A Slightly Different Chinese New Year 2025

This year's Chinese New Year (CNY) was slightly different from our usual tradition. Typically, we travel back to Ipoh on CNY Eve or the first day of CNY. However, with my hubby needing to work on the first day, we only made the trip on the second day of CNY. While it felt a little strange not kicking off the new year in Ipoh, the celebrations were still filled with family, food, and treasured moments.

A Vegetarian Tradition

On the first day of CNY, instead of my mother-in-law preparing her customary vegetarian dish at home, this year, my hubby's Aunt Wendy volunteered to host the gathering at her house. Ever since I married into this family, this vegetarian dish has been a cherished part of the first day of CNY. In my own family—the Yong family—we have a similar tradition but with vegetarian fried meehoon. My late paternal grandmother used to make the most delicious version of it (with a soy sauce dipping of fresh shallots, chillies and sand ginger), and ever since she passed away, my papa has carried on the tradition.

While it was lovely to have the gathering with hubby’s family in KL, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic for the times we spent in Ipoh on the Eve and first day of CNY. Hopefully, next year we can revive this tradition, though it will depend on the SPM exam dates since Cass will be sitting for her exams. If the dates fall around CNY, we’ll have to stay put in KL.

Journey to Ipoh on the 2nd Day

We left KL at 8:30 am on the second day of CNY and were grateful for the smooth traffic on the highway. The drive took only 2 hours and 10 minutes, which was a relief. Alycia and Sherilyn opted to take the train instead—Sherilyn, still nursing her backache, preferred the comfort of a train ride over a car journey.

Upon arriving in Ipoh, we dropped off Haru at my parents' house. After setting up her litter box and making sure she was comfortable, we headed straight to the Stadium food court to hunt for brunch. While many stalls were closed for the holidays, we still managed to enjoy a variety of local delights: porridge with pig innards, meehoon in tomato soup with pork chop, fried fish and pork paste, Pai Ti with braised turnip, Tosei, Indian rice with dishes, and refreshing Ice Kacang.

Family Favorites and Reunion Dinner

After brunch, we collected Sherilyn's birthday cake from JJ Swissroll in town. Then we made quick stops at the famous Woong Kee bean curd stall to get takeaway tau fu far and Yoke Fook Moon restaurant for dim sum for those at home. 

Our reunion dinner that evening was at Exquisite Restaurant again (we had it in this restaurant too last year), where we indulged in an 8-course feast, including the traditional Yee Sang toss. Sharing this meal with my parents and brothers was one of my favorite moments of the day. These family meals remind me how precious our time together is, and I cherish the laughter and love shared around the table.

Reflecting on Family and Traditions

CNY 2025 may have been slightly different, but it was still filled with heartwarming traditions, delicious food, and the company of loved ones. I hope for many more such celebrations in the coming years, where I can continue to share meals and memories with my parents, brothers, and my own growing family. Here's to keeping traditions alive while embracing new changes as life evolves. Wishing everyone a prosperous and joyous Year of the Ssssnake! 

Lunch of 'Jai' (vegetarian dish) on Chor 1 at aunt Wendy's house (two units below ours).

From the Stadium food court - Indian Nasi Padang, chicken chop, tosei and Pai Ti. 

From the Stadium Food Court - Ice Kacang, porridge with pig innards, fried fish & pork paste, tomato soup mee hoon with pork chop.

Stadium food court - many stalls, including all of our favorites, were closed.

At the Woong Kee bean curd stall to get takeaway silky smooth tau fu far with tong yuen.
Address: 32-38A, Jalan Ali Pitchay, Taman Jubilee, 30250 Ipoh, Perak

Chor 2 reunion dinner at Exquisite Restaurant - pan-fried big prawns, suckling pig, shark's fins soup and braised chicken in truffle sauce.

Braised abalone with broccoli, fish maw and mushrooms, clay pot lap mei rice and dessert of snow fungus + red dates + dried longan and lotus seeds.

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.

Celebrating Papa’s 81st Birthday at Grand Imperial Restaurant @ BSC

After more than five years, our family gathered once again to celebrate Papa’s 81st birthday. The last time we were all together for his birthday was back in 2019, or maybe 2018. I can't remember. This year, we decided to mark the occasion with a memorable dinner at the Grand Imperial Restaurant @ BSC, a choice that turned out to be perfect in every way.

A Joyous Reunion

The night was filled with excitement as we came together to honor Papa on his special day.  Seeing all of Papa’s children and grandchildren in one place was truly heartwarming, a moment we had all been looking forward to.

A Feast Fit for a King

The menu for the evening was carefully chosen to include some of Papa’s favorite dishes, and the Grand Imperial Restaurant did not disappoint. The meal began with a 3-season platter, featuring a delightful assortment of especial appetizers that whetted our appetites for what was to come.

Next came the highlight of the evening, the suckling pig. This wasn’t just any suckling pig; it came with a playful twist. The pig was adorned with sunglasses and a cigarette, and when the waiter lit up the pebbles on the plate, there was fire which created a dramatic cloud of smoke, making it look like the pig was puffing the ciggie. It was a fun and unique presentation that brought smiles and laughter to the table. I didn't manage to snap a photo of the pig on fire as everyone was too mesmerized watching the 30-second spectacle.

We were then treated to a luxurious dish of braised abalone with sea cucumber and mushrooms. The abalone was tender and flavorful, complemented perfectly by the rich sauce and the earthy mushrooms. 

The steamed New Zealand orange roughy fish that followed was cooked to perfection, its delicate flavor enhanced by the light soy sauce and fragrant herbs. The fish was so fresh that it practically melted in our mouths.

No birthday celebration is complete without longevity noodles, and ours were served with a generous helping of seafood. The noodles were long and unbroken, symbolizing a wish for a long and healthy life for Papa.

Sweet Endings

For dessert, we enjoyed a traditional red bean tong sui and crispy Chinese pancake. The warm, sweet red bean soup was comforting, while the pancake added a delightful crunch to the end of our meal. Of course, there were also the customary longevity peach buns, a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.

Papa’s birthday cake was a moist chocolate cake from Alexis Bistro, his favorite. Papa has always been a fan of chocolate cakes, and this one was no exception. The rich, velvety chocolate was a hit with everyone. In addition to the chocolate cake, hubby surprised us with a jelly cake featuring auspicious dolls of the God of Longevity, gold ingot, and longevity peaches made of jelly. The intricate design and vibrant colors of the jelly cake were impressive, and it tasted as good as it looked.

A Night to Remember

The food at the Grand Imperial Restaurant was fantastic, each dish was prepared to perfection and served with impeccable timing. The service was outstanding, with the staff attentive to our every need. They played a significant role in making the evening special, ensuring that everything went smoothly.

But more than the food and the setting, what made the night truly special was the company of family. We laughed, shared stories, and created new memories together. 

As we sang “Happy Birthday” and watched Papa blow out the candles on his cake, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for this moment. Celebrating Papa’s 81st birthday was a beautiful experience, one that will be cherished for years to come.

We are already looking forward to the next family gathering and hope it won’t be another five years before we all come together again. Here’s to many more birthdays, celebrations, and moments of happiness with Papa and the entire family.

Photos were taken from my mum's Facebook page:

Sharkfins soup served individually.

Chocolate birthday cake from Alexis Bistro, Jelly cake, and longevity peach buns.

Yummy jelly cake.

Birthday boy feeding his darling.

Papa gave out ang pows to everyone at the dinner, including my mil. 
Second photo on the top right - papa and Mum shared a piece of cake with their mouths 😍

Pre-Birthday Celebration For Dad

Thursday, 8 August 2024

This past week, my family gathered in Kuala Lumpur for a special occasion: my dad’s 81st birthday. It was a rare opportunity for our family to come together, with my parents traveling from Ipoh and my older brother’s family joining us from Singapore. They arrived on Thursday, ready for a few days of celebration, great food, and cherished memories.

For our first dinner together, we went to Fatty Chun Restaurant at Old Klang Road. Known for its “tai chow” style cooking, this semi-al fresco restaurant never failed to deliver delicious dishes. The ambiance might be casual, but the food tasted like it came from a high-end eatery.

We ordered eight different dishes:

1. Steamed Village Chicken 

2. Steamed Egg 

3. Deep-Fried Yam Basket 

4. Stir-Fried Stinky Beans 

5. Steamed 

6. Stir-Fried Green Vegetables 

7. Stir-Fried Lala 

8. Braised Egg with Prawn Meat and Broccoli 

To top off the meal, we had a unique dessert of deep-fried yam sticks with caramelized sesame seeds. The dessert was not only unique but also incredibly delicious, providing a sweet and crunchy finish to our meal. This dessert came on the house.

Our favorite steamed village chicken with ginger paste dipping sauce.

Deep-fried yam basket with koo lo yoke (sweet and sour pork).

Steamed chicken egg + century egg.

Stir-fried stinky beans

Stir-fried lala

My favorite braised egg white with prawn and crab meat alongside broccoli.

Steamed fish.

On the house dessert - deep-fried yam sticks with caramelized sesame seeds.

Friday, 9 August 2024

The next morning, we headed to Bread & Brew Café for breakfast. This newly opened café in Taman Desa has a sprawling layout and a menu that caters to various tastes. We indulged in a range of breakfast items:

• Sourdough Toasts with Caramel Kaya and Butter – The caramel kaya was rich and aromatic, a delightful way to start the morning.

• Scrambled Egg with Sourdough Toasts – Classic and comforting, this dish was a crowd-pleaser.

• House-made Mushroom Soup – Creamy and flavorful with plenty of chopped mushrooms in every spoon, perfect for the slightly cooler morning.

• Caesar Salad with fried chicken breast – Fresh, crisp, and flavorful, a light option among the heavier dishes.

• Cinnamon French Toast with Raspberry Puree and Bacon Served with Pistachio Cream – A unique mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory.

• Avocado Toast – Toast served with pureed avocado, baby spinach, sunny side up, and feta cheese.

• Coffee – Rich and aromatic, a perfect accompaniment to our breakfast spread.

We thoroughly enjoyed the food and the relaxed atmosphere at Bread & Brew Café. It was the perfect setting for a leisurely breakfast with my loved ones. 

Our dinner was at Haidilao hotpot in Bangsar. Hubby chose Haidilao as he wanted my parents to experience the top-notch service of the waiting staff with an element of surprise each time, something that Haidilao is famous for. Their crew singing and dancing for the birthday boy or girl with a slice of complimentary chocolate cake is also why many people choose Haidilao to celebrate their birthdays. 

Sourdough toast with avocado puree, baby spinach, sunny side up, and feta cheese

Crispy sourdough toast with caramel kaya and butter. Simple and satisfying.

Sawadeekap omelette with sourdough toast. This is a Thai-style omelette. 

Caesar salad with crispy fried chicken breast.

Cinnamon French toast with raspberry puree and bacon with pistachio cream.

House-made mushroom soup with croutons

My younger brother treated us!

Sunday Lunch at Mitsu By Two Chefs

Two Sundays ago, we indulged in a truly sumptuous and luxurious lunch at Mitsu By Two Chefs Japanese restaurant. This outing was a much-anticipated treat, especially because it's one of the few times hubby gets to unwind and enjoy a meal with us during the weekends. His busy schedule means he doesn't always have time to dine with us, so he makes sure our weekend meals are enjoyable.

Hubby is always generous when it comes to treating us to good food. After a week of hard work, he loves to reward himself with his favorite dishes, and trying out new places and cuisines is one of his passions. This Sunday was no exception.

Here's a glimpse of the delectable feast we enjoyed:

Unagi Don Set - The Unagi Don Set is our family’s favorite as all of us love grilled eel. It came with perfectly grilled eel glazed in a rich, sweet sauce served over a bed of fluffy rice and accompanied with an onsen egg and pickled radish. 

Saba Set - The Saba Set featured succulent grilled mackerel that was both savory and satisfying. The fish was cooked to perfection, with a crispy skin and moist, flavorful flesh.

Bara Chirashi Set - The Bara Chirashi Set offered a vibrant and colorful presentation of assorted marinated sashimi pieces over sushi rice. Each bite was a burst of fresh, delicate flavors. Alycia chose this set. She mixed too much wasabi into her rice and each spoonful made her eyes and nose watery 😂

Mitsu Chirashi Don - The Mitsu Chirashi Don was another delightful bowl of assorted sashimi, but with a unique twist that only Mitsu By Two Chefs could offer. The quality and freshness of the fish were outstanding.

Tsukune and Charcoal Grilled Chicken Thigh - The Tsukune, or chicken meatballs, and the charcoal grilled chicken thigh were both deliciously smoky and savory. The Tsukune was juicy and perfectly seasoned, while the chicken thigh had a wonderfully charred exterior and tender inside.

Grilled Tebasaki Wings - The grilled Tebasaki wings were another hit. These chicken wings were crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a subtle seasoning that left us wanting more.

Grilled Sweet Corns - The grilled sweet corn provided a nice balance to the savory meats, offering a slightly sweet and smoky flavor that complemented the other dishes beautifully. We liked it so much that hubby ordered another portion.

Hamburg Don - The Hamburg Don featured a hearty hamburger patty served over rice, topped with a rich sauce. It was a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for a hearty appetite.

Ikura Salmon Don Set - The Ikura Salmon Don Set was a feast for the eyes and the palate, with vibrant salmon roe and fresh salmon slices arranged beautifully over sushi rice. The burst of flavors from the ikura was particularly delightful.

Sushi Platter - Finally, the sushi platter was a true masterpiece, showcasing a variety of expertly crafted fresh sushi pieces.

We thoroughly enjoyed this luxurious meal, savoring each dish's unique flavors and textures. The only downside was that Sherilyn couldn't join us again, as she was busy rushing to complete yet another assignment. 

Dining at Mitsu By Two Chefs was a wonderful way to spend our Sunday afternoon, and we left the restaurant feeling satisfied. If you're looking for a place to enjoy authentic and luxurious Japanese cuisine, Mitsu By Two Chefs is definitely worth a visit.

Mitsu By Two Chefs

Address: Tower D, 01-10, Millerz Square, Megan Legasi, 357, Jln Klang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, 

Phone: 011-1633 2534

Mitsu Chirashi Don

Charcoal-grilled skewered meat and sweet corn.

Unagi don set - all the set meals came with appetizers of a bowl of super crispy deep fried fish, refreshing salad, and purple dragon fruit.

Hamburg don.

Bara Chirashi Set

Saba set

Ikura Salmon Don Set 

Aesthetically pleasing sushi platter.

Add on RM8 for a cup of coffee.

Tofu cheese cake - light and not too cloy or too sweet.