New Kai Seng Seafood Restaurant

Last Saturday, my family and I went to New Kai Seng Seafood Restaurant, a place my husband used to frequent with his friends. For the rest of us, it was our first time dining at this establishment, and we were in for a delightful surprise.

The restaurant's ambiance was inviting. It's semi-outdoor with strategically placed ceiling fans that provide a welcome breeze, ensuring that even on a warm evening, we remain comfortable.  

What impressed us the most, besides the pleasant ambiance, was the speed at which our food arrived. Despite the bustling crowd, the dishes were served promptly, a testament to the restaurant's efficiency.

New Kai Seng Seafood Restaurant is renowned for its crab dishes, and while we had heard raving reviews about their claypot coconut cream crab, we decided to explore other options on this visit. Our table quickly filled with an array of dishes that had our taste buds tingling with anticipation as we were all famished.

Here's a glimpse of our sumptuous meal:

1. Smoked Chicken: The smoked chicken was a revelation. Its lovely smoked aroma paired with tender meat made it an instant favorite at our table.

2. Sauteed French Beans with Salted Egg: A delightful combination of crunch and creaminess, my all-time favorite dish.

3. BBQ Pork Ribs: The succulent BBQ pork ribs were a hit with everyone, with a finger-licking glaze that left us craving for more as the portion was pretty small.

4. Steamed Fish:  Slices of fresh fish perfectly steamed, the fish was light and flaky, with a delicate sauce that enhanced its natural flavors.

5. Spinach in Superior Soup with Salted Egg and Century Egg: A comforting and flavorful soup. This is another favorite veggie dish of mine.

6. Stir Fried Pork Intestines: An adventurous choice that paid off; the stir-fried pork intestines were surprisingly delicious, tender, and well-seasoned. However, it’s not my choice as I don’t eat animal innards. 

7. Shark’s Fins Omelette: A traditional Chinese dish that delighted with its unique texture and taste. This is another all-time favorite of mine.

8. Braised Pork Knuckles: A hearty dish that showcased the restaurant's prowess in slow-cooked perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.

9. Emperor Fried Noodles: The perfect way to end our feast, the Emperor fried noodles offered a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. Though it looked unimpressive, the taste was surprisingly impressive, befitting an emperor.

While we didn't dive into the famous crab dishes on this visit, we left New Kai Seng Seafood Restaurant with satisfied palates and eager hearts.  We will definitely return and explore their signature crab offerings on our next visit.

WEBSITE	New Kai Seng Seafood’s Facebook
ADDRESS	Jalan Kenanga, 50, Jalan Merlimau, Pudu, 55200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.

The Timeless Appeal of Bracelets

Bracelets have adorned the wrists of women and girls for centuries, and their enduring popularity is no accident. From delicate chains to bejeweled wonders, bracelets hold a special place in the hearts of many.

Let me delve into why women like myself, and many others universally, love wearing bracelets and how these simple adornments can make a profound impact on one's look and self-confidence.

 

1. Elegance and Femininity

Bracelets are synonymous with grace and femininity. They wrap around the delicate wrist, adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Whether you're dressing up for a formal event or simply going about your day, a bracelet can elevate your entire look, making you feel more elegant and put together. Bracelets can be expensive but one can find cheap bracelets from online wholesale bracelets sellers.

 

2. A Statement of Style

Bracelets are more than just accessories; they're statements of personal style. Each bracelet tells a unique story, reflecting the wearer's personality, interests, and values. Whether it's a dainty chain link bracelet or a vibrant beaded masterpiece, your choice of bracelet can convey a lot about who you are.

 

3. Affordable Luxury with Wholesale Bracelets

While some bracelets can be expensive, it's worth noting that there are cost-effective options available. Thanks to online wholesale bracelet sellers, you can find high-quality bracelets at a fraction of the cost. Whether you're looking for wholesale chain link bracelets or wholesale beaded bracelets, these options make stylish accessorizing accessible to all.

 

 

4. Completing the Ensemble

Just as a wafer completes a sundae, a bracelet completes an outfit. It's that finishing touch that can tie your entire look together, turning a plain dress or jeans into a fashionable ensemble. The right bracelet can transform your appearance, leaving you feeling polished and ready to conquer the day.

 

5. Variety of Shapes, Sizes, and Materials

Bracelets come in an astonishing array of shapes, sizes, designs, and materials. From sleek chain link bracelets that exude modernity to colorful beaded bracelets with a bohemian vibe, there's something for everyone's taste. This diversity allows you to express your unique style and creativity.

 

6. Boosting Confidence and Happiness

The act of wearing a bracelet can be empowering. It's a reminder of your style and individuality, which can boost your confidence and happiness. When you look good, you feel good, and bracelets play a significant role in achieving that positive mindset.

 

In conclusion, bracelets are more than just accessories; they are a reflection of one's personality, a source of confidence and happiness, and a symbol of elegance and femininity. With the variety of styles, materials, and affordable options offered by wholesale beaded bracelets sellers, there's no reason not to indulge in the timeless allure of bracelets. So go ahead, adorn your wrists, and let your unique style shine through.

Visit To Hai Kah Lang's Latest Branch in Imbi (Hai Kah Lang TRX)

Hai Kah Lang, a Michelin-approved fresh seafood noodles restaurant, has been making waves in our country ever since it received the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand Award in 2022. As we celebrated our country's Independence Day on 31 August 2023, my family and I decided to visit Hai Kah Lang again to indulge in some fresh seafood and this time to try their latest branch in Imbi (opposite TRX, KL’s new social heart).  

We visited Hai Kah Lang's main branch in Cheras early this year and enjoyed the seafood noodles very much.

Hai Kah Lang is a pet-friendly restaurant and there were patrons who brought their pooches along to the restaurant. 

Hai Kah Lang's ascent to culinary stardom began when it earned the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022. The judges were captivated by the restaurant's commitment to serving only the freshest catch, primarily sourced from northern Borneo. What sets Hai Kah Lang apart is its owner, who also runs a seafood stall just across the street in Cheras. This direct connection to the seafood source ensures that every dish served on the restaurant's tables boasts unparalleled freshness and quality.

We arrived at Hai Kah Lang TRX around 11 a.m., filled with eager anticipation. As expected, there was already a vibrant queue snaking its way outside the restaurant. Chairs were thoughtfully placed for waiting patrons, while others, like us, stood under the warm embrace of the Malaysian sun. Thankfully, huge commercial fans strategically positioned provided a much-needed respite from the heat. After approximately 30 minutes, our number was finally called, and we eagerly made our way inside. Thankfully, our food arrived pretty quickly as the staff had earlier taken our order on an iPad whilst we were queueing up.

The large kitchen crew, busy at work.

A very spacious restaurant. This is just indoor. There are also tables outdoors and patrons who bring their pets with them can dine al fresco. 

Our family has diverse tastes, and Hai Kah Lang's menu caters to all. Hubs and MIL opted for the clear soup noodles, featuring a delectable assortment of fresh seafood. Meanwhile, Cass couldn't resist the allure of crab porridge. Personally, I went for a carb-free option, selecting a bowl of mixed seafood to savor the pure essence of the ocean. Each dish was an explosion of fresh seafood flavors, showcasing the incredible culinary expertise that earned Hai Kah Lang its Michelin accolade.

One standout was the crab porridge, a fragrant delight brimming with the rich aroma of crab meat. Hubs also indulged in a unique appetizer – jellyfish prepared in the style of Malaysian fruit rojak, adorned with rojak sauce and crushed peanuts. To elevate our seafood adventure, he ordered a bowl of Emperor clams (giant lala) and blanched fresh oysters, each bite transporting us to the seaside.

Blanched Emperor Clams.

Blanched fresh oysters.

Fish balls.

Crab porridge.

My bowl of mixed seafood in clear soup with no carbs.

Delectable jellyfish in rojak sauce.

My personal highlight was the Hai Kah Lang sea bird's nest drink. A refreshing concoction of fresh coconut water, coconut milk, and coconut flesh, it was the perfect complement to our seafood feast. I enjoyed it so much that I didn't want to share a single sip.  The drink has a slight blueish hue (from blue pea flowers, I guess), giving it a delightful aesthetic.

Sea bird's nest drink - a super refreshing and delightful drink for coconut lovers like myself.

After a satisfying brunch at Hai Kah Lang, we explored more culinary gems in the vicinity since hubs was quite free. We headed to Florentine La Bisteccheria in Chow Kit, known for its exquisite Italian pastries, cakes, and coffee. Sipping on our coffee and indulging in decadent desserts was a sweet way to conclude our meal.

Cass is a coffee lover too and her favorite is Piccolo. 

As we strolled through the area, we discovered trendy cafes lining the streets. Our mission was to find a suitable café for takeaway meals for Alycia and Sherilyn, who couldn't join us due to their part-time job at a café. We stumbled upon Kwong Cheung Loong Kopitiam Bar, where we ordered fried rice with ayam percik for them before heading home. 

Hai Kah Lang TRX

Address:

32, Jalan Utara,

Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM

A Heartwarming Act of Honesty

Last Friday Cass spent almost the entire day at Pavillion Bukit Jalil as it was the school holidays. She had RM80 worth of Parkson vouchers from the mall to use, thanks to us contributing so much to the mall for her figure skating classes at the skating rink. The vouchers were redeemed as part of a  shopping campaign organized by the shopping mall.  Before her figure skating class started, she went to Parkson to use the vouchers. I told her to get herself some clothes. 

As Cass tried on a pair of pants, something unexpected happened. The button on the pants came loose, leaving her feeling terribly embarrassed and apologetic. Many of us might have shrugged it off, blamed it on wear and tear, or simply left without mentioning it to anyone. But not Cass. Her moral compass pointed firmly in the direction of honesty and conscience.

Rather than pretending nothing happened, Cass approached the store assistant and, with genuine sincerity, apologized for the mishap. She even went a step further and inquired if she could pay for the tailoring service to fix the button. This act of responsibility and integrity caught the store assistant by surprise. In a world where such incidents are often shrugged off, Cass's actions were truly exceptional.

The store assistant, equally touched by Cass's honesty, assured her that it was okay, and that someone would take care of fixing the button. But Cass's conscience was not at ease. And so, she offered the store assistant a RM20 Parkson cash voucher as a token of her gratitude for the store assistant’s help.

Initially, the store assistant hesitated and declined Cass's offer, but Cass insisted, explaining that it was essential for her peace of mind. Eventually, the store assistant accepted the cash voucher, recognizing the sincerity behind Cass's gesture.

When I asked Cass why she felt compelled to be so honest and generous in a situation where many would have chosen otherwise, her response was simple yet profound. She said that her conscience wasn't clear, and by giving the store assistant RM20, she felt better. It wasn't about the money; it was about doing what was right.

I know that I wouldn't have been as honest as Cass was in this situation, and that's why her story resonates so deeply with me. It's a reminder that kindness, honesty, and a clear conscience are values worth cherishing and passing on to the next generation.

Last Saturday, Alycia and Sherilyn brought back this box of yummy goodies from Front Room, the cafe where they worked part-time. There were two birthday parties held at the cafe on that day.

Each piece of morsel in this box was super delicious as they were made from quality ingredients.  We had them for breakfast over the next few days. Bliss 😄

Haru, Our Heroic Feline That Saved the Day

Pets have a remarkable way of becoming an integral part of our lives, and often, they go above and beyond to look out for us. Today Haru, turned into a hero by saving us from a potential disaster. 

It was a typical afternoon, and I was indulging in a much-needed siesta on my work chair. However, my peaceful nap was interrupted by an insistent scratching sound on my chair. Haru, my smart and perceptive cat was busily scratching away at my expensive office chair.

Haru knows me well, and she's well aware that I don't appreciate her scratching my chair. So to get what she wants (which is always her meals and snacks), she will scratch on my office chair till I get up from the chair and attend to her needs. And there was no exception today.

With Haru's relentless scratching, I couldn't ignore her any longer. I reluctantly pushed myself up from my chair, feeling drowsy and disoriented. As I stood up, I noticed something alarming—a faint smell of burning. Panic surged through me as I realized something was amiss. I rushed to the kitchen and lo and behold, I found an empty pot sitting on the stove, its burner still turned on, flames dancing beneath it. Someone had heated up some soup and after pouring the soup into her bowl, had forgotten to turn off the stove.

I quickly turned off the burner and let out a sigh of relief and it was then that it hit me: Haru had saved the day. She had sensed the danger from the burning smell, with her persistent scratching, awakened me just in time to prevent a catastrophe.

I turned to Haru, my eyes filled with gratitude and love. I scooped her into my arms, hugging her tightly. Her cleverness and unwavering determination have kept us safe today.  Bravo to Haru!

Haru's favorite morning past-time: sun-bathing at whichever spot in the house that has sunlight 😸

My Careless Daiso Purchase

We've all experienced those moments when we make a purchase that leaves us shaking our heads in disbelief. Today, as I strolled through Pavilion Bukit Jalil after Cass successfully passed her figure skating tests, I found myself in one such situation – a tale of a seemingly innocent Daiso purchase that turned out to be quite a costly lesson in assumptions.

The day began on a high note as Cass triumphantly conquered not just one, but two figure skating tests. Celebratory spirits were high, and after a fulfilling lunch at Grand Harbor restaurant, I decided to make a quick pit stop at Daiso to pick up some household essentials. Among the items on my list was a new stainless steel bowl for my beloved cat, Haru. Little did I know that this seemingly straightforward purchase would lead to a lesson in mindfulness and attention to detail.

Our sumptuous lunch at Grand Harbor, Pavillion Bukit Jalil

As I perused the array of stainless steel bowls neatly displayed, one particular option caught my eye. A double-layered, lightweight, matte-finished bowl seemed like the ideal choice for Haru's dining needs. Pleased with my find, I made my way to the checkout counter, paid for my items, and continued my leisurely stroll through the mall.

It was during this leisurely stroll that reality came crashing down. A nagging feeling prompted me to review the total on the receipt against the number of items I had purchased. To my dismay, the numbers didn't add up. Panic ensued as I closely examined the Daiso receipt, and that's when I discovered the source of my mistake – the stainless steel bowl I had chosen for Haru was listed at a staggering RM17.70, not the RM5.90 I had assumed.

The RM17.70 double-layer constructed stainless steel bowl from Daiso. It is heat-proof on the outside, which makes it perfect for putting hot soups.

At that moment, my heart sank as I realized the gravity of my carelessness. The bowl intended for my furry friend, which I had purchased without properly scrutinizing the price, was now three times more expensive than I had anticipated. My initial assumption that all Daiso items adhered to the familiar RM5.90 price point had led me astray.

Although I contemplated rushing back to Daiso for a refund or exchange, time constraints and a husband eager to depart held me back. As I weighed my options, I decided to chalk this up to a lesson learned. This wasn't just about an unfortunate purchase; it was a reminder to never underestimate the importance of clarity and attention to detail.

Toilet selfie, as usual 😁

Upon reflection, it became clear that my lack of reading glasses had played a significant role in this mishap. As age has caught up on me, I now need reading glasses to read small prints. But I don't bring my reading glasses out. The seemingly ambiguous digits on the price tag appeared to resemble the familiar "Yen" symbol rather than the Malaysian Ringgit. This experience underscored the value of taking the extra moment to ensure I had the proper information before making a decision.

In the end, the stainless steel bowl that was meant for Haru has found its place for my own use, serving as a tangible reminder of the importance of mindfulness in all transactions. The bowl will always make me chuckle to myself each time I use it, reminding me of my oversight.

So, the next time I find myself amidst the charm of Daiso's aisles, I'll be armed not just with my shopping list but also with a renewed commitment to careful consideration. And I must remember to bring my reading glasses out or just use my phone's camera function to enlarge small prints 😛

Sherilyn's Break Before She Starts College

Sherilyn's 5-month break is coming to an end.  Before embarking on another new journey next week, she took the ETS train to Ipoh on Wednesday to visit her grandparents. It's also to celebrate her koong koong's 80th birthday, which falls on 19 August 2023.  

Sherilyn will commence her Foundation in Natural and Built Environments next week at Taylor's College. And if Architecture is for her, she will proceed with the Bachelor of Science in Architecture. If not, she can opt to study Business, Quantity Surveying, or other courses.

On Tuesday, Alycia followed her grandma, aunty and cousin from England to Penang and then to Ipoh.  They celebrated my dad's birthday at the Mun Choong Restaurant in Ipoh yesterday.  Too bad Cass, hubs and I had to be in KL as Cass has to go to school while hubs has been busy with work.

School holidays will only begin in another week.  Cass and I will only make a trip to Ipoh on 28 August by ETS train to have another round of celebration with dad.

This super chill girl gave me a panic attack on the day that she was supposed to take the train back to Ipoh.  Her train was at 3pm but she went out for lunch with her friend at the cafe that she works at, collected cakes from the cafe for her grandparents and even gave Haru a bath.  Then she had a stomach upset and was stuck on the throne until 2.30pm, when I hollered at her incessantly to hurry up or risk missing the train. She only left the house at 2.35pm! The traffic in KL is unpredictable and the traffic jam is almost perpetual. I had to help her lug her luggage to the Grab car as she was still hobbling after an injury sustained while bouldering with her sisters, cousin and second cousins on Sunday. I asked the Grab driver to try his best to send Sherilyn to the Sentral Station before 3pm.  Yup, I know it wouldn't really help to tell the driver to try his best coz if the traffic was bad, there's really nothing much that he could do. But I wanted the driver to drive a little faster and be aware that his passenger had a train to catch😂

With only 25 minutes left before the train takes off, will Sherilyn reach the station on time?! Even if she did, she had to walk down to the platform and search for her coach. It's Ok if she could walk briskly but she was hobbling and had three bags with her!  This is SO Sherilyn, my middle child who loves challenges and thrives in a complicated and challenging environment 😑

I was so worried that Sherilyn won't be able to cope with lugging so many things with an injured ankle.

While Sherilyn was in the car, I frantically went through the ETS app to check what time the next train was. There was a 3.30 pm train and I messaged Sherilyn to take that train if she missed the 3pm train.  Thank God Sherilyn managed to hop onto the train in the nick of time and she gloated to me that she was already inside the train 10 minutes before the train went off! 🙏😬

Super yummy banana walnut bread from Front Room, the cafe that Sherilyn works at, for my parents.

Sherilyn and my parents visited Mirror Lake (Tasik Cermin) yesterday.

With granny at Kin Loong Valley.

My SIL from England treated everyone to a sumptuous dinner at Mun Choong Restaurant to celebrate my dad's 80th birthday.

May God bless my papa with many, many more happy birthdays.

The Unfortunate Damage of a Homemade Blueberry Cake

Sometimes life has a way of adding a sprinkle of unpredictability to our best-laid plans. Such was the case for Sherilyn, who found herself caught in the whirlwind of a cake catastrophe that she never saw coming.

Sherilyn was recently commissioned by her aunt who resides in England to bake a cake for her grandaunt’s birthday.  Despite her bustling schedule of work and dance classes, Sherilyn accepted the job and was determined to rise to the occasion. She decided to bake a blueberry genoise cake. With three punnets of fresh blueberries, the finest whipping cream, and her heart full of dedication, she embarked on this baking project.  

Sherilyn spared every available moment to craft a cake that would be remembered and enjoyed by her grandaunt. She meticulously sourced fresh blueberries and quality whipping cream for the cake. She made a luscious blueberry compote and the genoise cake a day earlier.  On the morning of delivering the cake to her grand-aunt, she woke up early to meticulously decorate the cake before leaving for work.

The beautiful blueberry cake before disaster struck.

As the final strokes of creativity were laid upon the cake, Sherilyn was ready to present her masterpiece to her grandaunt. In a twist of fate, however, the universe had a different plan. Entrusting her colleague, a part-time delivery driver with the responsibility of transporting the delicate creation to its destination turned out to be the turning point of this tale.

In an unfortunate turn of events, the cake's top layer succumbed to gravity's pull, resulting in a heartbreaking collapse. The news of the mishap reached Sherilyn through her delivery driver friend, leaving her with a mix of frustration and sorrow. The cake, a labor of love and dedication, lay in ruins, unable to be salvaged.

The damaged cake :(

While it was evident that the mishap occurred due to the unintended actions of the delivery driver (he may have driven too fast or dropped the cake), Sherilyn found herself in a challenging position. The delivery driver is her friend and this made it difficult for her to place blame and to express her disappointment, despite the financial loss and frustration she had to bear. 

After disaster struck, Sherilyn only remembered that his friend's car's air-conditioner was not working! It was truly a lack of foresight on both parties.

Sherilyn transformed the cake scraps, extra cream and blueberry compote into a yummilicious Cake Crumb Trifle.

To add to the complexity, the cake had spent too much time outside the fridge, rendering it unfit for consumption. Sherilyn thought that she could still salvage the cake for our own consumption but the cake had turned bad.

Despite the setback, Sherilyn showed remarkable maturity by swiftly arranging an alternative solution – she asked her delivery driver friend to purchase a cake from a nearby bakery as she had earlier informed her grandaunt that she was sending a cake to her. How could she tell her grandaunt now that the cake is damaged? 

It's a lesson learned to never underestimate the fragility of transporting a cake, even when it's in the hands of a well-meaning friend.  And even with the best of intentions, can sometimes result in disappointment and setbacks.

My advice to Sherilyn is to never send a fragile cake to anyone again using express delivery service.  We should instead deliver the cake ourselves or get the recipient to collect it from us. And if both parties are too busy to make a drive, then send something that's not fragile to the recipient.

I also found out after the incident that one of the items that will not be delivered by Grab Express is fragile items like cakes, although her friend is not attached to Grab.

The Scam That Taught My Daughter a Valuable Lesson

Today Alycia had an unfortunate encounter with scammers that left her feeling vulnerable and taken advantage of. I’m sure she had read about such a modus operandi masterminded by scammers yet she got lured into it.

This morning, while I was out, Alycia received an SMS claiming to be from J&T courier, stating that there was an issue with her delivery address. Coincidentally, Alycia was expecting some parcels to arrive. The message requested her personal and bank details to verify her identity as the intended recipient of the parcel. Without realizing the potential danger, Alycia clicked on the link provided and unwittingly shared her personal information with the scammers.

Fortunately, I arrived home just in time, and Alycia confided in me about what had happened, realizing that she may have been lured into the scammer’s trap. Recognizing the signs of a scam, I immediately assured her that she had indeed been targeted. We wasted no time in taking action to protect her finances. First, I advised her to call her two banks to cancel her debit cards. It took some time and patience, but she successfully canceled both cards before any significant damage was done.

After canceling the debit cards, Alycia visited the bank branches to obtain new cards, incurring a fee of RM12 for each replacement card. Though she was fortunate that the scammers had only managed to make a minor purchase of RM4+ on something from Google using her card details, this incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in the face of increasingly sophisticated scams.

Unfortunately, scams have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, targeting unsuspecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Even the savviest of individuals can fall victim to cleverly orchestrated schemes, as demonstrated by my friend, a seasoned businesswoman in her 50s, who lost RM7k to online job scammers. Her daughter had applied for some part-time online jobs after her SPM  exam and she deposited over RM7k into the scammers’ accounts!  Even my own mother, a cautious individual, was scammed recently (albeit for a very small amount) while attempting to purchase a piece of cooking equipment on Facebook which requested her credit card details.

For Alycia, this experience was an eye-opener. She has now learned that scammers are relentless and use various tactics to exploit innocent people. We cannot afford to be complacent in the digital world. It is vital to educate ourselves and our loved ones about the common tactics used by scammers, such as phishing emails, fraudulent calls, and misleading SMS messages cleverly orchestrated to lure unsuspecting victims.

While the incident was disheartening, it provided an essential lesson for my daughter and our family.  As parents, we must continue to educate and support our children in navigating the digital landscape safely. Scammers may be getting smarter, but with awareness and caution, we can protect ourselves from falling into their scheming traps.