Heading Home to Ipoh… With Haru in Tow!

I’m typing this while waiting for my younger brother, Roy, to come and pick me up. In a little while, we’ll be heading back to Ipoh together — my parents, myself… and of course, Haru. My little shadow. My soul cat. Wherever I go, she follows, as if she already knows that she’s part of every chapter of my life now.

This time, I’ll be spending a long holiday in Ipoh. A well-deserved break to reset, breathe, and let myself be pampered by my parents the way only parents can — with food, fussing, and that familiar comfort that feels like medicine for the soul.

I’m really hoping Haru behaves in the car again, just like she did on her past two road trips home. Fingers crossed she keeps calm and doesn’t hiss at anyone, claw my shoulder, or plot her escape plan halfway through the North-South Highway!

This is just a short update before we get on the road.

Stay tuned — more Ipoh stories coming soon!

Below are pix of our sumptuous dinner at Dancing Fish (Malay-Indo cuisine) @ BSC with my visiting SILs and their families from overseas last weekend.

Dancing Fish's signature deep-fried crispy dancing fish.

Fried tempeh with petai, braised ox tongue in kicap hitam, ikan bakar and pucuk pakis in coconut milk curry.

Platter of deep-fried veggies, squid, otak-otak, and satay with kerabu mango.

Ice kacang and cendol

Deep fried egg tofu.

Alycia Turns 22 — A Birthday to Remember at Hut Dining Buffet, Lalaport

We kicked off December with a double celebration that felt extra meaningful this year. With my MIL’s 80th birthday coming up on 9 December, all four of her children and their families flew back from overseas for the celebration. It’s the first time ever — in all these years — that the entire family is back together under one roof. And what made it even more special was that we also got to celebrate Alycia’s 22nd birthday on the 5th of December.

To mark the occasion, we decided on a family dinner at Hut Dining Buffet at Lalaport, a Japanese eat-all-you-can buffet that has been raved about for its quality. And I must say… the reviews did not lie!

Ordering is all done via iPads placed on the tables, and every dish is freshly prepared only after an order is placed. No pre-made trays, no soggy food sitting under warmers — everything comes straight from the kitchen, beautifully plated and incredibly fresh.

And with a big family like ours, you can imagine how the ordering went.

Umpteen plates of fresh sashimi, snow crabs, hamachi, unagi, shellfish, raw oysters, wagyu beef, and so much more arrived one after another. Everyone had their favourites, and we happily ate to our hearts’ content. Dessert was a highlight too — Haagen-Dazs stick ice creams in various flavours, the perfect finishing touch to an already fantastic meal.

Honestly, it was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time.

The total bill came up to over RM4,000, generously treated by my BIL who flew in from New Zealand yesterday.

After dinner, we headed back to my SIL’s unit (same condo, just a different unit) for a simple cake-cutting session for Alycia. She turned 22 surrounded by her grandma, uncles, aunties, cousins, sisters, and all the people who love her.

It was a beautiful night — great food, laughter, bonding, and a rare gathering of the entire family. A celebration we will all remember for years to come.

Alycia with her Sarah ku ku from Hawaii.  Alycia spent her baby and toddler days a lot with Sarah before she left to work in Saipan.  The tiramisu cake is from Lacher Patisserie.

These are just some of the dishes that we ordered, which I managed to snap photos of. 

Baked prawns, grilled hamachi, wagyu sukiyaki, deep-fried soft shell crab, grilled saba and California rolls.

Pingu Birthday cake from Alycia's high-school bff. Her bff is now living in Auckland, but she never fails to send Alycia birthday gifts since she left about 7 years ago.

Fresh oysters, sashimi, snow crab chawan mushi, and I can't remember the names of some of the dishes here.

Snow crabs.

More fresh sashimi, baked snow crab with cheese, soft shell crab maki and wagyu don.

Fresh sashimi platter. We ordered many of these.

Ordering is done on an iPad.

Restaurant staff singing Happy Birthday to the birthday girl, with complimentary birthday cake.

Haagen Dazs stickbar ice-creams in four delicious flavours. I shared a salted caramel and macha bar with Cass.

Enjoying her snow crab.

A Surprise Dinner at Mauceri, Khloe Hotel

Last Saturday, my husband surprised us with an unplanned dinner outing. All of us assumed, as usual, that we would be heading to our neighbourhood tai chow restaurant. But the moment we got into the car, he casually announced that he would be taking us to a place called Mauceri. None of us had heard of it, and we had absolutely no idea where it was.

It wasn’t until we were about to arrive that we realised the restaurant is inside Khloe Hotel, a boutique hotel in Bukit Bintang. That was when it hit us — we were all dressed in our sloppy, stay-at-home clothes, perfectly fine for tai chow, but definitely not for an elegant Italian restaurant. Still, we walked into Mauceri trying our best to look confident, pretending we belonged there despite our very “at home” outfits. I consoled myself that I was at least wearing a pair of Nike shorts, Nike sneakers and a sexy sleeveless bra top 😁

Hubby ordered quite a spread: roasted beetroot salad, kale salad, linguine vongole, squash ravioli, linguine prawn, tagliolini (crab meat, lemon and butter), roast chicken and fries. For dessert, he chose a Tiramisu, and the chef surprised us with an orange granita on the house. The food was delicious, and we enjoyed each other’s company.  The tagliolini was superb but the portion was really small.

Almost everyone was present for the dinner, including Alycia’s best friend. The only thing missing was Cassandra, who couldn’t join us because she was busy revising for her SPM.

The Great Washing Machine Saga: A Flood, A Fix, and A Lesson Learned

We’ve all been there. That moment a trusted household appliance decides to go on strike. In our case, the culprit was the washing machine, and what started as a simple repair turned into a two-day saga involving a flooded kitchen, a lot of hand-washing, and a lesson in water pressure.

Everyone in the house, except for someone sitting for a major exam soon, had to hand-wash their own clothes the past two days.

It all began when the technician arrived yesterday. He was efficient, diagnosed the problem quickly—a faulty motor—and replaced it with a new one. RM350 later, he packed up and left, and I was left with a sense of relief. Problem solved! Or so I thought.

Eager to get back to normal, I immediately started a load. But with just 8 minutes left on the cycle, my hope turned to dread. The machine had frozen. It was just… hanging.

A frantic WhatsApp message to the technician followed. He guided me through a "simple" fix: remove the cap at the bottom to let the water out. What he didn't mention was that this would unleash a tidal wave in my kitchen. Long story short, I spent the rest of the day hand-washing a mountain of clothes, hauling the heavier items to the dobi shop, and mopping up what felt like a small lake from the floor.

Round Two: The Technician Returns.

The technician came back this morning, presumably with a little more determination. He did his magic, and this time, he did something crucial: he waited. He stayed for the entire 15-minute cycle to ensure it actually finished. Victory, at last!

After he left, I confidently ran a full load. The cycle completed perfectly. The clothes were clean. But as I went to retrieve the clothes, I saw a new puddle of water on the floor. This was exactly the same problem that had plagued us for the past few weeks.

Another message to the technician. His explanation this time? Our own water pressure.

Apparently, our machine has a ‘U’-shaped drainage design, which is meant to slow the water flow. But our home's water pressure is so strong that it fights against this design, causing water to splatter back out from the detergent drawer. The solution? I have to lower our water pressure.

So, here we are. The machine is (fingers crossed) fixed, but with a new domestic variable to manage. This washer, which will only turn two years old in December 2025, has already put us through the wringer. It’s a stark reminder that modern appliances these days aren't always built for heavy use.

And with at least six rounds of laundry a day in our household, I’ve reached a conclusion: the next washer I buy won’t be a standard model. It’s going to be an industrial-grade, heavy-duty workhorse built to handle the chaos of real life.

For now, I’m crossing my fingers, turning down the water pressure, and hoping this one can survive another year. Wish me luck!

Throwback food pix from two Sundays ago - our lunch at Yat Yat Seng @ Megah Rise, Taman Megah, PJ. 

I grew up eating Yat Yat Seng, Ipoh's famous 'kai si hor fun' (chicken floss noodles) and curry noodles.  Fast forward several decades,  and there are now several branches in KL and PJ. 

Hubby is a huge fan of Yat Yat Seng's curry noodles.  The owner, Datin Seri Denise, is also a friend of hubby's.

Kai si hor fun

Curry noodles.

Steamed chicken and Ipoh bean sprouts.

Wantan filled with juicy prawns.

Pork belly in rice wine.

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.