Pitcher Plant for Food

Recently my blogger friend David visited Kuching and I suggested that he should visit Serikin. There are so many things to see and buy there. So off he went, he was definitely impressed with the hundreds of things sold there by the Indonesians. Serikin is near Indonesia border. The Indonesians come over to Sarawak on weekends to ply their ware. It ranges from Pitcher plant food for rm1 to rattan mat which is a favourite among the Malays from West Malaysia.

You can bargain with them till the cows come home. They are friendly folks but the weather there is really hot. You need to go early to see more things, shop, bargain and look around. It is an exciting place. Sort of like Little Bandung market.

What is Pitcher Plant? Well, it is a Meat Eater Plant , carnivorous plant. It is also called Monkey Cup. Its scientific name is Nepenthes.

Insects that fly or crawl are attracted to the cavity formed by its cupped leaf. The sides of the pitcher plant are slippery and insects that fell in usually cannot comb out. There are some liquid inside the pitcher plants that traps and drowns the insect. The body will gradually dissolve. The body dissolves tue to enzyme secreted by the plant or by bacteria action washed into the pitcher. Some pitcher plants contain mutualistic insect larvae, that feed on the trapped prey whose excreta the plant absorbs. The prey items sre then converted into a solution of amino acids, ammonium, urea, phosphates and peptides. The plant relies on the mineral nutrition for survival. Pitcher plants grow in places where the soil is lacking in minerals or too acidic for the plants to survive.

Coming back to our Pitcher Plant, it can be easily found in jungles of Borneo. The photo is taken from Bako National Park as my friend David went hiking on the Bako Trail.

If you are interested to go to Serikin, you can book the tour with us here:  4D3N Kuching & Serikin Shopping Tour

Abell Hotel with the addition of Carvery Restaurant & Bar.

IT’s hard to miss Abell Hotel when you’re in Kuching.

Besides occupying a prime spot in the city centre, the hotel has a warm, earthy exterior that exudes a residential feel, giving would-be guests a small preview of what to expect inside – an inviting and conducive environment amidst a sleek, fresh, chic and contemporary interior.

The floors of this boutique hotel, which opened its doors last month, are boldly assigned with bright, lively colours while the 80 well-appointed guest rooms are conceptualised with simplicity and functionality in mind for comfort and convenience.

“The vibrant colours, depicting Malaysia’s vibrant culture and culinary heritage, are fused into our cosy guest rooms, funky lobby, multi-purpose function room as well as the Carvery Restaurant & Bar,” said general manager Christopher Tan.

He pointed out that all rooms were well sized with modern amenities such as flat screen televisions, plush 350-thread count bedding, invigorating rain showers in the bathrooms and complimentary wireless Internet with views of either the shopping district of the city or miniature rock garden on all its floors.

“We are also proud to be an entirely non-smoking hotel as we strive to provide our guests with a comfortable stay in a clean, smoke-free environment.”

The hotel’s attraction is none other than the Carvery Restaurant which has relocated from its old premise in Pending.

The restaurant, one of the top dining spots in town for the past decade, continues to live up to its name with its signature Brazilian churrascaria buffet dining concept.

Dining here typically begins with the restaurant’s signature creamy mushroom or vegetable soup, and the self-served hot and cold salad bar which offers wonderfully fresh greens that go beyond the staple iceberg and romaine lettuce.

Expect to find imported crisp arugula leaves, oak leaves, juicy cherry tomatoes among the range of salad mixes available as well as ready-made salads such as potato salad, green pea and corn salad, and coleslaw, to name a few.

Then it’s time for the meat course to commence much like a typical churrascaria, meaning Brazilian steakhouse. Guests are treated like royalty as passadors or meat waiters come out to serve from table to table with knives and skewers of various cuts of specially seasoned and slow-roasted meats, prepared specifically in the Brazilian barbecue churrasco style.

A selection of 14 air-flown premium quality meats and seafood all grilled to perfection will be served one at a time, including roasted lamb leg, lamb chop, rump steak, mussels, smoked beef, beef ribs, fish fillet, turkey ham rolls and an array of plump, juicy sausages.

The best among these delightful selections are the roasted lamb leg bursting with smokey and peppery flavour, beef ribs where the texture remains sufficiently tender and the rump steak, served perfectly at medium rare to create a flavoursome cushion-like bite.

To go with the meats and seafood, a variety of sauces such as black pepper, mushroom and mint are available but even without these condiments, the meats are perfect eaten on their own.

A quirky little feature at Carvery is a chip bearing the words ‘serve me’ on the green side and ‘thank you’ on the red side, given to diners at the start of their meal.

“The carvers will continue to serve guests unless the latter show the red ‘thank you’ side of the chip, signalling to the carvers to stop once the guests are done,” Tan explained.

Every meal is given the five-star treatment in the restaurant’s quest to provide a top-notch dining experience, and given the food and impeccable service, it’s no wonder the restaurant continues to be packed since its opening last month.

Pioneering yet another concept for its diners, Carvery has added a Butcher Counter offering wide choice of premium meats such as chilled USA beef, baby lamb rack, Wagyu beef, foie gras and New Zealand salmon steak, all at reasonable prices.

“Guests can make their choice of meat or seafood from our Butcher Counter and prices will be based on the weight of the meat or seafood they have selected,” Tan said, adding that guests could opt to have their selection grilled to perfection, accompanied by trimmings and salad or as  takeaway to be grilled at home.

“The Carvery dinner buffet, priced at RM56 per person, is also available for lunch with nine selections of delectable meat and seafood at RM38 per person.”

For those who aren’t meat lovers, the Carvery’s Salad Buffet is available at RM28 per person. There is also an ala carte menu with a good range of favourite appetisers and main courses.

The presence of Carvery Restaurant is a big plus for Abell Hotel which itself is fast becoming the choice of business and leisure travellers with its affordable rooms, high quality service and  prime location that allows easy access to shopping malls and sightseeing, tours and activities.

Make reservations to dine at Carvery by calling 082-239449.

Source: The Borneo Post 8 May 2011

Headless Pigeons hanging on Clothes Peg

Today, i was not exactly hungry but feel like eating something. and Yes, I know that is bad for health. Eating when you are not hungry.

So, I went to 101 PRemier which is very popular and one of the most happening places in Kuching right now when it comes to hawker food.

As i was surveying the stalls, from the corner of my eye, i suddenly caught sight of orange cloth pegs. and Lo and behold! i see headless pigeons hanging there.

The sight did not spur me to order some as they sell in set of 2. RM10 for two, and I did not feel like having 2 pigeons after my dinner.

These are some of the interesting food that you can find in 101Premier.  the stall also sells Muar Otak-Otak. Not Brains mind you but the Otak-otak that comes wrapped in pandan leaves with sambal in it.

Their otak-otak surprisingly is wrapped in popia skin. Very small piece. They sell in set of 4 piece for rm4.Deep Fried with sambal inside. Very small piece though. tiny bites to whet your appetite.

Is Meal really an Art?

Today is the third time i am visiting this Taiwanese restaurant called Meal Art, in Jalan Song, just beside Bamboo Restaurant in Jalan Song here, it is located beside One Jaya Shopping Mall.

This little unassuming air-conditioned restaurant is clean, spacious, airy and simple in their decor. The food price is reasonable. They serve Taiwanese dishes.

The one that i particularly like is their pork belly with rice cooked in chinese herbs or their beef noodles. I like the taste because i can taste that there is not a lot of ajinomoto in the dish. The taste is just nice, not too salty, not too heavy on the tongue. Price wise is also not expensive. I could order a meal from rm4-rm6.90. Considering that the place is air-conditioned, the price is sure Value for Money.

I will upload an image for you to see soon. They serve jelly black tea, honey tea and etc. Go check it out if you are in the area! I am sure you will like it too.

Christmas Noodles with Love

Delizze whip up its Delicious Western Fare for Kuchingites

Just had a sumptuous dinner at Delizze Restsaurant at 101 , Jalan tun Jugah. It is a 2 storey restaurant, more like a Brasserie serving sandwiches, pasta,pizza, cakes, pastries and others.

I ordered Grilled salmon, mixed sausages in a pack ( they charge another rm2 to prepare it for you), clam chowder soup and my friend had marinara pasta. The food comes in quite a filling portion. Meaning it is not too little but European portion. The owner who is a chef is a westener who had married  local lady. I would give thumbs up for the grilled salmon. The pasta was ok and the sausages were quite tender and juicy.I also had a coke and the whole bill came up to over Rm80.

I think the price is not too expensive and not cheap either but for the portion served, it is quite  worth your money as I find the taste of the food pretty all right.

You can choose to sit indoor - air-conditioned or outdoor with their relaxing wooden chair  or even high whicker chair and puff away while you indulge in their german sausages.

Go check it out if you are around the area.

Nasi Tumpeng from Indonesia at Pullman Hotel Kuching

This photo shows Nasi Tumpeng, originated from Indonesia.It is a very popular dish for all occasions. It looks presentable and from the photo it looks delicious if you are a nyonya food,indon food or spicy food fan like me. THe yellow cone shaped rice looks very mouth watering, accompanied by side dishes to complement it, ie. fried chicken with spices, fried egg with shrimp paste, pickled vegetables and more.

I will be checking it out in the next few days and let you know of my verdict.

If 14 chefs made you an offer…. can you resist the temptation?

It is that season of the year again, the muslims fast for 1 month during this Ramadan and this is the time where you can find dozens of variety of food of your choice available all at one place. from hawker stalls in Satok to 5 star hotels. This is also the time where we must watch our weight and watch what we eat.

I was at Pullman hotel recently and saw their 14 stations all lined up outside their Puzzle restaurant at the balcony area. Go check it out and break your fasts there if you are a muslim. If you are a non-muslim, just check out the variety of food there to satisfy your food desire.

Bon Appetite and if you are a muslim, Selamat Berbuka Puasa!

Pullman Hotel Kuching August Promotion

The Little Hainan Chicken Rice in Kuching

Recently, my mother introduced me to The Little Hainan. Whenever anyone mention Little Hainan, what comes to one’s mind? The Hainanese Chicken Rice or the charcoal toasted bread splattered with kaya and butter.

So we arrive there and I surveyed the surrounding environment. Pretty cozy. The place is well decorated too. I like the place. I ordered their reknowned Hainese Chicken rice. It came in 3 mini balls of rice complete with chicken and pickles.

Now, those balls of rice looked familiar. I remember eating similar concept of balls of rice being served in a coffee shop in Ipoh town and Melaka too I believe.

Well, the dish looked tantalizing and I suddenly enjoyed the food. I have also tried their “Kou-Bak” ( stew pork) previously and it was good but when I ate there the second time, I find the meat a bit tough though. Having said that, I still think the place is worth a visit if you happen to be around third mile or Jalan Keretapi. It is located at a corner of a shoplot and just opposite KTS block of Apartments, near 3^rd mile Mc Donald restaurant, Kuching.

Famous Kuching Layer Tea Gaining Popularity?

Did you know that chicken rice is the most popular dish among Malaysians in general? It’s a complete meal and cheap, complete with meat and vegetables and a small bowl of soup. The meal costs merely rm4 or more depending on where you go, from coffee shop to a nicer air-conditioned restaurant .
Well, today I was eating at the franchise Chicken Rice Shop in Kuala Lumpur when suddenly something on the table caught my attention. Right there, I saw a drink menu with the drink title, Famous Kuching Three Layer Tea.

Being a Sarawakian, I was impressed and no doubt PROUD. Hey! There is a drink here called after our little cat city. I drank the drink for the first time last 2 months. It has a mix of coffee, tea,sugar and milk. The restaurant is charging rm4.50 for the drink here in Kuala Lumpur.
If you have never tried the drink, I recommend that you try it and you may just like the drink. You may even try making such concoction at home.
Now, who will be the next millionaire to create an instant Kuching Special Ice Tea in a packet ? By the way, remember to trade-mark it or else someone may just become the next millionaire at your expense. May I charge you for my 5 cents worth of advice?

Delicious Home Cook food with Homestay in a Secret Garden

Recently I was cruising around Kampung Siol Kandis looking for an Orchid Café that everyone has been talking about. I heard that their Nasi Goreng Kerabu (originated from Kelantan) is a “to die for” and a must try.

Upon reaching the lush garden café, I was greeted by the owner, Kak Rom, a personable and affable lady. She led me through a small path that goes through a garden that is filled with orchids and lush green shrubs. Her little café is surrounded by flower garden and the landscaping being done by Kak Rom herself.

I glanced through the menu and saw that they serve some of my favourite dishes here, nasi lemak, penang assam laksa and the much talked about Nasi Goreng Kerabu Kelantan. I had ice lemon tea and nasi goring kerabu Kelantan. This is the first time I tried nasi goring keraqbu Kelantan though I have tried nasi kerabu in Kuala Lumpur before. I must say, this dish is really delicious. After you have eaten this nasi goring kerabu, all other type of fried rice, be it yong-chow fried rice, nasi goring kampong or nasi goring ikan bilis or even nasi goring special will all pale in comparison to this nasi goring kerabu. It is the taste of the herbs that has been stir fried together with the rice that makes the taste so special. According to Kak Rom, the herbs are planted in her garden. She planted several type of herbs in her garden. I call it the secret garden because it seemed so hidden away in Kampung Siol Kandis.

After tucking in to a luscious meal, I ventured around her secret garden. She has several chalets and cottages built around her garden for homestay. Her house is just beside the garden.

Imagine waking up in the morning to the melody of birds singing and be surrounded by a garden instead of the sound of traffic in the city. You walk a few steps down towards the café and be served with her hot homemade breakfasts. Then off you go venturing into the cat city.

Come back in the evening and be greeted by the smell of good food cooking. Have a scrumptious dinner and then relax away in the evening with a karaoke session or get a lift to the Food Centre just a few minutes drive from her place. The food centre is located just beside the Sarawak River, right opposite The Waterfront in the city. That is where Grand Margherita Hotel is located. You need to take a sampan to get to the waterfront from this side of the village. Enjoy a giant glass of teh tarik while taking in the surrounding scenery.

I like this homestay because Kak Rom is an easy going person and also because the homestay is located away from city. It is great for a quiet relaxing time. Kak Rom has different rates for her homestay cottage according to their size.

Go check them out. I am sure you wont be disappointed and remember to order Kak Rom’s famous Nasi Goreng Kerabu!

Sour Brinjal or Terung Dayak

Sour Brinjal, or better known as Terung Dayak, is a kind of plant that is edible. It is yellow colour and is round . it is popular amoung the locals for cooking sour dishes like assam sour fish, sour soup and etc.When the locals cook it, they like to put chilli into the boiling soup, you get a sour and spicy taste at the same time.

You cannot find it anywhere else except in Sarawak or perhaps Sabah too. I did not think much of it until I had dinner with a West Malaysian friend the other night. She commented that she has never tried the sour brinjal and was rather intrigued with it. As we grew up eating those vegetables, we do not think much of it. So when she brought up the issue, I decided to share with the world the unique vegetables that can be found in our backyard.

so when you visit Sarawak on your next trip, do remember to buy some home or just try the vegetables in a restaurant. I will try to find a recipe for you SOON!

This is indeed a unique Sarawak vegetables found only in Borneo!

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