Dee Nasi Ayam @ Pandan Indah

It's not always that you'd find me trying out Malay-style nasi ayam (chicken rice).  Why would I when we have an abundance of good Chinese-type chicken rice stalls and shops which we're more accustomed to.  But I've seen this Dee Nasi Ayam @ Pandan Indah in my neighbourhood filled with delivery riders outside their shop regularly.

That piqued my interest enough to walk-in for a takeaway but I was left standing inside the shop without anyone attending to me.  I could see that they were very busy but that still doesn't warrant ignoring me altogether.  They should at least have asked me what I wanted or tell me that I need to wait.  After a period of time that felt too long to me, I walked out.  So, when I saw them on ShopeeFood, I thought I can now finally try through delivery.

Although Malay-style chicken rice shops are more known for putting out chicken rice with ayam goreng berempah or any fried chicken for that matter, this one have roast (nasi ayam roasted) and poached chicken (nasi ayam hainan) on their menu too.  These two are their best sellers (and I can understand why since not many Malay chicken rice shops sell that) but why would I want to eat that when I've endless Chinese chicken rice shops selling just that which I often eat.  Of course I'd go for something different like their Nasi Ayam Crispy Lemon @ RM15.90.

I specified the cut I wanted (thigh) but when it arrived, they obviously used thigh as that's the part most commonly used for fried chicken chop after all.  I felt kinda silly asking for that specific cut then (not sure if they use any other cut though).  The fried chicken chop/thigh was nicely crunchy on the outside but tender within.

The lemon sauce tasted really good, not too sweet and slightly watery in consistency which I prefer coz when it's overly thick (like how some places do it), it's kinda cloying and some end up too sweet for my liking. ^o^

I was also pleasantly surprised by the taste and aroma of the rice.  If you've eaten Malay-style chicken rice before, more often than not they come in bright yellow (I think turmeric must have played a part).  The rice here is closer to those we find aplenty in our Chinese chicken rice stalls in terms of both looks and taste that's more similar to the rice being cooked with a good chicken stock.

Not only did the rice bear a closer similarity to our Chinese chicken rice stalls, the soup did too (though it was extra peppery).  Usually, their soups have a stronger spice taste (especially of star anise and/or some other spices) as they like to cook it with what we call Rempah 4 Sekawan that contains star anise (bunga lawang), cardamom (buah pelaga), cloves (bunga cengkih) and cinnamon (kayu manis).  This is one soup that I relished which won't end up being poured down my kitchen sink. 

Next on the list to try was the Nasi Ayam Madu (Ayam Dara) @ RM13.90 which is basically Honey (Spring) Chicken Rice (or virgin chicken for a more direct translation of ayam dara...lol).  The picture in the menu clearly showed a chicken leg, so I didn't think twice about asking for a specific cut (especially not after the first order).  But, lo and behold, I got the wing part.  I actually don't mind the wing, just not the part attached to the wing. >.<

The sauce has a slight tang with a taste of sweetness that's obviously not from sugar but from honey.  Just that the honey sauce didn't taste good, must be from a poor quality honey.  The sauce wasn't quite what I expected as it turned out more watery while the picture in the menu shows a thick sauce coating the chicken.

As a result of the not-so-stellar quality of the honey and the chicken breast (attached to the wing) being dry, there can be only one conclusion.....I obviously did not finish my chicken as the honey sauce wasn't great.

The Nasi Ayam Crispy Mango @ RM15.90 was actually the first thing I wanted to try but I accidentally clicked Ayam Crispy Lemon instead.  So, I got this for my third order.

From my previous mistake, I wasn't going to take another chance and made sure I asked for the thigh portion (even if it was a given).  The ayam crispy was similar to the one in the nasi ayam crispy lemon.  Crunchy, tender, like any fried chicken should be.

The mango turned out to be finely shredded pickled mango.  I don't know why I initially thought I'd be getting fresh, ripen mango cubes (like a salsa).  This is much better as the slightly tart and crunchy julienned mango provided the fresh element needed for the dish + it also opened up my appetite.  The accompanying chilli sauce for the ayam crispy is quite similar to a Thai-style sweet chilli sauce that also has sour and spicy notes.

Finally, besides the usual timun (cucumber slices) we get in our traditional Chinese-styled chicken rice, the one here serves pickled timun instead along with some lettuce leaves, sliced chillies, onions and mustard seeds for that tiny pop of sensation in your mouth.  Nicely done.

Besides the three more unique/uncommon nasi ayam that I've tried, nasi ayam masak merah, nasi ayam goreng berempah (fried spiced chicken), nasi ayam chicken chop, nasi ayam goreng rangup (crispy fried chicken) and nasi ayam BBQ rounds up the rest of their chicken rice options (other than nasi ayam roasted and nasi ayam hainan) together with a few noodles and vegetables dishes.

My Personal Opinion

They first started as a single lot, non-airconditioned restaurant before expanding to two air-conditioned shoplots currently.  That shows they're doing something right and business must be good.  I can certainly understand why coz there aren't many Malay chicken rice shops that sell halal roasted and poached chicken that's common in Chinese chicken rice shops.

Well, I certainly enjoyed their nasi ayam crispy lemon and nasi ayam crispy mango that's different from what's offered by our traditional Chinese chicken rice shops.  For me, the nasi ayam crispy lemon takes top spot of the three I tried because of the taste of the lemon sauce. ^.^

So, when I find myself in the mood for something other than our traditional Chinese-style chicken rice, I know where to go. ^_~

Restoran Dee Nasi Ayam

No 41G Jalan Pandan Indah 1/23

Pandan Indah

55100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 019-953 5090

Say Hello to My Part Time Lover

Say hello to my Part Time Lover.....this bushy-tailed, extra fluffy, longer-haired female cat (with colours similar to a tiger) that waltzed into my porch......and into my heart! ;)

She arrived about a month after Cookie's passing.  Just as I lost my little tiger in the Year of the Tiger, another little tiger walked into my life.  Could it be more coincidental?  It's as if God sent another one my way for companionship to ease my grieving of losing Cookie.

From day one when I met her, I could see that she's a very affectionate cat.....and that makes it very obvious that she's not a stray but was abandoned (probably when her owners moved away and didn't take her along) or she was intentionally discarded!  How could anyone be so heartless as to throw away such an adorable and tender-loving cat? :'(

At around the same time, I also noticed a ginger-coloured cat in the back alley of my house.  He was also bushy-tailed with longer fur (just like the female cat) and very friendly with my husband who was doing some work at the back.  I'm wondering if they could be siblings, both discarded, but she somehow managed to get to the front road.

She was walking so slowly and lethargically when she first came that I thought she was an old cat (but her youthful-looking face told me otherwise).  She must have been famished, tired, feeling lost and under stress in an environment that she was not familiar with.  She looks a lot happier now (and can even chase after birds) after food and shelter were provided.

Let me tell you why I know with certainty that she was someone's pet once and not a stray.  She was not afraid when I approached her (unlike untrusting stray cats).  I could lift her up and cuddle her (like a baby).....from the very moment I met her.  I could rub her under her chin without her even flinching.

She would let me hold her paws (and I don't feel her nails piercing my hand as they're always retracted).

She would allow me to belly rub her (she actually loves to be belly rubbed and would expose her belly to me begging for rubs...lol)!  Is she adorable or what? ;)

I could even put her over my shoulders (like patting your baby after milk to help him/her burp)...hah..hah.  Note that all these were from the very first few days after I met her.  

You can't do that with a stray (you've just met).  Sometimes you can't even do that after months of feeding them as they don't trust you enough or they're just not used to human touch being out on the streets all their lives.  P/S: Even my Cookie couldn't be cuddled or belly rubbed even though I've had him for years.  Maybe it was just not in his personality to be touchy-feely (I don't really know and I've never understood why).  But this female, she's very docile.

I've never met such a loving and adorable cat.  Even the many strays that I've fed that have come and gone over the years.....I was never able to do that with any of them.  The best I could achieve was to give them a rub on their heads or pat them...that's about it.

For a cat to expose their belly inviting a rub means he/she has connected with you and really trusts you.  Some pet cats that you've had for a while may even claw you when you do that.

This female is so cuddly, it's unbelievable.  She is so lovey-dovey that she'll tug at your heartstrings.  It's obvious she has been "taught" well by her previous owner (as she behaves much better than my Cookie ever did, I guess I wasn't a very good cat mommy).  Why someone would be so cold and unfeeling to discard her just like that, it's impossible to comprehend.

Oh, do you still remember this ginger-coloured cat from the group of three brothers?  Well, the other two brothers have disappeared (preferring to be fed by another neighbour) but the ginger cat has remained.  So, I do my civic duty and feed him too.

As much as I want to offer this girl a forever home, I'm also afraid.....afraid of the bond we'll one day share...and the heartbreak I've to go through again when she leaves me (just like my dearly departed Cookie). T_T

For now, all I can do is to ensure she won't go hungry (or thirsty) and offer her a place to sleep (outside where I've made a box for her lined with a soft mat) for when she needs it (I've seen her sleeping there many nights).  That's all I can offer.  I guess she's what I call my part time pet (along with the stray ginger male).  Is there even such a thing as part time pets?  Lol! ^_~

Snack Attack - Onsen Eggs from Family Mart

Obviously from all my trips to Family Mart to get their potato chips, these onsen eggs happen to catch my eye one day.  So, I got some.....and I've been hooked on them ever since.

The packaging is rather cute too...and a tiny packet of sauce is also included.

The egg can be kept chilled in the fridge (it has a fairly long shelf life) waiting to be cracked into a bowl when my itchy mouth wants to eat a little snack (might as well reach out for something healthy and convenient).

Pour the ready-given tiny packet of bonito sauce over it...and just slurp it whole into your mouth since this is, after all, a Japanese-style egg (and not soft-boiled eggs where we need to dunk our toasted bread into...lol).  It's so unbelievably good!  It's cold, it's silky smooth...and the yolk is rich and creamy.

I've cracked one just to show you how perfectly oozy the yolk is.  Why the need for sweat and tears to try to make it successfully at home (like invest in a sous vide machine or, worst still, trying to get the temperature and timing right by cooking it over a stove top) when I can just pay RM2.50 for perfection! ^o^

 

And the bonito sauce made all the difference.  That was the deal-breaker for me.  The accompanying bonito sauce just elevated the taste of this humble onsen egg.   It had this fragrant, umami flavour that's both (lightly) salty and sweet (like a good dashi broth with soy) and you also get that lovely sweetness coming through.  It's totally different from soft-boiled eggs with Chinese soy.

Before this, I would make soy-marinated ramen eggs (or ajitsuke tamago) for its custardy egg yolk and umami soy flavours (aiks, must be the lighting making my eggs look so pale)....and keep them in the fridge for when I've a snack attack.

There was a time when I made these four and one turned out to be the ugly duckling...lol.  I've no explanation why one just won't peel nicely as they were from the same batch of eggs (so freshness would have been the same).  But since I've come to know about these onsen eggs from Family Mart, there's no need less of a need to make ramen eggs these days.

Imagine topping up your self-made (or bought) Japanese rice bowl or poke bowl (sometimes even a Chinese rice bowl) at home with one of these creamy babies.  I do that all the time now....whenever I feel I need that extra jolt of velvety richness.

They're absolutely, totally, completely, utterly, incredibly delicious...and so convenient as an add-on too!  Ok, I think you've got the message already...lol! ^_~

Simplicity Sandwiches & Coffee @ Jalan Pudu Ulu

I wasn't even aware of the existence of Simplicity Sandwiches & Coffee @ Jalan Pudu Ulu in D'Alamanda Condominium until recently...and they've been around since 2015!  I did notice them on ShopeeFood for quite a while but never thought of ordering.....until now.

That's because I only came to know recently (through a post by The Yum List) that (the owner of) Simplicity was a former student of Tommy Le Baker (someone that I've read about who is very well known in baking circles) and they also supply bread to a brunch cafe (Fox Paradox) in Jalan Ampang.  Ah, if like that, I must try their breads.

For my first taste, the Ribeye Steak Sourdough @ RM15 caught my eye straightaway.  It came wrapped in simple brown paper packaging which was great to see.

On opening, I was greeted with warm and crisp slices of well toasted sourdough with crusty edges and a nice, tangy bread with a good chew.  Maybe it's not the best tasting sourdough out there but certainly a very good one with one of the best prices around, if not the best.  We're off to a great start.

Lifting up the bread, I could see that the inside was filled with thinly sliced, tender roasted ribeye steak with fresh, juicy tomato slices and some sweet gherkins (or pickles).  I don't know how they managed to slice a ribeye steak that thinly.  It's something like a roast beef sandwich, not quite a steak sandwich actually.

Now this sandwich comes with cheddar cheese and, for once, I chose not to omit it...and that's because the picture in the menu showed fresh slices of cheese sticking out of the bread.  So I thought I could just easily remove it (after taking photos of the complete sandwich) but when it came the cheese was already melted and infused into the sandwich and I was like uh-oh, have I stabbed myself in the leg?  But what transpired next was not the norm.  I actually liked the cheese coz this one didn't have that distinctive, offensive smell and taste of cheese that I don't like...yay! ;)

The sandwich was nicely complemented by a spread of vinaigrette dressing and mayonnaise.  I could taste the mayo but the vinaigrette dressing (which included whole-grain mustard) was subtle.  Overall, the sandwich spread tasted nice, it was light and healthy as they don't over-sauce their sandwich (which appeals to me).

For my next sandwich, I went with Tuna Bran @ RM12 described in their menu as tuna with toasted sunflower seeds (didn't taste any, don't think there was any), tomato slices, cheddar cheese, vinaigrette dressing and mayonnaise on bran bread.

Loved how soft the bread was but the tuna filling was a bit of a letdown.  There just wasn't enough of it and I thought it needed a bit more mayo to bind everything together.

I can't believe I'm saying this...but it needed more cheese too coz, all in all, the sandwich lacked juiciness with not enough dressing making the bran bread feel a bit dry overall.  This won't see a repeat order from me.

With the bran bread not making an impression, I reverted back to the more successful sourdough and ordered the Chicken Sourdough @ RM12 next with roasted chicken slice, tomato slices, cheddar cheese, vinaigrette dressing and mayonnaise.

The chicken slices was nicely seasoned and turned out pretty good actually.  The chicken slices may look a bit dry in the photo but I assure you it wasn't.  It was pretty moist and I liked that there was a mixture of whole slices of chicken interspersed with smaller bits of chicken (the loose bits when slicing).

Again, the thinly sliced tomatoes were there to add a much needed fresh element to the sandwich.  I wouldn't have mind some crunchy, thinly sliced cucumbers in there as well.

The only type of filling left to try is egg but that's something we can easily make at home, so I guess I won't be needing to try that.  As for the other two types of bread I didn't try, I'm not a fan of baguette (as I find that's too much bread since it's so thick) and won't need to try Normandy (which is basically white bread that I already eat too much of). :P

With that, I turned my attention to their pastries.  I've not had dessert in the form of a cake, tart or pastry in a while, so I thought I should give myself a well-deserved treat, don't you?  Anyway, when I saw the Lemon Tart @ RM10 on the menu, I can't resist already since anything lemon-y is my thing! ;)

The lemon tart isn't very thick, no more than an inch (at its thickest part), with a very thin layer of crisp, buttery, delicious tart crust underneath.  On top was this luscious lemon curd that's creamy, tangy, lemon-y and absolutely yummy! ^o^  That distinct taste of lemon was undeniable in the lemon curd.

As with all lemon tarts, sugar is in play to balance the tartness of the lemon curd and I did notice a layer of clear jelly-like substance on top which presumably was a thin layer of sugar glaze.  So, if you like it less sweet (or don't have a need for it like me), you can easily scrape off the layer of glaze.

I actually ate this right after the sandwich (for breakfast!) coz, after the first bite, I couldn't put it away for later + it so happens that I was having a cup of black coffee with my sandwich that morning....and we all know a black coffee pairs really well with a lemon tart for that nice balance of bitter-sweet.  It's been a while since I've had a lemon tart that good.

They also sell just whole loaves of their artisan bread like baguette (RM5), bran sandwich loaf (RM6), Normandy sandwich loaf (RM7) and farmer sourdough (RM12) together with pastries like dark chocolate tart (RM10), banana almond tart (RM10), bread pudding (RM6), chicken & spinach quiche (RM10), financier (RM6 for 3 pcs) and croissants (butter, RM6 or chocolate, RM6.50).  I've to say that the farmer sourdough at RM10 (if you purchase directly from them through beepit) or even RM12 (through delivery platforms) is a real bargain when other sourdough can easily cost twice as much.  Now I know where I can go to pick up a loaf when I need one.

My Personal Opinion

Well, simplicity is their name, maker of artisan breads is their game...and they offer basically just four types of sandwich fillings (ribeye steak, chicken slice, tuna and egg) in a choice of four types of bread (sourdough, bran bread, baguette and Normandy bread).

If you like your sammies with tons of flavour, this may well fall short for you but I, on the other hand, like such light-tasting, honest-to-goodness, simple sandwiches made right.

You bet this will be my go-to for sourdough sandwiches hereon out (with very good prices, I might add) and I already have my two favourite repeat orders.....with the occasional classic lemon tart if I'm feeling a little bit naughty and in need of some sweet nourishment. ^.^

Simplicity Sandwiches & Coffee

2-00-55 D'Alamanda Condominium

Jalan Pudu Ulu

Taman Pudu Ulu Cheras

56100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-2705 4086