D&V Grand Chicken Kuantan food review

To be honest, there are not many chicken chops that I would crave for. One of them is the popular Taiwanese spicy XL chicken chop. And now Kuantanese has a great alternative at D&V Grand Chicken!

D&V Grand Chicken
Level 3
East Coast Mall, Kuantan.
Opens daily 10am to 10pm
Facebook page 

There are as many as 18 types of chicken chops available at the moment after 4 months of its grand opening. Other branches are in JB, Sabah, Sarawak and Indonesia. Since there's no pork, no lard and no alcohol served, D&V is Muslim friendly as well. 

One can choose between the D&V vs flaming crust. D&V is their special combination of flour that makes the chicken chop's crunch.  The flaming variety is very similar to the popular Taiwanese chicken chop that's more crispy. It's very difficult to describe the subtlety so you just have to try it yourself to decide which is your favorite.

For each type of crust, one can then opt a flavor out of the 9 choices, namely original, salt & pepper, lemon, cheese, barbeque, matcha, wasabi, sour plum and seaweed. Believe it or not, ongoing R&D is happening in the Kuantan branch for more unique local flavors!

We tried the more popular options. For the D&V chicken chops, clockwise from upper photo, spicy cheese, cheese and barbeque. I definitely prefer adding the chilli powder to all the varieties simply because I love spicy food. The cheese tastes like my childhood favorite cheese rings. The barbeque version gives a more charred flavor.

As for the flaming varieties, seaweed in the top photo and salt & pepper in the bottom one. The seaweed flakes adds wonderful fragrance to the chicken chop and compliments it well. Salt & pepper on the other hand, is suitable for those who prefer lighter taste.

The milkshake list is equally impressive. From top photo clockwise- durian, strawberry, blueberry, original coconut, shredded coconut and syrup. Just realised I missed out the Oreo milkshake in my collection. The drinks are made from frozen fresh fruits including D24 flesh! The coconut varieties are made from D&V signature pure coconut ice cream without added sugar. So customers can opt to have their shakes without added sugar and milk. My favorite, no doubt is the thick aromatic D24 milkshake.

D&V Kuantan branch has a few special menu not found elsewhere.

Nasi lemak with D&V chicken chop

Nasi lemak with flaming chicken chop

Their rice is fragrant with the smell of coconut milk with crunchy roasted peanuts and a generous amount of sambal that's more on the sweet side.

D&V chicken wrap. I love how crispy the wrap is with an awesome cheese pull and wonderful juicy chicken chop with each bite.

D&V fries. Similarly, one can choose a flavor from the list above. We had the wasabi one. Love the kick of the wasabi powder which has the ability to make anyone tear up.

Our verdict 8/10! Simply because cravings satisfied :p

My Kuantan readers, I would like to give away a few D&V vouchers. Simply like and share my FB post, tag 3 friends in the comments below. The lucky winners will be announced on 31 January.

No more PMS skin featuring R.E.D. Essence

I believe many ladies will relate to this scenario. During certain period of the month, Dr Yingzangel has sudden severe breakout. It's just so tiring and she feels so emotionally overwhelmed. Welcome to premenstrual syndrome!

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is so common that 75% women experience some form of PMS. It's mainly caused by cyclical changes in female sex hormones. The severity varies. In severe cases, this can become premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Read more about PMS on Mayo Clinic. It is generally treated with lifestyle changes, rarely medications and hormonal pills.

What this article has left out are the terrible effects on our skin. These fluctuating hormone levels can cause acne, dry and dull skin, pale skin tone, tired complexion, slowing skin metabolism and weaker skin barrier. Exactly what I'm having!

R.E.D. Essence is a Swissvita product from Taiwan which promises to tackle ‘hormonal’ skin. This serum has 3:7 of oil to serum ratio.

The active ingredients in the oil component are

Copper teprenone- improves skin elasticity by maintaining telomere length, preventing skin cell death and ageing.

Artic gentiana -a wild flower that helps to smooth fine lines

In the serum component,

Multi molecular hyaluronic complex- it's collagen, an essential part of the skin to maintain suppleness and elasticity

Centella asiatica/pennywort- contains madecassoside a potent antioxidant and a rich source of amino acid, hydrates and soothes irritated skin

Vitamins- creates a healthy and ruddy complexion

So how does one use the R.E.D. essence?

Step 1 cleanse

Step 2 tone

Step 3 R.E.D. essence

Step 4 moisturise

As with any other essence, it's used in two to three drops daily. Remember to shake it to mix the oil and serum together before using. It is also suitable for those with sensitive skin as the essence is free of alcohol, paraben and fragrance.

Continuous use for a week brings obvious improvement in complexion and skin hydration. So it's perfect to start using it from day one to seven of the menstrual cycle. If you want more sustained results, simply use it everyday! It's also lightweight and non greasy when applied.

Would I buy it again?

Yes! Why would I give up the only skincare product that will help with PMS skin?

Head on to AllYoung Malaysia website to grab your own R.E.D. essence.

Chicken + honey 关丹美食分享

太好了 久违的东海岸博客组又聚在一起了。这一次要带大家到 Chicken+ Honey 尝试一下大马人都爱的炸鸡。我是应店主的要求转身为华文部落客 呵呵

Chicken + Honey

20a, Jalan Putra Square 6, Pekan Melayu, 25300 Kuantan, Pahang
013-399 8889

https://g.co/kgs/295sce
面子书
https://m.facebook.com/chickenhoney/

在炎热的天气，这里的用餐环境很舒适。店面摆设典雅，也设有冷气 。

这里的招牌菜是韩式炸鸡翅。这是一份十二个鸡翅的单点。如果叫套餐，也附送茶水和鸡饭。口味方面我们选了六个蜜制鸡翅，另外六个韩式辣酱。这鸡翅表面是稍微带有黏性的，炸的正好，肉质口感鲜嫩，鸡汁香浓。

当然也少不了传统的炸鸡翅。原味带有盐和胡椒的香气，是小朋友们的最爱。他们家独特的超辣炸鸡翅还真是个极限挑战啊。真鸡不可漏相，味蕾马上就被辣麻了。店长还很客气的说他们只是用一般的辣椒粉罢了。

这里店主贴心的附上手套。大家可安心吃鸡翅，不怕弄脏手 。

想吃正餐的食客我会介绍烤鸡饭。香喷喷的鸡饭配上了烤的嫩嫩的鸡大腿，脂肪都被烤溶了，剩下香香有嚼劲的鸡皮。辣椒很好吃，也是鸡饭的必加佐料。

只是如果您饭量大的话，就要加饭啦。

专为小斌点的清汤鱼丸米粉。清清淡淡的，很适合解油，吃了暖胃。他超爱的，吃了大半碗。

其他小吃包括炸饺子。这一直来都是我的弱点。超爱香脆的外皮，鸡肉与香菜组成了多汁的内陷，赞！

炸金针菇。脆的不得了，咬的很上口。就像零食咬着咬着就完啦。

这里饮料的种类也是相当多的。从左起，荔枝、泰式奶茶、柠檬酸梅、烧仙草、荔枝茶、柠檬汁。冷冻甜甜的味道很解暑，也很解辣。缓和了鸡翅的辛辣 。

甜点方面就来份榴莲起司蛋糕吧 。这里的蛋糕偏奶油味，带了淡淡的榴莲清香，不油腻，也不过甜。冷冷的，口感倾向冰淇淋。一家大小都超爱哦。

就介绍到此。评评分我们给了7.5星。大家不妨试一试，觉得我写的到位的，不忘点赞分享噢。

Asian skin care featuring Elle foaming facial cleanser and water oil

No discriminations intended. But Asian skin is indeed very different from their Caucasian counterparts. Therefore our skincare needs differ too. How different is it?

Asian skin generally

1. Tans more and burns less because of more melanin
2. Has early pigmentation in 20s is common
3. Has dull and uneven skin tone
4. Is more sensitive and drier
5. Is more oily

Read more about Asian skin on femalemag

So I love Asian skincare products! Elle has s range of skincare products designed in Taiwan. This series mainly tackle skin problem 2+3+4+anti-aging!

Elle skincare foaming facial cleanser

The main active ingredient is red algae procured in France. It contains sulfated polysaccharides (carrageenan), peptides, carotenoids, and fatty acids. This forms powerful antioxidants that not only helps to protect the skin from damaging UV, but also neutralizes free radicals formed as a result of air pollution.

When applied, the cream cleanser foams up slightly in contact with water. The foams can penetrate deeper into the pores and cleanse the impurities away.

I love the 'oceanic scent’ of the cleanser which is a bit salty sort of smell and lingers for some time after it's washed off. My face felt so clean and fresh without being over dried.

Would I buy again? Yes because the last time I bought a red algae cleanser cost 3 times more than this from my previous facial salon. Definitely value for money!

Get it from AllYoung Malaysia here.

Elle Iris Water-like Oil

This is such a mind boggling name when I first came across it. I'm sure you are wondering what it does for your skin. It's a facial oil that is so lightweight and non greasy that it looks and feels like water! In short, it works like a moisturiser.

The list of active ingredients are all oils!

-argan oil (high vitamin E and fatty acid content)

-plantasens AJO (a brand itself that boasts the use of plant-based actives, multi-functional emulsifiers, and a broad selection of emollients)

- squalene (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory for aging and acne prone skin)

- kalpariane (boosts synthesis of hyaluronic acid)

- dipeptide and hexapeptide (stimulates collagen production)

How to use it?

Use it after cleansing and toning. Squeeze 1-2 drops onto the palm and rub until microbubbles form. Gently massage it onto the face. Cup the face with the warmth of the palms to enhance absorption.

This water-like oil is absorbed so well that I felt a boost to my skin condition. At the same time, my face maintains non greasy after a long day out. I have been going out with my bare face recently because I feel more confident with my skin condition now.

Not only can it be used on the face, it can also transform into hair oil, lip balm, cuticle oil, body oil and mix it with blush to create a ruddy complexion.

I love how hydrated my lips are are after a drop. Note that I have developed problems with dry and cracked lips after recovering from a severe bout of lip ezcema.

Would I buy again? The price is a bit steep but with the CNY promotion, I would. Because I can get a free Swissvita travel kit set haha with the current campaign. The multiple functions is really useful especially while traveling to downsize my luggage.

Get this at AllYoung Malaysia website here.

And a healthy skin must be well hydrated! Adequate water consumption is the key. Therefore, having this A5 size memo bottle by Elle makes it so much easier. I love how it's transparent and lack of difficult small corner so I can clean it easily. The size of 420ml makes it fit easily into my handbag so no more excuse of not bringing my own water.

Besides that, it can keep water from -20 to 90 degrees Celsius! Being BPA free, the memo bottle is definitely safe for use. And its shape also makes it easier to hold.

These 3 great Elle products really rejuvenates one inside out. My complexion has started to glow despite being severely sleep deprived caring for baby Yi. The duty of a mother :)

All About Mouth Ulcers Featuring PerioLacer Bioadhesive Gel

Hands up if you have never suffered from the pain of mouth ulcers! Lucky you! Because you are the rare ones. I particularly dislike the feeling of having to eat or brush my teeth when I have mouth ulcers but they are common.

Why mouth ulcers develop? Mainly we have ourselves to blame :(

1. Accidentally biting and injuring the inside of my cheek (the damn moment when eating)
2. Injured by toothbrush (cursing under my breath while brushing)
3. Injured by the friction against misaligned or sharp teeth
4. Injured by friction against dentures or braces
5. Poor oral hygiene
6. Burnt from eating hot food (ehem, guilty as charged for a food lover like me)
7. Vs being too health conscious by using strong antiseptic or mouthwash (Ironic, yeah?)

Most of the time they are harmless and heals around a week without treatment. If they don’t clear up by 10days or they happens too frequent, watch out for the following causes and see your friendly dentist ok.

1. Cold sore aka Herpes simplex infections
2. Oral thrush
3. Mouth ulcers
4. Autoimmune disease such as SLE, lichen planus
5. Drug reactions
6. Crohn's disease

The annoying symptoms of mouth ulcers can be managed with good oral hygiene, regular mouth rinsing, hydration and avoiding spicy and sour food.

Read more on Better Health Channel.

PerioLacer Bioadhesive Gel is one of the effective treatments for mouth ulcers. The main active ingredients are chlorhexidine (medical grade antiseptic which at a different concentration is used in skin preparations before surgeries and procedures) and salicylate (reduces inflammation, hence alleviates swelling and pain).

Interestingly, the effect of chlorhexidine in this preparation lasts as long as 48hours!

The tube comes with an applicator tip which makes it easier to direct the medication. After brushing, either use a soft toothbrush or clean finger to apply the gel 2-3 times daily to affected areas. Do not rinse and avoid drinking for about 30 minutes to make sure the medication stays there.

Besides mouth ulcers, PerioLacer Bioadhesive Gel can also be used in the following conditions:

1. Frequent dental caries
2. Gingivitis (inflamed gum)
3. Stomatitis (inflamed corner of mouth)
4. Periodontitis (inflamed tissue around the teeth)
5. After dental surgeries such as scaling, wisdom tooth surgery

I like how the gel is not runny and stays easily in the mouth after application. The slight menthol flavour helps to lessen the pain too.

As with my recent post about SensiLacer, PerioLacer Bioadhesive Gel is a product of Lacer company from Spain. It costs RM37.50 from PMMII.com

Or shop for other LACER products here.

My lucky readers. You get 15% off all Lacer products straight imported from Spain when you use this code PMANGEL until end of this month. Hurry now!

Chinese Malay fusion at Muar E Kopitiam

Nestled in the Beserah area is a well loved kopitiam by local Kuantanese. It's been around for the past 10 years. People used to come here for breakfast/brunch with its excellent coffee and bread. Now the menu has expanded so much that it's even full during lunch and afternoon tea.

Muar E Kopitiam

a643, Jalan Beserah, Kampung Alor Akar, 25300 Kuantan, Pahang
09-567 9324
https://g.co/kgs/DgAUEh
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Muar-E-Kopitiam-204565746235371/

By the way, there's another smaller branch opposite Grand City Hotel which very few knows.

Our small Blogger Pantai Timur group- Is, Amer and I had the honor of doing a food review here recently.Read Amer's and Iskandar's blogs here

On a lazy Saturday morning, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast at Muar E which means satisfying in Chinese.

The must orders in their beverage menu are these!

Bottom right-
Traditional Muar E hot coffee- a special coffee blend from Muar made with both evaporated and condensed milk. Its smooth taste owes to the open secret technique of making the cuppa with a cup scalded with boiling water.

Muar E milk tea- using the same combination of milk and replacing the coffee with fresh tea leaves straight from Bharat tea plantation at Cameron Highlands. Definitely a must try for milk tea lovers.

Upper right-
Muar E green coffee- those who love their coffee a bit stronger and more aromatic made by vanilla.

Lower left-
Muar E black coffee- for the hardcore black coffee fans. This cup is strong and more bitter. A great kick start for the day.

Upper left-
If you can't have enough of Muar E coffee, bring their coffee sachets home! It contains 30 sachets excellent for gifting too. And it's all without sugar for the health conscious.

Not a fan of coffee? Muar E has you covered. There are 3 special types of cold pressed juice (a way of extracting fruit and vegetable juice without destroying the molecules). These boosts the immune system and energy level. No added sugar/preservatives.

Immuno orange (apple, orange, carrot)- a classic juice that all children will love
Sharpy red (beet root, apple, orange, carrot)- the sharp earthy taste of beet root is much harmonized by the other ingredients
Glorious green ( apple, pineapple, mint, spinach)- surprisingly refreshing and minty. Taste more like pineapple juice.

Their food, has heavy influence by the lovely manager Jo Ann- Chinese Kelantanese heritage.

Stir fry pan mee is one of their signature. Slightly chewy homemade dough shredded by hand, blanched, then stir fried with caramel sauce. Topped with crunchy fried anchovies and shallots to create a complex texture. A great comfort food. For more punch, choose the spicy version.

Mee Siam is the second signature dish. Instead of the usual sweet sambal taste, it's stir fried with lime leaves which creates a taste similar to TomYum.

The rendang chicken here has a very generous portion of kerisik aka coconut butter ( Coconut grated, toasted, then ground to a paste). A yummy twist as it matches so well with the yam rice.

Chee Cheong Fun is of the famous Pulau Tikus style. It's a thin pastry, much like laksam for the Malay version, steamed and eaten with a sweet sauce. This special recipe contains prawn paste and peanut butter, sprinkled with the freshest sesame seeds.

Even the achar here is so unique. Vegetables boiled then preserved with vinegar and a special combinations of spices or rempah together with crunchy grounded peanut.

There's just so many more to introduce! With 60 options in the menu which is improvised every year.

Nasi goreng kampung fried with just enough heat or wok hei in Cantonese.

Otak-otak crumbed and fried. A great crowd pleaser that goes well with mayonnaise.

Garlic bread made with sliced French toast, Tartura butter and coriander. Crispy outside, soft inside :)

Toast/steam wholemeal bread with Tartura butter and smooth kaya.

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Pulu Lepa kelantan. Only available when there's fresh supply from Kelantan. Just like how nasi dagang is only available on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Our verdict 8/10 for the authenticity and yumminess at an affordable price tag :)