Journal (Food): Monterios Portuguese Seafood Restaurant, Portuguese Settlement, Melaka

Monterios Portuguese Seafood Restaurant

Welcome back to another edition of Food Journal. Today, we pay a visit to one of the newest restaurant in town in the historical state of Melaka – the Monterios Portuguese Seafood Restaurant, or just MONTERIOS for short.

Situated at the heart of the Portuguese Settlement, the Monterios franchise began with the small Seafood stall, which has been in operation for a long time, and is still in operation, serving a wonderful variety of shellfishes, and my personal favourite – the Horseshoe Crab.

Now, they finally have a full-fledge restaurant of their own, which in my opinion, is long overdue.

Environment:

The place where the restaurant is situated in now used to be a classic bar, and you can almost see the remnants of the old bar.

Visitors can choose to either dine indoors or outdoors.

Service:

The Writer (on the far left) & the Monterios

I have to say, the Monterios are really some of friendliest bunch of people you could ever meet. They provide good services to the customers and are very helpful.

Orders are attended to quite fast. Foods are generally served between 10 to 15 minutes upon ordering.

Menu:

There quite a variety of dishes to choose from. One of my favourite dishes is the Salted Egg Crab, which is definitely a must-try. The flavours are perfect.

Salted Egg Crab

Their Chilli Baked Fish is very good too.

Chilli Baked Fish

I’ve also managed to try out their version of the Otak-otak and Fried Eggplant. Otak-otak is a type of baked fish cake, unlike the more common Otak-otak Kempas that are easily available. Their version of the Otak-otak is almost similar to that of the Peranakan/ Baba-Nyonya Otak-otak, which is very nice.

Otak-otak

Fried Eggplant

And of course, my visits to the Portuguese Settlement will never be complete without a good serving of Grilled Horseshoe Crab, or more popularly known by the natives as King Crab, from their original stall nearby.

Grilled Horseshoe Crab, a.k.a. King Crab

Conclusion:

The Monterios Portuguese Seafood Restaurant is definitely a must-try, and I would definitely recommend this restaurant to everybody, especially to those visiting the historical state of Melaka, and want to experience one of the unique tastes of Melaka.

Highly recommended.

MONTERIOS PORTUGUESE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Lot 18C, Medan Portugis,

Kampung Portugis,

75050 Melaka

Contacts:

Helen (012-623 0694)

Vera (010-213 0729)

Janet (014-232 6769)

Tony (012-645 3045)

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Journal (Food): GJ Deli, Melaka Raya, Malacca

GJ Deli

Welcome back to another edition of The Planet’s Journal’s Food Journal. Today we pay a visit to one of the newest establishment in town called GJ Deli.

Founded recently in May 2014, GJ Deli offers their own signature recipes of dumplings and handmade noodles. The owner of the restaurant, Ms. Heibe spent years learning her trades in Taiwan, and decided to bring back the magic of Taiwanese dumplings, and added her own signature Malaysian flavours for the customers.

Environment:

The restaurant is suitable for families to hang out. The interior decors kind of reminded me of kindergarten. It’s quite comfortable and has very good lighting ambience.

Menu:

The restaurant offers a variety of dumplings, noodle dishes and sandwiches to choose from. The menu does highlight the recommended dishes to assist customers in making their dining decisions.

Mixed Platter Dumplings

I have had the pleasure of trying some of their signature dishes, and I have to say, it was satisfying.

Fried Pork Dumplings

Personally, I love the Semi-Fried Dumplings. The amount of fillings is just right, and the texture is just nice. The ratio of meat and vegetables in those fillings are near perfect.

For those, who prefer fully fried dumplings, you are not forgotten. There are even dumpling soups!

You can also choose between pork or prawn fillings.

Pork Chop Handmade Noodles

I also got to try one of the recommended noodle dishes – the Pork Chop Noodle. The noodles – handmade with their own signature recipes – are just nice. The texture is there, and not too hard – just the way noodles should be. You can choose between wide & thick noodle (as shown in the photo), or slim/thin noodles ala wanton noodles.

Orange Butter Chicken

If visitors prefer a lighter dine, they could also try out some of the many varieties of sandwiches. Depicted here is the Orange Butter Chicken – also one of the recommended dishes.

Black Tea with Ice Cream

After a good meal, you can wash it all down with a few sips of cool and refreshing drinks, such as the Black Tea with Ice Cream or the Roselle Tea with Ice Cream – both of which are recommended. I personally prefer the Roselle Tea, for its unique taste.

Roselle Tea with Ice Cream

Service:

The service is quite good – fast and efficient, and they are more than willing to serve your needs.

Conclusion:

It’s definitely a wonderful restaurant to try out. Being a new establishment, GJ Deli are definitely out to impress everyone with their wonderful varieties of dishes – definitely a must for dumpling lovers.

It’s also worth to note that, especially to those who prefer healthy eating, the food prepared contains no MSG, preservatives or additive.

The Owner (left), with a satisfied customer…

Highly recommended.

GJ Deli

No. 641,

Jalan Melaka Raya 10,

Taman Melaka Raya,

75000 Melaka

Tel.: 010-235 2890

FB: https://www.facebook.com/GJDeli

Opening Hours:

9.00am to 5.00pm Daily

(Rest on Mondays)

 

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Journal (Food):The Plate, Melaka

The Plate

Hey there fellow Planetors and Journalists, today we take a break from our Turkey adventure and pay a visit to a new local hangout in Malacca called THE PLATE. Opened in January 2014, the restaurant specializes on Halal Western, Italian and Fusion cuisines.

Western, Italian and Oriental Cuisines

Situated near the Multimedia University (MMU) in Bukit Beruang, it has been a frequent hangout for students since its inception.

Environment:

The Plate has a very casual interior designs. Decorated with various posters, antique guns replica, as well as classic wood carving on the wall, it is very relaxing to dine inside.

For smokers, there are also exterior seats available.

Menu:

Offers Available

This, of course, is the most important part of any restaurants. There are basic types of meals available, i.e. soups, salad, pasta, dessert, main course and snacks, which I have had the pleasure of trying out.

Caesar’s Salad

The Caesar Salads taste quite nice. The vegetables used are very fresh indeed. The Marinara Spaghetti is quite tasty as well. The serving is neither too big, nor too small, and well worth your money.

Marinara Spaghetti

For additional snacks, you can even try the Vegetarian Spring Rolls.

Vegetable Spring Rolls

On to the main course. There are a lot of varieties to choose from, and I’ve managed to try out their Lamb Chop and Chicken Chops — both are quite delicious.

Lamb Chop

Chicken Chop

After downing such a satisfying meal, it’s obvious that you need a good dessert to go along with it. I would recommend the Banana Fritters.

Banana Fritters

As far as beverages are concerned, there are numerous soft drinks and juices to choose from, even local favorites such as Sirap Bandung and Ice Lemon Tea.

Lime Juice

Ice Lemon Tea

Iced Sirap Bandung

Service:

The service is incredibly good and fast. My orders were delivered only within 10 minutes. The waiters and waitresses are very friendly and helpful, and occasionally check up on you to see whether or not you are satisfied with the services provided and foods.

For those who like to surf the internet, WIFI service is also available.

Summary:

The Plate is incredibly good. Situated next to the more illustrious Windmill, The Plate offers a new alternatives. Good food, good environment, and good service are the epitome of  a successful eateries.

I would definitely recommend The Plate to all fusion food enthusiasts, as well as for those who are looking for a relaxing and satisfying dining experience.

Offers

The Plate

No. 29, Ixora Apartment,

75450 Bukit Beruang, Melaka

GPS Coordinate: 2.25206, 102.277257 (nearby MMU Malacca)

Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/platethe

Tel.: 012-602 0650/ 016-728 9218

Journal (Food): Pak Putra Restaurant, Kota Laksamana, Melaka

When we talk about Indian food, most Malaysians will automatically think of curry, spicy foods, tosay and the ever so popular roti canai or paratha. But what many do not know is that most of the cuisines mentioned earlier are all South Indian food.

The least known of the Indian foods are those from the northern part of India, of which their food are clearly influenced by Western cultures. North Indian food typically utilizes a lot of creams and other typical Western ingredients in their recipe.

There are several places in Malacca, which offers a really good Northern Indian experience to patrons, and one of those are the Pak Putra Restaurant.

Situated at the heart of Kota Laksamana, Melaka, it is one of the most well known North Indian Food establishments in the state and is quite popular among the locals and tourists alike.

Environment:

Pak Putra consists of 2 shop lots, offering a comfortable environment for your dining pleasure. There are also outdoor seats right in front of the establishment for those who prefer to eat under the moonlight.

Menu:

Cheese Naan

Pak Putra is most well known for its various Naan Bread. There are cheese nan, garlic naan, onion naan, plain naan, butter naan and many more.

Plain Naan

What I am most impressed with their naan breads, as compared to the various kinds of naans that I have eaten before elsewhere, is how soft they are. Somehow, the mixture of the ingredients used and the method of cooking is absolutely perfect. Some naans out there can be quite hard and rubbery, but not Pak Putra’s naan.

Butter Naan

You have to actually put it in your mouth to believe it!

Dhal – To be eaten with the Naan

Apart from their naans, Pak Putra is also known for other dishes as well – one of them of which is their Chicken Tandoori. The Chicken Tandoori is one of Northern Indians’ most famous cuisines, and I just couldn’t resist the temptation to try it out.

Tandoori Chicken

And the result? Absolutely fantastic. I would’ve thought that the meat would be too dry and hard, but somehow, they managed to pull it off again! It’s soft and tender, just the way I like it.

Service:

The waiters are quite prompt with their orders and you can’t really ask for anything more.

Conclusion:

For those who are looking to try out some good Northern Indian food, then look no further. Pak Putra is definitely one of the best places that you can try out.

Highly recommended.

Final verdict: 9.5/10

Pak Putra Restaurant

PAK PUTRA RESTAURANT

KOTA LAKSAMANA

Open: Daily from 5.30pm to 1.00am

Closed: Alternate Mondays

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Journal (Travel): Xiang Lin Shi Temple (香林诗), Jonker, Malacca

Xiang Lin Shi

Hello there, fellow Planeteers,

Welcome back to another edition of Travel Journal. Today we are going to pay a visit to Xiang Lin Shi (香林诗), one of the bigger Buddhist temple along the famed Jalan Tokong (loosely translated as the Temple Street), near Jonker Walk.

Situated nearly the famed Cheng Hoon Teng temple

Situated right in front of the famous Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, which is also the oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, the Xiang Lin Shi is comparatively new.

Malaysian Buddhist Association

The temple itself is managed by the Malaysian Buddhist Association (Malacca Branch).

Matreiya, a.k.a. the Laughing Buddha

As you enter the building, there is a statue of Matreiya Buddha or the Laughing Buddha to greet you at the main entrance.

Ground Floor

The Buddha, Goddess Kuanyin and other deities

The main hall is dedicated to the main pantheons of Buddhism, i.e. the Amitabha Buddha, Sakyamuni or Gautama Buddha, the Goddess of Mercy Kuanyin, and the Great Strength Boddhisatva.

First row of the 18 Disciples

Second row of the 18 disciples

Also quite noticeable on the Ground Floor is the two rows of statues depicted the 18 Arhats/ Lohans, also known as the 18 disciples of Buddha.

The upper floor is also dedicated to Buddha as well etc.

First Floor

Bell

Drum

The upper floor also houses a bell and drum, normally used during evening prayers.

The Ground floor are adorned with many statues of Buddha, Goddess of Mercy and other deities. There are also various posters adorning the temple walls, most significant of which is the poster of all 35 Buddhas.

Poster of the 35 Buddhas

There are also a section at the Ground Floor where visitors can purchase amulets and other Buddhism-related items. There are also vast array of Buddhism books which are free to be taken.

This is where you can buy amulets and other religious items

The Xiang Lin Shi is definitely a temple that oozes harmony and serenity. The environment feels calm and collected, despite the fact that it’s normally quite noisy and chaotic outside.

If you ever come to Malacca, this is definitely one of the places to visit.

Journal (Travel): Cheng Hoon Teng Temple (青云亭), Jonker, Malacca

Cheng Hoon Teng

Hey there Planeteers,

Today we travel to the Historical City of Malacca, where we will pay a visit to the oldest Chinese Temple in Malaysia — the Cheng Hoon Teng or 青云亭, which literally translated in the Green Clouds Temple.

The Famous Gate Entrance to the Temple

Constructed in the year 1673 by the Chinese Kapitan Tay Kie Ki @ Tay Hong Yong, Cheng Hoon Teng is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy Guan Yin, and it is devoted equally to the 3 doctrines — Taoism, Confucianism & Chinese Buddhism.

Temple Layout

The temple, since its establishment have undergone several restoration works and rebuilding.

Carvings on the Roof

Carvings on one side of the wall

The Carvings on the other side of the Wall

In 1949, the temple was incorporated in the Parliament by Sir Tun Dato Tan Cheng Lock, underlining the massive importance of this renowned religious establishment.

Lord Buddha and Goddess Kuanyin

Apart from the Goddess of Mercy and the Great Lord Buddha himself, other prominent deities worshiped here include Kuan-ti (God of War), Tai Sui Yeh (God of Human Affairs), Goddess Mazu (Goddess of the Seas), God of Wealth, Goddess of Birth, Tiger Gods and Tua Pek Kong.

Kuan-ti, The God of War & Tai Sui Yeh, The God of Human Affairs

Tua Pek Kong

Tai Sui Yeh is normally prayed to for smooth sailings in life. People also normally seek his blessings in order to avoid any mishaps due to the incompatibility of a person’s Chinese Zodiac against the year’s Zodiac Year (Fan Tai Sui). This normally takes place at the beginning of the Lunar year.

The Tiger Gods and the Goddess of Birth

Another unique deity is the Tiger Gods, where they are normally prayed to to bless one’s career life or business ventures. There are also a special way of praying to them, for which it is told on an instruction nearby to the altar, inclusive of what offerings to be offered.

Ancestral Altar

There are also altars dedicated to ancestral worship, for those whose name plaque was enshrine since decades ago.

Altar dedicated to the founders and Kapitans of the temple

There are also an altar dedicated solely for the Founders and Kapitans of the temple, as well as another altar for the temple’s past resident monks.

Altar for past resident monks

The level of craftsmanship of the entire temple is absolutely remarkable, from the remarkable main entrance and it doors, the temple walls and even the roof! It is craftsmanship at its zenith.

Miniature Mountain

At the back of the temple, there is a small area that houses an old miniature mountain, which houses mini statues of various classical Chinese deities, characters and the Disciples of Buddha.

Temple Poles/ Masts

In front of the temple, there are two tall poles standing in the middle of the courtyard. Legend has it that they are actually the two masts of the ship that brought the first Chinese settlers to Malacca in the olden days.

Joss Paper Burner

This temple is truly a piece of important history. As the oldest and undoubtedly the most important Chinese temple in Malaysia, it has even received recognition from UNESCO in 2002, the Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation.

UNESCO Award

For tourists who comes to visit Malacca, or even those who come to Malaysia for a holiday, Cheng Hoon Teng temple is definitely a piece of history not to be missed, on par with the A Famosa Fort and the Stadthuys.

Journal (Food): Restoran Tim Sum Man Ting Siang (满庭香点心茶楼), Melaka

Man Ting Siang Dim Sum Restaurant

Hey there fellow Planeteers, Happy New Year 2013 and welcome back to another edition of Food Journal. We haven’t done one of these for quite a while and what better way to start off this year with a review of one of the best Dim Sum restaurants in town. This is probably one of those reviews that I should’ve done much earlier and now, we’ve finally come to it. Malacca is known for its good food and a variety of choices, and one of it is Dim Sum. You’d surprised that there are so many Dim Sum shops out there that you’re literally spoilt for choice! However, the point is to know which is good, and which is bad. For a long time, Man Ting Siang (which literally means Whole Court Smells Nice) has been one of my most favourite restaurants to enjoy my Dim Sum in Malacca, and it’s still is. Located at Ong Kim Wee road, it has been a favourite among locals and foreign visitors as well. Environment: Man Ting Siang is your typical Chinese café ala kopitiam (coffee shop). Being at a corner lot, the restaurant is spacious, although most of time, you’d probably have to spend some time hunting for a table since it is frequently full! Well, when the food is good, it’s worth it. If you’re hoping for an air-conditioned room, then you’re in for a disappointment, but don’t worry, there are numerous fans around to keep you cool.   Menu: There are just so many varieties to choose from! You have a variety of Shumais (wanton balls) made from pork and prawns, both friend and steamed, and other meaty stuff for your dining pleasure. One of my favorites has to be the pork ribs and chicken feet, cooked to perfection.

Chicken Legs

You might want to try the crab special, with its meat processed and stuffed back into the shell. They taste just as good as it looks!

Crab – Top Side

Crab – Underside

Meat Pau

Apart from the varieties of dim sums, there are meat buns/ pau (大包), Char Siew Pau, Lo Mai Kai, Chai Tou Gao (菜头糕) & Chee Cheong Fun .

Chai Tou Kueh

Lo Mai Kai

As for drinks, you can either call for your normal coffee or tea drinks, or you can also have a variety of traditional Chinese tea, served in a pot, hot, just the way it should.  

Chinese Tea

Service: The waiters and waitresses will constantly push the carts of dim sum to your table for you to choose from. Plus they would pick up orders for non-dim sum items and bring those to your table. For those who orders traditional Chinese teas, patrons are required to refill the pot on their own. Conclusion: Like I said, I am a sucker for dim sum and Man Ting Siang has been one of my favourite dim sum shops of all time. If you’re in Malacca and you are looking for a place to try out Malacca’s version of this wonderful dishes, then this place is definitely for you. Final verdict: 9/10   RESTORAN TIM SUM MAN TING SIANG (满庭香点心茶楼) No. 45, Jalan Ong Kim Wee, 75300 Melaka Tel.: 012-628 7066/ 012-682 1832 Opens everyday from 6.00am to 12.00noon, except on Wednesdays. *Please click on Like if you like the article, and write down any comments if you have any.

Journal (Travel): Ringo Classic and Antiques, Jonker, Melaka

Ringo Classic

Welcome back, Planeteers!!! Now this has been an entry that I’ve been wanting to do since a while back, the review of Ringo Classic and Antiques.

LIVE Performances by The Man himself, Ringo…

Ringo Classic, also known as Ringo Cafe, has been a favorite gathering spot for music lovers and cafe-goers alike. Songs and musics are performed LIVE by the owner himself, Ringo Wang.

Fans enjoying the music…

Full House… A Frequent Sight…

The cafe serves beers, soft drinks and fruit juices, and also a cozy environment to enjoy the music and sight.

If you’re wondering about the sight, the cafe is decorated with numerous historical memorabilia and items, from pre-Malaysia maps to old beer posters, to old musical instruments and clocks hanging all over the wall.

Those items and memorabilia would probably bring back some nostalgia of your younger days.

For those who prefer something different, you might want to choose to sit at the bar.

The Bar

Open only twice a week (on Friday and Saturday nights), this is definitely a place to spend your weekend in.

Ringo Classic & Antiques, or whichever name you want to call it…

Also, just for your viewing pleasure, below are two of my LIVE performances at Ringo’s… Enjoy…

RINGO’S CLASSIC CAFE

31, Jalan Hang Lekir,

Jonker Walk,

75200 Melaka

Tel.: 016-354 2223

Email: ringoclassic1957@yahoo.com

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Journal (Food): Restoran Mr. Joo, Kota Laksamana, Melaka

Restoran Mr. Joo

Feeling like having a good teppanyaki and steamboat buffet dinner? Then look no further. There is a new place in town called Restoran Mr. Joo, that offers just that. Located one block apart from the more famous Bei Zhan Restaurant, it’s really not that difficult to find.

Environment:

There’s nothing too fancy about the restaurant, just your typical steamboat restaurant. There is one island in the middle of the restaurant where the foods are served, and several other counters that serve drinks, ice creams, soups and porridge.

Each table comes with a steamboat wok and a frying pan for patrons to use.

Menu:

So now, let’s get down to the fun part. Before you start feasting, you have to first choose the type of soup that you want to use for the steamboat. There are 4 different flavours available: herb, tom yam, kimchi and chicken soup. The steamboat wok, unlike most other steamboat shops, is actually divided into two sections, where you can enjoy 2 different flavours at the same time. In fact, the best is that after you’re done with one flavour, you can choose others as well, provided that you finished the one that you took earlier.

My favourites are the various types of marinated meats. You have beefs, chickens, ray and muttons served in a variety of flavours: curry, black peppers, chillies etc.

There are also fresh prawns, hams, sausages, internal pig organs, fish balls, meatballs and of course, one of my favourites – pig blood.

Pig Blood

For vegetarians, fret not, you are not forgotten, there are also a variety of vegetables to chose from: kangkungs, cabbages, varieties of mushrooms, seaweeds, bean sprouts etc.

So yeah, there is a little bit of something for everyone.

For those looking for a bite or two while waiting for your meals to cook, you can also grab the ready-to-eat nuggets and chicken wings available.

Once you’re done, you can also enjoy the ice creams.

Service:

There’s not much about the service here, since you’ll be doing your own cooking, but their personnel would make sure that the food supplies are constantly replenished. They will also constantly keep their premises clean as well.

Conclusion:

This is definitely a must-try, especially for those who enjoy buffet steamboats. Thumbs up from The Planet’s Journal.

Final verdict: 8/10

RESTORAN MR. JOO

No. 18 & 20 (Gnd Flr),

Jalan Kota Laksamana 2/15,

Taman Kota Laksamana Sek 2,

75200 Melaka

Tel.: 06-282 1725

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Journal (Food): Voices Music Cafe Official Launch

Starting on 1st Aug 2012, in conjunction with the official launching of Voices Music Cafe, enjoy amazing offers when you dine here…

Voices Promotions

Amongst the wonderful dishes on the menu are as follows:

Pork Chop

Fried Bee Hoon

Chicken Wings and French Fries

And also, don’t forget the tantalizing drinks as follows:

3 Star Refresh Cooler (Star Fruit, Apple and Lemon)

5 Star Fibre Juice (Orange, Pineapple, Carrot, Apple and Mango)

Chocolate Milkshake

Dragon Fruit Juice

And they also provide some of the CHEAPEST BEER BUCKETS in town.

In addition, Voices also provides a platform those who are interested in singing to do so in front of a LIVE audience, and all you need to do is to register for an audition, train with the band and perform ON STAGE.

Don’t miss this OPPORTUNITY to let your VOICES shine…

To register and for any other questions, kindly contact:

1) Emily Tan – 019-7813412

2) Alan Ng – 016-7204501

3) Viki – 01606476575

4) The Cafe – 06-3371587

Or email at voicesmusiccafe@gmail.com

Or you can also come over straight to the cafe:

VOICES MUSIC CAFÉ

No. 22, Jalan MP 4,

Taman Merdeka Permai,

75350 Melaka

Opening Hours: 5.00pm – 12.00pm daily, CLOSED on Tuesdays