American-style BBQ Pork ribs @ Morganfield's, Empire Shopping Gallery, Subang

For the love of pork…..well not exactly my no. 1 meat but my buddies recommended this place to meet up since they've heard raving reviews on it. They must be pretty good considering there are already a couple of branches in KL. Also, we were there just in time for the specials which was Buy 1 full ribs and get 1/2 slab ribs free; super good deal I would say. We ordered 2 full ribs (with 2 half slabs ) to be shared between 4 people (which we thought would be quite enough) but turned out to be a huge mistake, because we overestimated our ability to finish it! They are famous for their ribs (hence, the term sticky bones) and mainly 4 flavors to choose from; Hickory BBQ, Smoked Peppercorn (my fave!), Spicy Asian and Garlicky BBQ. You get an option of full ribs (RM 76.90) or half slab (RM46.90). *Just get the full ribs and bring home the rest of the unfinished!

Smoked Peppercorn full spare ribs RM 76.90

Yeap..this was the FREE half slab-We chose the Hickory and Garlicky BBQ. Not just the free ribs, it came with sides as well!

Night out with my ex-colleagues; Soon-to-be-mum Penny and 'old buddy' manager Kwan ;p

It was the last night in KL before I left for Canada again the very next day. We had a great time catching up with them while chowing down on those delicious ribs. If you're looking for the authentic, good old-fashioned BBQ pork ribs, this is definitely the place to be. The ribs were tender, meaty, tasty and delicate enough to have the meat-almost-falling-off-the-bone-when-picked-up effect…(mouth-watering right now). Prices were quite reasonable (even without the free half slab). Ours was definitely worth eating because we had the free halves; although we ended up packing a majority of the ribs back home. Another good option on the menu was their sharing platter that will be perfect for 3-4 people. Great place to hang out as well :))

Address: GK-09 Ground Floor, Empire Shopping Gallery, Subang

Website: Morganfield's

Facebook: Morganfield's

Korean pork BBQ @ Palsaek Samgyeopsal (팔색삼겹살), Seoul

When I finally made it to Seoul, only then did I realise how important wifi, name and address of the place of interest in English and Korean, and also a picture of the restaurant; because even city cab drivers may not know where the restaurant is (what more us foreigners @__@). Majority of the restaurants only have signboards in Korean, hence the importance of a picture of the place. We took a cab from Namsan Tower to Palsaek Samgyeopsal (samgyeopsal=pork belly) at Mapo-gu. This restaurant has a small entrance and you might find some tour busses blocking the entrance. From the entrance, you walk downstairs to quite a huge place with lots of people and servers bustling around the tables. I would think that this place cater more for tourist but we did see locals dining here as well.

Hi piggy! I should probably visit branch in Malaysia ;p

Even with the number of customers, there are lots of staff that were available to attend to you. Since their main signature dish is the 8 different marinated pork (palsaek samgyeopsal), the layout of each tables were more or less the same. Once seated, a staff or two will start to attend to you (all the vegetables, sides, and of course the meat). If it's your first time, just leave everything to the staff (don't be a pain and try doing it by yourself and getting everything messy) and watch them do it. 

The variety of leaves for the bbq pork wrap!

I read in a blog previously that said if you had only one chance to eat Korean BBQ, you should visit this place. My mum was complaining how plain and bland the pork BBQ were during her Korea trip. This would have been different because their signature menu comprised of 8 different kinds of marinated pork-curry, hot (probably red pepper paste), ginger, wine, pine-leaves, herb, soybean paste and ginseng.  I personally liked the pine-leaves marinated meat (although I'm not exactly sure what sort of marination?) whereas Panda preferred the spicy ones; basically meat marinated with red pepper paste (least favourite was the ginseng meat since I'm not a fan of herbal-ish stuff). It was pretty fascinating to see how the server arranged and worked on the grilled meat :) 

Loved the colourful spread on our table:))

This is how you eat Korean bbq (or more or less at least;p). A piece of leaf, a slice of pork, garlic, kimchi and paste; wrap them up and stuff the whole thing into your mouth! 

We loved this kimchi-bean sprouts side (refillable). We were also seated conveniently near the water machine.

Eventhough I had only one chance to eat BBQ pork meat in Seoul, I was quite contented with this place. A set would probably be enough for a table of 2. It might not be your conventional BBQ pork place, but it's definitely worth a try if you're in Seoul. 

Address: Palsaek Samgyeopsal (팔색삼겹살), 18, Baekbeom-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Korean address: 서울특별시 마포구 백범로 18 (노고산동)
Website: Palsaek Samgyeopsal
Opening hours: 1100 - 2400
Directions: Sinchon Station (Subway line 2), Exit 6. Go straight along Baekbeom-ro for about 150m.
You will see Palsaek Samgyeopsal (팔색삼겹살) across the street (provided by VisitKorea). Or just take a cab :)

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A Pork-y affair @ Pig's Ears, London, UK

So, after my sis's wedding night, she had a table booked for all of us ( yes, with the in-laws) for a much-awaited Pork Ribs dinner ! As the name implies, this place is famous for two things ; Pork and Beer! Located at Richmond Hill St, London, UK, this beer cellar cum restaurant has its own specialty and uniqueness. With London's infamous narrow streets and queer-looking buildings, I must say I would not have spotted this place by myself. Parking was difficult to begin with but we managed that somehow...

 

Since they have  been here before , they already set their mind on what to have; and they made absolutely good choices ! For starters, we had the Pork Crackling with Apple Sauce; in simple words; Pig skin! Super hard and tasty ! Yes, hard and not for those with 'lose teeth'. The apple sauce combination was a little bit weird ( probably the sage !) and I way prefer eating the skin without the sauce. Salty but addictive and its definitely a must-try~

Pork Crackling & Apple Sauce 

Super hard, crunchy, salty and addictive !

We came for the ribs and so all ( except mom) ordered the whole baby back ribs as our mains. Being so excited and ambitious, we were so sure we could actually finish the whole dish ! The dish came with a side of fries. The succulent ribs were so good. Meat was juicy, tender and finger-licking good. I must admit that even though I felt Bali's Nuri Warung BBQ Pork ribs is still my favourite ribs, this came pretty close. The sides that came with it were equally good and goes well with the ribs. 

BBQ & Cider Sauce whole baby back ribs

Ribs was a total no-no for mum so she had two starters instead; the fried fish medley and vine tomato mozzarella salad. First look; wow, mozzarella looks so fresh on top of the basil pesto that came with it. A healthy choice I would say. Portion was just nice even though a little bit too much of cheese. The fried fish medley consisted of wheat beer fish fingers, scampi and tempura prawns with tomato tartare. The usual fried finger food that came with a generous portion of salad. 

Vine Tomatoes Mozarella Salad-with basil pesto

Fried Fish Medley

For desserts, we just HAD to try the sticky toffee pudding and luckily we shared the dessert! Generous portion that was heavenly delicious…and sweet ( this would have covered more than of our sugar requirement/day). I don't think we get this often in Malaysia and a quick google showed that this steamed dessert has a British-origin. It can even be topped off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream ( as if its not sugary enough !)

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Silke had the Strawberry Meringue Glaze ( ice cream and fresh strawberries). This was a lovely-looking dessert and I felt that the ice cream is probably home made. Creamy, not super sweet unlike most commercial ice creams. Portion was just nice!

Strawberry Meringue Glaze

If you are in London, don't miss the chance to visit this place. They have a pretty extensive website which is definitely worth checking!

Address : Pig's Ears, 5 Hill Street Richmond TW9 1SX , London, UK




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Bali Highlights (Part 2)

Food

1. Fresh Coconut Water @ Tanah Lot

So, this is not exactly food but it was worth mentioning. A trip to Bali is never complete if you do no visit Tanah Lot. The journey there is about 45 minutes by car from Kuta town. From the main entrance, one has to walk quite a distance before reaching the main attraction in Tanah Lot. Along the way, there will be stalls selling all kinds of souvenirs, arts, t-shirts (tourist-sy kind of things) and plenty of people. One would never miss this stall selling coconut water. Throngs of tourist will be there ( resting, all sweat and tired ), eager to drink a fresh coconut ! During our second visit, we decided to try it and it was totally refreshing ! Serving was fast, coconut was fresh and plenty of water from it :)

2. Seafood Candlelight Dinner @ Lia Cafe Restaurant, Jimbaran Beach

This was definitely our favourite ! One of the reasons we revisited Bali was because we missed this soo much! Some may feel that...'We can get much better and fresh seafood in Chinese restaurants in Malaysia !' We on the other hand felt that Bali's Seafood has a unique and its own authenticity (probably its dips and chilli paste, sambals ? ) But anyhow, for first-timers to Bali, this is definitely worth a try. This cafe is not easy to be located; first of all, there are actually 2 spots along Jimbaran beach which offers plenty of seafood restaurants along the beach. After much checking on forums, we decided to choose Lia Cafe. 

freakzspeaks We had a tour guide to bring us around during our first visit and easily, he brought us to Lia's; no questions asked. During the second visit, it was a free and easy trip to celebrate our V-day. So, we hired a cab and directed him to bring us to Lia's. That's when all the bulls* started. First he told us it was some special holiday in Bali and that all the seafood restaurants including Lia is closed; and that he will bring us to another area along Jimbaran beach. He even made it looked real by calling his friend in the cab and confirming with him that the cafe was closed. I was sooo sooo mad and I knew it was not true because I've read too many reviews and advice from forums; thank God Panda maintained his coolness and insisted that we still go there and check it out. Calmly, acting like nothing happened, and brought us there @__@  So, my advice is DO NOT easily trust the cab drivers; even your tour guides!

Back to the food. So Lia has quite a simple menu and the set dinners would be the easiest if you want to try out a range of seafood that they have. Prices range from Rp230000 to Rp800000 (depending on the type of seafood you choose). We had the Set C (Rp380000) which consisted of 0.6kg lobster, 0.5kg crac, 8 pieces prawn and 8 pieces clams. The set came with 2 small Bintang beers (local beer), soup, salad, fruits, fried vegetables and rice. They also had a variety of dips and sauces which were fresh, spicy and tasty! Their grills were fresh and all well-marinated with some spiciness to them. The clams were exceptionally good I thought:) Till now, Panda and I still drool when we come to think of Lia's seafood ! A candlelight dinner on the beach with your loved ones and good, cheap seafood, what more can you ask for :))

Address : Lia Cafe, Jalan Pemalisan Agung, Jimbaran, Bali

First visit : Set A (Prawn, fish, clams and squid) with coconut 

Second visit : Set C (Lobster, crab, prawn and clams) with Bintang Beer

3. BBQ Pork Ribs @ Naughty Nuri's Warung
It was not very often that we get good pork ribs back home but as this place was highly reviewed, we decided to give it a try. We stayed overnight in Ubud Bali Highlights (Part 1), had a marvellous, relaxing massage and spa at Verona Spa before heading for dinner at Naughty Nuri's Warung for their 'infamous' BBQ pork ribs ! We took a cab from Ubud (not advisable to walk or bike as the road is pretty 'kampung' and dark ). We got a place immediately upon reaching. The place looked more like a bar cum warung; quite unique I would say but some may not like the dimly lit and smoky bbq place. So, we ordered the only thing that we came for; the BBQ pork ribs. The photo may not do justice for the ribs itself; but oh my....the ribs and meat was so juicy and tender that I felt it just melt into my mouth. It was sooo unreal. Panda and I took turns to get a piece of rib ; felt like just yanking the whole ribs and gobbled eat down like a tiger..(muahaha!). A squeeze of lemon gave the ribs a zesty taste which enhanced further the amazing feeling...slurpp !

Address : Jalan Batubelig, 41 | Kerobokan Kelod, Kerobokan, Bali 

4. Babi Guling (Roast Pig) @ Ibu Oka, Ubud

The Bali-style babi guling (roast pig) has made a name for itself among food bloggers from around the world. It is a definitely-must-have meal if you set sight to Bali. The most famous would be Ibu Oka's which is located in Ubud. Their main shop is easily located in central Ubud, opposite the Royal Palace. As we read in forums and reviews that this place is really crowded most of the times, we decided to try out their branch at Jalan Raya Teges, also in Ubud. It was definitely a good choice; away from the crowds even at lunch, proper sitting place without having to sit on the floor, and a nice Balinese building. 

     The rice meal came with a square piece of roasted pig skin, some spicy sauce with pork meat, blood sausage and some spiced vegetables. As I'm not a bigg fan of pork, I thought that this was totally over-rated by many reviewers. I was a little bit disappointed actually and couldnt help but agree with some of my friends that the 'siu yuk roasted skin' was way better than this. The roasted pig skin was actually not bad, but the pork meat was nothing to shout about. It was quite bland but luckily for the spicy chilli sauce that came with it, it did spice things up. I actually thought the spicy chilli and the vegetables were good; well at least its different from the usual Malay warung spicy dishes that we have. Overall, it is worth trying for first-timers but for me, don't think I will be coming anytime in the near future. 

Address : Jalan Suweta/Tegal Sari No. 2, Ubud, Bali

Alternative branch : Jalan Raya Teges, Ubud, Bali

5. Buffet Lunch@Grand Puncak Sari Restaurant, Kintamani

During our visit to the active volcano Mount Batur, Kintamani, we arrange to have a buffet lunch at Grand Puncak Sari Restaurant. Although there were mixed reviews for this place, we decided to give it a try. It is a two-storey building offering open terrace and glassed-in on the upper floor while the ground floor is glassed in. Price seemed to vary everytime but on average its IDR100/person; which is fairly expensive but considering that its dining with a view, its worth a try. The buffet was nothing to shout about but they do have quite a variety of food. Their sate lilit (grilled meat sticks) was tasty (although slightly cold) and even had a choice of chicken/pork. Chilli dips were fantastic as usual. I also found a liking to the fresh vegetables with satay (peanut) sauce. They had quite a variety of desserts as well; banana fritters were addictive !

freakzspeaks If you have the money to spend, the buffet is worth going as you also get to dine with a fantastic view of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. Why not...since you're all the way there ! If not, just snap a few photos around the area and pack your own lunch ! It won't be as fun as well if you have to have lunch at one of those stalls along the road.

Address :Jl Raya Penelokan Kintamani Bangli 80562 Bali

Open daily for buffet lunch and ala-carte