Kuala Lumpur - I brought Edmund to SS2 DKing and it was crowded with people mostly from Mainland China. They came by bus loads and events was held especially for them to enjoy.
We chose 2 medium sized durians priced at RM68/kg. Each durian costs around RM95 and it was of very good quality - tasted sweet and delicious.
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| Musang King |
Despite bus loads of China people at this durian staff; we found a table and enjoyed our durians.
Kuala Lumpur - Dining is more than just a meal, it’s an experience. And at Benihana KLCC, dinner transforms into a full-blown performance, a lively display of skill, humour, and flames that mesmerises from start to finish. My dinner there with Edmund was one of those unforgettable evenings where food and fun blended seamlessly — an experience that was as much about laughter and showmanship as it was about flavour.
Located in Suria KLCC, Benihana is the kind of restaurant that immediately draws your attention. The interior is sleek and modern, yet warm, with the signature open Teppanyaki stations taking center stage. The sizzle of the grill, the rhythmic clang of metal spatulas, and the bursts of laughter from diners set the tone the moment we walked in.
Each table surrounds a large iron griddle, where the Teppanyaki chef becomes both cook and entertainer. It’s dinner and a show, rolled into one — and from the very first course, the evening promised excitement.
Our dinner began with a cold salad of tofu, lightly dressed in soy and sesame. The smooth texture of the tofu paired beautifully with tiny crisp greens — a refreshing start that set the stage for what was to come.
Next came smoked tuna, delicate and fragrant, with a subtle hint of sweetness that lingered on the palate.
Before the main act began, we were served a small sorbet to cleanse the palate — light, icy, and refreshing, a thoughtful transition before the sizzling performance began.
Then, the magic started. Our Teppanyaki chef arrived, spatulas in hand, radiating charisma. From the very first clang of his utensils, it was clear that this would be no ordinary meal. He cracked jokes, twirled his spatulas like batons, and created flames that leapt dramatically from the grill.
When the fire show began, the entire table gasped and cheered — the golden flame lighting up our faces. The chef played to the crowd effortlessly, turning the art of cooking into entertainment. Every move was precise yet playful
At one point, I leaned over and told the chef, half-jokingly, that it was Edmund’s birthday — even though his actual birthday wasn’t until October 12. Without missing a beat, the chef grinned mischievously and announced to everyone at the table that we had a birthday celebration in progress.
Within minutes, he crafted a birthday “cake” out of apple strudel, complete with decorative touches drawn on the grill using sauces. As he sang a lively “Happy Birthday”, the other diners joined in, clapping and laughing.
Edmund’s face said it all — sheer surprise followed by laughter. It was spontaneous, funny, and heartwarming — a small moment that made the evening even more memorable.
After the laughter died down, the chef began the main sequence of dishes. First came the Beni Onion Soup, made with a hearty onion broth and served alongside an edible onion “flower.” The flavours were earthy and comforting — a traditional start that contrasted beautifully with the drama of the performance.
Then came the vegetable volcano, the same onions that had just been part of the fire act now stir-fried together with chives, cabbage, and shiitake mushrooms. The vegetables retained their crunch, enhanced with just enough seasoning to let their natural sweetness come through.
The the main course, the grilled salmon with crispy skin and deep fried garlic. It was delicious.
Next, the aroma of butter and garlic filled the air — it was time for the garlic fried rice. Watching the chef prepare it was half the fun: he cracked eggs onto the hot grill, mixed in minced garlic, butter, and rice, then tossed it skillfully using only his spatulas. The result was rich, smoky, and irresistible. The butter shoyu lent a savoury umami depth that made every bite addictive.
Just when we thought the show was over, our chef had a challenge for us. He handed us his spatula and invited us to toss an egg into the air and catch it — a classic Benihana trick.
Sounds easy enough. In reality, it was pure chaos. The first toss, the egg slipped off the spatula and hit the table. The second attempt wasn’t much better. By the third, we were laughing uncontrollably as yet another egg rolled off the edge.
The chef cheered us on the entire time, clearly enjoying our clumsy attempts. Then came the next challenge — he cut small pieces of bread, tossed them high into the air, and we had to catch them in our mouths. Once again, our success rate was… questionable. But it didn’t matter. The laughter echoing around the table made the moment unforgettable.
Finally came dessert — a sweet ending that, for me, leaned a little on the sugary side. Still, it was beautifully presented, completing the meal’s full arc from light appetizers to hearty mains and indulgent sweetness.
Edmund, however, was in for another surprise — a second dessert, this time presented by the restaurant staff. They returned to our table carrying another sweet treat, singing “Happy Birthday” once again, this time with an even bigger grin from Edmund. It was over-the-top in the best way — and the perfect ending to the evening.
Benihana KLCC delivered far beyond my expectations. From the engaging chef and the playful antics to the perfectly executed teppanyaki dishes, every moment was filled with delight. The freshness of the ingredients, the flair of presentation, and the personal touches made it truly memorable.
As we stepped out of the restaurant and into the shimmering night lights of Kuala Lumpur City Centre, I couldn’t help but smile — knowing that this was one dinner both Edmund and I would talk about for years to come.
Kuala Lumpur - I am going for lunch by myself and sometimes the best meals are the simplest ones with rice, meat, vegetables, broth; all cooked with care in a single claypot. I made my way to Jalan Ipoh Claypot Chicken Rice, a street restaurant now celebrated in the Michelin Guide, to try their signature dish.
Situated along Jalan Ipoh, this unassuming eatery has gained recognition for elevating a humble Malaysian classic. Their specialty is claypot chicken rice cooked over charcoal, bringing out a smoky richness and deep flavor. The Michelin Guide listing underscores the consistency and quality of their preparation. Local food bloggers and guides also praise their attention to detail; charcoal heat, well-balanced seasoning, and ingredients chosen for freshness and harmony.
The ambiance was modest and the weather was hot and sunny. I focused on the food rather than fancy décor. At a street-level shop in a busy part of Kuala Lumpur, it’s the kind of place locals frequent.
This was the star of the show. The chicken was tender and well seasoned, infused with the charcoal’s smokiness without being overpowering. The rice had a lovely crust at the bottom of the claypot. The prized “wok hei” equivalent for claypot rice, while still being moist and flavourful. The Chinese sausages added a sweet-salty contrast, giving bursts of umami in each mouthful. The interplay of textures—meat, soft rice, chewy sausage that made each bite meaningful.
The kai lan (Chinese broccoli) provided freshness and a slight bitterness that balanced the richness of the claypot dish. Blanched just right, they retained their crispness and vibrant colour, offering a nice palate reset between heavier bites.
The ice herbal tea (Lou Han Kuo) was a refreshing finish. Slightly sweet and cooling, it soothed the palate after savoury bites. It’s a smart pairing, providing comforting, cleansing, and complementary to the main dish.
What makes Jalan Ipoh Claypot Chicken Rice exceptional isn’t just its technique, but its consistency, balance, and respect for tradition. Many places attempt claypot rice, but few nail that smoky aroma, the rice texture, and the right seasoning without overdoing salt or oils. Here, they deliver that balance.
Moreover, recognition from the Michelin Guide gives confidence to new diners that this place is more than a hidden gem; it’s worthy of attention. My meal cost me RM25.
Kuala Lumpur - Dinner with friends is often about more than food; it’s about conversation, connection, and savouring good company over dishes that make you pause with appreciation. That’s exactly what my evening with Donny and Edward at One Gourmet Restaurant in Kota Damansara felt like: a perfect balance of comfort, familiarity, and culinary delight.
Located within walking distance from their office, One Gourmet Restaurant has earned a reputation among locals for serving high-quality Chinese cuisine that combines homely flavours with fine-dining presentation. The restaurant’s sleek modern décor and comfortable ambience make it a great choice for business lunches, family gatherings, or casual dinners that feel just a little bit special.
We decided to go with their promotional menu featuring Grouper with Black Fungus and Bean Curd, along with a few of their signature dishes. Every plate that arrived at the table reflected the chef’s careful attention to texture, flavour balance, and presentation.
This was the highlight of the evening. The grouper, sliced delicately and cooked just right, was remarkably fresh; firm yet tender, with that clean sweetness only fresh fish can deliver. The black fungus added an earthy crunch that contrasted beautifully with the silky smoothness of the homemade bean curd.
The light brown sauce tied everything together—savoury but not overpowering, allowing the natural sweetness of the grouper to shine through. The subtle aroma of ginger and garlic complemented the dish perfectly, giving it both depth and balance.
It was a dish that spoke of experience in the kitchen: classic Chinese technique executed with finesse. The freshness of the fish was unmistakable, and it was evident that the restaurant takes pride in sourcing quality ingredients.
Next came One Gourmet’s signature homemade beancurd, and it lived up to its reputation. The beancurd was incredibly soft inside, with a thin golden crust outside. It was topped with mayonnaise. The teddy bear is not edible.
No Chinese dinner feels complete without a classic like sweet and sour pork, and One Gourmet’s version was one of the better renditions I’ve tried in a while. The pork cubes were lightly battered, crisp on the outside and juicy within, tossed in a tangy sauce that struck the right balance between sweet and acidic.
The sauce clung perfectly to each piece without being overly sticky. The bell peppers and pineapple added freshness and texture, ensuring every bite had a little burst of flavour. It’s a nostalgic dish that evokes memories of family dinners, yet at One Gourmet, it felt refined with less greasy, more balanced, and beautifully plated.
After several rich dishes, the stir-fried Kai Lan were a refreshing change. The vegetables were vibrant green, crisp, and glistening lightly from the wok. You could tell they were cooked over high heat to retain their natural crunch and flavour.
The seasoning was simple with garlic, a touch of salt, and a dash of superior stock; but that simplicity was its strength. It complemented the richer flavours of the other dishes perfectly and provided a healthy, satisfying balance to the meal.
Finally came the Fried Rice with XO Sauce, a dish that brought everything together. The rice was perfectly separated—each grain coated with a hint of the spicy, umami-rich XO sauce made from dried scallops and shrimp. The aroma was intoxicating, and the taste was layered with gentle heat and savoury depth.
It’s the kind of fried rice that’s both luxurious and comforting at the same time—each mouthful delivering bursts of smoky XO richness. A perfect finale to an already delightful dinner.
What made the evening special wasn’t just the food—it was the combination of good flavours and good company. Sharing dishes with Donny and Edward felt like a reunion of sorts, where conversation flowed easily over steaming claypots and sizzling plates.
Bogor - I decided to have lunch at Dapur Solo, a well-known Indonesian restaurant chain, at Botani Square Mall. It turned out to be a satisfying culinary experience that combined comfort, tradition, and just the right amount of indulgence. It was just a walking distance from my hotel.
Botani Square is one of the most popular malls in Bogor, conveniently located along Jalan Pajajaran, not far from the iconic Bogor Botanical Gardens. As a modern shopping destination, it has become a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, offering a mix of fashion outlets, supermarkets, lifestyle stores, and a wide variety of restaurants. On weekends especially, the mall is bustling with families enjoying a day out, couples strolling from shop to shop, and students hanging out at the many cafés.
For me, the mall was the perfect stop after a morning of sightseeing. With its cool air-conditioning and diverse food choices, Botani Square offered a welcome break from Bogor’s busy streets. Among the many dining options, I chose Dapur Solo, eager to enjoy some traditional Indonesian dishes.
The story of Dapur Solo is a fascinating one. What began as a small home business founded by Hj. Swan Kumarga in the 1980s has since grown into one of Indonesia’s most respected restaurant chains specialising in authentic Solo cuisine. The founder’s vision was simple yet powerful: to introduce the rich culinary heritage of Solo (Surakarta), Central Java, to a wider audience, while keeping the flavours true to tradition.
I decided to try the sop buntut (oxtail soup), one of Indonesia’s most beloved dishes. From the very first sip, I could tell it was prepared with care. The broth was fragrant, infused with a blend of spices that gave it both depth and warmth. The oxtail itself was incredibly tender, the kind of meat that falls off the bone with little effort.
What made the soup truly addictive was its balance, it wasn’t overly heavy, yet it was rich enough to make you savour every spoonful. I found myself finishing the entire bowl, enjoying the way the spices lingered on the palate. Sop buntut at Dapur Solo is definitely a dish I would return for.
The second dish I ordered was gado-gado lontong, my favourite Indonesian dish that never disappoints. Gado-gado is essentially a mixed vegetable salad topped with a creamy peanut sauce, and the lontong (compressed rice cakes) makes it more filling.
The peanut sauce at Dapur Solo was especially good; smooth, nutty, and just the right balance of sweet and savoury. It coated the vegetables and lontong perfectly, elevating the dish into something far more satisfying than a simple salad. Every bite was fresh yet hearty.
Bogor - From the moment I arrived, I was swept up by the energy. The street was packed—vendors arranging their goods, locals queuing for breakfast and the irresistible aroma of sizzling dishes filling the air. Suryakencana is not a quiet street; it thrives on noise, colour, and movement. Everywhere you turn, there is vegetables and fruits being sold, chicken and fishmongers hawking their produce and the whole place was chaotic.
For breakfast, I stopped at a modest bakso mie stall. The crowd around it was enough to tell me I was in the right place. Bakso mie is a beloved Indonesian dish that combines bakso (meatballs) with mie (noodles), often served in a rich broth with vegetables, tofu, and sometimes fried dumplings.
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| Bakso Mie |
The bakso itself was flavourful. The meatballs were firm yet tender, made from a mixture of beef and tapioca flour that gave it that signature springy bite. The noodles were simple but satisfying, soaking up the savoury broth perfectly. Sitting on a wooded stool, I felt completely immersed in the local rhythm of life.
Suryakencana is more than just a food street; it is also a place steeped in history. Bogor’s Chinatown dates back to the Dutch colonial period, when Chinese traders and settlers played a vital role in the city’s economy. Over the centuries, this area became a hub for commerce, religion, and cultural exchange.
Even today, you can still see traces of its heritage. Traditional Chinese shophouses line the street, many with faded yet beautiful architectural details. Temples and shrines add a spiritual layer to the neighbourhood, standing as reminders of Bogor’s multicultural roots. Walking through Suryakencana feels like stepping into a living archive of Bogor’s past, where the stories of migration, resilience, and cultural blending continue to unfold.
Bogor - After a long, refreshing walk around the lush Bogor Botanical Gardens, I ended my day at the Bogor Zoology Museum, a fascinating space filled with stories of science, colonial history, and Indonesia’s incredible biodiversity.
The Bogor Zoology Museum, or Museum Zoologi Bogor, is located just beside the main entrance of the Botanical Gardens, making it an easy last stop after exploring the greenery. The museum has an illustrious history that dates back to 1894, when it was founded during the Dutch East Indies colonial era.
It was Dr. J.C. Koningsberger, a Dutch botanist and zoologist, who first established the museum in August of that year. Originally, it began as a small laboratory in the corner of the Botanical Gardens—then called Lands Plantentuin. Over time, it grew in both size and importance, becoming a center for zoological research in Southeast Asia. Today, it covers 1,500 square meters and houses one of the most extensive collections of fauna specimens in Asia.
Walking through the museum, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of how knowledge and curiosity bridged centuries. It started as a colonial laboratory has now become an invaluable educational and cultural treasure for Indonesia.
The Bogor Zoology Museum is divided into 24 rooms, all carefully maintained at 22 degrees Celsius to preserve its delicate specimens. The range of collections is nothing short of impressive:
Insects: Over 12,000 species and 2.58 million specimens, neatly displayed in glass cases. From colorful butterflies to beetles, the sheer diversity is astonishing.
Mammals: Around 650 species with 30,000 specimens, ranging from small rodents to larger animals that showcase Indonesia’s diverse habitats.
Poultry (Birds): About 1,000 species and 30,762 specimens, reflecting the archipelago’s reputation as a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Reptiles and Amphibians: 763 species and nearly 20,000 specimens, including snakes, lizards, and frogs that represent the tropical rainforests.
Mollusks: Nearly 13,146 specimens of shells and other sea creatures.
Invertebrates: More than 15,558 specimens, capturing the often-overlooked diversity of marine and terrestrial life.
The most breathtaking exhibit, however, is the blue whale skeleton. Stretched across the hall, this massive skeleton is the largest of its kind in Indonesia. Standing before it, I felt both humbled and awed, it was a stark reminder of the grandeur of life beneath the ocean’s surface.
Bogor - Nestled in the heart of Bogor, West Java, lies one of Indonesia’s oldest and most iconic green sanctuaries — the Bogor Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Bogor). Known for its sprawling 87 hectares of curated greenery, colonial heritage, and scientific importance, the gardens have stood for over two centuries as both a living museum and a place of retreat for locals and visitors alike. On my recent morning walk through this national treasure, I was reminded not only of its natural beauty but also its historical depth and the quiet stories that unfold as one wanders through its grounds.
Staying at a hotel near the western side of the gardens, I expected a straightforward entrance. But as I learned, there is only one main entrance into the Botanical Gardens, and unfortunately, the hotel’s front desk was not familiar with the details. While the West Gate was physically closer, it was closed to public entry, and so I had to walk nearly 10 minutes further around to reach the official entrance. There were many people running or walking the perimeter of the Botanical Gardens. There is a Rp 15,000 entrance fee.
Though slightly inconvenient, this extra walk had its charm — it gave me a chance to see the bustling streets surrounding Bogor’s most famous landmark.
Once inside, the first landmark that immediately captures attention is the Istana Bogor — the Bogor Presidential Palace. This elegant white building, with its classical European architectural influence and sprawling lawns, is one of six presidential palaces in Indonesia.
As a visitor, I was only allowed to admire it from the outside and take photographs. Still, even from a distance, the palace exudes a sense of grandeur and calm. Originally built in the mid-18th century as the residence of the Dutch Governor-General, it later became one of the favourite retreats of Indonesian presidents. Its white pillars, long corridors, and serene surroundings reflect both history and power.
From the palace, I continued my walk toward the Bamboo Forest, a tranquil area that feels like stepping into nature’s cathedral. Towering bamboo stalks arched overhead, their rustling leaves whispering in the breeze. The light filtering through the thick clusters created an almost spiritual ambiance — cool, quiet, and grounding.
This area reminded me of similar bamboo groves in Asia, yet it carried a distinctly Indonesian character. It was easy to imagine why such spaces are often considered sacred and calming. Walking under the shade of these living pillars was one of the most peaceful moments of my morning.
A short walk away, I came across one of the gardens’ more unexpected landmarks — the Dutch cemetery. Dating back to colonial times, this cemetery holds the remains of Dutch officials, scientists, and their families who once lived and worked in Bogor.
Though modest in size, the weathered tombstones stood as silent reminders of the layered history embedded in these gardens. Surrounded by greenery, the cemetery felt less eerie and more like a quiet archive of lives intertwined with the history of Bogor and Indonesia’s botanical legacy.
Walking across the Botanical Gardens is no small task. Covering nearly 87 hectares, it can feel like a journey across an open-air museum. The paths are long and winding, shaded by massive trees that are themselves centuries old.
While the gardens offer many picturesque corners, they are also showing signs of age. Wooden panels and benches in some areas were rusting or broken, suggesting that the site could benefit from major renovation and upkeep. Despite these shortcomings, the gardens still exude a timeless charm, the kind of place where history, nature, and culture blend seamlessly.
Further along, I reached the Teijsmann Garden, a section named after Johannes Elias Teijsmann, the Dutch botanist who served as curator of the gardens for more than 50 years in the 19th century. Under his leadership, the Bogor Botanical Gardens expanded their scientific research and introduced numerous plant species from across the Indonesian archipelago and beyond.
The Teijsmann Garden serves as both a memorial and a celebration of the role he played in making Kebun Raya Bogor a world-class botanical center. Walking through it, I felt a sense of gratitude for the dedication of early botanists who preserved, studied, and expanded Indonesia’s rich plant diversity.
Among the more surprising features of the gardens is the Cactus Park, which showcases a variety of cacti from around the world. Standing amid Bogor’s cool and humid climate, the sight of desert plants was striking.
The collection, though modest, highlighted the global connections of the gardens, emphasising their role not just as a local retreat but as part of a broader international network of botanical study.
Perhaps the most poignant moment of my walk came when I stumbled upon the memorial of Lady Olivia Marianne Raffles, the first wife of Sir Stamford Raffles, who served as the British Lieutenant-Governor of Java. Lady Olivia died in Bogor in 1814, and her memorial stands within the gardens as a quiet testament to love, loss, and colonial history.
Simple yet elegant, the memorial brought a human touch to the grand narratives of empire and botany. Standing before it, I felt connected not just to the history of the gardens but also to the deeply personal stories embedded within its landscape.
Kuala Lumpur - I brought Edmund to SS2 DKing and it was crowded with people mostly from Mainland China. They came by bus loads and events w...
