Yamaguchi Fish Market @ Kampong Pandan

Ever since I've seen pics of the food in this place, Yamaguchi Fish Market @ Kampong Pandan, and the reviews from my favourite food blogs, I've been dying to try but the steep prices had been the one dominating factor that had always held me back.

Finally I thought...to heck with it....I've got to try it.....at least once! :D  Yamaguchi Fish Market shares the same premise as Caffeinees cafe with free and ample parking within its premises.  The concept is like a Japanese fish market where high quality and fresh seafood is brought in for the customers dine-in and purchase.  

That's why, upon walking in (through Caffeinees), you'd be greeted with tanks filled with the freshest possible live seasonal fish and seafood (crabs, scallops, sea urchin, prawns, oysters, etc.) awaiting guests dine-in pleasure or to be brought home at wholesale prices.

Overall, the restaurant is not that big as the tanks and sushi counter takes up more than half the space already.  Stepping in on a Saturday evening, I was surprised to find that most of the tables were reserved but we did manage to secure a table since we were early.

Glancing through the menu, you'd notice that it showcases a combination of Japanese and Chinese styles of seafood preparation.  However, we were disappointed that one of the Top 10 recommended dishes, the Yamaguchi Eel Rice @ RM38 wasn't available (we were planning to order that) and neither was their Salt Baked Tai Fish @ RM48 (not that we were planning to order that).

In the end, we went with the Yamaguchi Grilled Seasonal Seafood Platter @ RM116 (also one of their Top 10 dishes) for sharing.  It was filled with grilled pieces of king crab legs, scallops, prawns and red snapper fillet. The moment the dish hit the table, you get a whiff of that lovely smoky aroma.

The prawns were large, firm and fresh...especially loved that smoky flavour imparted in the shells.  Sucking the juices from the prawn heads were truly enjoyable and almost therapeutic...hehe! 

I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into the plump and juicy scallops which were beautifully grilled.  I ate one (the bigger one, oops) before realising I had not taken a photo of it.  So, here's the remaining scallop...plus one scallop shell! :D

The king crab legs had minimal and difficult to get at flesh but what they yielded was fresh and juicy-sweet meat.

I see some blogs referring to this fish fillet as Tai (sea bream) but our server told us it's snapper (don't know if he meant tai snapper or red snapper), so I'm not sure which is correct (or if they're even the same fish). Whatever it was, the snapper fillet was firm and flaky, delicate and sweet in taste.

Next was our order of Grilled Salmon Fillet @ RM28 which arrived looking like a western-style pan-fried salmon fillet with a side of salad.  I was certainly not expecting it to look like this.  In the menu, the pic of the grilled salmon was flanked by charcoal-grilled saba and Hokkaido squid, so I was expecting it to look...well, grilled.  This one looked out of place, more like something out of Caffeinees' kitchen! >.<

That aside, the pan-fried looking salmon was nice and fresh, just a bit overcooked and a tad dry as the centre wasn't as pinkish as we would have liked.  This was served with a fairly fiery green chilli padi dip which was rather odd (if it was served with something like our local "ikan panggang kembong" aka grilled Indian mackerel...that I would understand).

The side salad of lettuce, cucumber, yellow bell pepper, cherry tomatoes and mushroom was served with what looked like a mayo and whole grain mustard vinaigrette.  Although I hate mustard, this dressing I found to be somewhat tangy in flavour, so I liked it (then again, maybe whole grain mustard tastes a whole lot better than regular yellow mustard which taste like crap?).

As with more premium Japanese restaurants, one should always try their ultra fresh sashimi (a hallmark of their existence)...and I felt that my experience wouldn't be complete without doing so.  If you've been following my blog for a while, you'd noticed that I seldom feature sashimi in my posts even when dining at Japanese restaurants and that's because it's not my no. 1 most favourite thing to eat (although I do eat it...it's a "can-have" but not necessarily a "must-have" for me).

So, I went ahead and ordered the Sushi Mori @ RM78 featuring 8 pieces of assorted nigiri sushi. Unfortunately, the menu didn't detail the types of fresh fish sushi we'd be getting (probably because it depends on what's fresh and in season, so what we got was different from the pic in the menu).

We got these 8 pieces of assorted nigiri sushi instead....and I've no idea what some of them were due to my inexperience in (and infrequency of) eating sashimi + I didn't get to sample all of the sushi.

I read from sixthseal's blog that we're not supposed to share (for etiquette reasons) and that we're supposed to eat it in one bite (that I know and it's even acceptable, encouraged even to eat it with our hands)....hmmm, sorry but I don't live by those sushi standards or rules (even if that's the correct/best way to eat sushi)...kekeke...(actually, there're more rules but let's not get into that right now)!  We like to share our food....and I like to eat my sushi in two bites...and with chopsticks! :P

Coming back to the Sushi Mori, there were some obvious and easily recognisable sushi and one of them was the uni (sea urchin) sushi.  I've never had uni before and so I ate this one.  The uni was fresh and buttery still but probably not as supremely fresh as the live ones (of course).  The briny taste of the ocean, coupled with the richness, creamy texture and melt-in-the-mouth feel of the uni was everything I had hoped for (just like my first taste of foie gras).  I absolutely loved it...more please!

Luckily, there weren't any live uni available (the uni for this sushi came from a box), otherwise I'd be in two minds as to whether I'd be willing to fork out RM150 for one (although the server did offer uni sushi at RM100 for 5 pcs).  I think I'd rather save money for a live one ;)

Another instantly recognisable sushi was the ikura (salmon roe) sushi.  I've not had this before, so I couldn't help but stole a few salmon roe (two only, ok maybe three) from the sushi...kekeke....the burst of liquid and saltiness from the ikura in my mouth was amazing.

The other two easy to recognise sushi were the salmon belly and amaebi (sweet shrimp) sushi (the latter of which I was offered to eat)...tastes like the sea with a subtle sweet flavour and sticky on the palate.

Finally, it came down to these 4 sushi that I couldn't recognise (perhaps my esteemed fellow food bloggers, who are so much more well versed and experienced in sashimi than me, can enlighten me...by just looking...and not tasting!) XD

Out of these four, I did eat one of them...which I think is probably some kind of toro (fatty tuna) sushi. Although it was somewhat like pale pink in colour, I doubt that it was the medium fatty tuna belly or chutoro (and definitely not the super fatty tuna belly or otoro) since these two can be quite pricey (RM24 & RM28 for chutoro and otoro respectively here would cost a third of the platter's price already for just once piece).  But it did have a soft, buttery and melt-in-the-mouth texture with a rich taste (could it actually be chutoro?...nah, impossible!)....anyway, I didn't like it because of the lingering oily taste in my mouth.  Well, if that was indeed toro, at least now I know I don't fancy fatty tuna sashimi....hehe! ;D  Maybe, if it was aburi (flame grilled) toro (just to heat up the oils and melt the fats a tiny bit), that I'm willing to bet I would love :)  The afficianados might think I'm crazy but it's like how I like my beef charred and medium rare...but not rare!

So, what were the rest of the sushi?  I'm hoping you can tell me.  When I'm at the market, I can't even recognise our local whole fish (except for a few obvious ones) let alone these already sliced up ones.  Could it be hotate, hamachi or kampachi/kanpachi (yellowtail) or tai snapper sashimi?

When placing our orders, our server was kind enough to alert us to their promotion of Salmon Sashimi @ RM10.

This was definitely a value deal seeing that you get 5 thick slices of salmon sashimi with more than an acceptable degree of freshness and taste.  

If you're not a small-eater (we weren't), the above dishes would probably not fill you up...and that's why this salmon sashimi promotion is a godsend....I suppose you can order more plates of it to fill you up (but we didn't).  So, we came off RM300 poorer but only 80% full! >_<

Orange Juice & Ice Honey Lemon @ RM10 each

My Personal Opinion

There's no denying that the seafood is fresh and top quality, so expect to pay a bit more.  A meal here can easily cost RM200 per person...or more if you want to taste the good stuff.

Certainly not cheap by many's standards, so it's not a place you can visit regularly.....perhaps for those special moments in your life.  

Do I see myself coming back here?  Maybe yes...if I suddenly feel the urge to eat live uni (or talk myself into paying an insanely hefty price for it)....or maybe no...as I may want a different dining experience somewhere else since I have to spend that kind of money.  Having said that, the food is really fresh and good and worthy of revisits...but only if your wallet can handle it....I wish mine could! T_T

Yamaguchi Fish Market
No 16 Jalan Kampong Pandan
55000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-9284 6686

#ewew tries King Oscar Sardines with Water Crackers

Since my previous purchase of King Oscar Kipper Snacks with Elki Garlic & Herb Crackers turned out quite well, I bought these when I was at Mercato, Pavilion, a while back.

It makes for a nice and healthy snack when you rummage through your pantry cupboards and find these! =)

A can of King Oscar Sardines (106g) @ RM15.89 contains wild caught, wood-smoked and hand-packed Norwegian brisling sardines (as stated in the packing), a natural source of essential Omega-3s.

On opening the can, I found it filled with a neatly arranged double layer of sardines (about 15 pcs) steeped in extra virgin olive oil.

As this is a gourmet canned fish, I needed some gourmet crackers too and bought a packet of Elki Water Crackers (62g) @ RM6.35.  The 62g pack contained 22 pcs of crackers.

To serve (as nibbles for a party and for better presentation), you just need to place a piece of sardine on one of the crackers with a little drizzle of that very good tasting extra virgin olive oil.  Hmmm, looks a bit like boquerones on reganas at Ohla, no?  Ok-lah, not quite...in terms of taste and poshness! :D

But, you'll need a lot more sardines for this as one can of sardine is not enough to go round one packet of crackers.

Otherwise, just mash up the sardines with the olive oil and scoop some on each piece of cracker.  This way, there'll be more than enough to go round ;)

These are fresh, wood-smoked (not fishy) sardines, soft and delicate in taste though they come from a can. The sardines we usually get here are those canned ones in tomato sauce (which are dry and fishy).  I bet fresh sardines are really delicious when lightly grilled or pan-fried (like those I see on cooking shows).

The crackers, on the other hand, are very bland as one would expect since they're water crackers but totally guilt-free though as a snack.  They're still thin and crispy but I preferred the previous Elki Garlic & Herb Crackers more for that slightly savoury taste.

This is one healthy nibble that you can indulge in as a midnight snack while watching your favourite football matches.  It makes for a healthy breakfast option too!

Not the cheapest of snacks, I must say.  Then again, one should always expect to pay a slightly more premium price for something that's meant to be good for us!

Kanna Curry House (Banana Leaf Rice) @ Sec 17 PJ

Banana Leaf Rice, one of Malaysia's favourite Indian food, is liked by many although personally I'm not such a big fan and that's because I don't particularly fancy the usual dishes like varuval or peratal that go with these meals.  But I do eat banana leaf rice occasionally coz I do love rice with an assortment of vegetables and pickles, flooded with curry and a side of crispy papadums.

So, when I want to indulge in a bit of banana leaf rice after Sunday mass, my usual place is Kanna Curry House @ Section 17 PJ since it's one where the banana leaf rice is available early in the morning (like around 10am) when most other Indian restaurants (including Kanna in the past) do not serve banana leaf rice until at least after 11am.  I have been to Kanna numerous times over the years although it's usually for a roti canai breakfast more than anything else (check out my previous post here) but, during a more recent experience, the roti wasn't as good (just one off or maybe a different person making them that day?).

But today I'm here for their banana leaf rice as they're popularly known, having been voted the "Best Banana Leaf Rice Restaurant in Klang Valley" by the Star's People Food Awards + making it to many foodies list of Top 10, it remains one of the most well-patronised banana leaf rice eateries.  But, if you want to eat here, you have to get over the fact that they don't use real banana leaves here, it's a paper version that looks like a banana leaf! >.<

Most banana leaf rice restaurants offer between 2 - 5 veggies and here at Kanna there's usually three...and on that day, it was cabbage, radish and cucumber (yay, non-mushy ones).

Also, a must-have condiment at any banana leaf meal...papadums!  The papadums and the various vegetables are the basics, and they're all refillable, before you choose your add-ons ;)  Though I was the only one having banana leaf rice (out of the four of us at the table...my family does not like banana leaf rice all that much either), they were more than willing to let me have refills but I told them I didn't need any (in fact, I saw the table next to us where one member had banana leaf rice while the other had roti canai, yet the server scooped veggies for both of them...very nice of him).

The contraption carrying the 3 types of curries....fish, chicken and dhal will be left on your table for you to "banjir" (flood) your rice with as much as you like.  My favourite is the chicken and dhal.

You'll also get a complimentary rasam, which is a type of South Indian soup that's traditionally prepared with tamarind juice as a base, that's supposed to stimulate appetite and aids digestion.  However, I've never learned to appreciate rasam, so it was left practically untouched.

I'd be more than happy with just this simple meal of rice, veggies, papadum and lots of curry @ RM6.30 per person....and all are refillable on request to appease even those with hearty appetites! ;D

As with any banana leaf rice, there are many types of add-ons to your banana leaf meal for you to choose (be it chicken, mutton or seafood...and cooked in various styles like curries, varuval or peratal).  Personally, I'm not a huge fan of these styles, though I do eat them occasionally, but I've not eaten enough to comment on how good they are or aren't.

I'd usually go for the fried stuff like this Fried Squid @ RM7.60 that's a perennial favourite of ours and the difference of this one was the onions and curry leaves.  Freshly fried with onions for sweetness and curry leaves to add fragrance to the squid, they were tender and crisp.

Every bit of the onions and curry leaves won't go to waste (wished there were more).  I especially like to chew on the fried curry leaves to release a burst of fragrance in the mouth...absolutely delish!

The Fried Chicken @ RM5.80 a piece (for a whole chicken leg) is another must-order for us for its moist meat and crunchy skin.  The chicken leg arrived whole and we asked it to be cut and it came back looking like this unfortunately....butchered to death! O_o

Ok, here's a more flattering pic of the fried chicken leg coz, the next time we ordered it, we made sure we left it as it is.

The Fried Tenggiri @ RM5.50 for half a piece (it was a fairly thick cut) is something only I enjoy.  At times the fish is fresh and moist but, other times, it may be a bit on the dry side.

Having these dishes with my banana leaf rice is all I need for a fulfilling and satisfying banana leaf rice indulgence! ;)

If you're not into banana leaf rice, you can still enjoy all these dishes with a packet of Nasi Lemak @ RM1.90. Nothing great, just ordinary and edible.

My Personal Opinion

Since I'm not that into banana leaf rice + I've not eaten most of the dishes served with banana leaf rice here, I can't say if it's the best banana leaf rice restaurants in Klang Valley but probably among some of the best judging from the full crowd on Sundays (making parking here a nightmare) >_<

But I certainly think that the fried squid (with onions and curry leaves) and their fried vadai (my favourite vadai so far) are among some of the better ones I've had.

For loyal enthusiasts of banana leaf rice, you be the judge if they're worthy of the title given by the Star's People Food Awards...or their self-claim of 'Finest Banana Leaf Concept in Klang Valley'....hehe! ;D

Restoran Kanna Curry House

29 Jalan 17/45

46400 Petaling Jaya

Selangor

Tel: 03-7958 4814

Tulip by That Latte Place @ Sunway Pyramid

It all started with a small garden cafe in 2012 called That Latte Place.  But my first encounter with the owners of this establishment was at their outlet, Map's @ Bandar Sunway (in 2014), when I was invited by my husband's cousin for her lil' girl's one year old birthday party...and I've been a fan ever since....simple cafe food that's good tasting and affordable.

The husband and wife team followed that up with the opening of That Latte Place @ ikon Connaught (or more like relocation in August 2014 of their earlier outlet in Persiaran Ritchie).

Business must be thriving with the opening of yet another outlet, Tulip by That Latte Place @ Sunway Pyramid, their third in December 2015.  Arriving on a Sunday morning, just after 10am, the place was rather quiet (still early or probably new) with only 3 - 4 tables occupied but the place quickly filled up later.

Stepping into the cafe, the design and ambience of this one probably looks the most professional looking of their 3 outposts but not nearly as cosy as Map's for me.  Plus, I wished that there was a touch of fresh (instead of all artificial) flowers on their counters and tables.

For families with children, you'd be happy to note that there's a nice little corner with tent and toys to keep your little ones occupied.  There are even chairs for mommies to sit if they want to be there to oversee their precious little ones.

I don't know the story behind the name "Tulip by That Latte Place" but, if I were to guess, I'll probably associate it with a certain pork luncheon meat brand....haha! :D  Anyway, the sign says it all "Tulip - where pork blooms"...and indeed it does!

Seated down and looking at the menu, I find that their porky options to be the most extensive of their 3 outlets.  They've kept some of their more popular dishes (at their other outlets) on the menu like bruschetta, pork balls and egg ben but have also introduced some new dishes like Oh-My-Ribs (their tender, juicy prime pork ribs), Signature Pork-Chetta (their homemade roasted porchetta), Sausage Galore, some pork chop dishes and more.

My spouse chose their Pork Burger @ RM17.90 with a homemade pork patty and cheese on a homemade brioche bun with salsa, fries and their in-house special red pesto sauce.

But we wanted to double our pleasure with...well....Double Your Pleasure @ RM9.90 with a double pork patty and an additional two slices of streaky bacon...and we all know that crispy bacon is always a pleasure! *Muacks*

Their homemade ground pork patty, like their signature pork balls, had a nice sear and were succulent and juicy.  The red pesto sauce and salsa of cucumber, tomatoes and onions provided a fresh and crunchy texture to the burger (although I would have personally preferred a fruit salsa containing maybe mangoes or pineapples for an even fresher and sweeter injection of flavours).

My son had the Sausage Galore @ RM23.90, made up of gourmet sausages of one chorizo, one BBQ and three breakfast sausages served with roasted potatoes, coleslaw and fresh greens (though no coleslaw appeared on the plate).

Of the three sausages, the chorizo had the most flavour and was the tastiest of the lot.

I went with something new on the menu, the Piggy Chop @ RM21.90 featuring two pieces of tender chops flambeed with rum served with roasted potatoes (or pilaf rice) and sauteed greens (of broccoli, carrots and french beans) in a herbed gravy.

Two slices of thin pork chops arrived with some herb vinaigrette on top.  I wouldn't say the chops were tender but (luckily) they were thin slices, so it wasn't as chewy.  Thankfully, the herbed gravy was delicious and made the chops moist and I wouldn't have mind more gravy though.

We can always get tender pulled pork, tender pork ribs, tender beef, tender lamb...but somehow never tender pork chops.  I've eaten many pork chops in my lifetime but, to this day, I'm still searching for that elusive tender pork chop....perhaps there's no such thing as tender pork chops (since the cut is so lean)! :'(

Iced White Coffee @ RM10...their coffees are decent as always

My Personal Opinion

If Map's @ Bandar Sunway has endeared you to them, I see no reason why you wouldn't be liking this one as well.

Fans of porky dishes, particularly bacon.....it's a "pop" (power of pork) sensation and one that'll satisfy all your oink-oink cravings. 

There are a lot more dishes here I've not tried, so it's a certainty that I'll be back for those.

Tulip by That Latte Place
LG 2.88 Sunway Pyramid
No 3 Jalan PJS 11/15
46150 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Tel: 016-850 3546