Hari Raya Celebration with Nasi Kerabu Kelantan

Hari Raya had almost coming to the end and it's like a weight-gaining season for me as I had been invited for 3 potluck lunch organized by Malay colleagues and lastly an event which has authentic Kelantan cuisines. Nevertheless, I feel glad to have opportunity to taste so many Malay cuisines during this festive season. According to Kelantanese friend, Nasi Kerabu and Nasi Dagang are the famous dish in Kelantan. Since I had tasted Nasi Kerabu for thrice for this Hari Raya month, hence I would like to have a review on this Kelantan dish.

Nasi Kerabu Kelantan

Kerabu is Malay salad with a mixture of herbs, vegetables and fruits. Therefore, Nasi Kerabu kelantan is also named as Kelantan's Herb Rice with salads. Nasi Kerabu Kelantan is a healthy dish with well balanced of meats and vegetables. By gazing at the photo below, it's obvious that Nasi Kerabu needs a tedious preparation of the ingredients. The rice is dyed blue by drenching the rice in water with dried butterfly-pea flowers for 10 minutes then lemongrass.

The butterfly-pea flower is shown in below photo.

Slicing vegetables is another preparation work whereby cucumbers and cabbages are cut into slices. The grated coconut are fried into brown color, then please keep these coconut flakes till the temperature is cooled down, and mix the coconut flakes with some sugars.

With the basic Nasi Kerabu, it can served with these side dishes/accompaniments:

• Prawn crackers
• Grilled chicken/ tumeric fried fish
• Boiled salted egg
• Sliced vegetables such as cucumbers, bean sprouts and cabbages
• Basil leaves, lemongrass [ optional ]
• Coconut flakes 
• Kuah tumis 
• Coconut sambal (sweet shredded coconut blended with fish chunks)

Tambun Pheah, Pong Pheah,Tow Sar Bing, Hong Pheah @ Him Heang 馨香餅家; Burma Road,Penang

Penang's 2nd bridge

Bye, Penang!

Penang Island is famous for the variety of cuisines such as assam laksa, hokkien mee, curry noodles, duck meat koay teow soap and lots more. The Penang specialty biscuits should not be forgotten to be purchased as souvenirs or snack. It's plausible to say that majority who go to Penang Island will definitely purchase some tau sar piah (豆沙饼) which is also named as Tambun Biscuits to bring back home. There are many bakery shops which sell Tambun biscuits with the famous biscuits brands as Ghee Heang 義香餅家 and Him Heang 馨香餅家.

Him Heang 馨香餅家has only an outlet which has 3-stories height, located at Burma road and you can’t miss it because there are usually cars queuing outside. The operation hour of Him Heang 馨香餅家 is 8.30 till 5pm and I would suggest to make a call to order the biscuits before going there. My family had been gone back home with disappointment for few times due to the Tambun biscuits were completely sold out and it was not even the off-hour.

During the recent visit, we had a long list of orders of Tambun Biscuits for our family, colleagues and relatives, hence we had made an appointment and order in advance. The staff of Him Heang 馨香餅家 had informed us to come before 3pm otherwise the ordered biscuits would be letting go for other customers. Fortunately, we reached Him Heang 馨香餅家 on time.

Our shopping haul at Him Heang were well shown in the following photos:

The famous salted bean paste biscuit/Tambun tau sau peah 豆沙饼 (32pcs) per box.

The tambun biscuits were served hot and just baked from oven, hence the fillings were very fresh.

The crust was crispy and each round biscuit was stuffed with soft,fragrant green bean paste that had stirred fried with lard.

Pong Pheah (清糖饼) which came in a box with 6 packages.

It's my sister's favorite biscuit in which the filling is made of sugars.

The crust was crispy and flaky and the filling was not over sweet.

Sweet lotus paste pastry (RM 4.80)

Tow Sar Bing ( RM 3.80)

 咸豆沙饼

Finely ground mung beans with sprinkles of deep fried onions were the savory filling of this Tow Sar Bing.

The biscuits retained their freshness for several days without refrigeration.

I had quickly grabbed one to eat after bringing the biscuits home.

The fragrant of freshly baked pastry was mesmerizing and irresistible, each bite of it was yummy!

Lotus Paste Biscuits 莲蓉饼

The fillings were well balanced with the right level of sweetness and the texture very soft and melted in mouth easily.

Other specialties of Him Heang was Heong Peah which had the savory fillings made from brown sugar and molasses, two well-known healthy foods for the diet and health conscious.

That's my all-time favorite pastry from Him Heang.

So, what's your favorite biscuits from Him Heang?

Well, the downside is the increased price, yet I still like their pastry very much for the taste and quality.

Address:

162A Jalan Burma

George Town, Malaysia

Tel: 04-228 6129

Teow Chow Seafood Restaurant @ Bukit Sri Bintang; Kepong

We thought of heading to Klang for delectable and fresh seafood on the first day of Eid Mubarak festival (Hari Raya Puasa) in Malaysia. However, the thought of heavy traffic had made us changed our minds and chose to go to KLCC bookfest. Expecting a breeze drive on the road to KLCC, yet it was not a good decision-making as the metropolitan residents and foreigners (mostly Bangladeshi) had been chosen to go to the same destination as us.

As the seafood dinner plan had compromised, we chose to dine at Teow Chow Seafood Restaurant which specializes in seafood cuisines which are served fresh with reasonable price. The seafood here were transferred from Kuala Selangor dock after freshly caught and some were from Sekinchan. The crowds were spotted when we reached there at 6.30pm.

Lady luck was with us as there was a table unoccupied and we quickly place order with the owner's recommendation. 

Clams in Kam Heong Style

Clams in Kam Heong Style was the first dish to be served with strong aroma.The briny and sweet flavours of clams pair perfectly with the fiery bird’s eye chilies, onions and gingers. None of the clams were stale and most of us were constantly grab for more.

Deep Fried Mantis Prawn in Gong Bou style

The deep fried mantis prawns were crunchy, flavorful and juicy. Well, fried foods hardly go wrong right? I had spoonful of the deep fried mantis prawns and still tempted for more.

Steamed Garoupa Fish in Teo Chew Style

The well steamed fish with tomatoes, sliced gingers, bean curds and chili were served hot. Exquisite dish is my comment to this dish!

Stir-fried vegetables as the last dish

This appetizing dinner costs RM 99 , serving 6 person satisfactorily. We shall re-visit to try the famous crab dishes in future.

The other food we had ordered in Teow Chow Seafood Restaurant were shown as per below:

Bean curds with minced pork.

奶油虾婆  * recommended *

Balacan Kangkung

Lemon chicken
Well marinated yet the portion of this dish was considered small for 6 pax.

Restaurant details:

Teow Chow Seafood Restaurant

No. 17, Jalan 3/36,

Bukit Sri Bintang,

Kepong,

52100 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 012-2961124/ 012-6351124

Top 10 Things to Do in Krabi;Thailand | Krabi 5 Days 4 Nights Itinerary

After having a year of toiling blood, sweat and tears over work, it's time to plan a short getaway. I used to envious of the expatriates who are able to pack their luggage and apply leaves for 1-2 months without losing their jobs after returning from holidays. Anyway, 5 days 4 nights of hopping on a flight to Krabi; Thailand was a nice getaway for me. December appears to be a month which is suitable for us to visit to Thailand due to its great weather (with bright sun).

Apart from sharing my 5 days 4 nights itinerary spent in Krabi, I present to you my list of things to do in Krabi; Thailand:

1. Stroll along Ao Nang beach and enjoy the sunset

There are few famous beaches in Krabi such as Ao Nang Beach, Railay Beach and Nopparat Thara Beach. Ao Nang beach which is the nearest beach to our stay, becoming a great base from which to explore the surrounding region during the 1st day we touched down at Krabi. The soft,white sand beaches, beautiful sunset view and the long-tail boats contribute a picturesque view of Ao Nang beach.

The long-tail boats as transports for surrounding secluded bays and islands. 

One of the greatest shots of Ao Nang beach

2. Krabi 4-Islands Hopping Tour by Long-tail boat

Based on website, there are around 200 islands around the Krabi coastline, many are small rocky outcrops that rise precipitously out of the sea and have no landing access. Others are larger and uninhabited with the white sand beaches, crystal clear seas, coral reefs, and intricate cave. No trip to Krabi is complete without visiting the famous islands which are surrounded by crystal clear seas and coral reefs. There are many islands hopping tours such as Phi Phi Islands, Lanta Island, 4 islands tour, Hong Islands and etcetera.

Our choice of Krabi Islands tours were Hong Islands Hopping Tour and 4 Islands Tour. The 4 islands tour by long-tail boat include Phra Nang Island with the cave, Tup Island, Chicken Island and Poda Island. You can stroll along the white, sandy causeway linking Koh Tap and Koh Mor which appears during the low tide. Plenty of activities you could have enjoyed during the islands hopping tour such as swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and of course taking photos! 

3. Krabi Hong Islands Tour by Speedboat

Compared to long-tail boat, speedboat which accommodates lesser people able to reduce waiting time and travel faster to the islands. You may enjoy kayak-ing/ canoeing  activities at Hong Island. I think it's fun to glide through shallow water and explore around caves inaccessible to larger boats. I'm captivated by Hong Island's spectacular rock formation and the beautiful scenery of lagoon. 

Hong Islands

Read the blog posts of my Hong Islands Hopping Tour and 4 Islands Tour.

4. Hop onto Tuk-tuk

At Ao Nang beach, there are small minivans (tuk-tuks) and motorbike sidecar taxis (samlor) everywhere. You can choose to hop onto Tuk-tuk after negotiating the price and it will take you to most places in the local vicinity. While you are in Krabi, try to hop onto the tuk-tuk once and enjoying the breeze while sight-seeing. 

5. A Visit to Khlong Thom District- Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Waterfall

In the southern part of Thailand named Khlong Thom District, the famous Emerald Pool is also called Sa Morakot has been recommended to be visited when come to Krabi. It has been listed in Unseen Thailand.The natural blue-green color of the Emerald Pool was contributed by the mixture of bacteria, mineral and lime stone solution. It takes about 45 minutes to reach this pool and you may just able to take around 30 minutes to enjoy drenching under the Emerald Pool before returning to the meet-up place.

The Hot Spring Waterfall; Namtok Ron is located approximately 8km from the Emerald Pool with natural hot streams flow through the jungle, cascading down several small waterfalls with the aid of rock formations that creates at least 5 “jacuzzis” before dropping into a colder little lake. Nah.. it's claimed that you will have smoother skin after drenching under hot springs for 30-45 minutes.

6. Food-hunting

Eat and play remain the main activities when you come for trip. I've even written a blog post namely 7 Places to eat in Krabi and Adventure of Krabi Street Foods, listing the places which I had been visited.

1. Tanta's Restaurant

2. Wine V Bar and Bistro * recommended *

3. Mom's Restaurant

4. Lae Lay Grill Restaurant * recommended *

Mango sticky rice

5. Rain House Duck Noodles * recommended *

6. Ao Nang Street Market * recommended *

7. Chao Fah Pier Night Market in Krabi Town * recommended *

7. Visit and Explore Krabi Temples- Tiger Cave Temple and Wat Kaew Korawaram

The Tiger Cave Temple; Wat Tam Seua is considered by Krabi's Bhuddists to be one of the most sacred sites in the province of Krabi. I had the fallacy to think that there are tigers in this temple or the temple has belief in tigers. In fact, there isn't a single tiger in this temple, but a few rock formations resembling tigers' claw.

The entrance

The lower level before ascending to the mountain

There are over 1,200 jagged steps. The climb is a bit strenuous and it takes about one hour or more to reach the hilltop. Well, my friend; JSY and I did not manage to climb up to the hilltop and we stopped by at the staircase to rest while enjoy the scenery. The given time was rather short for me to climb up and hike down the staircase. 

The monkey grabbed the water bottle to drink water.

Among 12 of us in the van, only few managed to make it to the hilltop to view the “footprint of the Buddha” and the largest bell tower in southern Thailand.  One of the foreigners who came all the way from Russia had used 45 minutes to climb to the hilltop and he mentioned that he could hike even faster if no taking photos during the journey. Incredible!

To view more photos, you may click this website to view what's on top of the Tiger Cave: https://yolomomonthego.wordpress.com/2015/01/19/krabi-thailand-wat-tham-suea-tiger-cave-temple/.

Another sight-seeing tourist area is the white temple; Wat Kaew Korawaram located in Krabi-town city centre. A grand staircase with dragon sculptures with a large;white temple as background.

Behind the temple is the city's art museum, which is also worth a visit.

8. Krabi City Tour- Khao Khanap Nam, Giant Black Crabs statue, Elephant Statues, Street Art

Unlike the busy Ao Nang region, Krabi City is more tranquil. It would be better to stay at Ao Nang for the 1st time visitor to Krabi. We dropped by Riverside to have photo taken with Khao Khanap Nam and Giant Black Crabs statue. We spent less than 30 minutes at Vogue Department Store and nothing much could be bought there. Krabi Premium Outlet Village could be a better choice for having shopping hauls. 

The Monkey traffic light

Krabi's street art with the beautiful paintings were on the walls of a school.

Elephants 

Mud Crab Statues

Krabi Riverside with a photo taken with Khao Khanap Nam; the two mountains that are roughly 100 meters tall, separated by Maenam Krabi and located at the entrance to Krabi Town. 

Krabi's 1st km started from here

9. Pamper yourself with massage sessions!

Thailand is notable for its cheaper price of massage and body treatment session compared to Malaysia. The walking distance to the long stretch of massage huts had become a benefit for us to drop by after islands hopping tour. The 1st night we had the foot massage at 180 baht per person. Well, it wasn't the best foot massage as the women kept talking non-stop while massaging our feet.

There are plenty of massage parlors along Ao Nang Beach where you can get a variety of services (foot and shoulder massage, body massage, oil massage and etc.) at affordable prices. You could negotiate the prices before entering the massage shop/hut. We had experienced heavenly body massage on the 2nd day we were back from 4 Islands tour. The soreness and tiredness seem to be rubbed away with the powerful hands of masseurs who had kneaded and pressed our soles/calves with firm force. 

10.  Have cozy chats with your loved ones with Thailand Snacks and Beers

Last but not least, you shall spend splendid time to have some cozy chats with your friend, lover, the life partner or family after the day tours. Thailand snacks such as seaweeds, Lay chips, squids and Thai beers such as Chang and Singha are the great companions during your cozy chats with the loved ones.

Chang classic beer

I had a great chat session during the 1st night with my lovely friends!

Krabi 5 Days 4 Nights Itinerary

Day 1

• Checked in Varendah Hotel at 4.30pm
• Strolled along Ao Nang beach and enjoyed the sunset
• Had dinner at Tanta's Restaurant
• Experienced the 1st massage session at Ao Nang
• Supper and cozy chat session at Wine V Bar and Bistro

Day 2

• Picked up by minivan towards Krabi 4-islands hopping tour
• Had dinner at Mom's Restaurant
• Body Massage 
• Strolled along Ao Nang Street

Day 3

• Picked up by minivan to Khlong Thom District
• Visit Tiger Cave Temple
• Emerald Pool 
• Lunch at Canteen area of Emerald Pool
• Hot Springs Waterfall
• Dinner at Lae Lay Grill Restaurant
• Food and souvenirs adventure at Ao Nang Street Market

Day 4

• Picked up by minivan to Krabi Hong Islands Tour
• Had tea-break at Ao Nang stall
• Packed luggage to leave to Krabi Town Hotel
• Discover Krabi city
• Had dinner at Chao Fah Pier Night Market in Krabi Town
• Visited fruit markets in Krabi Town
• Shopped for local snacks and instant noodles

Day 5

• Breakfast at nearby restaurant in Krabi town
• Window-shopping at Vogue Department Store
• Dropped by to have photos with Khao Khanap Nam, Giant Black Crabs statue, Elephant Statues, Street Art
• Visited white temple; Wat Kaew Korawaram 
• Enjoyed local recommended food- herbal duck noodles at Rain House Duck Noodles 
• Last minute shopping at Krabi Premium Outlet Village.
• Bid goodbye to the Krabi Tour tour-guide and traveled back to home.

Other blog post you might be interested: Hua Hin Travel Guide