The breaking of fast is a time when one enjoys a meal after a day abstaining from food & drink. In this month of Ramadan, breaking of fast or as known locally; ‘bersungkei’ sees families congregating to enjoy the meal together.

While you source for the next destination for breaking or simply just to enjoy the buffet dinner tailored for Ramadan, why not five Sungkei Ria a shot? Held every evening at Blue Lagoon, this Ramadan buffet dinner offers not just great varieties of food at over 100 selections but also an unparalleled ambience as it overlooked the magnificent city and river view of Kuching, graced by wisps of evening breeze. Along the terrace, buffet lines traced the walls of Blue Lagoon where the hotel chefs are also ready to cook up their specialty ala minute delights.

This year’s Sungei Ria features, among many others, authentic Indian food. According to Executive Sous Chef Partick Chew, an invited chef who specialized in Indian delicacies will be helming the Authentic India Food Station every night, reay to fulfill your orders. Diners can also look forward to unlimited sushi, maki and sashimi from the hotel’s trademark Japanese Buffet. Indulge in the goodness of the Japanese delicacies as you move along the buffet line.

On the buffet line up, Chef Patrick Chew, the Executive Sous Chef mentioned that the wide varieties would cater to the different preferences of each diner. Diners who crave for traditional malay cuisines, he recommends trying the different varieties of kerabu available as well as the choices of ulam-ulam and pickled fruits for starters. Do not miss the chance to try the Sarawak specialty Bubur Pedas and Laksa Sarawak as well. Over at the carving station, Roasted Lamb and Boneless Chicken with Trimming are served daily with potatoes and a selection of vegetables.

Sungkei Ria also feature the Thai food corner where diners will get to enjoy steamboat with the choice of tom yam or chicken broth soup base with 19 different types of dips from beef, squid, and dish fillet to fresh oyster mushroom and tofu. Our Japanese chef, Chef Gu will also be serving up fresh sashimis and different varieties of sushis and makes for Japanese food lovers dining at Sungkei Ria this Ramadhan.

For BBQ lover do not forget to try out the Otak-Otak and the selections of Satay, served hot with spicy peanut sauce. Among other BBQ goods are Beef Rib Eye Steak, Lamb Shoulder, Prawns, Cuttlefish, Mackerel, Chicken Frank and Chicken Kebab. If you prefer a light dinner, head on to the Bubur & Soup corner and help yourself to a bowl of hot Sup Ekor or Sup Tulang. If soup is not fulfilling, then make sure to grab some Tori Canai, Roti Tissue or Murtabak from the Indian Stall. There’s also a variety of traditional dessert such as Kek Lapis Sarawak, Bingka Jagung, Cucur Keria, Pisang Kepok and Sago Gula Melaka apart from the selections of cakes, pastries and fruits available. Two types of buah kurma are provided daily especially for the Ramadhan diners.

Priced at RM79++ per person, the buffet is available daily at the Blue Lagoon from 1st - 29th August 2011. Surau is also provided on the same floor for the convenience of Muslim patrons. For further enquiries or reservations. please call the hotel’s Food & Beverage Department at 082-247 777 ext 4412. Early bookings are advised, to avoid disappointments. All prices are subject to 10% service charge and 6% government tax.

Apart from the glorious buffet spread of Sungkei Ria, Riverside Majestic Hotel is having the ‘Ramadhan Stay In’ room package. Relax and unwind this August with an attractive offer of RM190++ inclusive of 2 days and 1 night accommodation, buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children, and a complimentary signature dish at the River Palace Restaurant. The Ramadan Stay In offer is valid from 30th July till 5th September 2011. For enquiries on Ramadhan Stay In, please call 082-418911.

The Original Macam-Macam Ramadan Mega Buffet returns as we welcome the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Dubbed the biggest buffet in town, this mega buffet which is held at Grand Margherita Hotel has earned its reputation with its never ending rows of buffet items. This year, the buffet boasts over 200 choices of food including the authentic flavours of Indochina and Middle East, adding to selection of Japanese, Malaysian as well as Western cuisines available at the buffet.

This year, the launching of the Original Macam Macam Ada Ramadan Mega Buffet is officiated by the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Sarawak, YB Datuk Haji Talib Zulpilip, who is also the chairman of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation Sarawak (SEDC). The Ministry of Tourism & Heritage is also having a “Majlis Berbuka Puasa” at the hotel on Sunday, 7th August 2011 which will be attended by YB Datuk Amar Abang Zohari, Minister of Housing & Urban Development. Invited guests will be dining amidst the relaxing ambiance of the Poolside Pavilion that overlooks the Sarawak River as they enjoy the many varieties of the Original Macam Macam Ada Ramadan Mega Buffet.

Diners of the buffet can start off their memorable culinary experience with the red dates which is an important part of the breaking fast ritual. Do not miss out on the Ramadhan specialties such as Bubur Pedas. Ikan Terubok, Assam Pedas, Lemang and plus a number of local delicacies, served fresh and hot. Live cooking stations which feature the Indo-China specialties are the Thai Station, Cambodia Station, Vietnamese Station and Khmer-Charcoal Station, Indo-China Corner and Thai Corner.

Highlights from the invited Cambodian chefs include delicacies such as Pad Thai, Banh Choo, Phobo, Som Tam, Moan Ang, Nom Dong Dot, and many more. Not forgetting the Penang Hawker speciaties such as Penang Assam Laksa, Penang Char Kway Teow, Loh Bah Penang, Hokkien Prawn Mee Soup, Ju Hu Eng Chai and Penang Fruit Rojak.

According to the hotel’s Executive Chef Ricky Kong, the invited Indochina chefs are from established hotels in Cambodia, namely Angkor Palace Hotel & Ree Hotel while the Penang chefs hailed from well known dining spots in Penang.

Macam-Macam Ada Mega Buffet caters the needs of all diners as the selection in the massive spread rangers from Malaysian, Western, Chinese, Japanese, Indian to Middle Eastern delicacies. The buffet also features all-time favourites complete its host of appetizers, soups, hot dishes, desserts and beverages.

Diners who would like to give Middle Eastern cuisine a try may opt for tantalizing choices such as Spring Lamb on the Spit with Rice, chicken or Lamb Shawerma (kebab), Dajaj Lafat (Baked Stuffed Chicken) and Kofta Bil-Tahina (Lamb Ball in Tahina).

One of the major highlight of this year;s Macam-Macam Ada are the Indo-China delicacies, with a wide variety of appetizers, flavourful choices of soups, ravishing spread of main dishes and mega buffet of desserts. With twenty one beautifully prepared cold dish and appetizers, such as Kong Phak Cher (Prawn Salad with Bittergourd) and Ma-Kak fruit salad (Kedondong with Smoked Fish), it will be no surprise if you are done too soon. So, save more room and make sure to try out the main dish too like Moan Ang (Marinated Chicken on Bamboo Skewer), Tear Tim (Steamed Duck with Vegetables Stuffing) plus more than forty different dishes for you to choose from. All this selections, and add in thirty five more choices of sweet desserts, all originated from Indo-China countries.

Enjoy daily selections of Chinese Cold Cuts and other appetizers such as Ikan Terubok Goreng, Houmus, Moutabil, Tabolah, in addition to a wide variety of Salads such as Kerabu Salai, Kerabu Kacang Botol, Kerabu Assam Mango, Ulam-ulaman, Gado Gado, Karedok, Urap and many more.

Bubur Pedas, Paru Goreng Rempah, Daging Rendang with Lemang, and are just some of the local Ramadan specialties available at Macam-Macam Ada. Popular Indonesian dishes like Ikan Goreng Sans Cabek, Pendeng Balado, Pepes Ikan Mas, Ayam Plecing, Daging Balado, Opor Ayam Keluwak, plus twenty four more hot selling items are made available especially for Macam-Macam Ada.

A delicious selection of soups and broths includes Sup Rawa, Soto Ayam, Sup Buntut, Soto Ayam, and Soto Madura, served fresh and steaming hot. BBQ lovers can choose to have their dishes barbequed ala Chinese, Western. or local style with selections such as “Meisan” Roasted Chicken. Braised Duck with Brown Sauce, Sirloin Steak, Seafood Panggang and Satay Ayam, Daging and Lamb.

Macam-Macam Ada also caters for the vegetarians with selections such as Potato Samosa, Vegetarian Spring Roll, Wok Fried Lo Han, Changkuk Manis Masak Lemak & Labu, Tumis Sayuran, and a selections of Steamed Pau. Indulge in the wonderful flavours of Indian cuisine like the all-time favourites, Briyani Rice with Condiments, Tandoori Murg, Roti Naan, Garlic Naan, Papadom, Aloo Gobhi, and Dhal Vegetables.

An abundance of attractive desserts are just waiting to be picked and savoured, ranging from international to local delights such as Creme Caramel, Ais Kacang, Sago Gula Melaka, Bubur Pulut, Pastries, as well as a host of local and Nyonya kuih-muih.

Attractive prizes are up for grabs when you dine at “The Original Macam Macam Ada”. Stand a chance to win the grand prize, a 42 inch LCD Television plus a fantastic holiday package, inclusive of return tickets for two and accommodations. Simply drop off your gift certificate stub into out Lucky Draw Box at the main lobby. Weekly draws are done every Monday while the Grand Draw will be on 29th August. Priced at RM80++ per person, the buffet is available daily the Poolside Pavilion from 1st - 29th August 2011.

Apart from the glorious Macam-Macam Ada Ramadan Mega Buffet, the hotel is also offering the ‘Ramadhan Stay In’ room package as well as a Ramadan Meetings Package. The Ramadan Stay in Package starts at RM180++ for 2 days 1 night accommodation, buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children, and a complimentary signature dish at the Meisan Restaurant. For the Ramadan Meetings Package, a half day meetings package starts at RM20++ per pax while a full day package is from RM80++ onwards. With considerations to the fasting Muslim guest, those who did not utilize their high tea will be entitled to a complimentary The Original Macam Macam Ada Ramadan Mega Buffet dinner voucher. The Ramadan Stay in package is valid from now till 5th September 2011 while the Ramadan Meetings Package is valid till 31st August 2011.

Bookings for The Original Macam Macam Ada as well as the Ramadan Meetings Package can be made by calling the hotel at 082-42 3111 while those interested to take up the attractive Ramadan Stay In Package can contact their Central Reservations Team at 082-418911.

Due to a lot of travelling lately, most food we’re sharing are from outside of Sarawak. That’s why you don’t get to see much about eateries in Kuching for the moment not until things are settled.

Had the opportunuty to go to Johor Bahru and took the chance to visit the largerst shopping mall in Johor, KSL City Mall.

Decided to dine at a restaurant called Old Inn Restaurant. They serve all types of cuisines.

The menu is very colourful and surely entice poeple to order the food. Let’s see what we had ordered:

Unagi Bibimpap - RM13.90

Tori Bibimpap - RM10.90

Tori Teriyaki Don – RM9.50

Old Inn Restaurant
Address: LG33, 33A, Lower Ground, KSL City Mall, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor.
Phone: 016-7477533

TOAST @ WORK has similar concept to Kaya & Toast here in Kuching.

Went to TOAST @ WORK at Food Junction which is in Bugis Junction during the Singapore trip.

Ordered chui kueh, forgot how much. The sambal was pretty spicy but the chui kueh itself wasn’t that bad.

Kuching used to have very good chui kueh but it’s hard to find now. Anyone knows where to get good chui kueh in Kuching?

Do you know Singapore Chicken Rice has a new branch?

It’s located at Hock Lee Shopping Centre, easily located, just near the main entrance.

The interior is quite different than other branches.

It’s so colourful and divided into sections with different designs.

You can see 3 different interior designs in this post alone.

As usual, the food we ordered… No prices and exact names available because forgot to keep track of ofthem but the pricing and naming are similar in every branch.

Steamed chicken rice.

Roasted chicken rice.

Mushroom noodle (this isn’t the exact dish name but these two words can be found in the actual dish name).

Dumpling chicken noodle (hope the name is correct).

Mixed vegetables, could find 2 prawns in there.

There you go… The latest branch of SCR in town. I think it’s the biggest branch too.

满堂金（Golden Hall Cafe）is located at RH Plaza.

Some of the chef recommendations：

Marmite Chicken Wing（RM6.80）, Beef Soup（RM6.80）Pork Leg RiceRM6.80）, Mutton Soup（RM6.80）, Chicken Baked Rice（RM7.80）, Sweet Sour Mango Fish Fillet Rice（RM6.80）, Beef Baked Rice（RM10.80）, Tom Yam Mee Hoon Seafood Soup（RM6.80）、Beef Bolognese（RM10.80） and more…

Tom Yam Mee Hoon Seafood Soup, it’s quite thick, just see the photo here and you can feel the thickness. If you like spicy food, maybe you can try this.

Chicken Baked Rice.

Wondering which part of RH Plaza? It’s near Taka.

Station One Leisure Cafe is finally open. It’s located Hills shopping Mall.

As usual… Everyone flocked to the new place.

You can perform here if you like.

Station One opens till 3am! They do serve various types of beer, so you can hang out with your friends till the wee hour enjoying some beer.

Station One Menu.

Many types of drink for you to choose from too.

Watermelon Juice (Large)－RM 4.00

Baba Rendang Chicken Rice – RM 13.90

Marinara Spaghetti Seafood – RM 13.90

Snacks 2 Share – RM 18.90

Mega Combo Grilled – RM 24.50

Chicken Maryland – RM 14.90. You can choose Station One sauce, Mushroom or Black Pepper sauce.

New Zealand Lamb Cutlet – RM 22.90

Station One Leisure Cafe
Phone/Fax：082-240 492
URL：http://www.station1.com.my
Facebook：http://www.facebook.com/StationOne

Heard of The Secret Sanctuary Boutique Cottage?

The location is at The Secret Sanctuary Boutique Cottage Taman Stutong Indah.

This place has 5 types of guest rooms for you to choose if you plan to visit Kuching and want to stay here.

The place is very unique. I’m sure you will experience a different feel when you’re here.

They have various spa facilities for you too.

Nice right?

Very unique right?

Only ordered Heineken to chill out there. You can always order food there. They have wide selection of food for you to choose. You can check out their website for more details: http://www.thesecretsanctuary.com

The Secret Sanctuary Boutique Cottage Kuching (古晋秘密保护区别墅酒店)

Address: 133, Lorong 12A, Jalan Setia Raja, Taman Stutong Indah, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak.

Tel: +6082-363001

Fax:+6082-364044

I’m sure Boulevard Shopping Mall is no stranger to Kuchingites. Also, I’m sure one can easily find the food court there too.

It’s not a big one but it’s always packed during meal hours. There are varieties of stalls selling many types of food from Chinese to Malay to Indian food.

This was taken during dinner time. Let’s see what we had ordered:

Xian chao ice dessert

Seafood soup (RM5.50 inclusive of rice. No rice, RM4.50)

Foochow wet fried noodle (RM5)

Exclusive for readers of the blog, get 10% off for the Xao Luck Fest & Steak Your Claim when you quote the following code: OCTPROMO10

Grand Margherita Hotel is having special treat you this October. For an entire month, starting from 1st October onwards, step out in style and dine in an ambiance of exclusivity with Steak Your Claim, happening for both lunch & dinner from Monday to Thursday at the Orchid Garden Coffee House. First, it’s “Steak Your Claim” that is happening at Orchid Garden Coffee House. You can choose to dine here from Monday to Thursday for lunch or dinner. It’s a wonderful opportunity to savour air-flown steaks, freshly flown in after being aged for at least 60 days. Executive Chef, Ricky Kong explained that while we are accustomed to having steaks ‘as it is’, a steak, when aging, dry and wet with the later being more prevalent. When beef is aged, enzyme action relaxes muscle tissue, resulting in meat that is both tender and juicy.

Char-Broiled Elephant Rib - RM28.50++

Char-Broiled T-Bone - RM35.50++, if you need more flavours, you can opt for various sauces available:

Sarawak Black Pepper Sauce, Homemade BBQ Sauce, Mushroom Sauce, Dijon Mustard or English Mustard. Each portion comes with French fries, baked potatoes, onion ring and either the option of garden vegetables or salad bowl.

Char-Broiled Fillet Steak - RM38.50++

Next, it’s the Xao Luck Fest. Meisan Restaurant delivers its own package of culinary surprise this October. Titled “Xao Luck” Fest or Chinese Barbeque Fest, Chinese Barbeque Chef, John Lee will be presenting his version of Asian Gourmet, showcasing his specialty of assorted Chinese barbeque recipes.

Among the dishes to order include the Meisan Twin Barbeque Combination that allows you to have the best of both worlds with a selection of 2 types of meat in a single order. Chef John had also specially designed a few exciting dishes worth trying for this promotion. One of the dishes is the Combination of Honey Glazed Chicken Charcoal & Roasted Duck as well as the Roasted Chicken Fillet Top with Tuna Mantau. There’s also the Diced Beef Marinated with Aged Tangerine Peel as well as the Crispy Roasted Chicken with Fragrant Spicy Sauce. Chef John also recommends diners to try the Chilled Chicken Cutlet Sauteed with Spicy Garlic Sauce as well as the Roasted Duck Fillet & Duck Floss ‘Cantonese’ Style. With his specialization in Chinese barbeque, Chef John’s exciting line up of ‘xao luck’ recipes is a promotion not-to-be-missed as it happens this whole month for lunch & dinner at Meisan Restaurant.

Oven Baked Honey Glazzed Chicken Roll RM 10（small） ｜ RM 20（medium） ｜ RM 30（large）

Combination of Honey Glazed Chicken Charcoal & Roasted Duck RM 28（small） ｜ RM 36（medium） ｜ RM 68（large）

Roasted Chicken Fillet on Prawn Crackers RM 36（half）｜ RM 60（whole）

Please call  Grand Margherita Hotel at 082-423 111 extension 1109／1158。 For more enquiries about the October promotion, the hotel’s F&B department can be reached at ext 1109/1158.