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.

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!