Chinese, Coffee, Family, Food, Ipoh, Non-Halal, Noodle

Makan Makan @Ipoh 2017

May 30, 2018 thammelissa 13 Comments

End of last year I made a short trip to Ipoh for a short gateway.

People said Ipoh has many nice food. Although I spend a day at the theme park, but I try my best to cover as much as I could. In this post, I will share what I had, be it nice or not so nice. 🙂

As soon as I reached Ipoh at around 4pm, our first stop was Ipoh Hor Fun in town.

1) Restoran Thean Chun

Restoran Thean Chun is an old shop located at Ipoh Old Town.

It was crowded during weekend. May be because it is a well known place among tourists.

I noticed that most of the workers here are quite elderly. They are in charge of the drinks.

The one thing that everyone said must try, is the Caramel Egg Custard. I would say its very smooth and nice. But abit tad sweet if you are not into sweet stuffs.

Do not miss a chance to have Ipoh Coffee when you are in Ipoh. The iced coffee is rich.

We also ordered 2 bowls of Kai Si Hor Fun, Steamed Chicken and Ipoh Bean Sprout. Total price was about RM37.

Plate of plump and crunchy bean sprout.

A bowl of Kai Si Hor Fun (flat rice noodle with shredded chicken and prawn. The hor fun was smooth, prawn was fresh while the broth was quite flavorful but not that rich. I felt it was okay, but mom claimed it just average. Its all depends on individual’s palate.

The good thing about Thean Chun is that, it not only serves one food, but it has quite a variation. E.g: Curry noodle, Pork Satay, Popiah. Moreover opposite the restaurant is the tourist spot, The Concubine Lane.

Restoran Thean Chun

Address: 73, Jalan Bandar Timah, 31650 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

Operation Hours: (Open daily) 9.30am – 4pm,

9.30am-12am(Sundays)

Phone: 05-255 3076

2) Tong Sui Kai

Just as the sky gets dark, this street became alive. With long stretch of food stalls on both ways. It is named Tong Sui Kai in cantonese. Literally translated as Dessert Street. Not only serving desserts but wide choice of hawker /street food. If your stomach has big space, then you got the chance to try more food.

We were there at about 7.30pm. Crowd start to build up later at 8pm onward.

Each stall has its own number. Same goes to the dining tables. Please remember your seating table number. You will need to inform the food seller for them to bring over your food.

Assorted Siew Mai & Fishball.

Braised Duck Feet. You can skip this. Because it wasn’t that nice. Meat was tough.

Char Kuey Teow was quite nice. But can’t remember which stall. As we seated, the Char Kuey Teow lady came over to approach us. LOL!

We ordered Kerang Rebus, Keropok with Rojak Sauce and Sotong Kangkung from stall No.28 which I felt quite nice. Then we ordered drinks and Longan tongsui from stall No.27. I didn’t order any shaved ice dessert because nobody wants to share with me 😦

Tong Sui Kai

Address: Jln Sultan Ekram, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak.

Operation Hours: 6pm – 2am (Open daily)

3) Nam Heong Ipoh Soho

Just before we depart to Lost World of Tambun, we decided to have our breakfast at Nam Heong Ipoh. We thought to give a try at Nam Heong Soho instead of Nam Heong at Ipoh old town.

No doubt the place is cosy, air-conditioned and spacious.

Self ordering basis via iPad.

Drinks are not bad especially coffee.

Wantan Mee – RM9.90

Dry Curry Noodle – RM9.90

Wat Dan Hor – RM10.90

Egg on Toast – RM4.90. Egg on toast is a popular thing in Ipoh.

Egg Tarts (6pcs) – RM12.50

The food prices here are on the higher side. However I felt that the food are just average.

On recent news, Nam Heong Ipoh Soho has brought in 6 robot waitress to serve the diners here. It definitely draw more crowd over the curiosity.

Nam Heong Ipoh Soho

Address: Block B,2-15, Ipoh Soho, Shah,, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

Operating hours: 8am-6pm (Monday-Friday) 8am-10pm (Saturday & Sunday)

Phone: 05-246 0521

4) Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum

This dim sum restaurant is just a short walking distance from the hotel we stayed. We decided to give a try to Ming Court instead of the popular Foh San which is just opposite to each other. Both are equally crowded.

Ming Court dim sum is pretty ol-skool, from environment to dim sum. I got the feeling that I’m dining in Hong Kong with Cantonese speaking servers, sharing table and crowd.

Servers will fill the tray with dim sums and approach the diners from table to table. You can see the real item and pick your choice of dim sum. Be it deep fried, steam or dessert as well.

The dim sum prices aren’t expensive. Moreover the dim sum tasted good too.

Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum

Address: 36, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

Operating hours: 6am – 12.30pm (Closed on Thursdays)

Phone: 05-255 7134

5) Dai Shu Geok (Big Tree Foot)

When you mentioned about Dai Shu Geok, many people would be referring to the Yong Tau Fu. It is actually a food court with Big Tree next to it.

Spotted the busy kitchen with constantly frying the stuffed items (vegetables/beancurd).

Everything looks so nice and tempting. Pick your own stuffed items then fill the basket which later pass to the person in charge either to take away(dapao) or dine there. You can also add on noodles on top of these yong tau fu.

It surprises me when the total bill came cheaper than I expected to be. If I’m not mistaken, the yong tau fu here is priced at RM0.80/piece. In Seremban, a piece of Yong Tau Fu could easily price at RM1 – RM1.30.

If you are having Yong Tau Fu here, do not forget to order their Assam Laksa too.. Which cost only RM3.50/bowl. The above photo was bowls of assam laksa with condiments before adding the broth. The broth was rich in flavors!

Dai Shu Geok (Big Tree Foot)

Address: Jalan King, Off Jalan Pasir Pinji, 31650, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, 31650 Ipoh

Operating hour: 8.30am – 5.30pm (Open daily)

Phone: 012-524 5408

6) Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken

Salted Chicken (Salt Baked Chicken) is a famous dish in Ipoh. At Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken, the salted chicken is readily packed so that it is convenient for buyer to bring it home or as a souvenir. In Ipoh, there are many many seller with different names. I have tasted several salted chicken, some were either too salty or the meat was tough. Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken is not too salty with hint of Chinese herbs and the chicken meat is tender too.

Price : RM21 (whole chicken)

Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken

Address: Ayam Garam Aun Kheng Lim, 24, Jalan Theatre, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak

Operating hours: 9am – 7pm (Open daily)

Phone: 05-254 2998

7) Guan Heong Biscuit Shop

Before we leave Ipoh, we decided to drop by Guan Heong Biscuit Shop to purchase some local biscuits to bring it home as souvenir and sendiri makan.

“Guan Heong” is the FIRST BISCUIT SHOP in IPOH town with 100 years of heritage (since 1918) and is famous for its Meat Floss Biscuit, Hawaiian Biscuit and Salted Bean Biscuit.

A small shop that is packed with varieties of biscuits.

I did blogged about their signature meat floss biscuit, sometime ago. You can read it HERE.

Guan Heong Biscuit Shop

Address: Jalan Sultan Iskandar, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

Operating hours: 9am – 7pm (Monday-Saturday) 9am-6pm (Sundays)

Phone: 05-241 2399

8) Pun Chun Restaurant

People usually made a pit stop at Bidor before or after visiting Ipoh. Approximately an hour drive, to try the famous duck noodle here at Bidor. Hence this restaurant can be quite crowded during peak season. i.e: long holidays/long weekends.

At Pun Chun Restaurant, they not only serve Duck Noodle, but there are also wantan mee, chicken rice and local biscuits are available too.

We ordered the soup version as well the dry version (kon lou). RM8 per serving.

For dry version, it will serve with a plate of springy egg noodle in dark soy sauce plus a separate serving of piping hot bowl of herbal duck soup. If you want to have a good taste of the duck soup itself, please avoid ordering the soup version. It taste rather bland. Kinda sad too that the flavors wasn’t as good as I had it 6 years back.

Oh ya, the Iced Coffee is definitely worth ordering.

Pun Chun Restaurant

Address: 38-40, Jalan Besar, 35500 Bidor, Negeri Perak

Operating hours: 6am – 9pm (Open daily)

Phone: 05-434 1554

*solely based on writer's own opinion*

If you have your favorite makan place in Ipoh, why not share it with me and readers here. Thanking you in advanced. 🙂

Invited Event, Shopping

Jalan Jalan Japan 3rd Store @Centerpoint Seremban

May 23, 2018 thammelissa 13 Comments

Ever wonder how to get rid of stuffs when your house has space constraint?

Ever wonder that your unwanted stuffs may be useful to people who could not afford or not willing to spend at retail price?

Inspired by the Japanese,it started off with “Recycle Trend” during the 90’s in Japan. It was first created by Bookoff Corporation. Thereafter Bookoff Corporation has expand to more than 800 outlets in Japan and overseas.

Japan is a rich nation where people are able to earn high income but lack of personal storage. Hence it is necessary for them to sell fairly new stuff at ‘Preloved’ store.

Preloved is defined as previously owned or used. This concept will create a better environment and less wastage too.

Mr. Daichi Shuzui is the Director of BOK Marketing.

In Malaysia, it is known as Jalan Jalan Japan store. A store selling preloved goods from Bookoff Corporation Japan. I was told that, goods are arriving at the rate of five to six containers a month.

Jalan Jalan Japan first landed at One City Sky Park, USJ on November 2016. Second store at 1 Shamelin Mall, September 2017 and on year 2018 the Seremban folks is expected to see them at Centerpoint Seremban. Feeling anticipated?

Located at this newly refurbished mall is where we gonna find Jalan Jalan Japan store, Seremban.

Welcoming people from all ages to join this shopping spree.

When it comes to shopping, everyone got excited and energized. 😀

With all these Japan goods, it eventually made you feel as though you are shopping in Japan.

Lets begin with stationary section which is on the left hand side as you enter the store.

Well, you need some patience here to do a lil of hunting. Treasure can be off your sight. Some items are in really good condition , almost like new.

Stamp Set (Pokemon/Hello Kitty) – RM3

Tokyo Disney Enamel Pin – RM3 for 5 pieces.

The above purse, pointed by Jet are only RM1. What a steal. Price start from RM1 onward. Really a good bargain.

Small Bags; i.e Makeup Pouch.

Fabric, i.e: handkerchief.

Home Deco.

Children Tableware. Plates, Bowls, Cups and many more. Of Disney and Sanrio characters.

We found this Car Serving Plate which cost only RM6 for 2. Grabbed it without any hesitation. LOL!

More plates, pots and pans. Mom grabbed the Rilakkuma Porcelain plate for RM3 each. Also a set of 4 pcs Winnie The Pooh Ramekin Souffle Cups for RM12.

Look, I found this adorable Alien Pillow from the character of Toy Story.

Raincoat is also available too.

Children party dresses, Children Winter coats are available at only RM15 per piece. If only wearing for once, why not considering a preloved piece?

Clothing are price at RM5 onward.

All clothing item undergoes a hot steaming process, cleaning them, and clothes emerge odorless and are ironed and prepared for shipment to the stores.

We also noticed that the clothing are well categorized according to sizes.

Baby items are not left out too. As a mother, I understand that baby items can be really expensive. Hence, getting preloved items may save alot. Not forgetting that its all from Japan. They got variation of strollers.

Baby Booster Seats.

Baby Carrier or Babywear.

Baby Car Seat

Baby Play Gym

Children Tricycle.

Selection of Children Shoes. I’ve always wanting to buy a pair of rain boot for Jet. But its very rare to get one in Malaysia. Here, there are a variety of it. But the sizes and designs are limited.

From boot to slipper. Slipper was self pick by Jet himself. He claimed its very nice. LOL!

Slipper – RM3

Boot – RM5 (RM10 for bigger size)

Women and Men shoes

Kimono at price of RM20

Children costume. The above Police set which comes with a pair of long pant cost only RM15.

Children Luggage

Children Bags

Also available plenty of women’s bag including some branded handbags.

Surprisingly small furniture are also available here.

There’s a section for Golf Equipment,

Racquets,

Inflatable Children Pool, Surfboards and many more….

Gym Equipment. Other than outdoor equipment, musical instruments are also spotted here.

This section will be the favorite section for the kids and some adults. Toys, Board Games and collectible toys; i.e: Manga Anime, Ultraman.

Bought the Sylvanian Families House with Light for just RM70.

Soft toys are also available at the toys section.

The friendly cashier gave me a wide smile as I approach to pay my items. 😀

I can spend hours here to check out the items.

Total spending for 3 big shopping bags was RM157.

So, did you spot anything you like here? See you soon during the official opening date on 2nd June 2018. Be there early to pick your favorite item and if you are the lucky one, you can go home with some cash prizes during this opening day!

Here’s the overview of the store.

At Jalan Jalan Japan, we sees #quality #variety and sememangnya #hargagiler 😀

Jalan Jalan Japan

3rd Floor, Centerpoint Seremban, Jalan Dato Siamang Gagap, 70100 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

Operation Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/JalanJalanJapan.Malaysia

Hokkaido, JAPAN, Travel

Doraemon @New Chitose Airport Terminal

May 18, 2018 thammelissa 6 Comments

“Doraemon (Japanese: ドラえもん) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Fujiko F. Fujio. The series has also been adapted into a successful anime series and media franchise. The story revolves around a robotic cat named Doraemon, who travels back in time from the 22nd century to aid a pre-teen boy named Nobita Nobi. “

Doraemon fans would love this New Chitose Airport Terminal at Hokkaido. You can spend hours taking photos with your favorite icon, dine in the cafe, attending workshops, game arcade, and shop till you drop.

This New Chitose Airport Terminal is like a shopping mall. Many food stores, souvenirs shops and gifts stores. However I would not touch much on that, but I am going to focus only on Doraemon. 🙂

First of all, you will be greeted by Doraemon upon arriving the airport. After getting the clearance from custom, luggage section, you will see him.

Entering the ‘Smile Road’ is where we locate Doraemon Waku Waku Sky Park. It is located at 3rd Floor.

At Waku Waku Sky park, it is separated into Park Zone, Kid Zone, Library, Workshop, Cafe, Gift Shop and Amusement Zone.

Eventually this was our first stop! LOL! We were like grown up kids. I got fascinated with Japan’s vending machines.

There were 3 different colors. Blue, Yellow and Red.

I got both in Blue color. 😀 😀 While my friend Ashley successfully collected all 3 colors especially for her niece.

Park Zone requires an admission fee of 800yen (Adults) 500yen (Age 13-18) 400 yen (Age 3-12) while children below age 3 is free of charge. At Park Zone, both children and adults are greeted by “secret gadgets”, themed attractions and large Doraemon.

I didn’t pay a visit here, therefore I am not sure whether is it interesting.

Well, if you want to bring home some DIY crafts, do drop by the Workshop station. (i.e: paint Doraemon clay figurine)

The Library is adjacent to the Workshop. You can have some good read on Doraemon comics and books while waiting for your children to complete their workshop.

Kids Zone. A spacious play room for children. And the main attraction has to be the Dorayaki slide!

Amusement Zone. A game corner with lots of Doraemon related prizes. Lapel badges and keychains with photo are also available here.

*are you skillful? 🙂

Getting hungry after much workout? Don’t worry. There’s a Cafe here to serve you. Spacious dining area serving food, dessert and drinks to fill your stomach.

The excitement will not end without visiting the Gift Shop! An official Doraemon merchandise store. Well, prices are cheap though. 😀

Besides that, we also enjoyed the “Stamp Rally”. Feel like a treasure hunt. Complete all stamps at different floors (within New Chitose Airport) then you can claim a free gift. Choose from option A to J.

It was really fun exploring this airport. So, are you a fan of Doraemon? Hello Kitty fans, don’t feel sad ya…because now they also have Hello Kitty Happy Flight le…♥ Too bad it was not ready during our trip. Else we will definitely go gaga!

With all these shops and cartoon characters, you could easily spend at least half a day in the airport. 🙂

Note : Travel date was on year 2016

Operation Hours : 10am – 6pm

Website: www.new-chitose-airport.jp/en/doraemon/

Invited Event, Parenting

{REVIEW} PostnataLee Breastfeeding Home 李医务所专业月子中心

May 15, 2018 thammelissa 4 Comments

Most women will go through a confinement period after giving birth. Hence confinement refers to a system for recovery following childbirth. The confinement period may vary individually but a common length is usually 28 days to 100 days. During this period of time, mothers are required to rest as much as possible. Proper rest and stress free environment makes a lot of difference.

New parents are often excited upon the arrival of their newborn. Thus, they are also stressed up because expectation is always different from reality.

Those days, we only have our mother or mother in law to take role as a confinement lady. Then we have some hired professional confinement lady to stay in. However in this era, confinement centers are so well established that some mothers would prefer to choose completing their confinement period in a center which they felt like as though they are spending vacation in a hotel. A place where you don’t need to worry about your meal, your laundry, your baby’s soiled diaper or to bath a newborn. Many new parents are still unfamiliar with these.

A huge Bungalow unit located at Taman Permai Seremban. There are total 9 bedrooms.

I am glad to know that PostnataLee Breastfeeding Home 李医务所专业月子中心 is not just an ordinary confinement center for mothers to rest. But it is also known as breastfeeding home where the nurses and doctors here are fully supportive in breastfeeding. They will support and guide via action instead of verbal talking. Breastfeeding is not something new today, but there are still lack of information and support especially in Seremban. Being a breastfeeding mother myself, I understand the struggle and also the benefits of breastfeeding. (Keyword; ‘Do not give up’).

The founder, Dr. Choong Syih Ying is a passionate and also a friendly person. A very humble person I would say. Not just a founder of the center, but she’s also a doctor herself. She has 3 years of working experiences in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Labour room ; 4 years experiences in Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

New mom often feel that she’s a failure when she couldn’t handle her newborn. Dr. Choong will also provide counseling. Hence mothers and babies will put under good care of her. Dr. Choong will know what’s best for them.

Dr.Choong also explained the difference of using diaper and cloth diaper. PostnataLee Breastfeeding Home uses only cloth diaper. It is more environmental friendly and also reduce the risk of getting nappy rash. Besides that, baby’s clothing are also provided here.

In case the mother need some peace time, here’s the baby room. It is put under a closed circuit observation.
Besides that, they also provide in house jaundice checking using latest technology without blood withdrawing (transcutaneous) and phototherapy (if necessary) for babies.

There are total 7 certified nurses here.

I especially like this grand stairway. 🙂

The spacious and bright dining area onlooking the green garden. An area where mummies can have their delicious yet healthy food here.

A set of lunch meal complete with all the nutrition. Besides that, daily tonic soup using Sulfur free Chinese herbs specially customized by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Master and prepared according to mummies body needs. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is served daily. Not forgetting tea break in between main meals. Dr. Choong also ensured that there’s no repetition in dish throughout the whole confinement period here. (Unless there’s any request from mummy here)

With a special focus on eating foods considered to be nourishing for the body and help with the production of breastmilk, Dr. Choong also stressed on the food quality. Ingredients used here are kampung chicken, bentong ginger, organic vegetables, oat noodle, homemade rice wine, homegrown lemon grass, sulfur-free Chinese herbs, Anxin Pork. No salt was added to the dishes, yet the dishes are filled with natural flavors.

Superior Room

Premium Room (with sharing bathroom)

Private Suite (with individual bathroom)

I was told that the baby changing table and baby crib was custom made to a height that suit mothers with caesarean. Baby crib look old-skool, but the pros are it has better ventilation and mother laying on bed could monitor her baby movement from all angles.

With current package promotion, package price start from RM7888 to RM9888. An additional free traditional post natal massage & face lymphatic facial for the RM9888 package.

Rooms here are non-sharing. At PostnataLee Breastfeeding Home, stay in husband/baby’s father is most encouraging. Dr. Choong believes that a husband should stay in together to create a good family bonding and give the best moral support to their wife.

A bonus point here is; not just a confinement home, PostnataLee Breastfeeding Home also provide parenting guidance to new parent before the arrival of the newborn, during confinement period and even after confinement period.