Category Archives: Places to Eat

Enjoying shawarma at Damascus Gate

Posted in Food and Drinks, Places to Eat by

Shawarma is made by layering marinated meat, such as chicken or beef, on a vertical rotisserie. As the meat slowly cooks and rotates, it absorbs the flavours of the marinade and becomes tender and juicy. The layers of meat are then thinly sliced and served in a variety of ways, often wrapped in a flatbread and accompanied by a range of condiments and toppings. It is a dish that combines various elements harmoniously.

In life, finding balance and practising moderation is crucial for overall well-being and success. Just as shawarma incorporates a variety of ingredients in appropriate proportions, we need to strive for balance in different areas of our lives. By practising moderation, we can avoid burnout, maintain healthy boundaries, and ensure that our actions align with our values and priorities. Of course, this is not easy when it comes to intrusion from external parties and other surrounding factors. Thus, this is when one needs to learn to say NO and put themselves first before others.

Apply for that work leave. Treasure the weekend. Spend more time with the family at any chance you get.

We discovered a great Shawarma place recently and we don’t even have to go to Bukit Bintang for it. The place is called Damascus Gate Melaka. It is located at Pulau Besar near the beautiful and colourful setup of Selat Avenue. This place is so lively and out of the world at night. You really need to be there to know what I mean. If only the local council could make the nearby areas equally vibrant so that it could churn more economic opportunities in Pulau Besar. There were so many abandoned projects that I felt could have been repurposed for something else. Surely, someone could make a pitch to money-laden investors.

This is the Shawarma Beef Meal
Shawarma Beef Rice
Lamb Cheesy Kebab

We ordered a shawarma beef rice (RM22), a shawarma beef meal(RM20), lamb cheesy kebab(RM37) and a kunafa(RM15). Alongside 3 fruit juices at RM11 each- watermelon, orange and apple. The total was RM139.70 including a 10% service charge. The portion was adequate. The beef was juicy and well-marinated. I loved the rice and yoghurt dip a lot. They were so flavourful. The restaurant also has a great song playlist. The kind of song that makes you want to just shake the hips and belly dance like Shakira.

We went there at 630pm and by the time we finished our meal – the day had gotten dark and the surrounding place looked so beautiful and cute. It’s definitely an astounding place to go for a photography session as the place looked foreign and chic.

November birthday celebrations

Posted in Food and Drinks, Good Things, Places to Eat by

November is the month to celebrate my youngest brother’s and my daughter’s birthday. This time I invited the family over to Melaka. They stayed at my husband’s Homestay (which has yet to be opened to the public). It is a double-storey house with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It is in a gated residential area, which is why I am not really a fan of going there.

Anyway, the Moss clan arrived on the Friday evening. Dad already had dinner at my place earlier. Only then did he go to the Homestay with my husband and son. I stayed behind at my own humble abode because I needed to take my daughter to her swimming class the next morning. My sister and brothers arrived much later. The plan for the weekend was to visit the Butterfly Park and then have a birthday lunch and dinner. It was all on me.

Melaka Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary

The admissions fee has certainly increased since the last time I went here. Adults were RM27 and children were RM22. Our group had 8 adults and 5 children. I thought buying the tickets online would speed up the process of entering the park but turns out you still have to queue in line. I was a bit grumpy because first, the clan was late and second, it turns out that so many kindergartens were doing a field trip that week. Hence, the place was packed. All I wanted was a peaceful Saturday. I noticed that there were a few new attractions such as Feeding the birds, emu and turtles, making origami, a picture with the butterfly fairies and the sight of new reptile species. The food pack was freaking expensive at RM8/pack. I enquired about the group tour but it was only for school and corporate trips.

Find the snakes

The best way to navigate this place upon entering the park is to start from the left where the birds are. Then, once you exit the area, go to where the butterflies are. The entrance is inside the merchandise store. Only then do you go to the tortoise area.

My 30-year-old brother had his first experience of feeding the birds, man – that is a sad childhood. My parents should have brought him out more when he was younger. To be honest, I also had this sort of experience when I got older. Not when I was a child.

I really enjoyed the butterfly area – it felt so magical and the butterflies were a pretty sight. The last time I came here, the butterflies were feeding on soursop. Now they are eating pineapples.

The tortoises were probably feeling very full from all the feeding. Still, the kids were excited with the idea of feeding them.

Lunch at DIMA

Dinner at Ala Kassim, Taman Lagenda

My sister-in-law couldn’t really enjoy the meal because she had a GI upset. I paid a total of RM217 for the meal consisting of a party of 13. We had Pari, Siakap, Jenahak, Sotong, and Sayur Campur with mini nasi lemak and white rice. The night view was nice but there were so many vendors selling their stuff from one table to the other. It is quite merimaskan for me. I just want to have my meal in peace. I realized that we did not have a birthday cake this time – it kind of slipped my mind. Overall, it lacked something in the dishes but the taste was acceptable.

I have yet to plan for the December babies but it should be fun too.

Dapur Melanau

Posted in Everyday Life, Food and Drinks, Places to Eat by

Dad was really excited to bring us here. So, we went there for dinner on our 2nd day in Kuching. We ordered familiar dishes such as linut, umai, tumpik and nasi goreng dabai. My nephew had their ‘mi sup’ but it turned out to be spicy – probably due to its white pepper.

Linut is known in other Bornean states as Ambuyat. It is a sticky paste like thing you eat with it’s condiments. The set was out of stock, so we had it with just the sambal. The umai was OK – it is quite hard to give it a rating because we all know our (late) mom’s umai is the best. Dad loved the nasi goreng dabai but I preferred the one I cook at home. Ha ha. The tumpik was exceptionally delicious. It is simple but appetizing at the same time.

Overall, it was a great dining experience. I would definitely come back here for it’s linut and tumpik.

Dapur Melanau : LOT 14171 (SUBLOT 38 OF SURVEY LOT 13766) SECTION 65 GROUND FLOOR, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak

This place is located at Metrocity where all the modern eating happens. Meaning that there are a few good restaurants located nearby. So, lots of food options for everyone. I noticed that there is one particular ice cream shop that keeps popping up everywhere but have yet to try it. Maybe something to explore during my next trip to Kuching.

Linut
Umai
Nasi Goreng Dabai
Tumpik

Kacang Phool Hajijie, Bukit Katil

Posted in Food and Drinks, Places to Eat, Reviews by

I am Sarawakian but I have an affinity towards Johor food. My favourite is the Laksa Johor and the Kacang Pool (pronounced as Pole). Once I tried to make Kacang Pool at home but used baked beans instead because my son has G6PD deficiency. It tasted alright but nothing could beat the dish I had at Batu Pahat.

A few months ago, I noticed a small breakfast area opened up in the Bukit Katil area. It is called Kacang Phool Hajijie.

They serve Kacang Pool, Mee Rebus and other breakfast options. I love that they open as early as 7 a.m. because it would be easy for mothers like myself who want to enjoy food immediately after dropping the kids off at school.

this is kacang phool hajijie
kopi ais rm3

The place is situated along the main road and parking was easy since I got there very early in the morning after the school run. I ordered 1 set of Kacang Pool and a glass of iced coffee. The portion was adequate but reducing the price would be much appreciated. I felt that RM7 was a tad pricey. RM5 seems suitable or RM6 if you must. The iced coffee was RM3. They also sell instant Kacang Pool gravy which was priced at RM10 per pack. I bought it as a gift for my siblings.

The Kacang Pool here is not as good as the one I had at Batu Pahat. I would consider going for a short trip to Batu Pahat instead on my off days if I crave this dish. It is much more satisfying.

Kopi 434

Posted in Food and Drinks, Places to Eat, Reviews by

This coffee shop hails from Muar but has already set up a branch in Melaka. It has been open for a while but I have never actually tried a heavy meal from there. Just it’s coffee and toast. Last weekend, my dad came for a visit. He just recently came back from a trip to Langkawi with a female companion. I have my suspicions of who it is but I will wait for a better time to hunt for that identity later.

We went to Kopi 434 for breakfast and ordered quite a huge spread.

We had nasi lemak, Mi Siam with Otak Otak, Buns with butter and kaya, Toast with butter, the original kopi, Elephant Bean Coffee and iced peach tea. The total came up to RM 110.00 for 5 pax. The price was acceptable.

The ambience was great but the food portion was exceptionally huge (for me). It triggers me a lot as a person taking care of patients with NCD. Ha ha ha. The meals were also very spicy. Only the chicken noodle was nice and palatable for children. I did enjoy my Elephant Bean Coffee though. It did not require additional sugar. But I had a headache afterwards. Perhaps the caffeine was too much. It’s called elephant beans not because they come from the dung but because of their special shape and size. Anyway, I am sure this kopitiam has their own target market of which I am not one of them.

They even sell their own products in the store and ADAMI products. We didn’t get any but the options were a lot. My mother (now deceased) would be excited to get her hands on them.