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Food Review: Homst Restaurant

15 May 2009 by Legendria

Sometimes we find ourselves going back to a place we used to love but had forgotten over the busy years filled with work, friends, family and events. For me, Homst Restaurant is one of these places.

As I stepped onto the blue tiles, a flood of memories washed the cobwebs in my brain away and I remembered the many occasions my dad, my brother and I had eaten here. Perhaps, one of the reasons I stopped coming to Homst was due to my now-estranged father but re-visiting the place made me remember why I liked eating there in the first place; the food!!

The first and original Homst Restaurant

A Chinese Muslim restaurant, Homst is not much for the eyes but the menu is a whole lot for the stomach. Located at 48, Persiaran Za’aba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur (my area, woohoo!!!), it is one of the few restaurants that had withstood the many changes TTDI has seen over the years.

They serve Chinese-style food, not unlike the menu at Muhibbah (another well-established restaurant in TTDI) and is, as my dear companion for the day said, “Not bad, although I think the taste is slightly different because of some missing ingredients which I don’t they can use since it’s a Muslim shop.”

Wet Buttered Chicken

I have to admit that I didn’t exactly knew what I wanted to order since I haven’t been there in ages so I decided to go with what my cousin always ordered when she eats there; Wet Buttered Chicken (around RM12 for a small size, which is more than enough for two people). The sauce is amazing, although some people might get ‘muak’ (fed up) with the buttery taste. Just like my cousin, I highly recommend this dish but don’t order it all the time unless you want to gain weight. It’s sinfully delicious.

Kung Po Chicken

My companion ordered the Kung Po Chicken with rice (which is, I think, around RM10). You can really taste the chilli in the dark sauce, giving it a combination of salty soy sauce and slight spicyness. Amazingly, it offsets the buttery gravy of the Wet Buttered Chicken so I think we made some good selections. I like the fact that both the chicken dishes didn’t have bones in them, except for very small pieces. I hate biting into a piece of chicken and cracking my teeth on a stray bone.

Kangkong Belacan in Oyster Sauce

Of course, whenever I eat rice, I must have veggies. So I ordered one of my favourites, Kangkong Belacan in Oyster Sauce (less than RM10 for a small size). My companion really loved this dish. I was surprised because to me, it was just one of the most common dishes ever but I guess the taste must have really struck his core.

There are other dishes that you can try such as the Sharkfin Soup (if you’re okay with eating an endangered species) which is mixed with crab meat or chicken (these dishes are expensive though, with the smallest size priced at RM22) and any of the fish dishes. One of my absolute favourite, which I can’t find elsewhere, is the Yam Basket. It used to be on Homst menu but they took it out years ago, saying that the item wasn’t popular at all. However, my cousin told me that they still have it. I guess we have to special order it.

Let’s move on to service and environment. The service is not bad. The moment you sit down, someone will attend to you, handing over the menu and taking your drink orders. The food is served quite fast too, unless there’s a crowd or you order way too much for the cooks to handle.

Inside Homst

Don’t expect too much for the interior though. Like every other mamak and local middle-class restaurants, the furniture and fittings are common and normal. If they really do up the restaurant, I doubt the menu would be as affordable as it is now (it costs the two of us RM30.50 for 3 main dishes, 3 rice and 2 drinks). But to me, as long as it’s clean and I don’t find insects in my food or crawling around my table and chair, I’m fine with it. The restaurant is open-spaced though so do expect the next table to start puffing on their cigarettes.

Apparently, you can call them up at 03-7728 0760 and order some dishes for take-away. However, some people said that Homst is opened daily until 11pm but is closed from 3pm to 6pm so maybe it’s best to use the number to check on their opening times.

If you can’t come all the way to TTDI to taste their food, you can try their second branch at Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara. They have the same menu there but there are some additional stalls inside it so you have other food choices to fulfill your tastebud’s needs. Enjoy!!

Category: Food & Drinks Tags: Chinese Muslim Cuisine, food, Homst, TTDI One Comment

Food Review: Pannaz

17 Apr 2009 by Legendria

This week’s food review is one of my favourite haunts, partly because of its food choices and service, and partly because it’s the restaurant I feel most comfortable in that is near my boyfriend’s office. Let’s get hot with Pannaz!!

Pannaz Restaurant

Still less than a year old at the time of this post, I have watched as Pannaz improved itself constantly as it attempts to survive longer than the predecessors that were located at the same corner of G-8, Ground Floor, Jln PJU 8/3A, D19 Damansara Perdana, Bandar Damansara Perdana. One thing is for sure, they’re doing a good job.

While the prices may be higher than its surrounding eatery-neighbours, the quality of the food is well worth the price tag. Serving mostly Western food with some choices of local dishes, Pannaz never fails to add its own unique flavours and special presentation to its cuisine. Every menu item I have ever sampled was always nicely presented and made with fresh ingredients.

I usually take my own pictures of the food I eat but since I eat here all the time, it never occurred to me to photograph their dishes, and I do not wish to encrouch on any copyrights Pannaz might have on their food images. So kindly check out Pannaz’s menu at their website, http://www.pannaz.com.my. You can even download their menu for your perusal and for catering purposes.

My favourites at Pannaz are the Sauteed Button Mushroom in Garlic Butter Sauce served with soft bread (Tapas, RM11.00) and the Grilled Pitta Mayo accompanied by french fries (Deli, RM11.00). Another recent favourite of mine is a new menu item they introduced just a short time ago, the Pannaz Lamb Burger (Deli, RM13.00). Their mint relish sauce transformed the taste of what would be a normal burger into something exquisite. However, some might find the sauce too thick for their taste so I advise a light spreading of it before eating.

Braised Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes & Asparagus

Another menu item that you might want to try is my companion’s favourite, the Nyonya Fried Rice served with grilled chicken, egg & fish crackers (Main Course, RM12.90). My companion also tried their Braised Lamb Shank (Main Course, RM36.00), however, his comment was that it was only satisfactory.

Here’s a warning to busy people, some of the dishes might take some time to prepare, up to 20 minutes. So if you’re in a hurry for lunch, you might want to try their RM9.90 Set Lunch of one main course (pick one out of four pre-chosen dishes) and one drink (pick one out of two pre-chosen beverages).

We love Pannaz’s Iced Cappucino. When it’s a hot day and you need something that will put some light in your tired eyes, this drink is the way to go. If you’re not a coffee drinker, you can always try their Frizzy Ribena Longan or their new selection of mixed flavoured drinks.

I’m not much of a dessert person (I’m trying to watch my weight) but if you love sweets, you’ll surely love the Warm Chocolate Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and strawberry compote. It is truly delicious!!

As usual, I always comment on the quality of service for every eatery I’ve been to because to me, the service from the employees reflects the image of the restaurant, and for once, I have nothing to complain.

The Pannaz staff never fails to greet their customers. Whether we are stepping inside or just passing by, they are always ready with a cheery ‘Hi’. The moment you step in, they will be ready to hand you their menu and wait patiently a few feet away for your order. Usually, they will serve you a free glass of water but there are times when they forget. One of the waiters often checks with me on the food I order and is open to any suggestions and comments I might have.

For those who are always on the go, never fear. Pannaz offers free Wi-Fi so you can eat your breakfast, lunch or dinner from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 10pm, and still do your work or surf the Net. You can also just chill out and watch TV there. Though they are located opposite the ongoing noisy renovation of the second phase of Metropolitan Square, their ambiance is still cozy with their red comfy couches and dark wood furniture.

There is only one con I have found with Pannaz so far. For non-smokers, like me, there is no partition to cover yourself from cigarette and cigar smoke. You can only pick a spot far away from the crowd and hope that the people sitting next to you won’t start puffing like chimneys. The only saviours for non-smokers are Pannaz’s wide open doors and many high-speed ceiling fans.

Pannaz is a place where you can experience quality food and service for a fraction of the price you might pay to experience the same things in a 5-star restaurant. I love eateries that serve great food with excellent service but most importantly, I love eateries that make me feel comfortable, and I am happy to find one that have all my requirements just a short drive away. Enjoy!!

Category: Food & Drinks Tags: food, Pannaz Leave a Comment

Food Review: Krispy Kreme

03 Apr 2009 by Legendria

This week’s food review cannot be said as a true review as I have never tasted it before. However, based on the comments I’ve gotten from those who have, they dubbed it as one of the best doughnuts, or donuts (whichever you please), they’ve ever eaten. Ladies and gentlemen, let us all welcome yet another doughnut franchise coming to Malaysia, Krispy Kreme.

Glazed Doughnuts (from charlielovett.com)

I know that last year, many people have been talking about Krispy Kreme coming to Malaysia but we never did get wind of when exactly they were opening up here. But the story is that we might welcome it in a very short while. Last month, as I was browsing through the classifieds in The Star paper ,I saw that Krispy Kreme was hiring baristas and store managers for their upcoming branches and were asked to report to Berjaya Times Square. Most likely, in my opinion, the first branch will be in Times Square, but don’t start groaning that it’s too far. Berjaya is opening an estimated 20 stores throughout the country, as reported by Bernama back in August 2008 here.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (from www.boogspace.com)

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Variety (from www.boogspace.com)

But I’m getting w~ay ahead of myself. What is Krispy Kreme? Owned by a US company, Krispy Kreme is a chain of doughnut stores with a wide variety of these doughy treats, but is especially popular for its glazed doughnut. It’s much like Big Apple Doughnuts, but some has dubbed Krispy Kreme as the mother of all doughnuts. One of my friends who ate it in Australia related that it practically melts in your mouth. *drool*

Malaysia’s Krispy Kreme has already set up their website at http://www.krispykreme.com.my/ and according to the site, yes, it has been confirmed that their first store is located at Berjaya Times Square at the Ground Floor, Lot G-08A. They are open from 10am to 10pm. I assume they are operating daily but it isn’t indicated in their site. Newsflash: my friend checked them out and told me that the Berjaya Times Krispy Kreme branch will be opened on April 27, 2009. YES!!

Of course, when you have donuts, you must have drinks, right? Well, Krispy Kreme is not going to play second fiddle to Big Apple and J.Co in their coffee range with choices of espresso, hot chocolate, iced beverages and chillers. Unfortunately, most of the drinks are coffee-based with only hot chocolate, iced chocolate, hot tea, Fruity Chiller and Kremey Chiller to add other flavours to the beverage menu.

The website even showcases some Krispy Kreme collectibles such as T-shirts and mugs, but I’m unsure if they’ll be available for sale at the store.

I haven’t gotten wind of whether they are officially opened but you can check it for yourself by calling their store at 603-2119 7373 or e-mailing them at enquiry@krispykreme.com.my. By the way, the official name for the company in Malaysia is Berjaya Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Sdn Bhd and their office is located at Lot 09-26, Level 9, Berjaya Times Square. All these contact details and more are available at their website, which I mentioned earlier.

When they are open, those who have eaten it overseas simply must try it and tell the rest of us whether it tastes the same. This is so we know if the quality is as good or better (or, God forbid, worse) than the predecessors. Enjoy!!

Category: Food & Drinks Tags: food, Krispy Kreme Leave a Comment

Food Review: TJ Haus

27 Mar 2009 by Legendria

There’s only one word to describe TJ Haus; magnificent!! And no, seriously, I’m not exaggerating. No matter how many times I have been there, the restaurant has always blown me away with their array of delicious food, refreshing drinks and sinful desserts.

TJ Haus

Hidden among an isolated area of shop-houses at 19, SS 18/1B, TJ Haus is a well-kept secret of Subang Jaya, known only to those who stumbled upon it and who spread the word to friends and families. Operating since 2004, I’ve often wondered why they have not expanded the business, but I’m happy that they stayed small. It is a well-known fact that once a restaurant grows bigger, their food and service quality drops.

Haven’t been there in a while, the girls decided to spend an evening catching up on each other’s news and gossips at TJ Haus. Climbing up the narrow staircase, I hesitantly entered the dining area and to my joy, the place is still as cozy as I remembered and the waiters are still as friendly.

Interior of TJ Haus

Albeit smaller than most restaurants, the decor is sort of like a mild English house with mainly wooden furniture and soft, low lighting, perfect for a romantic dinner with your beloved. Although the balcony overlooks the nearby highway and the busier shoplots across the street, it’s not as noisy as you might expect it to be.

I can’t remember the difference between the current menu and the old one but I know that the chef had introduced new dishes to his selection. This time around, I was insistent on trying something I rarely ate there and elsewhere.

Graved Lachs with Rosti

Cream of Seafood French Style

Being the first to arrive and desperately hungry, my cousin and I decided to fill our stomaches with an appetizer called Graved Lachs with Rosti (RM19). When the rest arrived, they too shared an appetizer, Cream of Seafood in French Style (RM7).

For the main course, we each had something different so we could all have a taste. We cajoled each other to try something we all haven’t tried before at TJ Haus and so we ordered the Roast Beef (RM29), the Lamb Shank (RM24), the Crispy Duck (RM23) and the Provence Style Loin of Lamb (RM30).

Crispy Duck German Style

Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes

Provence Style Loin of Lamb

Roast Beef with Veggies

Mmmm, those pictures are making me hungry.

Now, I’m not much of a lamb or duck person but I highly recommend the Roast Beef. It comes with this exquisite sauce that just fills your mouth with flavours. If I were to vote, I would pick Roast Beef first, the Loin of Lamb second (very soft and the sauce is nice too), the Crispy Duck and lastly, the Lamb Shank. I didn’t really like the Lamb Shank because it was kind of tasteless even with the sauce.

Chilled Cheese Cake with Peach Toppings

Anyway, we went all out that night, to hell with diets and low-carb food, so we ordered desserts, and thank God we did!! The Chilled Cheese Cake with Peach Toppings (RM11) is to die for!!! Seriously, if you’re a cheesecake lover, you MUST try it at TJ Haus. The portion is so much bigger than most other cake shops and the taste…swoon.

You can also try the Bravarian Cream (Vanilla Flavour) with Fruit Compote (RM10), it’s like a really soft and creamy jelly, and the Fried Banana with Ice-cream (RM8.50), I know it’s kind of normal but it’s really mind-blowing.

Fried Banana with Ice-Cream

Bravarian Cream with Fruit Compote

Brazilian Smoothy

Apple Schorle

Of course you can’t have food without drinks and I highly recommend the Brazilian Smoothy (RM7), for those who like the milkshake kind of drinks, and the Apple Schorle (RM4.50), for those with fruity taste buds. There’s this coffee that my cousin really loves but I can’t remember the name.

Must-try Coffee at TJ Haus

See if you can find the time to try this place out, and see if you can find it. But believe me, once you try, you will want to come again and again. Enjoy!!