Asian fusion cafe featuring Mak Siti Ori Cafe Kuantan food review

Opposite to a primary school and nearby to a few governmental organisation, Mak Siti Ori Cafe mainly caters to the appetite of this group of patrons. There's more than 200 options on the food and drink menu, as well as an exciting variety of dishes for lunch time.

Mak Siti Ori Cafe
Indera Mahkota 14
Taman Industri Prima Kota
Opens daily except Sunday 7am to 2am
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/ObviouslyTastylicious/

We love how spacious the place is. The rattan couches are comfortable and is suitable for a lazy dinner out. The decoration is simple and elegant with a cute ice cream corner which is definitely popular with children.

Besides halal Malay dishes, they also serve authentic Chinese, Thai and Western food. Going through the menu itself is already an appetizing process. We felt like trying everything on the menu!

Entree

Mixed tempura- tiger prawn, calamari and chicken nuggets. Great finger food for snacking with awesome crunches. Dipped it in mayonnaise or chili sauce, making it a good appetizer.

Grilled lamb chop

One of the most popular dishes on the menu. This lamb leg is tender and juicy, grilled to perfection. It goes so well with their black pepper sauce which has a honey taste. With the all time favorite fries and coleslaw, it's definitely a crowd pleaser. I really like how the game smell of the lamb is not too overpowering.

Grilled chicken chop with fried rice

This choice is for someone who has difficulty choosing pure Western or Asian food. The chicken is grilled to slightly charred just like how I love my barbeque. It also comes with fries and coleslaw. The fried rice is Chinese style with eggs, finely chopped long beans and carrot. Full of the fragrance of garlic.

Mee Goreng Mak Siti

The yellow noodles is fried with their signature sauce that contains curry powder and chilli sauce. This makes the dish fragrant because chilli really brings out the flavors. The dish is made perfect with tiger prawns, chicken pieces, fish cakes and choy sum. I have to admit that it's really good that I felt like drinking the gravy and licking the plate clean :p

For the drinks, we had the special guava asamboi. Freshly pressed guava juice is combined with sour plum shredded and blended into powder. The result is an amazingly refreshing concoction work a hint of saltiness and sweetness from the sour plum. The honeydew juice is great for children because it doesn't contain added sugar.

Overall, we rate the cafe 8/10! Great for families and big group who want to eat different style of cuisine.

If you are interested about Asian fusion cafe, also read here regarding our recent dining experience at About: espresso brew and bar!

Exfoliating facial cleanser featuring Akar.co

I have written about the essential steps for facial skin care here not that long ago. But this is the first time I'll be talking about facial exfoliation. Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells blocking the pores, hence making the pores less visible. It's just like sanding the wall before painting.

You may say, I don't exfoliate because my skin is too dry! Do you know that dry skin has too much flakes that may limit your skincare product penetration. Oil can also become trapped and form comedones. What about oily skin? Chemical exfoliation is the answer to penetrate the oil, remove the grime and unclog the pores. Even sensitive skin can benefit from gentle exfoliation. Find out all about exfoliation from this article at cosmopolitan.com

Akar.co is a scrub made with natural ingredients. Not only can it be used on the face, but it's also suitable for the body..

It's free of harmful ingredients such as paraben. I have previously written about what toxic things that your cosmetic cupboard shouldn't have in this post. Halal and approved by the ministry of health, it's gonna be something great.

These are the powerful ingredients used in this skin polisher.

Activated charcoal

This is a widely used medication for detoxification in drug overdose because it's ability to extract toxins and impurities from our body. A clean face is the basis of a flawless face.

Aloe vera

A tried and tested ingredient that soothes and replenish the skin with nutrients. Great healing and hydrating power. Should be every girl's best friend on the cosmetic cupboard.

Peppermint oil

That's why the scrub is so 'spicy'! Be careful to avoid applying the scrub around the eyes because the menthol in it stings. Having said that, peppermint oil is great for the skin because it's an antiseptic, cools down the skin, brightens complexion and helps to treat acne.

Jojoba oil, coconut oil and argan oil

All these soften and moisturise the skin. Rich in vitamins and minerals to relieve pimples and ensure a glowing complexion.

After my first time using Akar.co scrub, my face feels so clean and shine free. I have also noticed my skin calming down from a recent breakout after using it 3 times over the past week.

Watch my YouTube channel to find out how to use Akar.co scrub ( I applied it a bit too close to my eyes, hence the stinging :p and difficulty in opening eyes)

Official website https://akarco.com
Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/Akarco-Natural-1856037044724617/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/akar.co/?hl=en

Hawker food at T&L Kuantan food review

If there's any popular street food here， one of the must visit is T&L Kuantan. Embrace yourself with the outdoor heat and the bustling of the town when dining here.

Restaurant T&L
Lorong Seri Kuantan 46, East Coast Garden, 25300 Kuantan
Opens daily 6pm to 12am

The must order here is the fried kuay teow. Full of the aroma and the heat of the wok, this is how the dish should be done. With a generous amount of prawns, cockles and bean sprouts, the boss will also add some spiciness to it upon order. The cockles here are fresh and cooked so don't worry about having them. I'll easily attest this to the best char kuay teow in kuantan!

The next signature dish here is their baked fish. At RM36, one gets a gigantic whole sting ray drizzled in a huge portion of sambal and sliced winged bean, it's definitely a good deal. I love how juicy the fish is, when dipped into the lime and chili sauce, the flavors are even more enhanced. Wrapped in banana leaf, that's how ikan bakar should be.

Noodles lovers should also try Lor Mee. It's a hearty bowl of noodles cooked in rich and thickened caramel and egg drop soup with condiments such as shredded chicken breasts, fishball and sliced fish cake. Drizzled with crispy fried shallots and fresh spring onions, it tastes best with a few splashes of vinegar.

As for snacking, we absolutely enjoy the fruit rojak there. It's a yummy combination of pineapple, cucumber, guava, green mango, fried tofu and char keow. The generous amount of prawn paste, chili and peanuts make it all the better.

So these are the top four things that I think one should definitely try at T&L! If you wake up early in the morning, you can also try their rice noodles soup with shredded chicken. Cheap and satisfying. Sweet chicken stock with huge portion.

So for the sake of awesome street food, our verdict for these three dishes are 8.5/10! Read more about awesome food at kuantan here

Healthy Weight Management solution featuring Iviora African Mango Cocoa S-Plus

With all the tempting food out there, it's not easy to maintain a healthy weight. Besides diet and exercise, is there any other ways to help with maintaining a healthy weight? 

This is a question I get very often from my patients. I'm often fairly sceptical about supplements as I have seen cases of kidneys and liver failing as a result.

But I'm going to introduce you all to Iviora African Mango Cocoa S plus in this article.

It's stated clearly that Iviora African Mango Cocoa S-Plus is formulated with 10 natural ingredients. It is also produced based on KKM guideline (Food Act 1983 & Food Regulations 1985). In addition, laboratory tests have shown that it is free of Sibutramine and Heavy Metals.

Formulated in Switzerland, Iviora cocoa is also vegetarian friendly, with no added sugar , no preservative, no artificial colouring and no hormonal ingredients. It contains Sinetrol® Xpur Fat Shredding Technology™ which claims to Block, Breakdown and Burn body fats.

These are the important ingredients:

Sinetrol® Xpur (Grapefruit Extract, Guarana Extract & Orange Extract)

Photo from Google

These are natural concentrate of polyphenols which are fat inhibitor, fat burner and antioxidant that reduce waist and hip circumference.

Carnipure™ (L-Carnitine)

Photo from Google

This "Fat Burning Amino Acid'  helps to support convertion of fat into energy. Hence, this promotes the formation of lean muscle without reducing water content in the body.

L carnitine is widely used for athletes around the world to enhance performance. It also plays an important role in facilitating the recovery process after physical activity.

Phase 2 Carb Controller (White Kidney Bean Extract)

Photo from Google

White Kidney Bean reduces the digestion and absorption of starches up to 66% and the undigested starch becomes the food source for beneficial bacteria in the colon.

What about the taste?

Absolutely chocolatey! Remember that Iviora needs to be made in warm water (recommended 200ml although I usually put 250ml) though to avoid destroying the active ingredients. Initially it had a slight bitter aftertaste. After a few days, it just tastes like normal chocolate drink.

What's the effect?

It takes about a month to achieve the weight loss effect but it energises me even after a week's consumption. It's advised that Iviora should be consumed in the morning and 30 minutes before exercise to boost metabolism.

What I love is that it doesn't cause diarrhoea because some weight loss products cause steatorrhea (basically leaking fat and also fat soluble vitamins in your faeces!) I didn't have any tummy pain after taking it. I could also have my normal meals afterwards.

I have managed to lose 3kg and 4cm waistline after consuming a month of Iviora.

To find out more about the product, please visit

Iviora official website
http://iviora.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=68
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/ivioramalaysia/

Disclaimer: the opinion given is merely a personal experience and does not constitute formal medical advice. Please seek your medical professional's advice before any complementary therapy. Always ask forb product certification before proceeding with treatment and stop if side effect ensues.

Kemaman halfday food trip

It's such a rare occasion when our whole extended family got to go on a road trip. Because there's no on call on this particular Saturday. But the weather was a horrible storm from kuantan which fortunately turned into a sunny morning at Kemaman.

We started off by satisfying the coffee lovers at Hai Peng Kopitiam which is very popular on the food map. It is now sporting a brand new sign and has also expanded into two shoplots because it's always full.

Kedai Kopi Hai Peng Kemaman
Address K-3753, Jalan Sulaimani, Chukai
Opens Saturday to Sunday 6am to 7pm
Facebook page
https://mobile.facebook.com/pages/Hai-Peng-Kopitiam/106887502715457?_rdc=1&_rdr

One must have their signature coffee which is so Asian and aromatic yet not too overpowering to cause irritation to the sensitive stomach. Mixed with condensed milk, it's very different from your conventional Caucasian capuccino but a champion nevertheless. The toasts come in the round or square variety with butter and Kaya (coconut spread) which is another popular food all over Malaysian Kopitiams (coffee shops).

Next pitstop was nonetheless Intan Keropok Lekor. After comparing with so many other Keropok shops in the area, this is one of the best!

Keropok Cap Intan
Address 301, Jln Kuantan - Kemaman
Opens daily 9am to 7pm
Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/keropokcapintan96/

Freshly cooked fish crackers are simply the best! The Keropok here comes in both the soft and cripsy version. The crispy one is flat and dried before being deep fried into tempting Keropok. The soft one, on the other hand, was shaped into short roughly 15cm sections and cooked in boiling water. One can then eat it as it is or deep fry to create more aroma. I love how chewy and fishy the Keropok is (fishy here means the fresh ocean taste).

Of course we also had to stop by and have some satar and otak-otak. Again these are traditional Malay snacks made with fish. This was the first time we have this at Mas Satar.

Warung Mas Satar
Address T124, Kampung Geliga Cik Akob, Chukai
Facebook page https://mobile.facebook.com/pages/Mas-Satar/839813986136498?_rdc=1&_rdr
Opens daily 8am to 9pm

Utterly enjoy how spicy the satar is! These pyramid shaped delicacies were filled with fish cakes with fresh bird's eye chilli inside. Wrapped in banana leaves and pierced onto a long satay stick, it's roasted over a barbeque. The otak-otak, on the other hand, contained fish pieces marinated in curry paste, also wrapped in banana leaves stapled at the ends then roasted until it's still juicy inside.

But we just couldn't have enough food! After stopping by Pantai Mak Nik so we could digest some of these brunch off, we headed to our last stop of the trip.

东源酿蟹 Restaurant Tong Juan
Address K-117, Jalan Sulaimani, Kampung Dusun Nyior, Kemaman
Opens daily 11.30am to 3.30pm, 6-10pm

This is the original stuffed crab from Kemaman. It's so popular that the price is going up exponentially from RM7 per piece to RM10 each now. But original is still the best. Juicy fresh crab meat mixed with finely chopped carrot and onion, covered with layer of egg then deep fried into perfection. The way to eat crab without making your hands dirty.

Their fishball soup is also a must try. Texture is light and crunchy, not chewy. One can easily taste the freshness of the fish. Take this with clear soup cooked with seaweed, it's refreshing and yummy.

The sambal squid had a unique flavour. It's more soury and runny than your usual sambal. Combined with onion, pineapple and cucumber. I wished there's more squid though :p

We have only come across 龙门客栈 at Chukai after gotten back from the trip though which was a disappoinment. But that means more future trips to Kemaman!

Lazada's 6th Birthday Bash in my imagination

It's my upmost honor to be able to become lazada's birthday planner. Lazada is celebrating it's 6th birthday with grand celebrations!

Where would I like the birthday to be?

Of course in the bustling metropolitan KL City! In the midst of an elegant and grand venue such as a pool party at Double Tree by Hilton overlooking our beloved KLCC and KL tower landmark. I have had pleasant experience having conferences in its ballroom and I think it will suit a birthday party as big as this! Look at the chandeliers and the awesome setup befitting the occasion.

What about the theme?

There's more fun to join if the party has a unique theme. Since lazada is all about online shopping, I think the theme has to be magical. Like how with a few mouse clicks online, the desired item will magically appear on the doorstep.

These fairy lights will look perfect for the occasion. Creating a dreamy look for the venue.

A corner full of these confetti helium balloons will also be a great hit with both adults and children.

And how can it go without a great photo booth with so many instaworthy moments using these DIY photography props?

What about the party goers?

Dressing up as witch and wizards look like a great idea.

Even children can get their costumes on lazada. And look at the incredible price tag.  Cosplay has never been cheaper now that lazada also works with TaoBao, an online shopping giant from China.

Which birthday cake will be served?

Of course the cake needs to be as magical as possible! Gone are the days when people love multiple tiered cake which has heavy icing and frosting. Using cupcakes seem to be the in thing now. After all, this saves the hassle of cutting the cake while manages to look cute at the same time.

This cupcake machine will churn out multiple cup cakes easily and fast.

These battery operated frosting pens will also definitely come in handy while decorating the cupcakes.

And more stars on top of the cake! This is making me drool over the cake.

There you go, my complete imagination about how lazada's 6th birthday bash should be!

Of course, don't forget the grab crazy deals on lazada's Birthday Festival sale (https://www.lazada.com.my/birthday-sale/) that will take place from 25 to 27 April 2018. 

The Korean food craze featuring Myeongdong Topokki Kuantan City Mall

Being a Korean food fan, I have been looking forward to try the new Myeongdong Topokki outlet at Kuantan City Mall. All things spicy and yummy!

Myeongdong Topokki
Kuantan City Mall

I have previously tried food from this outlet at Sunway Putra Mall with good experience. So I can't wait to introduce you all to this outlet in kuantan!

I'm a great fan of this refreshing soda beverage. Sweet carbonated drink with a hint of lemon and honey. The mint leaves added all much freshness to the drink.

Bibimbap

I love this all in a pot style of food because all the flavours just blend in so well. Hot rice mixed with minced chicken, julienned carrots, cucumber and sauteed mushroom. The raw egg on top once combined with all the other ingredients makes the rice slightly juicy and softer in texture. Have this with crunchy fried anchovies with sesame, kimchi and preserved vegetables.

Kimchi Ramyun

Spicy soup based that reminds me fondly of shin ramen during my student days. With melted cheese, hard boiled egg and seaweed pieces, this Ramyun is full of flavors. If the spiciness is too much for you (it's just nice for me), have a few sushi to hold it off.

Yongye om Chicken

This is fiery! Awesomely spicy fried popcorn chicken pieces. The coating is sticky with chilli paste. Makes one test the limit again and again. I kept asking for water after having a piece.

Fried dumplings

Cripsy skin with juicy dumplings and chicken fillings. Great snacks for sharing. I have a thing for dumplings and these ones are yummy. But 4 pieces is not enough for me alone. More dumplings!

Overall, the flavors here is more Malaysianised but we love it nevertheless. Verdict 8/10!