Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Banana Leaf Rice – A Mouthwatering Introduction

The beautiful and colourful kolams that decorate the floors of our shopping malls remind us that Deepavali is just around the corner. To get into the spirit of the festival of lights, the blogging crew decided to indulge in one of Malaysia’s favourite Indian meals – banana leaf rice. After all, if there’s one thing that brings Malaysians together, it’s food!

So armed with our hungry tummies, we ventured to our neighbourhood banana leaf rice eatery for a satisfying meal.

banana_leaf_rice_restaurant

What is banana leaf rice?

It’s a traditional method of serving rice dishes on banana leaves instead of plates that was brought over to Malaysia during the migration of South Indians. A unique dining experience, it will tickle your taste buds with all kinds of flavours, while filling your tummy with contentment.

A typical serving of banana leaf rice

banana_leaf_rice_dishes

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to banana leaf rice. No two restaurants are alike, with each having their own specialties. Some of our favourite side dishes are fried ikan bulus (silver whiting fish), mutton curry and telur ikan (fish roe).

How should I eat it?

banana_leaf_rice_way

For a more authentic experience, we were encouraged to use our hands as it is said to heighten our senses and enhance the taste. However, we were reminded to never eat with your left hand, as it is considered unclean.

To fold or not to fold

banana_leaf_flip

At the end of our meal, we learnt that we should fold our leaf to signify that we are done. It is best to fold the leaf inwards towards you, as that shows our appreciation for the meal. Folding the outwards is usually done at funerals and wakes as a sign of condolence to the family of the deceased. So, remember, always fold it towards you!

Help, my stomach is on fire!

mangolassi

For those of us with delicate stomachs, a mango lassi is the perfect accompaniment to the meal. It’s a yoghurt-based drink that is not only refreshing, but helps put out the fire in our tummy too!

Where can I get a taste?

Indian restaurants are aplenty at Brickfields, home of Little India in Kuala Lumpur and it’s easily accessible by public transport. But if you’re feeling adventurous, here are some of the most popular banana leaf rice eateries around Klang Valley:

  • Devi’s Corner (14, Jalan Telawi 4, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur)
  • Krishna Curry House (D-G and E-G, Jalan SS9A/14,Seri Setia Sungai Way, Petaling Jaya)
  • The Lotus Family Restaurant (13 15, Jalan Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya)
  • Raju’s Restaurant (27, Jalan Chantek 5/13, Off Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya)
  • Sri Ganapathi Mess (47, Jalan 1/10, Seksyen 1, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor)
  • Sri Nirwana Maju (43, Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur)

 

Know of any other must-try banana leaf places that we missed? Let us know in the comments section below.

————

Want to be part of some Deepavali festivities? Join the Deepavali Open House celebrations, which will be held in Malacca on the 1st of November 2014.

Find out more at www.tourism.gov.my and get to know other cultures and heritage in Malaysia.

About the Author

Tagged With: ,

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Ratatouille La Gourmet – Tea room – Bar

Ratatouille La Gourmet (N1.54783 E103.74606) is located at the corner lot of Jalan Adda 3/1 in Adda Heights, Johor Bahru.
Few months ago, Ratatouille was a stall in one of the food court situated in Taman Setia Indah. After several months of hardwork and effort by Chef Brian and the team, they successfully upgraded from a small stall to the well known restaurant in Johor Bahru today.
I admired their achievement!

 photo IMG_3760_zpsdd77fcb8.jpg

Ratatouille selected the white English theme as one of their attraction of the restaurant, it’s also became the ‘first’ theme’s restaurant in my favorite list.
The restaurant provide a clean and tidy outlook which really impressed! On the right side, there are some dining table for those customers who prefer natural air without air-conditioning.

 photo IMG_3763_zps26cdc7b2.jpg

Greeted by the friendly staffs once we stepped into the restaurant. I love the deco very much! The area is spacious which provide a comfort and cozy dining environment.

 photo IMG_3749_zps5e24d0cb.jpg

 photo IMG_3751_zpsd53a9a72.jpg

 photo IMG_3752_zpsc7297052.jpg

The windows at the both side have the white English tudor design, also choices for those diners who like to have window seat.

 photo IMG_3757_zps6fc4403d.jpg

There’s also a Victoria design’s sofa especially for those who enjoy their afternoon tea and scones…

 photo IMG_3810_zps427c9e23.jpg

 photo IMG_3753_zpsb2e89b72.jpg

The dining area is comfortable for diner and even a small group of friends gather around…

 photo IMG_3759_zps9c6791ba.jpg

 photo IMG_3767_zpsdae64145.jpg

I was impressed by the owner’s idea with the well design and the provide different types dining tables for customers to choose their own preference.

Our food served on table pretty fast…let me show you the delicacies one-by-one…

Appetizer :-
Escargot – served in half dozen, with garlic breads side dish.

 photo IMG_3775_zps2ffeec07.jpg

 photo IMG_3776_zpscc0c8242.jpg

Nice cheesy taste and the stuffing was not overly salty, always a good starter for your dinner.

Pepper steak.
Medium doneness, well prepared with pepper and served with mashed potatoes and ratatouille.

 photo IMG_3779_zps3fc6d1a4.jpg

 photo IMG_3782_zpsbc13d690.jpg

I always like the steak of Ratatouille. Well marinated and the pepper level was just nice! If you are steak lover, you shouldn’t miss this!

Oxtail stew.
Whole oxtail being prepared for the dish. Magic cut by the Chef provide the true taste of the savory collagen within. The dish also served with potatoes, tomatoes and the nice beef gravy.

 photo IMG_3785_zpsde90cd05.jpg

Garlic bread, mashed potatoes and broccoli as side dish for Oxtail stew.

 photo IMG_3788_zpsabb1cc0b.jpg

Beside the delicious chewy bite of the oxtail, we like the beef gravy very much! The collagen was tender and fresh, we’re really enjoyed this Oxtail stew from Ratatouille La Gourmet.

Grilled Lamb Rack
Grilled rack of lamb served with broccoli, ratatouille and the mint sauce. (serve in medium doneness)

 photo IMG_3790_zps8b7e4f4f.jpg

 photo IMG_3791_zps77ba7e2d.jpg

The combination of the aromatic skin and the tender inside was marvelous! We took our time to taste this yummy lamb rack really slow…

Teriyaki Cod fish
Grilled cod fish bathing with teriyaki sauce, served with broccoli, carrots and mashed potatoes.

 photo IMG_3796_zpse7775208.jpg

The fresh cod fish with the Teriyaki sauce provide a perfect taste. It was juicy and nice to have for our dinner. It was a bit sweet for my personal taste bud.

Dinner won’t complete without the desserts…
Ratatouille signature cheese cake

 photo IMG_3797_zpse571c042.jpg

 photo IMG_3799_zps1cc1beb0.jpg

 photo IMG_3802_zpsc81b2c1b.jpg

 photo IMG_3805_zps08ebb47b.jpg

The signature cheese cake was rich with cheese but not overly sweet. Aromatic tiramisu was a favorite dessert for most of the customer in the area. Lemon sugar pancake was a surprise where the pancake doesn’t overly sweet and nice to have. According to the owner – Sherman, the Ratatouille Apple pie has a strong demand from the local, the special apple pie really filling after the main course.

The Ratatouille restaurant is also a perfect place for afternoon tea break with some cakes or scones, because of the special assign ‘Hi-tea’ area.

We will make our effort to drop by Ratatouille La Gourmet every now and then, not just only pass-by Adda Heights area. It is a excellent restaurant for lunch, tea break and dinner, even enjoy some beers in the evening.

Specially thanks to Brian and Sherman for the warm hospitality.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Kila Senggigi Beach Hotel at Senggigi beach, Lombok island

Kila Senggigi Beach Resort (S8.49782, E116.04846) is located at the northwest of Lombok island. The resort just situated next to the beautiful beach as the name of it.

The check-in process was smooth and everyone got their keys in less than 15 minutes.

 photo IMG_3537_zpsdc7526e6.jpg

There are many water features at the lobby and beautiful garden surrounding…with beautiful lush tropical gardens and a magnificent view.

 photo IMG_3539_zps797f14a1.jpg

 photo IMG_3540_zps6bedf3de.jpg

The friendly staffs of the hotel were welcome us, the lobby area was nice with a open concept and well ventilated. Decorated with the Lombok culture design…

 photo IMG_3155_zpse4b91908.jpg

 photo IMG_3156_zpsafe2a34f.jpg

 photo IMG_3157_zps329c9e20.jpg

Kila Senggigi Beach Hotel is actually a resort type of hotel, located in Senggigi town, on a 12 acres land along the beach, beautiful.

Most of the rooms are chalet type, basically 8 rooms in one chalet…situated in spacious manicured gardens with plenty of shade trees. The grounds are absolutely immaculate.

 photo IMG_3536_zpsaa373be1.jpg

 photo IMG_3535_zps77047a0a.jpg

We had a double beds room, and let me show you around the room…

 photo IMG_3150_zpsbac748e8.jpg

 photo IMG_3149_zps315d5081.jpg

 photo IMG_3154_zpse4fb401f.jpg

 photo IMG_3151_zpsac102447.jpg

 photo IMG_3152_zps0ebcc025.jpg

The room albeit dated, size-wise was adequate with necessary furnishing, satisfied with it especially the cleanness. Every room has its own verandah with comfort sitting area, we were enjoying our beer and chatting session on the first night.
It’s advise to choose the 2nd floor if you going for the sea view room, brilliant views from the room and Mt Agung over in Bali is visible.
Remember :-
Don’t leave your room door open after six p.m., unless you don’t mind a generous spray of insecticide in your room which the hotel graciously offers each evening.

Kila Senggigi beach hotel is an old hotel, first in Lombok, surrounded by greeneries and right at the seafront. Wi-Fi service is available throughout the whole resort with good bandwidth. The Italian restaurant is just sitting on the beach front and you can enjoy the spectacular sunset of Lombok accompany with the house’s live band. The SPA also available but too bad we don’t have enough time to enjoy it. The breakfast was good, so was the ala carte food served by the friendly and helpful staffs and good service.

If you are photography enthusiast, you can have a chance to take the milky way during the midnight at the dark beach area.

All-in-all, Kila Senggigi beach hotel is a nice and comfortable place to stay with, recommended.

Related post for Lombok island trip :-
Airasia media FAM trip to Lombok Island – Indonesia on July 2014