Kari Kepala Ikan Tepi Sungai @ Klang

When you see a lot of vehicles parked by a railway and crowd near a river, you know you are at the famous Nasi Kandar Tepi Sungai in Klang. Although in a less Instagrammable environment, the curry fish head is sure to make you understand why there is a congregation Every lunch hour.

The whole fish head drenched in curry

The curry has the right balance of spices and a good hint of sourness. Cooking skill is apparent in the tender meat of the fish and it is bliss in the mouth when the spicy gravy is doused over the fluffy and adequately seasoned nasi bryani. It would be difficult to stop at one plate of nasi bryani if it wasn't for the diet watch.

Their lamb curry is also an appetizing dish. Tender and gamy at the same time, the diced mutton meat is covered with thick curry gravy and piquant with Indian herbs that will get you engrossed. 

Their fried chicken, fish and fish eggs are very welcomed by the masses. Be quick to catch hold of the fish eggs though as they sell out as soon as they are dished out.

The river none other than Sungai Klang opposite the mosque

The crowd hovering over the counter to get some curry

The famed dish, KARI KEPALA IKAN

Fried fish (pardon the  rice at the side as phototaking was actually in my way while I was indulging)

Piquant kari kambing/ mutton curry

Fragrant ayam goreng / fried chicken

It is located between the rail way and the river

A humble stall that commands a crowd

Gerai makan Pekalan batu, Kawasan 1, 41100 Klang, Selangor

Opens 11:45 am to 4:30 pm everyday except Friday 11:00 am to 1:15 pm; 2:15 pm to 4:45 pm

Chong Kok Kopitiam @ Klang

This coffee shop made me look twice at its sign board when I caught sight of a very heartwarming scene the likes of coffee shops in Kelantan where muslims dine in non-muslim eateries. Apart from the multi-racial harmony, the queue outside the shop is quite convincing.

Chong Kok Kopitiam needs no introduction among Klang folks. The coffee shop, owned by the Hainanese Foo family, has been a center of good coffee and all-day breakfast. Located near the Klang railway station, Chong Kok Kopitiam was established in 1940 as a joint to provide meals for locals at the busy area.

The muhibbah story started when a nasi lemak seller needed a space for his stall in 1940. He was then allocated a place at Chong Kok coffee shop and the stall became a resident ever since. If you see a Malay uncle stirring gravy at the nasi lemak stall outside, it is most probably the very nasi lemak seller from 1940. Because of him, muslim patrons began sharing tables with the rest of Chong Kok's customers until today. The restaurant serves halal food.

This is a living testament of how peace and harmony can benefit all. I believe it is this aura in the coffeeshop that drives its survival through time hand in hand with their unfaltering breakfast menu.

Chong Kok kopitiam famed for their coffee

A harmonious scene

Although crowded, Chong Kok imbues a very warm and homely feeling that draws customers to it, which explains their customers' persistence to queue.

Chong Kok's signature yellow cup is used for local's favourite beverages like kopi, cham and teh. Their coffee, I believe, has pandered to the addiction of many. Their coffee is definitely kau (thick) and slants more to the bitter side.

Other than their coffee, most of their table tops are occupied with at least a plate of half-boiled eggs. I would not be surprised as they produce the most beautiful half-boiled eggs. Being an avid egg consumer, I envy their mastery. 

Other staples in Chong Kok are of course their porous toasts and buns that are served with a dollop of kaya and a cold cut of butter. Interestingly, eating chunks of butter here doesn't feel much of a crime. In fact, it is if you don't.

Nasi lemak is the next thing you want to try. If you are looking for a quick fix of carbs, Chong Kok has nasi lemak bungkus for you to self-serve. If you want a more 'developed' plate of nasi lemak, you can opt for pakcik's. It can be a little sweet for some but I could not stop at my first spoonful.

For fun munching, there a store selling all sorts of fritters. The cucur udang (prawn fritter), as crisp as potato chips, is especially tempting and makes a wonderful communal snack. Their cheesecakes in original and blueberry flavours stick out awkwardly as they are the only western food in the menu but it does not matter as long as they are yummy!

People from all walks of Klang convene here for classic breakfast of coffee, bread, kuihs and nasi lemak

The most anticipated drink during breakfast. Local coffee at RM1.80 per small cup like in the photo.
You will get a larger glass for RM2.80 and with ice for RM2.20

Half-boiled eggs (2) RM3.00

Telur atas roti RM6.00

Left: Roti with butter sejuk and kaya RM3.80
Right: Jagung set with butter sejuk and kaya RM3.80

Classic old mirrors with writings

A speciment of pre-war material that survived modernization

An antique safety box that existed since 1940

Mdm Foo, the granddaughter of the owner, doesn't take holidays.
She works everyday of her life and closes the shop only for CNY and weddings because she loves the interaction with the locals

The nasi lemak stall is as old as this shop. This is the uncle behind the muhibbah in the shop

Nasi lemak

Crispy prawn fritters or cucur udang

All sorts of fritters at only RM1 per piece

The busy situation during breakfast

Kuih lapis and Chinese ang ku

Curry puff

Hard boiled eggs is left at the counter at your disposal

Pulut bakar

Onde-onde

Chong Kok Kopitiam was famous among people in Klang before there was internet. Now that internet is at our finger tips, looking at how well-preserved this 79-year-old coffee shop is, it will continue to be one of the foodie community's favourite subjects online for years to come.

Chong Kok will be opening a branch in Shah Alam, honouring Foo's grandfather's Hainanese chicken chop. 

Inside the 79-year-old shop

The coffee shop is just opposite the Klang railway station

Chong Kok Kopitiam

中国酒店
5, Jalan Stesen, Kawasan 1, 41000 Klang
Tel: 03-3371 0996
Business hours: 6:30 am – 5:00 pm except Sunday until 1:00 pm

Gloria Residences Ion Delemen @ Genting Highlands

While we want to be in the center of all the attractions and masstige that have been introduced in Genting Highlands, we overlook what the peak originally has to offer. In a country where it is perpetually summer, Genting Highlands is one of the few places Malaysians visit to have cool air breathed into our lungs and to show off our winter 'collection'. 

My stay at Gloria Residences pulled me away from the dizzy pursuit of all the extravagance and restored my appreciation towards the organic side of the highlands. Having said that, my trip was not without the razzmatazz of Resorts World Genting as it is only 5 km or a 10-minute drive away. Shuttle buses are also available for free from Gloria Residences to Awana Skyway, SkyAvenue and First World Hotel. 

Read on. 

Gloria Residences, a refreshing

Gloria Residences and Ion Delemen Hotel by the Ion Delemen Hoteliers from China
Picture from Agoda

Warm up with some delicious ginger tea available at the lobby

I checked in to my 2-bedroom executive suite with much anticipation. The condominium unit accomodates 1 king bed in one room and 2 single beds in another.  At 1112 sqft, it is completed with a kitchenette, dining area, living hall and balcony with a majestic view of the misty mountains. Truely a home away from home, in a mess-free situation.

Although I initially wanted to reward myself with all the space there was, I could not help but feeling that the commodious condo will make a perfect place for gatherings with family or friends.

The sleek and minimalist interior caught me in awe the moment I set foot in the unit. Completed at the end of 2018, the newness factor cannot be denied. Cleanliness was at top form that one could eat off the shiny floor and counter top. Enjoy staying in and watch movies on the flat screen which includes local, sports (ideas for the next football cup?) and FOX movie channels. Or better still, connect the screen to your own stash of movies for a comfortable movie binging sesh.

For roomrates of the season, check booking platforms like Agoda or their website at https://www.gloriahotels.com/reservation/hotel_search.do?dateStart=2019-07-26&dateOver=2019-07-27&lg=1

Excited about my staycation

Complete with kitchenette and dining table

Sleek and minimalist

Welcome drinks and lots of mineral water

Great space for watching movies

The neat living room

The bedroom passed the comfort test with flying colours. Tasteful with concealed lights and mirrored built-in cabinets, the master room welcomes with an elegant ambiance. Fluffy pillows, cozy duvets and crisp white sheets just makes you want to dive in the bed and never leave. 

The room also has little tech savvy features like touch button lamps, self-lit clocks and cupboards that give the room a futuristic tinge. There is also a safe box to ensure that your valuables are well kept while you indulge in other activities. 

Guests are supplied with thick towels, quality shower products and complete toiletries that there is actually nothing to worry about in the case you checked-in empty handed.

The elegant master room

Master room tour

The twin bed room

Sleek and tasteful interior

Bathroom

Quality materials used

Facilities in the bathroom

Safety box and bathrobes for the pool

Touch button lamp and self-lighting clock

Proper shoe shelf

Touch button switches

Hi there First World!

Ethereal scenes of the mountains

Gloria Residences is home to 322 units. Upon knowing that it is managed by Gloria Hotels and Resorts from China, I have a new perspective about 'made in China' products. Facilities like the heated swimming pool, sauna and lounge areas are pampering and too good to be missed. Landscapes are well styled and flattering in photographs.

If a hotel room is more suited for your family. The Grand Ion Delemen Hotel is just adjacent to Gloria Residences, managed by the same hotelier.

Foyer with an artistic water feature

Guests can also avail themselves to the ever so inviting heated pool. There is a sauna for you to sweat out your stress too.

Children's pool needs to be stylish too!

Cheerful at the children's playgound

Children's play centre

Fully equipped gym for those who keeps an eye on fitness during vacations

Breakfast and Meals at Gloria Residences

Home is where you will be fed and watered. Worry not that you have to stash up packets of food to survive tummy growls.

First of all, you will wake up to a wonderful spread of nutritious buffet breakfast. As the property is run by Chinese management, there is no wonder why their food has Chinese influence. Food like sweet potato, chicken feet, seaweed are available for a refreshing change from the usual. Malay and Western food are also prepared to pander to a variety of taste buds. Their breakfast did not disappoint and got us souped up for a day of fun filled activities.

After breakfast, Home Restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner. Check out my dinner meal below.

Home is where you are fed and watered

Neat and clean eating area

Breakfast buffet spread

My Chinese breakfast that comprised of chicken feet, carrot cake, jian bing (fried pancake), seaweed, black fungus and soup

Enjoying my very hearty breakfast with Malay options like lodeh, nasi impit and kari ayam

Taken from the cereal section with lots of nutritious grains as toppings

Sweet potato for carb options

Chinese dumplings are a hit among guests

Braised chicken feet- either you like it or you dont't

Seaweed, potato and black fungus are not very popular here but common in China

Noodles and steamed man tau (bun)

The Malay breakfast of course because we are anyhow in Malaysia

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A variety of cereals and toppings for you to choose from

A section bread lovers will love

Wash it down with some sweet Chinese dessert

When it gets too comfortable to go out for meals, you can rely on Home Restaurant too for a nice homely meal that won't burn a hole in your pocket. Just take the elevator to the first floor to cure the hunger pangs.

When you are too comfortable to step out of the building, just head to 1st floor

Zha Jiang Noodles RM20.00
I am glad this dish is introduced into the menu. Instead of using pulled noodles (la mien), egg noodles are used (wan tan mee). Tossed with a yummy mix of minced chicken and fresh shreds of cucumber, the springy noodle is satisfying with a touch of sweetness from the braised turnip. 

Spicy fried rice with drumstick RM18.00
This comforting food is timely during the cold weather. A hint of spice gives the rice a woody aroma, reminding you of  food from old chinese villages while the chicken adds some fun crisps. 

Shrimp dumpling (3 pieces)- RM18.00
Dimsum is served all day. The intricately prepared shrimp dumplings are their recommended dish.

Enjoying dinner at Home Restaurant

Pan-fried Chicken Dumpling (5 pieces) RM20

Mushroom and chicken stuffing

Egg tart (2 pieces) RM8.50

Chicken satay RM1.80 per stick and beef satay RM2.10 per stick

Absorb the great outdoor air at rugged hawker stalls and food trucks that are given allocation by the hotel

Entertainment

After being well rested, the heart yearns for some adrenaline. Tickets to attractions in Resorts World Genting are sold at the Gloria Residences lobby. For me, to the indoor themepark Skytropolis it is!

Shuttle bus schedule to Awana Skyway, SkyAvenue and First World. Trips are complimentary but seats do need booking

Chin Swee Temple

Gloria Residences Ion Delemen

Jalan Ion Delemen 1, Ion Park, Genting Highlands, Pahang

Tel: +6 03-64333 888 (Genting) or +6 03- 8064 3390 (KL office 8.30am-6pm) 

Website: https://www.gloriahotels.com/hotel.do?id=104&lg=1