Papa's Tarts & Puffs

I did notice this particular pastry shop several times (and in numerous places) when I was visiting KK but never got the chance to try them out yet (it was entirely my fault of course since I was easily blindsided by other, more popular franchises). So I was glad to see that they’d opened a branch at Servay Hypermarket (the one downtown, and they’re situated right next to (or behind it?) the main exit of said hypermarket). You’ll get my confusion once you stop by their tiny branch and see their somewhat semi-hidden location for yourselves. That aside, I have visited the place a couple of times now since my mom is a huge fan of their sweet & savoury goodies. Among the treats that we’d tried out were their Chicken Siew Pau (mom’s favourite and a yummy pastry indeed), Tausa Piang and its Salted Egg version (pretty satisfactory but nothing too distinguish), Chicken Puff (another one of my mom’s favourites, mainly because mom loves the generous filling) and of course, their namesake Egg Tart (it’s not too sweet but the crust was a bit too thick for my liking).  

** Current status – Has been closed (as of June 2019)

* Chicken Siew Pau

*Tausa Piang

* Egg Tart (like duh!)

* Chicken Puff

* Salted Egg Tausa Piang

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Sky Bar & Lounge Garden

For some reason, this year’s fasting month has made me and my family somewhat reluctant to go out and have a buffet fiesta of sorts (mainly due to the unpredictable weather and over crowding). But that doesn’t mean that we were not enticed by seemingly bargain meals being promoted all throughout this month. And one such place was this place, which is situated on the top floor of Shervinton Hotel, right next to the Milimewa Superstore. But to actually reached the café, you do need to take the lift on your right side (from the main entrance, as the left side will only lead you to the rooms) and press the 5^th floor button. The first thing that you’ll see when you’re out of said lift is a flight of stairs. Climb those stairs as it will eventually lead you up to the café. Yup, not complicated indeed!

We'd decided to try out their Ramadhan dinner set which includes a choice of a main dish (Chicken Fried Rice, Kampung Fried Rice, Chicken Fried Mee, Seafood Fried Mee), a dessert (a scoop of vanilla ice-cream) and free flow of rose syrup drink. For the price that we’re paying, I do think that the portion should be a bit more than what we’re getting. Although the food in general were pretty good in terms of taste (we ended up ordering the same Chicken Fried Rice & Kampung Fried Rice – which doesn’t look that different from one another to me) I kid you not when I say that we were ‘forced’ to take away some KFC due to being unsatisfied and still feeling a bit hungry afterwards. They also offer lunch sets regularly and ala carte menus so do check them out. Maybe the portion will be better on those occasions.

** Current status – Still in operation (as of June 2017)

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Chemangeh Leaf Kitchen

I’m going to write this one as briefly as I can since I’m off somewhere in a while and for the fact that there isn’t much to comment about this eatery. This place is actually situated at the spot formerly occupied by D'Salam Cafe within the Ba Zhong commercial area (you’ll spot them in front of Wakaf Thai Tom Yam restaurant). Food and drinks were still pretty limited (at the time of my visit) so both me and my partner ended up ordering the same thing, which is the Nasi Goreng Histeria (yup, we’re suckers for unique sounding food). The supposedly extra hot fried rice was relatively tamed in the heat department (but I think it depends on the person since my partner was sweating profusely afterwards). But in terms of taste, I still think that they’re at the above average level since it was unmemorable but adequate.

** Current status – Has been closed (as of August 2018)

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Fire Cooking

As we’re entering the fasting month again, my mind (and stomach) are fill with these thoughts on food. And the only way that I could think of to get my mind off of hunger is… to blog about food (that sounds wrong now don’t it?). Just so you guys know, I went to this particular eatery way before the fasting month started so do ignore my slightly drooling reviews all throughout this month.

At first glance, you might be a bit sceptical to set your foot inside this tiny eatery. I mean, it looked so small (it occupied half of a shop, in the same row as New Millennium Food Lounge and Ziremi Delicatessen within the Fajar Complex) and unappealing in terms of first impression that you might decide to forgo this place altogether. But do not be fooled by its interior as their food was quite nice and delectable. A contributing factor to this might have something to do with the main cook being the former employee to another eatery within the area called W&L Fast Food. We recently had their Butter Prawns, Mix Vegetables and Ikan Goreng Kering Bawang Putih (highly recommended) as well as a serving of Salted Fish Fried Rice for myself. All I can say that is that it was one of the most satisfying meals that I’ve had in a while. The price was also considered very cheap (our bill for that particular visit did not even reached RM50) with the yummy food that you’re getting. And mind you, the place is almost always full of customers (and due to limited spaces) so do avoid going there during peak hours. Or else you might end up seating in close proximity to some err… rather unpleasant looking and smelling garbage dumping area nearby.

** Current status – Still in operation (as of June 2017)   

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My Top 5 Go To Malls in KK

Yeah, yeah… I know this post is way overdue. I should’ve post this one right after my not so recent KK trip but man… this affliction known as laziness was just too hard for me to beat these days. So without further ado, this is my personal list of favourite malls in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (in a very particular order of course)…

IMAGO KK TIMES SQUARE

Pros – Clean free toilet, still has that new vibe going on, a lot of high end/ branded stuff, lots of eateries has also moved here from other malls

Cons – Limited parking autopay machines, security eyeing you suspiciously if you happen to be a bit underdressed or coming in wet (well, at least that’s what happen to me)

Favourite spots – Everrise, Victoria’s Secret, DC Comics Super Heroes, the entire food mecca downstairs

SURIA SABAH

Pros – Spacious walking areas, lots of events being held there (seems to be at least one per week when we were there), a majority of the stores are now occupied (a stark contrast from a few years back)

Cons – Food court can get pretty dirty, long queues to go in or out of the parking space (or is it just our bad luck?)

Favourite spots – City Grocer, Times bookstore, Metrojaya, Sportmart, Baskin Robbins

1BORNEO HYPERMALL

Pros – Easy navigation throughout the stores, plenty of hotels attached (4 all together), pretty self sufficient despite the distance (has almost everything you want under one roof)

Cons – Their distance from the city centre (but got plenty of public transportations available nearby), expensive parkings especially the ones right outside of the premise

Favourite spots – Padini Concept Store, Parkson, GSC Cinema, Ayam Penyet Ria, Marrybrown

CENTRE POINT

Pros – Affordable goods, plenty of new and upcoming stores, wide selection of gadgets & electronic accessories available

Cons – Mostly non branded stuff, stores come and go rather quickly, lack of cleanliness (but they’re trying to improve in that department)

Favourite spots – Adidas Original store, Growball Cinema, Matahari, Yoyo Cafe

WISMA MERDEKA

Pros – Lots of old school businesses, affordable goods especially for games & cds, has a wider & unique services such as travelling agencies, reflexology centres, watch repair store, cobblers & tailors under one roof

Cons – The very dated overall look (but then again they are one of the earliest malls in KK), confusing staircases, weird parking spaces

Favourite spots – Mango snack bar, JS Fashion, Tong’s, Just For You

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