The Hungry Hog

3 Little Pigs (RM15.90)

More porky joints mushrooming in the town, ho ho ho! I first discovered The Hungry Hog via 4Square where I saw a friend, Hsu Jen checking in. Curiousity then drove us here (actually this was quite a while back, and since it's opening in June this year, many have visited this joint and reviewed about it).





Everything about this porky joint is minimal and simple - from the location (pretty well hidden within SS15 Subang), to the decoration, food presentation and menu. The 3 Little Pigs caught our eye, name probably inspired by the '3 Little Pigs' children story. This signature burger is made up of a porky patty, streaky bacon, ham, caramelised onions & melted cheese. Simple, yet delicious.


Homemade Pork Sausages (RM11.90)

We also tried the Homemade Pork Sausages which is delish too, and can get quite filling as well. The affordability for all walks of life - from college students to office workers who wants to indulge in a bit of porky goodness during their lunch and dinner time is a plus point too.

My next visit will warrant a try on their acclaimed siew yoke and desserts!



The Hungry Hog
71, Jalan SS15/4C,
47500 Subang Jaya,
Tel: 012-225 0877
Business hours: Daily except Mondays (12:00 - 2:30pm; 6:00 - 10:00pm)
http://www.hog.my


* Visuals by iPhone 4

[Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. Please don't sue me, I don't have money. Kthxbye.]

Hyotan Japanese Restaurant

Sake rack; Smoked Salmon Calpaccio- RM24; Kani Karaage Spiky Roll- RM16, Ocha Pot- RM4

True to the economics basics of demand & supply, there is a particular street in Subang Jaya that is mushrooming with Japanese restaurants due to a large Japanese community presence there. To be honest, I don't remember any Jap companies setup in Subang... so where did all these people come from then?

But I digressed.

Besides the hugely famous and popular Rakuzen (believe it's one of the earliest outlets around), there are a few others side by side on the same street overlooking Subang Jaya Medical Centre. By far, I've visited Rakuzen, Ryu Men Tei, Sumi-Ka and Shun (another street within same vicinity), and adding to the list is Hyotan. The rest are still in the list of Jap places I 'aspire' to visit but reading some reviews on these restaurants already burnt an imaginary hole in my pocket.


Chirashi Sushi Set- RM38

Besides eggs and potato, Japanese food is my comfort food too albeit being an expensive one (most of the time). I love my salmon sashimies and cold soba, sometimes an agadeshi tofu or soft shell crab maki will make my day, but often times diggin' in into some cold raw cuts or sushi pieces is all I need to feel better. At Hyotan, food is not overly great, and prices are not quite affordable (it was about RM100 for this meal incl taxes), but it is better than Ryu Men Tei and definitely doesn't need a pre-book like Rakuzen. You still get a little bit of that Japanese feel but that's just about it. For RM50/head, I think I'll go to Hanazen @ Jaya One instead.

Well, here's one for the spirit of 'never try, never know'. Kanpai!


Hyotan
No.63, Jln SS15/5A,
47500 Subang Jaya.
Tel: 03-5636 0326/ 0328

[disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. please dont sue me, i dont have money. kthxbye.]

Sumi-Ka Yakitori

Satumaimo (baked sweet potato)- RM8; Oyakodon (chicken with egg on rice)- RM16

Taking a change from the usual Japanese fare, my sisters and I tried a Jap place that specializes in yakitori instead. It's hidden on the first floor of a row of old shops in SS15, Subang. Easily missable but perhaps that's the beauty of it and why it's called a 'hidden gem'.


From Top Left- Gyutan (beef tongue)- RM6; Nankotu (chicken soft bones)- RM4; Gyuniku miso and Pirikara Gyumiso (beef ribs with hot/ miso sauce)- RM9; Mentaimaki (pork slice with mentai)- RM10; Tukune orosipongu (chicken meatball with orosipongu)- RM4; Kawa (chicken skin)- RM3; Ika (squid)- RM4; Teba (chicken wings)- RM5

There're a variety of yakitories available from the parts that you don't usually eat (soft bones??, beef tongue??) to the more normal grilled skewer items like beef ribs, chicken wings, squids etc. The beef tongue is a recommended item, I like the chicken wings too and the chicken skin never taste this good.

But...
Pricey? Yes.


Restaurant Sumi-Ka
No.19, Jln SS15/4,
47500 Subang Jaya.
Tel: 03-5632 9312

[disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. please dont sue me, i dont have money. kthxbye.]

Pao Xiang BKT

Bak Kut Teh in bowls not claypots- RM9.50 each; Mini fried crullers- RM4; Choy Sum with oyster sauce- RM8.50

For many of us, BKT is a comfort food. Most often than not, when we run out of ideas on what to eat or something that will please everyone (excluding non-Muslims, vegetarians, and non-pork eaters of course) BKT comes into mind.

Good BKT is hard to find. The really good ones are often hidden in the outskirts of Klang or somewhere else unconvenient (my favourite one is at Pandamaran but I haven't been back for a long time since I don't know the way), the mediocre ones are sprawling everywhere but there are also the bad ones with no herbal taste and diluted broth!

In my humble opinion, Pao Xiang is the name to be reckoned with when it comes to BKT at above mediocre taste and convenience. Originated from Tmn Berkeley Klang, the so-called 'Land of BKT' you can find a Pao Xiang outlet in Subang, Pavillion, 1 Utama, Puchong, Centro Mall... etc. Price-wise, it's affordable too if you do not wish to share, as they have set meal options at RM9.90. Ambience wise, the setting is clean and well ventilated, so if you have been eating mediocre BKT and sweating at the same time, perhaps it's time to try Pao Xiang!

Ok, taste-wise... we had a serving of Luan Kuat (soft ribs?), Sum Chan Bah (3 layers meat?) and intestines and managed to lick the bowls clean. The soup is thick and herbalish and comes heated too. The mini fried crullers are a recommended order as well as they taste different than the normal ones used for BKT.

Overall, it was a pleasant visit and I will definitely return if I am craving for this porky cuisine.


Pao Xiang Bak Kut Teh
No. 56, Jln SS15/4,
46500 Subang Jaya.
Tel: 03-56211779

[disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. please dont sue me, i dont have money. kthxbye.]

La Cocina @ USJ

Baby Squid in Cream Sauce- RM11.90; Baked Mussels with Cheese Tapas- RM9.90; Caramelised Rich Custard- RM7.50

La Cocina has been in USJ Taipan for ages, but I have never gotten around to pay it a visit until few days ago. It was a pretty quiet Wednesday night at the restaurant. We ordered 2 tapas to try- Baby squid sauteed with shallots, garlic, herbs and cream sauce. The sauce was creamy and compliments the lightly toasted bread well. The mussels were claimed to be from New Zealand and was cooked in tangy spanish sauce and baked with cheese, I could taste something like pesto sauce though.

Negres Paella (2 pax)- RM66

Our main objective was to have the Negres Paella or in simpler description- Spanish rice cooked in black ink squid, large prawns, shrimps, fish fillets, squids, mussels, clams and vegetables. The portion was just right for 2 persons' consumption. It was a different taste of sorts compared to the normal paella. Do not let the blackness scare you as it is quite tasty and the prawns were very fresh too.

We had wanted to order one of their desserts but were told that it was unavailable. To our surprise, the waiter brought to our table a Caramelised Custard (similar to Creme Brulee) and said it was complimentary on the house. Wow, a penny saved from desserts!

We would definitely return to La Cocina for their other tapas. They are also currently having some combo promotion, for i.e. Paella and Tapas combo. Do check it out!


La Cocina
38, USJ 9/5P,
UEP Subang Jaya.
Tel: 03-8023 2395
www.la-cocina.com


[disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. please dont sue me, i dont have money. kthxbye.]

Kobe Gyu Taku Yakiniku & Steak

Kobe Gyu Yakiniku & Steak

After a bit of scavenging in my drawer, I found the receipt to this... it was dated Aug 19th 2009! So this review is almost 6 months overdue haha. To make things worst, I actually went there on their first week of opening (as you can see in the pic- congratulatory flower stands) but am now probably one of the latest to write on this :S Anyway, better late than never!

Yakiniku Teisyoku (BBQ Set)- RM28

This new (ok not so new, by now...) Japanese restaurant specializes in BBQ- the Jap way, rather than your usual Jap restaurants which has a variation of sushies, sashimies, bento sets etc. The meat selection are skewed towards beef, so if you don't/can't take beef, my advise is this is not the restaurant for you. Luckily for me, I LOVE beef! I had the cheapest Yakiniku Teisyoku set, which comes with the usual sides- kobachi, kimchee, vege salad, rice, beef tendon soup and a few raw beef cuts.


Grill it the way you like it!

As with Korean BBQs or the usual all you can eat buffet BBQs, you can grill your dinner the way you like it- rare, medium rare, medium well, well done etc. I like my beef to be medium, not too well done while still retaining some of the juices and pinkish meat. The grilled meat was tender and yummeh. The juices from the meat complements the rice very well too.


Seats- Tatami or chairs?

You can also choose to have your dinner the authentic Japanese way of Tatami-ing or proper table and chair. Either way, the ambience of the restaurant is very inviting and cosy.


Cheeeeeeers!

The only grouse I have is the prices are a bit too steep for the normal lunch/dinner affair. However, it may be another new 'hangout' joint for the Japanese expatriates who are known to patronize the Jap restaurants around Subang Jaya.

*I'm trying out a new photo editor. Let me know if you guys prefer my photos to be 'fancy' or unedited :)


Kobe Gyu Taku Yakiniku & Steak
No. 52, Jalan SS15/4,
47500 Subang Jaya,
Selangor.
Tel: 03-5638 2923

[disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. please dont sue me, i dont have money. kthxbye.]

Snowflake Taiwanese Dessert Secrets

Snowflake Taiwanese Dessert Secrets

Dessert places are mushrooming everywhere but I have never really been to one proper dessert place except the overrated KTZ. My friends recommended this humble little shop in Subang which specializes in Taiwanese desserts.


Beeping UFO

The first time I saw this beeping device was in Perth. This is especially useful for self-service places, where you order, pay and then wait for your food/drinks to be ready for collection. Yes, it beeps and vibrates to let you know your desserts are ready!


Snowflake Bestseller- RM5.50
Grass jelly + Grass jelly ice + Taroballs + Creamer


Grass Jelly Ice Series- RM4.90
Barley + Pearl

My friends recommended the Snowflake Bestseller. After a hot steamboat dinner, the dessert was a delightful, refreshing end to a meal.



This is the first time I had Taiwanese desserts. I know it's weird to see creamer being added into such desserts but actually it was pretty good.



I especially love the taro balls as they are chewy and provided me some jaw exercise, much similar to eating glutinous rice balls.

I would recommend Snowflake and the Bestseller dessert to anyone :)


Snowflake
No.61A, First Floor,
Jalan SS15/8A,
47500 Subang Jaya,
Selangor.
Tel: 017-623 8966

[disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. please dont sue me, i dont have money. kthxbye.]

Best Chap Fan Award

New SS15 Subang Jaya market

This is a little deviation from the ongoing Perth posts as I'm too tired (from yawning at work) due to having to wake up early and reaching home late due to the jams at Federal Highway. It seems like I can never get away from being stuck in the jams even after changing jobs. What's worst was yesterday when I made a wrong decision and ended up having to make a huge turnaround only to end up back at office area and endure the whole jam process again! Really frustrating!





If you've been hanging around Subang long enough (ie. was/being a student at the nearby school or colleges, or work nearby) you'll probably know the existance of the Awesome Chap Fan at the market or pasar as we would all call it. It is quite famous and has established itself as the place to go to if you're on a tight budget but not so tight stomach. This chap fan stall has been around for years and has probably fed many of the scholars and graduates around the SS15 area. It used to be under the shabby dodgy atap zinc area near the old market but has been relocated to a better and cleaner new market. Beware though as the regular stray cats are still lingering around...





What I like about the chap fan here is that it looks like a buffet and you can help yourself like you're on a buffet line but you pay nothing like the buffet. Pasar chap fan is known to be cheap but they don't compromise on the taste. The signature item on the buffet line is none other than the Fried Chicken which is a MUST HAVE. It is always fried fresh from the wok, so you know the fried chicken is warm, tender and crispy. You can almost spot everyone's plate having a piece of fried chicken.

Another favourite of mine when it comes to chap fan dining is the braised potatoes in soy sauce. I love anything potatoes and especially that dish as it goes very well with white rice.



After selecting all the dishes you want (dine-in or takeaway), you line up to this mak cik and she'll tell you how much and also ask what drinks you want. This mak cik, folks, is a legend herself. Her classic, legendary, signature lines that you'll always remember after eating here at least once, after ordering your drinks, are,

"Leng Chi Kang satuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu...."
"Hoi Tei Yeh satuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu...."

If you hear anyone speaking like that from far, it must be unmistakenly her. But other than that, she charges quite arbitrarily but not too expensive.


Sea Coconut Ice/ Hoi Tei Yeh- RM1


Leng Chi Kang- RM1

Though eating in pasar means saving on money, it can become quite a put off when the sun gets very hot. You'll almost be sweating as much as you'll be eating, so sometimes people don't quite like to eat here. But hey, isn't this the Malaysian experience? To 'counter' the heat, have a bowl of refreshing sea coconut or leng chi kang at only RM1 per bowl. These two are quite often the default drinks for most chap fan eaters here.


Chap Fan Sample #1

My friend had the above selection with a drink (can't remember what but it's not the default drinks) and he was charged something between RM4 to RM5 due to the fried fish. Prices have gone up for fish I guess...


Chap Fan Sample #2

Another friend had a simple meal of just a piece of fried chicken and some cabbage with curry gravy and a bowl of sea coconut. He paid RM2.70, which means the plate of rice is only RM1.70.


Chap Fan Sample #3

I had the above selection- braised potatoes, curry potatoes, long beans with brinjals, some pieces of sweet and sour chicken and a piece of fried chicken. I also had a bowl of sea coconut. I paid RM4.50. Quite a steal for the variety of food I had.

I'm just thinking, if chap fan stalls had to do accounting entries and their accounts have to be audited, I think they would fail terribly as there is no proper guidelines to dictate how much should three pieces of potatoes or a scoop of curry gravy or two chunk of meat patty cost. Some chap fan owners are just so horrible!



I really miss having my meals here but it's better now as I can still have chap fan and it's for free at the cafeteria! Heh. The good people from HR is bringing A&W to our cafe tomorrow though, so coney dogs, rootbeer float and curly fries for lunch tomorrow! Awesome!!


SS15 Pasar Chap Fan
Jalan SS15/8A,
47500 Subang Jaya.

[disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. please dont sue me, i dont have money. kthxbye.]

Ah May Noodles @ USJ 16

Growing up in the land of good hawker food (Ipoh) sometimes is not really a good thing. Why? Because our tastebud is so spoilt with good food, hence when I first settled down in this new land where fine dining and international cuisines are of abundance, it was both a good and bad thing. Good- fine dining and international cuisines, hello?? Bad- The local fu pei here is just pure beancurd skin, no fish paste :(

Ever crave for those lovely beancurd skin ('fu pei') just out of wok, fried to perfect golden brown, crispy , and *most importantly* with fish paste enveloped in it?

Like this.


Crispy golden brown fu pei freshly out of wok- 90 cents a piece cut into 3

Unfortunately this d'lish comfort food is not available in the menu, but because the owner is my aunty, this was complimentary on the house for us. After landing in KL for the past 7 years or so, I have noticed that 99% of fu pei sold here are just beancurd skin, just like those you dunk in bak kut teh. Most of the time, I don't really enjoy fu pei (or some call it 'fu chuk') with bak kut teh. So once in awhile, if we're lucky, my aunt will dish out some of her signature fu pei for us. The satisfaction is something money can't even buy!


Dry pan mee


Soup pan mee torn into bite size


Mix of pork balls and fish balls- 40 cents/piece

One of my regular orders whenever I drop by for brunch on Sunday would be the soup pan mee with the noodles torn into bite size. My absolute favorite style of the noodles as it is something special, rather than the usual slurping on long strand of noodles. My sister once brought us to Taman Berkeley in Klang for the famous 'meehoon kuey' and it was served like this, torn into pieces. I instantly fell in love with it, for in my humble opinion, it is the bestest I have ever eaten!

The dry pan mee fares okay too but I would say the pork and fish balls take centerstage. They are hand and home made with no preservatives (no melamine! Haha). Unlike some other places which sell fish balls that are either unfresh or soggy, my aunt's fish balls are tangy, springy and ingredients are always fresh! The pork balls are something our family enjoys too, most often we will takeaway the fish and pork balls as ingredients for our maggi mee cookouts on days when mom is too lazy to cook.


Pricing

Hope you had a great weekend folks!


Ah May Noodles
@ Restoran Vest Inn
Jalan USJ 16/2F,
Subang Jaya.

[disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. please dont sue me, i dont have money. kthxbye.]

European fare @ TJ Haus

How was your Raya holidays? I was told that Malaysia has the most number of holidays in the world (I don't mind hehe). True to Malaysian tradition, everything in work has been put off until "after Raya". That's the most commonly used excuse for the month!

"Eh, when want to deliver the goods?"
"After Raya lah..."

"Eh, when want to discuss this new project?"
"After Raya lah..."

"Eh, the invoice when can give me ah?"
"After Raya lah..."

"Eh, when wanna makan, take bath, drink water?"
"After Raya lah..."

Gawd, don't we all love this country and its people? Procrastination IS our forte :D

What better way to celebrate this joyous occasion with our Muslim brethren than to have a good meal? On Tuesday afternoon, Kenneth messaged me asking if I will be interested to have dinner with him, a few other mates we know and Mr Alex, their lecturer. I was tasked to find a good place for dinner, so as usual lah I'll do my 'research' online... and I found this "hidden gem" in the familiar neighborhood of Subang Jaya: TJ Haus @ SS18


Crispy duck (German style)- RM23
Grilled 1/2 duck to perfection with brown orange sauce, served with red cabbage and boiled potatoes, "chef's recommendation"!

Crispy duck, German style? Interesting... While I have had Pork Knuckles, German style before, this is something I have never tried. Listed under the poultry section, the crispy duck is done almost the same way as crispy skin chicken with pinkish crackers in those typical Chinese weddings. The only difference perhaps is, it is duck and the meat is much more tender and very flossy-like. The skin is crispy with a perfect golden brown tan, earning a high 8/10 rating from me. The only downside to the meal is the pairing of red cabbage as a side. The red cabbage salad had a strong sourish taste to it, I suspect there were hints of pickles with it. The boiled potatoes balanced my disliking for the vege as I love anything and everything potato!


Cordon bleu chicken- RM23
With seafood and cheese stuffings, curried cream sauce, served with butter rice and vegetable, "chef's recommendation"!

Our friend, Ivan had the Cordon Bleu Chicken which I found to be interesting. I have never seen any CB Chicken done in this style- with curried cream sauce and butter rice. From the picture, it looks more like a nasi campur meal eh.


Pasta a la carbonara- RM17.50
Spaghetti with beef bacon and mushroom in rich creamy sauce

QFung had the Pasta a la carbonara. Again, from presentation the pasta didn't look all too creamy and loaded with button mushrooms with bits of beef bacon. A pasta that is too creamy, a pizza that is too cheesy, or a bar of chocolate that is too milky is something we Asians are still finding hard to swallow. However, seeing that QFung had no problems licking the plate clean, I suppose the level of creamy-ness is acceptable :D


Lamb shank- RM24
In spicy BBQ sauce served with vegetables and mashed potatoes, "chef's recommendation"!

I showed Kenneth a link of a review by another blogger and he said everything looked so good that he didn't know what to order! He kept going, "Eh you know that picture on the blog... which one is that ah? Very nice wan..." I am not sure if it was Lamb Shank he had in mind but Lamb Shank it was that he ordered in the end. As written by the man himself, I quote "And as for the food, it was good, not fantastic, but good, and enjoyable."


Roast beef- RM29
With whole grain mustard sauce, roasted potatoes and vegetables

Last but not least, actually I am not too sure if it's Roast beef that Mr Alex ordered cos I didn't manage to catch what he said to the waiter. Assuming that it is, I think the dish looks too good to be eaten! Soft and tender beef roasted, just imagine the juices and meat that melts in your mouth, a burst of flavours! Again, roasted potatoes are potatoes and I love potatoes! I wouldn't mind trying this out the next time.

Ambience is very nice and homely. Felt somewhat like a place for family dinners, a small setting but excellent service. Parking is ample especially at night. TJ Haus is truly a hidden gem.

Other reviews:
The Bong Joint
Dig into authentic European Fare
Her Royal Highness

Are you working today? I am :( But on the bright side, it's Friday!


TJ Haus (Pork free)
27A, SS18/1B,
47500, Subang Jaya.
Tel: 03-56364508
Business hours: 11am-2pm, 6pm-11pm
(row of shops opposite the Subang Kewajipan flyover and SS17 Police Station. 1st floor above TD2000 Showroom)

[disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. please dont sue me, i dont have money. kthxbye.]

Meaty House @ USJ

* NON-HALAL POST


Param's so hottttt he melted the cake! :p

It was Param's birthday last Monday. This September month is full of birthdays, one day after another! It was a very last minute plan to surprise Param and no prize for guessing who was put in charged of finding a place to wine&dine ;)

After some considerations, I suggested Meaty House at USJ Taipan since it's nearby Subang.


Pork chop


Sausages and pork belly


German Ham steak


Lamb chop with mint sauce


German Pork Knuckle- RM29.80


Pork ribs

The German Pork Knuckle is inarguably the most famous item in the menu as many who have been there are all praises for its affordability and value-for-money. At only RM29.80 (that's not even RM30, physcological pricing), a big chunck of pork knuckle sits atop your dinner plate with some fries as side. It is all meaty, fatty and crispy... sinfully artery clogging.

While the sausages and pork ribs taste equally good, the presentation of meals speaks eitherwise. It feels like my mom's been in the kitchen doing all the cooking. It doesn't taste bad, only that it has a very homely feel to the meals, especially the fries which looked like they have come straight from the deep fryer we have at home.

It was a very quiet Monday night as we were the only customers throughout the night. The owner is very accomodating and eccentric at some points (he remembers dishes in the menu by the number not the name!). We ended the night with a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake and 2 bottles of wine (one red, one white) for our alcoholic friend who has just turned 23 :-p

Happy Birthday!


Meaty House
37, Jalan USJ 10/1D,
Taipan Triangle,
Subang UEP, Selangor.
Tel: 03-56335634

[disclaimer: the opinions expressed here are based on my personal views, tastebuds and preference and may vary for others. please dont sue me, i dont have money. kthxbye.]