Sunday, 17 August 2025

This past Sunday was a day of early morning, athletic feats, and delicious food.  Cass was up bright and early, but instead of her usual figure skating practice, she was off to the Universiti Malaya sports arena for her school’s sports day (Semi-Finals). She competed in two events: the 800-meter and the 4x400-meter runs. Finishing 4th out of 20 runners in the 800m and 3rd in the 4x400m is a fantastic achievement, and her hard work has earned her a spot in the Finals at the Bukit Jalil stadium this coming Saturday.

After picking her up from UM, we headed to Bangsar for lunch. This time, we ate at Hong Kong Garden Restaurant, formerly known as Man Kee Hong Kong Beef Noodle. We feasted on our favorite dim sum items, a comforting bowl of Hong Kong beef noodles, and their signature white chicken, which came with the most delicious ginger and homemade chili dips. The braised radish and a cup of classic Hong Kong milk tea perfectly rounded out the meal.

After a satisfying lunch, we took a short walk to Bangsar Village 2 for a treat. Nothing says "Sunday" quite like a scoop of Häagen-Dazs ice cream. I was torn between my two favorite flavors, coffee and matcha, but in the end, the rich matcha on a crispy cone won me over. All four of us enjoyed a scoop, and my husband even bought a tub of his favorite macadamia brittle nut flavor to take home. It was a special treat to have Cass with us for Sunday lunch, as she's usually at the skating rink.

While our family was a little smaller—Alycia was away in Ipoh with her university friends, and Sherilyn was in Singapore for a dance competition—we were all connected by a wave of good news. The day ended with a text from Sherilyn with some amazing news: her team had emerged as Champions in the Contemporary Dance category at the 27th Asia Pacific Dance Competition, held at Gateway Theatre in Singapore.

I couldn’t be prouder of Sherilyn. This is a testament to her dedication and talent. Her team flew to Singapore for the competition and, to save on costs, will be taking a bus back home. Her hard work paid off in the biggest way. It was a Sunday filled with wins, big and small, proving that dedication, whether on the track or the dance floor, always pays off.

Hor fun with delicious handmade sotong balls.

Love the fried radish cake.

Simply delicious!

A pink minibus inside Bangsar Village, and it was no. 10, the very bus that I used to take from Jalan Ipoh where I rented a room, to college in Jalan Ampang, and later to my workplace in Jalan Hang Lekiu over 3 decades ago!  The minibus is now an antique, and seeing it again after more than 30 years filled me with many fond memories of the past.

Our Sunday Lunch - From Dosa to Dessert

Last Sunday, hubby took us to Brickfield’s Little India, for a lunch at the world-renowned Indian vegetarian restaurant chain, Saravanaa Bhavan. This restaurant’s global presence—from the US to New Zealand and beyond—speaks volumes about its popularity and authentic flavors.

We ordered all our usual favorites to satisfy our Indian food cravings. The table was filled with a variety of dosa (tosei / thosai), including the classic ghee dosa, a crispy and flavorful dosa rava, and a decadent cheese dosa. We also enjoyed a serving of cheesy naan and a fragrant nasi biryani. A trip to an Indian restaurant is never complete without my favorites: the creamy Palak Paneer (spinach with cheese) and a comforting bindi curry (lady’s fingers). To round out our meal, we added chickpeas curry, lentil dhall, and deep-fried cauliflowers.

Despite being a completely meat-free meal, every dish was bursting with intense flavors and spices. The ghee dosa was a particular standout—a long, paper-thin, and incredibly crispy creation with a rich aroma of ghee that reminded us of buttery cookies. We loved it so much we even got takeaway for Cass and my mother-in-law, who couldn't join us.

As usual, my husband had to end his Sunday lunch with a good cup of coffee and some delicious cakes. Our next stop was a familiar and beloved place: Front Room, the very café where Alycia and Sherilyn work part-time during the weekends. The owner, a very kind man, greeted us at the door with a joke, saying that Alycia and Sherilyn missed working for him so much they came in on their day off. They had just worked the day before!

We ordered their signature scones, two slices of banana coconut bread, and a rich salted chocolate cake. The owner, as a treat, also gave us a complimentary slice of their famous pineapple upside-down cake. The scones and cakes were absolutely divine. We couldn’t finish everything, so we doggy-bagged the remaining cakes for Cass to enjoy at home. We also got extra scones for my mother-in-law, who adores them.

It was a truly wonderful Sunday. With Alycia and Sherilyn usually busy with work or other activities, it was a rare treat to have them both join us for lunch. And while Cass was, as usual, at the skating rink, our little family get-together felt complete.

Ghee dosa - very crispy and aromatic, reminiscent of my mum's butter cookies during CNY.

Love all the curries, dipping sambar, and chutney for the dosa. I especially love the lady's fingers curry.

Cheese naan, in the foreground

Crunchy deep-fried cauliflower florets.

This map shows the countries with a Saravanaa Bhavan restaurant.

SB's menu, which is very extensive. We had no idea what some of the items were, but the waiting staff was very helpful and explained them to us.

Decadent cakes and coffee at Front Room, the cafe that Alycia and Sherilyn work part-time during the weekend.

Quiet Sundays at Pavilion Damansara Heights

Lately, hubby has developed a new favourite weekend hangout spot — Pavilion Damansara Heights. This fairly new mall, which opened its doors in October 2023, is a breath of fresh air compared to the hustle and bustle of Mid Valley Megamall, Pavillion Bukit Jalil, or 1 Utama. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and surprisingly relaxing, even on Sundays.

That’s precisely why he loves it.

Free parking on Sundays, minimal crowds, no waiting in line at eateries — it’s becoming our little Sunday sanctuary. In fact, we were there two Sundays in a row!

Sunday #1: Goose, Pork & Prawn Wantans

Last Sunday, hubby decided to bring us (MIL and I) to try Hong Kong Roasted Goose King, the only restaurant in the mall that was fully packed while most other eateries were calm and quiet. I’m not a fan of duck, goose, or anything with webbed feet, but hubby and MIL absolutely love them.

Hubby ordered a quarter roasted goose, along with cha siu, siew yoke (roast pork), wanton mee with plump prawn wantons, double-boiled choy kon tong (dried veggie soup), and pork porridge. I must say, the food was impressive. My favourite was definitely the rich, flavourful double-boiled soup — loaded with ingredients and full of depth. The wanton noodles were springy and smooth, and the prawn wantons were fresh and juicy. It was a well-balanced, satisfying lunch for the three of us.

Sunday #2: Ramen, Shopping & Cake

This Sunday, the trio was slightly different — it was Sherilyn, hubby, and me. Deciding on where to eat took longer than expected. We walked around the mall for a good 15–20 minutes, checking out menus and discussing options. In the end, Sherilyn chose Aori Ramen, a Japanese restaurant specialising in ramen.

The menu was simple, with limited but focused ramen options. We each ordered a bowl, priced at RM38 per bowl, and added a few sides. While the ramen was tasty, we all agreed that Bankara Ramen (which has an outlet at Pavilion KL) is still our favourite. Thankfully, we spotted a sign — Bankara Ramen will be opening soon at Phase II of Pavilion Damansara Heights! Something to look forward to in future.

After lunch, Sherilyn and I dropped by Guardian Pharmacy to stock up on toiletries. Hubby, on the other hand, had his eye on dessert. He led us to Artelier Coffee, where he enjoyed his usual latte and a slice of Basque burnt cheesecake — the perfect end to a satisfying meal.

As usual, Cass couldn’t join us as she was still at Sunway Pyramid, cheering on her teammates and attending the closing ceremony of Skate Malaysia 2025. Alycia was also busy, working her weekend at her part-time café job.

Even though the whole family couldn’t be together, I still cherish these little moments of food, family, and calm amidst the chaos of daily life. Pavilion Damansara Heights is slowly becoming our go-to spot — and with Bankara Ramen coming soon, I suspect we’ll be spending even more Sundays there!

Lunch at Aori Ramen today.

Coffee and Basque burnt cheese cake at Artelier Coffee after lunch today.

Last Sunday's lunch at Hong Kong Roosted Goose King - very delicious wantan noodles and superb double boiled 'choy kon' soup.

Roast goose

Cha siu and siew yoke.

UO Shin at Millerz Square: A Must-Visit for Affordable, Quality Japanese Food

 Last Sunday, my husband took us to UO Shin at Millerz Square, Old Klang Road, for lunch. This wasn’t our first time dining there—it was our third visit—and once again, we left feeling completely satisfied. UO Shin serves delicious, high-quality Japanese food at very reasonable prices, making it one of our favorite spots for an authentic Japanese dining experience.

Be Prepared to Queue!

UO Shin opens its doors at 11:30 AM, but if you want to secure a table without waiting for an hour, I strongly recommend arriving at 11 - 11:15 AM to queue. The restaurant is extremely popular, and for good reason—the food is amazing, the portions are generous, and the prices are surprisingly affordable for the quality you get.

This time, we were there at 11:15 AM, and were the first in the queue. By the time we were done eating, a long queue had already built up outside the restaurant.

Extensive Menu at Affordable Prices

One of the best things about UO Shin is its extensive menu. Whether you’re in the mood for sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki, or ramen, you’ll find a wide variety of options to choose from. The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are authentic, and everything is beautifully presented. For the taste and quality, the pricing is incredibly reasonable, making it a fantastic place to enjoy Japanese cuisine without breaking the bank. It feels like dining in a 5-star restaurant with 2-star prices.

Efficient Service, But There’s a Time Limit!

The service at UO Shin is efficient, friendly, and attentive. The staffers are quick to take orders and ensure that food arrives promptly. However, each table is only given an hour to dine, so be prepared for a quick meal. This time limit helps keep the queue moving, but honestly, the food is so good that you won’t mind eating a little faster than usual!

Zen Ambience & A Fantastic Dining Experience

Despite the fast-paced dining, the restaurant maintains a calm and zen atmosphere. The decor is simple yet inviting, making it a pleasant place to enjoy a meal. The overall experience—great food, excellent service, and a cozy ambiance—makes every visit to UO Shin worthwhile.

UO Shin KL

Address: Block C ,G-02, Millerz Square by MyKey Global, Megan Legasi, 357, Old Klang Rd, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Phone: 03-2779 2558

Hubby ordered 3 plates of this salmon and unagi sushi.  Every plate of sushi was impressively plated and the taste was 10/10.

This Uramaki with crispy bits inside was delish!!  Hubby ordered 3 plates as well.

As usual, my order. And as usual, I could only finish half of it and doggy bagged the other half back for Cass.  She didn't join us as she was at the skating rink doing her favorite thing every Sunday without fail.

Another umami plate of sushi, which hubby ordered 2 plates.

Beef steak.

Unagi Uramaki.  Looking at his photo makes me drool; yet another perfect plate of Uramaki.

Pal Gae Ook Korean Chicken BBQ and Aftermeal Desserts @ Hartamas

Last Sunday, we finally indulged in something Hubby had been raving about for weeks—a visit to Pal Gae Ook Korean Chicken BBQ at Hartamas.

The star of the show? Charcoal-grilled chicken that boasts a smoky and juicy flavor. The restaurant also offers unlimited refills of their homemade sauces and side dishes (banchan). While the variety of side dishes is limited, what they do offer pairs beautifully with the main dishes.

As usual, hubby took the lead in ordering, ensuring we got a good sampling of their unique menu:

Chicken Dalgalbi: We tried both the soy sauce and spicy versions. Both were tender and flavorful, with the spicy one packing a pleasant kick.

Chicken Wing Shrimp Dumplings: This dish was a standout! Each chicken wing had a shrimp cleverly stuffed inside—an unexpected but delightful combination.

Corn Cheese Fondue: Creamy, cheesy, and perfect for dipping. This dish was comfort food at its best.

Rice Balls: These were a hit with everyone. Packed with flavor, they were the perfect side to the smoky grilled chicken.

While the food was undeniably delicious, the portion sizes were on the smaller side. I was still a little hungry by the end of our meal. Fortunately, Alycia came to the rescue with a great suggestion—a dessert of bingsu next door at Aftermeal Desserts!

Conveniently located next to the Korean restaurant, Aftermeal Desserts was the perfect spot to satisfy our post-lunch cravings. Hubby ordered two bingsu shaved ice desserts, each refreshingly light and packed with flavor. We also shared a decadent burnt cheesecake, which was rich, creamy, and simply divine.

Hubby also thoughtfully picked up takeaway Korean BBQ chicken and seaweed rice balls for Sherilyn, who wasn’t feeling well and stayed home. With almost a month of chronic sleep deprivation due to her demanding architecture course, she’s been falling sick frequently. It breaks my heart to see her so exhausted, sleeping on the floor or couch at home or in the university work studio to keep up with assignments. Yet, her determination is unwavering—she remains resolute in her choice to continue her architecture studies.

Yummy Korean rice balls. These taste better after grilling.

Steamed eggs.

Chicken wings with shrimps inside.

Cooking corn cheese fondue on the BBQ stove 

Bingsu and burnt cheesecake at Aftermeal Desserts. 

Iron Lady milk tea fluffy snow ice kakigori with QQ taro balls. Very, very refreshing and yummy!

Cass chose Biscoff Caramel Kakigori Showtime. We find the caramel too sweet.

The original burnt cheese cake and the passion fruit tea ice were nice.

Sunday Feasts: A Meaty Lunch and a Family Reunion

Last Sunday was a day filled with delicious food and family gatherings. For lunch, we decided to try out a new spot called Meat Attic. The menu was packed with hearty, meaty options, so we went all out and ordered their house-made sausages, a ciabatta beef sandwich, premium pork ribs that melt in the mouth (which came with a hefty RM168 price tag), and roast pork fried rice. It was a truly indulgent, porky feast—definitely not the cheapest lunch, but worth every bite.

Later that evening, we gathered with hubby's relatives for dinner at Buddies Restaurant in Cheras. His uncle's family, who were visiting from England, were the guests of honor, and it was wonderful to see everyone come together. The entire Sunday was filled with great food and even better company, making it a day to remember.

Meat Attic - Roast premium pork ribs that melt in the mouth alongside sauerkraut and fries (RM168). It looks like a small portion in the photo but the ribs were pretty chunky. We couldn't finish it and doggy-bagged the leftovers.

Meat Attic - roast pork fried rice.

Meat Attic - Ciabatta sandwich with full-bodied and flaky thick-cut salt beef.

Meat Attic - housemade garlic sausage with sauerkraut. 

Meat Attic - scallop pasta.

Meat Attic - mashed potato

Meat Attic housemade sausages. Their sausages are nitrate-free and filler-free, from plumply juicy pork bratwursts to aromatic lamb merguez.

Buddies Restaurant - pan-fried prawns, sauteed assorted vegetables, braised eggplant with minced pork, clay pot braised pork belly with salted fish.

Steamed fish, fried rice, sauteed kangkung with belacan, and pork ribs.

Claypot lamb, cha siu, and another portion of claypot pork belly with salted fish for the boys.

Hubby with his cousins from England and another cousin who just returned from the USA.