, a traditional dish with braised beef. This type of laksa is quite different to the common types of curry or asam laksa as it contains sambal belacan (a chilli shrimp paste). A squeeze of lime into the belacan paste mixed into the Sarawak laksa and you’re good to go.

Carpenter Street, Kuching, Sarawak

images by Veronica Ng

In the old days, Carpenter Street was called "attap street" because of the thatch houses on both sides. This was where carpenters set up their workshop, earning the street its name.

A facelift took place in 1884, by courtesy of a big fire that razed all the wooden houses along the street. Charles Brooke, the then White Rajah of Sarawak, issued a decree that henceforth the houses to be rebuilt with non inflammable material. This necessitated the construction of the more permanent brick shop houses along Carpenter Street, a few of them surviving till today.

During those days, Carpenter Street was a lower working class neighborhood filled with opium dens, gambling joints, brothels and other clandestine activities. These were eventually cleaned up by the British.

The whole area oozes charm and character. Off Leboh China there is a row of perfectly preserved 19th century Chinese houses. Kuching's oldest streets dating back to 1864 is a row of 2 storey shop houses. Today it is considered as an 'antique arcade' because of its old-fashioned facade and for the variety of antiques and handicrafts sold here. Souvenir-hunters can seek out an assortment of traditional brassware, pottery, ceramics, tribal arts and many unique souvenirs of Asia.

The main entrance is at the eastern end of Carpenter Street opposite the Old Courthouse compound. Otherwise, you can find the Chinatown in the Main Bazaar area along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman opposite the Kuching Waterfront and Leboh Cina (Upper China Street).

Kuching Chinatown is marked with a grandiose Chinese-inspired red archway that certainly indicates the entry point of this popular shopping and eating place. The refurbished old shophouses sport brightly painted walls and windows, garbage-free streets. Kuching is a clean city.

Most of the shops along Carpenter Street are selling mostly non-touristy stuff. You will find bicycle shops, book stores, hardware stores, antique furniture stores and quaint kopitiams, although there are a number of establishments that cater to tourists, namely the Carpenter Guesthouse which seems like a decent backpacking place, Century Café which provides a great cocktail bar, and the exquisite looking Chinese restaurant.

There are also many Chinese temples in the precinct. Along Carpenter Street alone, there are two of them, with delicate stone carvings and pagodas. The most popular temple has to be the Tua Pek Kong temple along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman which is the oldest Tokong Cina in the city.

The temple is believed to be built back in 1843 although the city's official records show its came into existence only in 1876. Opposite the old temple is the Chinese History Museum which displays the history of the Chinese community in Kuching and Sarawak in general, tracing their heritage from various migration origins in mainland China. The museum is opened every day except on Fridays.

The temple is built back in 1843 opposite the old temple is the Chinese History Museum (Muzium Sejarah Cina). The museum displays some history of the Chinese community in Kuching and Sarawak in general, tracing their heritage from various migration origins in mainland China.

Main Bazaar along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman is a must-visit in many travel itineraries. Main Bazaar showcases almost similar characteristics of the old shop houses on Carpenter Street and Leboh Cina, with fancy souvenir outlets as the norm rather than an exception. 

We went to the famous open air ( Lau Ya Keng) opposite the Temple where Pork satay and fishball beehoon are some of the specialties. Main Bazaar, opposite the Waterfront, is the oldest street and the heart of old Kuching. It has some superb examples of Chinese shop house architecture, many of which have been occupied by the same family for generations. These families still pursue traditional occupations such as tin-smiting, carpentry and petty trading.