Coming Soon — Voices MusiCafe

The revolution is almost upon us… More info to follow…

Voices MusiCafe

Journal (Food): Chat Point Café, Merdeka Permai, Melaka

As promised several weeks ago, The Planet’s Journal will be featuring one of the upcoming hot spots in Malacca – Chat Point Café, soon to be known as Voices MusiCafé. Currently operating as Chat Point Café, the café is situated nearby the Merdeka Permai Malim Food Court, right next to The Big Mouth.

Environment:

Currently operating as Chat Point Café, it provides you with a peaceful and relaxing environment, ideal for family dining, as well as couples dating and friends chatting.

Light music would accompany you all the way, to make your dining all the more memorable.

There is also a photo corner where some of the patrons tend to leave their memorable experiences in this establishment behind.

Menu:

Chat Point currently serves a wide-variety of Asian dishes, as well as Western dishes. So far, while I was there, I managed to try out some of the items on their menu.

Fish and Chips

Before I start, I am quite impressed with the portions that they serve. For the price that I pay for, the portions are very big, far exceeded my expectation, and it’s really value for your money.

Chicken Wings and French Fries

First on the menu are the Fish and Chips, ideal for those love Western dishes. If you prefer something meatier, you can out the Chicken or Lamb Chops. For those who prefer finer meat, you can try out the tender and juicy sirloin dishes.

French Fries

The establishment also serves beers, either by the bottles, or by the buckets, at a very reasonable price. And if you want some light snacks to go along with it, you can either order the French Fries, or the Chicken Wings served with French Fries.

Vanilla Milk Shakes

For those who doesn’t drink beers. Fear not, there are a variety of juices, milk shakes, ice-blended drinks, soft drinks and many more to choose from. The Vanilla milk shake is particularly good.

Service:

Service is quite fast, and orders would generally be ready within 10 minutes.

Conclusion:

As mentioned earlier, Chat Point Café is currently undergoing a transformation – an evolution, if you will – to Voices MusiCafé. As it is, the café is already that darn good, and it can only get better.

We here at The Planet’s Journal, will be looking forward to this revolutionary transformation, and we will continue to update you as it happens.

Final verdict: 8/10

Chat Point Cafe

CHAT POINT CAFÉ

No. 22, Jalan MP 4,

Taman Merdeka Permai,

75350 Melaka

Operating Hours

Opening Hours: 5.00pm – 12.00am

Closed on Tuesday.

For more info, kindly visit their Facebook page via this link.

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Journal (Food): Hup Huat Restaurant (合发小食馆), Semabok, Melaka

Hup Huat Restaurant

Have you ever had cravings for a good serving of rice porridge, but you don’t know where to look for it? Then look no further…

Back in the days, there was an old shop behind the old Rex Cinema that was a hit among the locals. The area used to be the hotspots in Malacca – it was where businesses bloom, and it was literally the Melaka Raya of the 1960s.

Anyways, due to the recent development of the area, some of the older buildings were demolished and most of the old businesses there had no choice but to close down, hence for awhile, there wasn’t any good place that offers good rice porridges.

Then, not long after, Hup Huat reopened their shop in Semabok Perdana, and locals yet again are able to enjoy such dishes and more, and the location means it’s ideal for the public to go on lunch breaks.

Environment:

The restaurant is your typical Chinese restaurant – nothing fanciful, but comfortable enough.

Menu:

The Menu

The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, although the rice porridge remains as its flagship dish. There are several types of porridge that you can choose from, with this delicious Century Eggs Porridge being one of my favourites.

Porridge with Century Eggs

Fried Bean Sprouts

To eat along with your porridge, you might want to order along the Fried Bean Sprouts, as well as the Fried Wanton or even the Prawn Omelette.

Fried Wanton

Fried Rice with Eggs – A Variation of Pattaya Fried Rice

As mentioned before, porridge isn’t the only thing on the menu. You might want to try their varieties of fried rice styles such as the Village-Styled Fried Rice or the Fried Rice with Eggs. There are also various noodle-based dishes as well to choose from.

Village-Style Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng Kampung)

Service:

Service is okay. Your orders will generally arrived on you table at around 10 minutes upon ordering.

Conclusion:

The old Huo Huat, which was near to the Rex Cinema have been a local favourite for quite so long. Definitely a must-try if you’re a fan of porridge.

Final verdict: 8/10

HUP HUAT RESTAURANT

合发小食馆

No.101-1, Jalan SP 1,

Taman Semabok Perdana,

75050 Melaka

Tel.: 012 – 260 8928

9.00am – 5.30pm

Latitude: 2.201396

Longitude: 102.273174

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Journal (Events): One Love Party, Exodus Lounge, Malacca

One Love Party

Hey yo Cybertronians!!!

Heads up Reggae fans and Party Monkeys!!! Exodus Lounge will be organizing its very Reggae Nite on the 23rd June 2012, 8pm. The event will be featuring bands such as Sweet Rasta, Offroads, Rootstaly, and Kalipso.

For more info, kindly visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Exodus-Lounge-Melaka/172606432793363.

Don’t miss it…

.:PEACE:.

Journal (Food): Restoran Nyonya Makko, Melaka Raya

Welcome back to another edition of Food Journal. Today, we will pay visit to a well established restaurant in Melaka Raya that specialises Baba Nyonya/ Peranakan/ Straits Chinese Cuisines. Established in 1984, it has been a favourite among tourists.

Just a trivia, before we get things going, the word “Makko” means “Eldest Aunt on your father’s side”, or your “father’s eldest sister”, in the Peranakan Dialect.

Environment:

The restaurant is decorated with a lot of Peranakan-related artefacts & decorations, such as Shanghai vases, old Peranakan wedding photos and many more.

The interior is quite comfortable and there are at least 20 tables in there.

Menu:

The restaurant is completely halal, so to our Malay brethrens, you don’t have to worry. Anyway, let’s get things going…

Before your meal is served, you will be served with a serving of titbits consist of “kerepek” or crackers. During my dine there, I had the pleasure of trying out some of their more popular dishes. First up is the all popular Pong Teh Chicken, which is probably one of the signature dishes of the Peranakan community.

Pong Teh Chicken

Kurma Mutton

Next up are the two mutton-based dishes, i.e. Kurma Mutton and Rendang Mutton, both of which the muttons are prepared to perfection.

Rendang Mutton

Chap Chai

The Chap Chai and Fried Kangkung with Belacan are two other popular dishes from the community. For those are familiar with the Chap Chai dish, you may find that the colours are a bit different than normal. This is because this version of Chap Chai utilizes an ingredient called “Tau Chiu”, instead of “Tau Ji”, the latter which would give the signature reddish-pink colour for the dish.

Fried Kangkung with Belacan

Sambal Squid with Petai

Another favorite is the Sambal Squid with Petai (Chilli Squid with Smelly Bean).

Cincalok

Fried Jenahak Fish with Cili Garam

The Cincalok is quite nice too, which is a perfect partner for the “Ikan Goreng Chili Garam” (literal translation – Fried Fish with Salty Chilli). I also had the pleasure of trying their Fried Lady’s Fingers.

Fried Lady’s Finger

After you’ve downed your meal, you may want to have a good serving of cendol for dessert.

Cendol

Service:

In my opinion, the service could be improved a little bit, as due to the amount of customers present, it seems as if the restaurant is slightly under-staff, and struggling a bit to meet some demands from customers.

Otherwise, the dishes would served within 15 minutes upon ordering.

Conclusion:

The Makko Nyonya Restaurant is arguably one of the more popular restaurant in Melaka Raya, and so far it has been one of the tourists favourites to enjoy the uniqueness of the Peranakan Cuisines.

It is definitely a must-try.

Final verdict: 8/10

RESTORAN NYONYA MAKKO

麦哥娘惹餐馆

123, Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya,

75000 Melaka

Tel.: 06 – 284 0737

Fax: 06 – 283 7490

Lunch    : 11.30am – 2.45pm

Dinner  : 6.00pm – 9.30pm

Closed on Tuesdays

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Journal (Food): Restoran Hijrah Sari, Sungai Udang, Melaka

Restoran Hijrah Sari

The traditional Hainanese (or Hailam) Chicken is probably one of the country’s most famous dish. It is enjoyed by millions from all walks of life, and typically sold by Chinese hawkers or food centres. And since it is normally sold in Chinese shops, most of our Malay brethren do not get the opportunity to taste it.

Restoran Hijrah Sari provides the Malays with such opportunity. The restaurant, although is helmed by a Chinese, is a certified Halal restaurant, and has been for years, one of the locals’ favourite.

Environment:

It’s your normal food centres, nothing special here, but comfortable for dining.

Menu:

Hailam Chicken Rice

Well, as the signboard says, this restaurant mainly sells Hainanese Chicken Rice, served with a bowl of soup.

Fried Bean Sprouts

If you like, you might want to order a plate of Fried Bean Sprouts, while you’re at it.

Iced Teh-O

Iced Bandung Syrup

Service:

Service is quite good and orders are served very promptly.

Conclusion:

Well, it’s a simple establishment. You don’t come to this place to expect anything fanciful, just good ol’ chicken rice.

Final verdict: 7.5/10

RESTORAN HIJRAH SARI

NASI AYAM HAILAM

No. 8 & 10, Jalan Keris Emas,

Taman Keris Emas, 76300 Sungai Udang

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Journal (Food): Golden Mansion Restaurant (新珑华酒家), Bukit China, Melaka

Golden Mansion

The Golden Mansion Restaurant at Bukit China has been one of the oldest restaurants in operations. The restaurant is quite famous for its tantalizing beef-based dishes, as well as its steamboat dishes.

The restaurant have been a favourite amongst businessman as well as locals.

Environment:

The restaurant houses the ground floor of a 3-storey building. The area is spacious and is perfect various functions and events.

Menu:

As mentioned before, Golden Mansion is quite famous for its beef-based cuisines. It has various dishes that are perfect for gathering with friends and family.

Fried Mee Hoon

First up, you should really try their Fried Mee Hoon. The common mistake that most people do with this is that the Mee Hoon or vermicelli will end up very dry. But Golden Mansion cooks it perfectly, with enough moist and flavour.

Yin Yong Kuey Teow

Also a must try is the Yin Yong Fried Kuey Teow with Gravy, which is my personal favourite, as well as the Fried Misua.

Fried Misua

Seafood Steamboat

Now, as mentioned before, Golden Mansion is also famous for its steamboat. Their recipe for Seafood Steamboat is really good, in which they at various ingredients such as crab sticks, fish balls, fresh fish, shrimps and squids, mixed with vegetables.

Beef Steamboat

Beef Steamboat Served

For those beef fans, you should really try their Beef Steamboat, which is one of the best I’ve tried so far. The thinly-cut beef is normally boiled before consuming, but some may prefer it to be half-cooked (or probably less).

Service:

The restaurant caters for private wedding dinner, private parties, as well as economic lunch.

Conclusion:

This place is indeed a surprise for me. Some people may choose to pass this restaurant, mostly due to its oldness, but really, for those who haven’t try this place, you should really do so, and be surprised.

Final verdict: 9/10

GOLDEN MANSION RESTAURANT

(新珑华酒家)

No. 3, 5 Jalan Bukit China,

75100 Melaka

Tel.: 06 – 283 8193/ 06 – 283 3863

Fax: 06 – 283 3863

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Journal (Travel): Exodus, Jonker Walk, Malacca

Exodus

Exodus Club, or simply Exodus, have been in operation for years. Situated at the heart of Malacca’s famous Jonker Walk, nearby the two more famous club, Geographer and Ringo Cafe, Exodus lets its customers to just sit back, listening to music and casual drinking.

There is a Deejay in the house which would play the music.

The club have numerous of Bob Marley’s photos decorating the walls.

Apart from Tiger Beers, Exodus also Macallan 12-years old Whiskey.

Exodus is opened everyday from 6pm onwards, except Tuesday, which is their off-day.

Journal (Travel): Blinq Club, Melaka Raya, Melaka

Blinq

Welcome back to Planet Cybertron!!! Today, for the first time ever, Planet Cybertron weblog will be reviewing a night club instead. For those who come to Malacca and is seeking for a new joint to party all night long, then never fear, there is a new place in town that just might provide you with the answer — The Blinq Club.

3-in-1

Launched on 14th May 2012, Blinq Club prides itself in being a Cocktail Bar, a Liquor Lounge, as well as a Dance Club.

Ground Floor Bar

Ground Floor Interior

Outdoor

The establishment resides in a 3-storey building, with the lower 2 floors being the party lounge, while the top-most floor is the management office.

1st Floor Lounge

1st Floor Relaxing Area

For those who prefer a slightly quiet environment (not really, only comparatively with the Ground Floor), you may want to go to the 1st Floor.

Ground Floor Lounge with Illuminating Tables that Changes Colors (as depicted below)

Ground Floor too has its own lounge with illuminating tables that changes colors rapidly.

Ground Floor (viewed from 1st Floor)

And of course, the club sells all sorts of beers and liquors, inclusive the “Flammable”, as depicted below.

Flammable

For those who prefer night life, you might want to check out this newest place in town, and I can promise you one thing at the least — the sound system will blow your mind out…

Journal (Food): Big Nyonya Restaurant (Formerly known as Kenny’s Delight), Melaka Raya

Big Nyonya Restaurant

Welcome back to another edition of Food Journal. Today, we will pay visit to newly opened restaurant in Melaka Raya, helmed by a celebrity chef, actor and comedian, Mr. Kenny Chan, or popularly known for his alter ego – Bibik Kim Neo.

The restaurant, formerly known as Kenny’s Delight and formerly situated in Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho @ Jalan Panjang, have just recently shifted over to Melaka Raya on 1^st May 2012, and will be officially launched on 12^th May 2012.

As the name says it, the restaurant serves mainly Baba Nyonya @ Straits Chinese’s cuisines.

Environment:

Interior 1 (Downstairs)

The restaurant consists of a double-storey shop house and has a comfortable and casual environment for dining.

Interior 2 (Downstairs)

Interior 3 (Upstairs)

The restaurant is also decorated with several antique items, some of which are personally owned by Kenny Chan himself.

Antique Decors

Menu:

As mentioned before, Big Nyonya typically serves Baba Nyonya cuisine, most of which comes from Kenny Chan’s own recipe. And for Muslims, do not worry; this is a pork-free restaurant.

Sek Bak Chicken

So far, I’ve managed to try some of his dishes such as the ever so popular Sek Bak Chicken. Although traditional Sek Bak is made from pork, Big Nyonya has substitute it with chicken instead. The Kangkung Belacan is worth trying, along with the Cencalok Omelet.

Cencalok Omelet

Kangkung Belacan

Other dishes that is worth trying are the Buah Keluak Chicken, Chicken Curry, the ever so popular Pong The and many more. Some of these dishes will only be available for orders after the opening.

Glorious Cendol

After you are done dining, you probably want to try Big Nyonya’s very own Cendol, which in my opinion, is one of the tastiest serving of cendol you will ever taste.

Service:

Service is quite good and the waiters and waitresses are quite helpful and prompt with the orders. If you are lucky enough, you might even get Kenny himself to serve you.

Conclusion:

This is quite a promising establishment, which can only get better upon its official launching. If you want to try good Peranakan food, this is definitely a place to consider.

Final verdict: 8.5/10

BIG NYONYA RESTAURANT (formerly known as KENNY’S DELIGHT)

33, Jalan Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya

Kenny Chan: 012 – 612 8978

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