LoLo-EatableThai

Tang-Ar-Loi 'Khao-Tom-Pui' Shop - The One and Only in Eastern Thailand !!!

2012-01-22T17:00:00.056+07:00

Yep Yep Yippeeeee ... To Celebrate Chinese New Year Celebration I should write something about Chinese right? Yes ... It must be about Chinese Food ... So I decide to be about Plain Rice Congee (Porridge) Shop or in Thai 'Kaow-Tom-Pui' Shop ... In fact, there's question why it's called 'Kaow-Tom-Pui' ... so far, I know that 'Pui พุ้ย' is the verb means pushing rice into mouth by using chopsticks. However, some said it came from 'Kaow-Tom-Gui' which means Rice Porridge that in the past Chinese Immigrant (who were normally unskilled labours) ate during those days. Also those days, most people called these people 'Gui' ... and as time goes by ... the word 'gui' turned to 'pui' !!! See ... that's why I said I was about to talk about Chinese Food - of course about 'Kaow-Tom-Pui' !!!

This place 'Tang-An-Loy' is the long estiblished place selling 'Khao-Tom-Pui' as it's the specialized shop serve a multitude of side dishes to go with ... but in Chinese Style as it's more than Pickled or 'Yam-Kun-Chian : Sliced dried Chinese Sausage Salad' or even 'Moo-Nam-Liap : Minced Pork fried with Chopped Chinese Olives'.

You might think opening 'Kaow-Tom-Pui' place is easy as just boiling rice in lots of water until grains have grown many times their size and are still swimming in fluid ... but not all 'Kaow-Tom-Pui' Shop has successful as this ... This is because we can see success proven 'Ar-Loi' (the name of the owner) on the front menu shown his shop as street cart many 10 years ago ... and now his shop is as 2 rooms of shop house and still running the place himself ... Another thing I like about him as he said he's 'the one and only in Eastern หนึ่งเดียวในภาคตะวันออก' !!!

I have to say for this blog post, I came to 'Tang-Ar-Loi' twice -- first time for dinner and second time for lunch ... Actually it's not for this blog only ... a lot to taste a lot to eat within 1 full deck of menu booklet !!!

If you have read my earlier blog before, you will see that my normal practice stir-fried veggy for 'Khao-Tom' meal is 'Stir-fried Morning Glory' !!! Here you can order stir-fried of your choice at 85Bht ... so this's mine with soy bean and garlic -- simple simple.

Another thing that I have never missed especially at Chinese Style Khao Tom Pui stall is the Yellow Tofu ... Fried Beancurd with Cashew nut 85 Bht ... This was the best and became my favourite Tofu immediately with my first bite. Crispiness of fried tofu but still white soft inside mixed well with cashew nut, spring onion, fresh chilli, and salt ... so yummy that we ate it as appertizer instead of with boiled rice.

Another fried veggy with boiled rice ... from the menu it said Stir fried garlic - like with bean curd & crispy pork 85Bht ... It's the white spring onion - on of my favarite veggy ... This is the full version of stir-fried this type of veggy as it contained oyster sauce, garlic, bean curd, and crispy pork ... In fact this veggy always cause me problem every time I buy for my mom as she kept asking me whether I bought her crispy pork for ... why don't she stir-fried it with garlic only ???

Normally I don't quite prefer duck as my favourite always is Chicken ... This one is exceptional as it's Fried Duck with Chinese Sauce 120Bht ... It made from Stewed Duck then fried it till crispy fried ... fried it again with sweet soy sauce and crispy garlic .... Oh wow Oh wow so yummy -- of course, it's on recommended item of this place !!!

Coming to Pattaya Seaside, so I had to order seafood right? This is the most seafood we ordered those days ... Deep fried Slice Grouper Fish with Garlic Pepper 120Bht ... Not considered the whole Grouper but directly enjoy the meat instead ... so white fresh fish meat passing the deep fried then topped with salty garlic pepper ... I finished it faster than you thought !!!

This is the recommended dish 'Fried Tofu with abalone mushroom in gravy sauce' 100Bht ... It was served in clay pot - Hot Hot for sure ... look at the soft egg tofu which was fried in golden brown ... within tasty brown gravy, it's full with Chinese Sauce and a little of mushroom aroma.

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Besides that it contained many kinds of mushroom , shrimp and also crab stick !!! So imagine the taste of Shark Fin Soup, this is it ... but in cheaper version. I was so in love with the soup gravy here ... no need to add the brownish sour taste sauce (similar to Worcestershire Sauce).

Therefore, after tasting this dish, we had to add the order for 1 plate dish which was 'Fried Noodle in Gravy Sauce with Noodle' 50Bht ... We were not disappointed from this dish at all ... The brown gravy was so full with taste !!! The pork sliced meat which was passed the good marinated well ... The young Chinese gailan is also still crispy green !!!

Won't forget the soup as we know the soup taste here is excellent !!! Therefore, it's the Clear Soup with vermicelli, bean curd, squid and mined pork 85 Bht ... look at the colour of the clear soup ... you might think it would be plain but it's not !!! So real pork bone soup indeed !!!

Anyway, the place 'Tang-Ar-Loi' used to open for dinner (6.30pm) for dinner (Khao Tom Pui) only ... Not it open since 7 am for breakfast & lunch ...

Tang Ar Loi
272/23 Moo 5
Na Kluey, Bang Lamong
Chonburi
Tel : 0-3822-5145
Mobile : 08-1996-1959, 08-1807-8030

However, I have promised to myself to come back here again -- not only for more Khao Tom Pui but for meeting this guy !!! He's Ar Loi's friend ... He came from Big Hotel (not sure how many star) but he's a kind of experience on Western Style Breakfast ... a kind of one man show breakfast to most of forienger around there.

Okay See You Soon Friend of Ar Loi ... Tang Ar Loi To Be Continued !!!

KYOTO YOSHINO Okonomiyaki ; Grilling What You Like

2012-01-04T09:22:00.050+07:00

I am the person who like eating and cooking ... so no doubt that I like eating Teppanyaki and also Okonomiyaki ... why? ... As I can see the process of cooking or I can cook myself - not like cooking at home but it's a kind of fun cooking while eating.

If you can remember, I have written my first okonomiyaki place at 'Kizahashi' (refer to Kizahashi : Grill-it-yourself Okonomiyaki Restaurant) and another one at 'Nanpuu' (refer to Nanpuu : the semi-DIY okonomiyaki & doroyaki shop) ... I won't tell you in detail as you can read them both ... However, each shop has its unique selling point and this is another one too ... KYOTO YOSHINO Okonomiyaki !!!

And yes, when you see the restaurant that was equipped with an iron griddle (teppan) especially with other ingredients including sauce, mayonaise, and so on ... so another Stage of Cooking Begins !!! Don't worry for this place as if you are the ones who do not want to involve with cooking process, this is the place as the okonomiyaki are prepared by the chef and served ready to eat at table (with griddle).

Before the okonomiyaki, we can order Side Manu from 'Sausage Yaki' 80 Bht ... It's the pork sausage grilling on stove with a pintch of salt ... serving with small bowl of mayo, mustard, and chilli past in. I kept dreaming of this sausage for days as it's a Japanese Sausage type that has chunk mince inside full with juicy water while outside was so crispy.

Next was called 'Tori Nankotsu Yaki' 80 Bht -- In fact, I think this went well with Beer as it's normally sold in lots of Izakaya ... Yes, it's the cartilage of chicken that has also salted grill ... so you can imagine how crunchy munchy this dish will be ... especially topped with fresh green spring onion.

Another one was so interesting as it's called 'Bacon Tamago Mald' 90Bht ... imagine bacon omelette but in Japanese Style as it's topped with Japanese Tonkatsu Sauce and Ginger Pickle ... For this dish, I love the chuncky bacon piece inside !!!

Here comes the hero dishes ... Okonomiyaki ... as you may know that some people call it as savoury pancake (or even in Thai 'Japanese Pizza') ... as it contains a variety of ingredients ... yes ... it means 'what you like / want' which is okonomi in Japanese !!! But you have to be awared that topping and batters tend to vary according to the region of Japan (even it's associated with Kansai area).

We are now talking about 'Kansai Style' as the batter is made of flour, grated yam, water or dashi, eggs and shredded cabbage, and ususally includes something like green onion, meat (which normally means pork or bacon even squid, shrimp, octopus), vegatables, or kimchi or mochi or cheese !!!

And this is what they call 'KYOTO OKONOMIYAKI' from the menu which made from what I named above but with pork & egg on top (similar to fried egg) -- 180Bht

This one is called 'NEGI YAKI' 230Bht (as this is pork but if you order beef, it will be 250Bht) ... you can imagine the negi which is Japanese Spring Onion or Leek with Pork Stew !!! Yes, small pieces of brownish pork stew mixed inside so you can get the intense of stew flavour easily.

There are also a lot of noodle dishes and rice dishes ... my favourite are 'NEGI CHA HAN' 120Bht ... talking about cha-han it would be fried rice of course, but this is fried rice with nothing except Japanese Spring Onion or Leek ... Hu Hu make the world goes green !!!

Another one is also one of my favourite 'SHIO YAKI SOBA' 180Bht ,,, if you like or know yaki soba, I recommend you to try this one as it's not normal yaki soba as you know that has yaki soba sauce in !!! It's fried with salted sauce ... so the taste was real ... with real pork and real salt !!!

Anyway, they said this okonomiyaki shop came from Kyoto, Japan but some said not as they said they were students there and never seen this one ... For me, I don't know as long as I enjoy and have fun with food ... Yes, I found this shop give me that ... so you can try yourselves.

KYOTO YOSHINO Oknomomiyaki
6th Floor, Isetan Department Store
4/1-4/2 Central World, Rajdamri Road,
Kwaeng Pathumwan, Khet Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330
Tel : 02-255-9890

Christmas Lunch at The Cup

2011-12-27T14:15:00.042+07:00

Normally The Christmas Dinner is the main Christmas meal and is traditionally eaten at mid-day or early afternoon on Christmas Day in England, and also in the rest of Britain. In fact, the reason I mentioned England (and Britain) here is because I about to talk to this place 'The Cup Restaurant & Tea Room' ... a very Classic British Dishes you can find in Bangkok !!! If you have read my blog earlier I have mentioned about The Cup Restaurant & Tea Room ; British Classics in Bangkok before (as you can check from my previous blog link). And yes, today I'm back here for The Christmas Classic British Style again which is only for 3 days this year !!!

It's a kind of special Christmas Family meal which is counted traditionally an important part of the holiday's celebration. The food that is served varies greatly from country to country ... but Turkey is present in a fair number of these meals !!!

From the source (wikipedia of course), in England the dinner usually consists of roast turkey (although other poultry such as goose, chicken, duck, capon, or pheasant are alternatives), sometimes with roast beef or ham or, to a lesser extent pork served with stuffing, gravy and sometimes forcemeat; pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce or red currant jelly, bread sauce, roast potatoes (sometimes also boiled or mashed), vegetables (usually boiled or steamed), particularly brussel sprouts, parsnips and carrots ; with dessert of Christmas pudding (or plum pudding), sometime mince pies or trifle, with brandy butter an/or cream.

That's a lot right?? Now see what The Cup Restaurant offers customers this year for 'The Cup Christmas Meal' ... of course, there're choices for us to select from starter, main, and desserts. As the first one to show was Mushroom Veloute Scented with White Truffle accompanies by mini Mushroom Vol-au-vent ... no doubt this was my own choice for the mushroom lover ... a thick cream mushroom soup in small bowl set aside with small of mushroom vol-au-vent (two kinds of small puff pastries) and a fresh mushroom topped with grilled cheese. No doubt for the taste of soup, a so real mushroom mixed in grey colour topped with mushroom pieces and truffle oil.

If not the soup as starter, this is Crumbs coated Camembert served with White Truffle scented Cherry Tomato Salad ... I called this dish as for Cheese Lover ... of course, you know it well that 'Camembert' is the soft creamy cow's milk cheese ... and this was fried with bread crumbs ... can imagine it right? Crispiness outside and Soft & Creamy inside .... cut the taste with a little of sweet & sour Cherry Tomato Salad and Green Salad with creamy dressing & pine nuts.

That's could be a starter or I say 'first course' ... However, the 'Second course' can be selected before Main Dish ... and this is Fois Gras Dish ... Panfried Foie-Gras on Black Truffle Mash and Muscat Wine Caramel Sauce, served with White Peach in Champagne Cream Sauce ... a full of variety dish really ... cannot describe this dish much as a lot of high quality ingredients became one from Foie Gras fatty liver with a full mouth feeling, White Peach with a full aroma & taste, and various sauce on the plate ... Ummmmmm

For the main, there're two choices ... The first one, Roast Goose stuffed with Mixed Rice and Pistachio Nut, Honey Glazed Pumpkin, Caramelrized Apple, Broccoli served with Port Scented Gravy ... Big Duck (as I always called this poultry) serving in big plate with big pieces ... imagine the taste of this dish as feminine ... sweet tangy taste with fruitty aroma ... plus the stuffing showed the cereal like from various black rices mixed.

Comparing to this Masculine dish -- The Traditional Roast Turkey with Chestnut stuffing, creamed onion & peas, Glazed carrots, Broccoli served with Bread Sauce, Cranberry and Gravy ... This was my dish of course because there're all my favourite ... I always look forward to the Christmas Meal because of this dish !!! The Turkey (which I always call it 'Big Bird') was stuffed with nutty stuffing topped with crispy bacon (who can resist this right?). Set aside of Turkey, it's the sausage (not the tiny one but big one) full with pork meat inside ...

Topped with all the sauces from bread sauce (my favourite as the left picture below), cranberry
sauce (the right picture below) ... and also brown gravy that was already poured in the plate !!!

And yet, this is the whole main dish of traditional Christmas meal ... I was so in love with the side veggies on that day especially the carrot ... the size (so huge) and the taste (so sweet) even the broccoli (the big good quality it can be) ... don't talke about roast potato as The Cup has never ever disappointed me with roast potatoes !!! ... So Golden Look full with Crispiness Outer Skin but inside was full with meaty stickiness texture of potatoes.

One thing I miss was a 'pull of Turkey wishbone' ... as it was served on plate already so no 'Y' Shape bone that we can hold and end then pull - so we can make a wish for the one who has left the larger piece of bone in hand !!!

Here comes the dessert, normally we should order Christmas Pudding as it's a kind of tradition one ... a rich, fruity pudding which is dosed with flaming brandy -- said to ward off evil spirits. However, there were a choice of dessert for me to select from : Traditional Christmas Pudding with Brandy Butter, Sherry Trifle, Mince Pie, Christmas Cake, Pecan Pie, Cherry Cobbler, Assorted Cakes ... However, my choices was this Christmas Cake -- a Fruit Cake that full with Christmassy smell such as orange, spices, cinnamon, nuts, and a little of alcohol ... yumm yummm !!!

Also my favourite Mince Pie ... a very British Sweet Pie ... not a savoury even it's called Mince (ground beef) !!! Right it's a rich spicy preserve made of fruit (usually chopped cherries, dried apricots, apples or pears, raisins, and candied citrus peel) nuts and various spices and brandy !!! My favourite is always a home-made type (not factory made) which full of thin desiccated stingily filled like this !!! The visual might not appertized but I love the taste ... you have to taste it as it tell you more than you look !!!

Can't miss House Coffee or House Tea to get along with these desserts ... However, to increase more of Christmas Spirit, the staff brought along the chocolate tray for us to select ... bitter chocolate with mint inside decorated with Christmas Mood !!!

And yes ... this my Christmas Celebration ... See you again next year The Cups for your Christmas Meal ... And for you my blog reader -- Season's Greetings ... May Good Food fill your life at Christmas and throughout the New Year !!! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Everyone ...

The Cup Restaurant & Tea Room

3/F, Lake Rajada Office Complex

Ratchadaphisek Rd. (opposite Asoke Sukumvit)

Tel : 02-264-0247

Open Mon-Sat (11am-6pm)

Regular Set of The Cup Christmas Set : 2,000 Bht Net
Fois Gras Set of The Cup Christmas Set : 2,200 Bht Net
Choice of Bellini or Strawberry Daiquiri were included for everyone !!!

Teppanyaki - a dish to delight all 5 senses ... Try it @ UNKAI

2011-12-13T07:27:00.033+07:00

I have to admit that 'a dish to delight all five senses' has to be a go for 'Teppanyaki' ... It's a combination of product quality full with selected ingredients with the sight and sound of your meal sizzling right in front of your eyes for your appertite!!! Yes, all the fives senses : eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and hands (chopsticks of course) you can get from teppanyaki ... For teppanyaki, menus are susually course-based rather than a la carte - a typical course consists of beef steak, seafoods from lobster, fish, abalone, and some of the vegetables. It's another fun best things even if you can't speak or read or understand anything on menu as you can still order easily without having to worry about what you are yourself getting into.

Teppanyaki is a way of cooking for your note -- Teppan means iron pan and Yaki indicates grilling in Japanese. The best part of teppanyaki is that a cooking and an eating can be done in the same place ... This what I like most about !!! So the simple idea is to sit around an iron pan / griddle and watch the chef prepare and cook whatever we ordered right in front. The first teppanyaki restaurant was opened in Japan in year 1945 -- so no wonder why the food cooked in teppanyaki have a slight Japanese feel (including sauce & ingredients used).

Why not seek for an enjoyment of your 5 senses ... This place is called 'UNKAI' -- In fact, it's the long established Japanese delicacies in Bangkok for long ... It's at Level 22 of Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park Hotel ... full of 165 seats with 5 distinctive culinary sections from teppanyaki, robatayaki, sushi/sashimi, tempura, and special Kaiseki cuisine. Yes, at the long walking end, we reached the Teppanyaki Section ... the setting in u-shape table as the griddles were in the middle. Here come the starting of ALL YOU CAN EAT MENU (600Bht per person). Starting with hot towl then followed with Appertizer, Salad, and Egg Custard !!! The egg custard was so yummy ... soft texture and full with broth inside the egg texture.

The the hot pan started ... Asparagus, Onion, Shitake Mushrooms, Enoki Mushrooms, Eringi Mushrooms, Mixed Vegetables were on grill. I have to wonder where this hotel get the mushrooms from ... they are all fresh and in big size ... actually they were my most favourite here !!!

Followed by Pork, Chicken, Salmon, and Sea Bass ... all had already diced in pieces especially the seafood which was different from other places ... the salmon was the best among all !!! However, I did not find any special on Pork or Chicken ... this could be because all were cooked with the same sauce I guess ?!?! But amazingly when I left the pork cool down, the flavour was intensed out better than when it was freshly came from the pan.

This could be their hightlight item (as normal for Teppanyaki) -- US Beef Sirloin !!! I noticed that a lot of people ordered this beef repeatedly - repeat and repeat indeed. One thing I have to warn you was that if you really like the fat part of the beef, you have to tell the chef in advance don't to cut the fat out (same as what level of grilling you want your beef to be) ... Don't do the same thing as we did as we screamed out loud when we saw the chef cut and took the fat part (which was burnt at just right level) to the bin ... Funny that the chef had to do the new piece for us !!!

By the way, don't forget to ask for miso soup and fried rice (or rice) as these two would come from back kitchen ... you can ordered plain rice or the garlic fried rice (as seen in below picture).

Anyway, it's the all you can eat ... so enjoy the meal eat as much as you can ... with out any rule !!! I meant no penalty what you have left over on plate or no rule that you have to eat every items as the waitress will ask you in the first place what kind of meat or vegetable you won't take.

I so enjoyed this full-stomach meal a lot that I had to order hot coffee (instead of dessert) ... amazingly again, the coffee was so good ... so good that it seems not to be from Japanese Restaurant but could be from The Coffee Brew House somewhere !!!

UNKAI - Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park (22th Floor)
952 Rama 4 Road, Bangkok 10500
Hotel Front Desk : 66-2-632-9000
Open Daily
Lunch : 11:30 am - 02:30 pm
Dinner : 06:00 pm - 10:30 pm

BBQ Pork Rice (Charsiew Rice) -- Khao Moo Daeng

2011-12-05T07:11:00.015+07:00

I'm a kind of person who loves Crispy Pork Belly a lot -- in Thai we call it 'Moo-Krob' ... Yes, it's the 3 layers of pork part which contains pork meat, pork fat, and pork skin (known as 'Moo-Sarm-Chan') ... it's not easy to cook this myself starting from boiling the pork and the hard part frying it !!!

So to have Moo Krob I must search for the place where the Chinese Food is available namely Chinese Restaurants provided Roasted Duck, BBQ Pork and so ... Of course, in Hong Kong will do right? What about in Thailand, many Chinese Restaurant has this available ... but my favourite type is on Street Food selling BBQ Pork Rice Stalls !!!

This is what I meant what I love about ... Rice topped with Crispy Pork Belly, BBQ Pork, and Chinese Sausages served with fresh cucumber plus with red brownish sauce. The unique of each stall is on the method of how they make their own of these things !!!

Khao Moo Daeng NakornPrathom is the name of this stall located in Or-Tor-Kor Market ... If you like to try this place, you have to come before noon (I meant 11am or 12am as latest) as it will be gone before -- sold out !!! I don't know why when people say about Khao Moo Daeng it has to be NakornPrathom ?!?! Some said it's because NakornPrathom Province is the place where a lot of pig farm there ... so pigs became BBQ Pork or Moo Daeng and Khao Mood Daeng as province's signature food.

Look at the presentation -- in the cabinet, there're hangers of BBQ Pork & Crispy Pork including Chinese Sausages which they made all these by themselves ... all were grilled in special grillers after special marinated by secret ingredients !!! Nearby the cabinet was located a small brazier (charcoal) with small pot full of topping sauce ... you have to taste it as I love this a lot - it's not that red colour but red brownish full with herb & salted soy bean. Outside the cabinet were 2 plates of vinegar with green chilli, spring onion, sweet soy sauce, and a bowl of special soy sauce (made from black soy sauce and fresh green chilli (which passed to marinated with vinegar). This bowl is really for the hot taste lovers !!!

Now look at my favourite ... the crispy pork belly !!! One time I was passed by a man carried a big piece of this crispy pork ... It was so huge !!! So Huge That I had to walk follow and see closely ... this was where I found this place and this woman who handle carefully on this pork piece ... She did everything with speed (due to long queue always) even that she carefully selected the best parts for every plate.

My first time ordering was on Crispy Pork & BBQ Pork and boiled egg only ... Suddenly this woman turned to me and asked 'Are you sure?' then I said 'Why? As I wanted even crispy pork more than BBQ pork' ... You know what happened next??? She cut the Chinese Sausage with her big knife and give me a piece in her bare hand and said 'Try this and then tell me whether you will reject this on the plate ... if so I'm okay with that' ... You know what after I taste it in front of her chopping block ... I said 'it's so good -- give me more than your normal 5555' ... Then she said 'Yes I know you won't regret ... I made this herself - did not buy from somewhere else'.

See - I told you every BBQ Pork Rice Shop has its unique recipe and unique made ... and this is the one ... Come and Try by yourselves !!!

ข้าวหมูแดงนครปฐม (อตก.1)
Khao Moo Daeng Nakorn-Prathom (Or-Tor-Kor Market 1)
Mobile : 084-911-9428, 086-541-7889

Cookin' NANTA : when Rythem & Beat match Cooking

2011-11-29T13:28:00.019+07:00

For the ones who has been in Korea, this might not be new for you as 'Cookin' NANTA might has been included in your visit ... it's one of the 10 things to do in Korea !!! Right 'Cookin' NANTA' is a popular South Korean Performance ... in English the show is known as COOKIN' !!!

In fact, NANTA is a series of percussion performances, combined with a traditional Korean Folk Performance called 'SAMULNORI' (a four member drum and dance group). So of course, there's a lots of sound and plenty of comedy thrown in -- however, it's a usage of kitchen utensils/items such as pots, pans, dishes, knives, chopping boards, water bottles, brooms, and even each other into percussion instruments. You absolutely don't have to be either a cook or a Korean-Speaker to understand what's going on ... this is a charm of this show !!!

One thing I have to say was that it's the show that you will be bleaned in (even before you notice) ... some of you might be on stage - so if you don't prefer, don't sit near the front, or on an aisle !!!

About the show, it's happened in October 1977 in Korea and still now !!! It's also the 1st Asian Show to stage on Broadway Musical in February 2001. So, it's the famous and must see indeed ... which now you can enjoy in Bangkok, Thailand ... Check out detail & booking at : ThaiTicket Major - Nanta here.

And as normal practice, I was not allowed to take any pictures or tape any part of performance. But I can show you some of the stage (real one) and part of clip from You Tube below.

The show was started with a so Korean -- from Korean Folk Music and move to Modern Music Forms under the performance of washing vegetable, carrying meat loafs, starting the fire ... as all the set was in Kitchen and they need to manage for a wedding reception to be on time at 6pm !!! Not only that The Manager brought his nephew as a new man to cook which others must teach this young man too ... This was where the Challenge began ...

And as I mentioned earlier, after the show finished, everyone was so enjoable ... without noticeable, we were part of the show !!! It's a kind of double the fun that we was participated in the show unnoticable (I even had my throat dry so much and my hands hurt due to my laughing, shouting, and clapping). I bet especially some of audiences had more fun than me as they were on stage as bride & groom or even had competition on dumpling with the cooks.

For me ... Even I was not on the stage but I enjoyed this show a lot ... see what I got in hands ... Balls !!! a lot of balls I had as the performers threw in to all the audiences ... Can you imagine what part you would be in during the show?

Proven was also shown after the show was done ... all the audience was still standing outside to enjoy more of the show as outside was set as a kind of exhibition ... where you can take photo with - puting your face onto the frame as you were the cook in NANTA !!!

Salt - It's good for Health !!!

2011-11-27T10:32:00.020+07:00

Talking about Salt -- you can think of 'Salt' Angelina Jolie of Evelyn Salt the CIA Perative Movie film right? Someone else can think about 'Table Salt' or 'Rock Salt' used in cooking or seasoning on dining table ... Yep Yep we can think of 'Salt' in many variety form ... Let's know more about the 'Salt' that not much of people don't know much --- 'Salt Cave' !!!

In Thailand this is call SALTCAVE BANGKOK -- The concept is one type of Therapy done in a room called 'Salt Room' ... full with fresh salt aerosol blown into the air. It is good for people with asthma, colds, all cases of allergies, skin problems, bronchitis, stress, and much more ... including snoring problems !!!

It's the therapeutic use of salt mines or salt caves -- in fact any forms of exposure to salt air which normally known and happened in ancient via anciant lakes and seas with unrefined rock salt (sodium chloride) and other mineral salts (which could be calcium and magnesium) depending on the source. And now it's so popular in Europe as lots of Professors / Doctors (either in Poland or German) has studied more on this ... a kind of practised in many countries to have salt caves for petient therapy such as Slovakia, Poland, even Ukraine. The room has been designed in various atmosphere to fit all ages ... even having your personal cocoon of your own !!!

About SALTCAVE in Thailand, we have to put the white gown including plastic cover on shoes (bare feet if you prefer for steping in the room) including putting a cap on ... after I have been inside the room for a while I know why we have to cover this (besides the hygeinic to the salt) ?!?!?

The room was not that big - In fact it had 3 leather armchairs inside ... yes, it's all white as it's all covered with salt ... I tried to take photo to show you how white and how much salt contained inside the room (please use your effort to see the white pictures below) ... anyway, besides it's the air-conditioning room, there's also the machine that spray the salt particles out for (see below right picture - the small square box) ... This one is the important machine and that's the reason why we needed to wear all thing up - as a lot of salt was sprayed all over the room. Proven were on my magazine cover (middle picture) that you can see small white powders on my black magazine cover and also a door (right picture) that white powders was also stuck at the edge of door !!!

The special characteristices of this room must includes stable air temperature (below 22 degree) & humidity. Of course, for a while after being inside the room, my nose was clear !!! It's all under the science that salt destroy bacteria and fungi plus help strengthen the immune system.

Okay -- if you feel stress ... salt also helps as it is good for the nervous system and relieves stress as well as anxiety because it is saturated with negative ions .... Right you can try and experience this 1st salt cave in Thailand -- another quiet place for relaxation -- no talk, iPod is allowed ... From the suggestion, they would like us to sleep during as it's the best consistent breath taking.

The price is 600Bht for 45 minute period -- Call for appointment is suggested

SALTCAVE BANGKOK
2nd Floor, The Manor
Sukhumvit 39
Tel : 02-662-5519
Website : http://www.saltcavebangkok.com/

Visiting more of Osaka style Izakaya at MATCHOW

2011-10-12T10:08:00.041+07:00

Everyone knowing Osaka right? I meant Osaka which is in Japan ... When about Osaka, I firstly always think about its food / food culture ... and of course the word 'Kuidaore' which literally means 'eat until you drop' or informally means 'stuff yourself until you can't eat anymore' ... That should be enough to say about people of Osaka who are happy in eating good food including the chef who take great pride for selecting finest ingredient on crafting the food !!!

This blog is still the blog for introducing the eating place in Thailand of course ... but I just try to intro the story leading to this place which is an Osaka Style Izakaya called 'Matchow' !!! Right, imagine for Japanese Food, if Sushi may be the food of the gods, the Izakaya is the food of the common man in Japan (for several centuries). The word 'Izakaya' means 'Japanese Pubs' which is an informal drinking and dining place full with food selection in convivial atmosphere. The nature of izakaya is about 'having fun and good food at an affordable price'. However, each izakaya could have a reputation of being the best or at least one dish or style of cooking. Same as Matchow, it has a reputation of 'Chicken' !!!

Right we decided to go for more of Chicken here ... of course, one of our favourite order always (if you can notice) must be 'Nabe' -- Here's at the top of the list there was NABE for 2 person called 'Matchow Nabe - Matchow hot pot' 280Bht per person which contains Torimono (Chicken Tight), Tsukune (Special Mixed minced chicken - the best), Tofu, Aburaage (Fried Japanese tofu), Hakusai (White Cabbage). All served in clay pot with Katsuodashi Broth (Katsuo fish stock). Did not miss our expectation on Chicken at all especially the minced chicken that was made like chicken ball - so tasty and so soft.

One of things that don't miss -- as you can see from most of Isakaya has ... Kawa Ponzu Chicken Skin Fried with Ponzu Sauce 90Bht ... look at the size that was not compensated with its crispiness on each piece ... one of my favourite !!! it was served with fresh veggies. Warning - don't order more than one as you will enjoy it continuously & irresistible till you won't touch any other dish that also yummy.

This one was such a creative dish -- Tebasaki Gyoza -- Dumpling covered with chicken wing 100Bht ... I did not type this wrongly ... yes, imagine dumpling filling but was inside the chicken wing then deep-frying till golden brown !!! I have to say 'Machow' is the genious of frying dishes !!!

Let's park the frying but continue with Chicken again -- Kushi Mori is another dish that you must try ... from this picture this is the grilling stick in small set (7 sticks for 250Bht) containing with Chicken Tigh, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Chicken Mince, Chicken Wing, Chicken Joint, Onion, and Oyster mushroom. However, we have asked the waitress to change some stick to be other type of chicken ... as we don't eat much of chicken inner ... The rule is allow to change if the price is equal ... So you can see Oba Mono (Chicken on stick with Oba leaf topped with Japanese Plum) -- so tasty and yummy indeed !!!

Ummmm we still creaved for another fried dish -- next was Matchow Korokke (Matchow Croquette) 90Bht which was a potato croquette serving in golden brown outside but inside is so soft & so potatoish !!!

It's normal of Isakaya to serve hot dish -- after long drinking of alcohol ... Tori Chazuke (Chicken Tea Rice) 130Bht could be one of your choice ... hot boied rice with chicken pieces full with chicken broth & tea serving with pickle ... warm your stomach with a real taste of all ingredients.

Or if you feel you need another rice ... Yaki Onigiri or Onigiri could be your choice (1 piece for 60Bht for either grilled or no grill) -- The fillings choices are between Japanese Plum and Dried Katsuo Fish ... below is Katsuo Fish which you can see the rice was made special taste not only pure white as other shop does.

Or you think you need fried rice? Ninniku chahan (Garlic fried rice) 90Bht could be your choice too ... fried rice full with garlic and egg !!!

Read my blog till now, you must be wondered where it is right? It's at Sukhumvit 26 (where the S&P shop is) ... if you know where The Famous Torajiro Isakaya in Sukhumvit 26 is, it's the same building -- in fact, Matchow is the small shop just at the stairs (before Torajiro). I would like to recommend you this place as it's not yet famous -- full with homey feeling, good service, and full quality.

MATCHOW
1/2 Soi Utrakravee 1, Sukhumvit 26 Road
Klongton, Klongtoey
Bangkok 10110
Tel / Fax : 02-260-0380
Open daily from 17:00 - 23:30
facebook : Matchow Page

Kickstart Your Day at The Terrazze Cafe

2011-10-11T13:49:00.037+07:00

This is another place for breakfast ... Kickstart your day with great full breakfast is the thing that you must do everyday ... It's good for your health ... in fact, if you have great quiet and cozy place for breakfast, it will be good for your mental all day ... I don't know about you but for me it's work !!!

This place is called 'The Terrazze Cafe' -- it's not well-known or be told in public yet but for people who pass by in soi Mahardlekluang 3 might be able to see this place (some might not pay attention for) ... This is because it locates in Anantara Serviced Suites named 'Baan Rajprasong'. For more explaination, it's not a hotel even its name is 'Anantara'. Some of you might be familiar with the name 'anantara' as the hotel (in fact resort) in Hua Hin, Golden Triangle, or even Samui for Thailand and other countries too. Each place is normally full with cultural, tradition, historic, and nature feeling. But Anantara Baan Rajprasong is the service apartment. The word 'service apartment' is meant to be as an alternative for hotel accommodation for short and long stay leisure and business travelers for both work & play, for more privacy and more comfort. Some of deco includes cooking facilities & other conveniences even kitchen ... That's the general terms of service apartment. However, you have to look for each facilities which varies among each chain ... I said chain because it's normally extended from hotel operators namely Marriott, Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, and also Anantara !!!

The Terrazze Cafe was built under the high ceiling with both indoor seating and outdoor seating for selection to enjoy green tree atmosphere. Of course, most of the food were set inside for convenience especially during rainy season nowadays.

The food area which I will call it 'corner' as they were set in one part of the area like one square corner -- consists of hot & cold foods ... look at the hot items which were stored in clay pots warming ... different feeling from the silver like warming tray as others. European or International Breakfast followed by bacon, sausages, potatoes, baked bean which you can order any type of egg you select ... freshly cooked and prepared from the back-of-house kitchen ... We ordered half-boiled egges and omlette of course.

Talking about bread and buns -- variety them as seen below from savory till sweet types which you can select & cut including toast plus variety of jams ... Not far for the cereal lovers with jars of cereal to be selected with variety of yoghurts and variety of cold-cuts !!!

Can't miss the Asian Breakfast -- Soya Milk which was warm all time ... set aside with 'Pa-Thong-Ko' a Deep Fried dough stick (in both long and flat shapes). More over, there're plain rice to enjoy with curry (today is fried chicken with chilli) or if you prefer fried rice, there's also available. Not far, there're pot for something warm & soupy to enjoy from Western Soup, Porkball Noodles, till the Asian Style Boiled Rice (with variety of condiments available in small glasses). Noted that the noodle again was prepared freshly from kitchen which you can selected any type of noodle.

Talking about drink, variety of fresh cold fruit juice are available ... In addition, there's an offer for fresh carrot juice which you can hear the machine do the job for you immediately right after you order !!!

Anyway, as I'm the breakfast person ... I enjoy breakfast meal more than other meals of the day ... I therefore recommend you all to find your perfect place for breakfast (at least having proper breakfast) increasing your energy for both mind & body ... Right Kickstart is worth to fight for ... Have a happy day everyone !!!

One thing I have to admit ... it will be nice if we can enjoy breakfast slowly as long as we want each day without bothering to go to work after ... Don't you think ???

TERRAZZE CAFE
Breakfast Buffet : 410Bht per person ++
Anantara Baan Rajprasong Serviced Suites
3 soi Mahardlekluang3, Rajdamri Road, Lumpinee
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel : 662-264-6464
Website : http://rajprasong-bangkok.anantara.com/

YUMEMIYA where you can enjoy Japanese Style Pasta

2011-10-03T13:59:00.047+07:00

I have bought this K-Drama 'PASTA' for long ... just recently that I had a chance to finish it completely ... Of course again, it made me craving for 'Pasta' as its name says !!! The story of 'PASTA' is about a woman who dreams of becoming a successful chef at La Sfera Restaurant (an Italian Restaurant). She is now only a Kitchen Assistant which she need to work her way up to become a chef ... of course there's a man ... A man is the Top Chef (The widely recognized Italian Chef in Korea) as he studied culinary arts in Italy and started out as a chef assistant at one Hotel in Sicily. Yes, it's a kind of Light Love Story but I have to say that the food scenes especially during their cooking was excellent !!! It almost started from heating the pan, pouring the olive oil in, and till the finished products were on plate ... Knowing a lot about Italian Food, Pasta Dish, in the Kitchen, and top of all the Korean Culture whiche reflected to Italian dishes serving in Korea !!!

However, I have not seen any Korean Style Pasta available in Thailand yet ... Only one place that I can recall for a non-Italian Style Pasta in Central World names 'YUMEMIYA' which locates in Isetan Department Store ... Of course, it's the Japanese Style Pasta Place !!!

When we mean 'Japanese Style' Pasta, it means of course 'not at all Italian' which consists of non-traditional ingredients that you can see in Italian recipe. But of course it was a Japanese dish but was inspired by Italian cooking ... Yes Yes ... it's something unique to Japanese Culture which you can see even before entering the restaurant ... such as a lot of pasta dishes in display plastic or wax replicas at the entrance ... of course, it would be helpful for customers who want to know the description and style of Japanese Style Pasta serving inside ... this includes a greeting of 'irasshimase - welcome' and leading customers to table with a later serving a glass of water or tea for free (plus refilled) including 'oshibori - wet towel' for cleaning hands. In the case of YUMEMIYA, it includes light crispy snack (flour) with Tomato Bruchetta (spicy style) full with fresh tomato, onion, and basil & fresh chilli.

Now, let's talk about the dishes ... of course, all dishes are served with fork, spoon, and wooden chopsticks ... So Japanese Style !!! The first dish that I proudly show is 'Tofu Nikumiso Spaghetti' 190Bht - Spaghetti with minced pork sauce and bean curd miso paste ... Normally Nikumiso is great with steamed rice - It's a common Japanese dish but it can be with noodles, pasta, sandwiches ... Nikumiso is maded from ground meat, chopped green onion, minced garlic, minced giner mixed with miso paste (soya bean paste), sake, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. In some options, for more vegan or less calories, we can use firm tofu instead of minced meat ... but at YUMENIYA, there are both minced pork and tofu in.

This one is called 'Ebi Ika Okura Yamaimo Spaghetti' 220Bht - Spaghetti with shrimps calamari okura and yam Japanese Style ... This is the best mix I always love ... In fact all my be loved items are in here from okura and yamaimo (Japanese yam) especially when it's topped with Bonito ... The taste is not mild as you might think ... besides, it's the great combination between mild seafoods taste with mild veggy such as okura.

This one is for the one who love 'unagi (Japanese word for fresh water eels)' -- Unagi & Shimeji Spaghetti 250Bht -- Spaghetti with sea eel, mushroom and Japanese Pepper ... The word 'shimeji' means a group of edible mushroom in Japanese term ... Japanese belives that shimeji is rich in umami tasting compounds ... Therefore you can find a lot of mushroom insisted in this dish ... Yes, this is another fried mushroom (with a little of sauce) topped with grilled unagi & fresh green oak salad.

Another dish of mushroom Kinoko Spaghetti 160Bht -- Spaghetti with mushroom and chicken Japanese Style ... It's a kind of soy sauce taste mushroom broth combining when frying topped with nori seaweed ... so real Japanese Taste indeed -- light feeling while eating too.

While Tuna Wafu & Oba Fumi 190Bht is another Japanese one to try -- Spaghetti with tuna and oba Japanese Style ... wafu in fact is a kind of real Japanese style dressing consisting of soy sauce, rice vinegar, vegetable oil and could be added with some ingredients such as shiso, grated ginger, umeboshi, or even wasabi. Therefore, this one is using Tuna in wafu sauce mixed with oba leaves (chopped) similar to pesto sauce ... so light & so refreshing but still full with protein from tuna.

Now, look at the heavier one Carbonara Spaghetti 190Bht -- Spaghetti carbonara Japanese Style ... yes, it's creamy type of pasta ... but light feeling you can get from this as Japanese style with diced bacon (in fact pork meat with a little fat).

More of enjoying spaghetti -- now we can move to dessert ... Kanten-jelly with Red Bean, Chestnut, Dumplings and Vanilla ice-cream 140Bht -- a big bowl of desserts which we can select vanilla ice-cream either from ice-cream or sofe serve type serving with brown syrup and hot green tea ... for eating we need to pour the syrup on top for more tasty !!!

Another Japanese Dessert is Red Bean with Chestnut and Dumpling (which we can order either hot or cold) 110Bht -- This is the hot version full with mochi and a little pieces of chestnut.

Righ t if you want to enjoy light feeling of pasta and try Japanese style pasta ... a lot to select here with a kind of quick service eating place ... reminding it's not a kind of fully restuarant type (don't expect) !!!

YUMEMIYA
6th Floor Isetan Department Store
4/1-4/2 Central World, Rajdamri Road
Kwaeng pathumwan, Khet Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330
Tel : 02-255-9894

BISHAMON Ramen Dining - where you can get ramen from all over Japan

2011-09-25T11:34:00.053+07:00

We (especially I) always welcome for Japanese cuisine -- I found a lot more to understand and learn on culture from its foods ... One thing that most of Thais recall when talking about Japanese Foods is always Ramen !!! Of course, this is another eating place for ramen lovers ... In fact I would say Japanese Lovers as there's more than Ramen here ...

As it's not only for Ramen here, I found out that this place 'BISHAMON' was found between a joint venture between Landmark Bangkok Family and Uomasa (The sushi & sashimi place in Thonglor). Talking about BISHAMON itself, this place came to Thailand years ago after its successful in Singapore ... Of course, it's time for Thais to enjoy its marvelous taste !!!

The BISHAMON word itself means 'God of Wealth' in Japanese ... it trys to imply about this BISHAMON Dining Place here that includes everything not only as 'Ramen-ya' but also variety of dishes from appertizers till rice and drinks (sake, shochu, and beer) in its contemporary & relaxing atmosphere.

Let's talk about Ramen first ... This place you can enjoy variety of ramen from 3 mains regions of Japan (Sapporo, Tokyo, and Kyushu) which means several choices of soup, levels of spiciness, and more importantly different on portion sizes !!! However, you might wonder as at the shop sign was indicated as 'Sapporo Ramen Bishamon' ... This is because the original branch was found at Sapporo, Hokkaido in Japan !!!

Now starting from its original Sapporo Ramen with 'Original Miso Ramen' 220Bht for Big portion and 150Bht for Small portion ... This is their special recipe on miso type of soup ... Of couse, as BISHAMON came from Sapporo which Sapporo is known as the birthplace of miso ramen - a ramen using miso 'fermented soy beans paste' in broth blended with oily chicken or fish broth or sometimes lard ... becoming a thick, nutty, slightly sweet with hearty feeling soup topped with butter & corn, leeks, galic, and eggs ... I was so in love with egg in this ramen bowl as it was just the right boiled indeed which combing well with its thick noodle & sliced pork (chashu) !!!

Below is Ramen from Kyushu Region which of course means also Hakata District of Fukuoka City in Kyushu (if you have heard about Hakata Ramen before). As that it always means a rich, milky, pork-bone type of broth with thin noodles ... This is Tonkotsu Kogashi Negi Ramen 230Bht -- Full with what I call 'Macho Man' feeling as it shows a strong feeling of meaty and straight feeling of thick chashu (pork) & pork-bone soup by its look and mouth feel ... even topped with full load of negi (Japanese Spring Onion), bamboo shoot, and sesame seeds besides it has only big portion size !!! Look at the colour of its broth as it's full with brownish thick colour & feeling.

Here comes the Tokyo Ramen -- The style is the most thin noodles in most light broth (normally soy-flavoured base). However, what I ordered here is called 'Assari Shio Ramen' 180Bht for Big portion and 120Bht for Small portion ... The Shio means salt so of couse the broth was made from salt in clear light soup feeling topping with chashu, bamboo shoot, green vegetable and naruto with chopped green spring onion. This seems to be the most 'feminine' feeling among all ramens !!!

Try also Rice Dish here - Chashu Don or Chashu Rice 90Bht ... a simmered sliced pork (same as ramen topping) for the one who need to fill up stomach (even in its small bowl) -- lots of pork on rice topped with sesame seed and chopped spring onion.

And not to be disappointed with Uomasa related -- I had to order at least one of sushi dish ... Chef Takahiro Fukunaga has guranteed already for his freshness and best quality ... Rainbow Roll 220Bht - inside was shrimp tempura rolled with rice then with boiled shrimp again on outside. So love its inside crispiness which combines well with outside soft texture from sushi rice & shrimp while topped with mayo & orange tobiko !!!

Another dish that you must try for its creation 'Potato Cheese' 80Bht -- sound not interesting right? But you have to imagine fried Japanese Potato Mochi Flour which was stuffed with cheese inside ... topped with brownish sweet sauce & crispy seaweed. A well-blended combination of stikiness soft with a little crispiness outside.

Don't forget to order Gyoza in Ramen-Ya right? This is not ordinary Gyoza that you know as it's Okonomiyaki Gyoza 90Bht -- another creation from BISHAMON as it's the Gyoza full with vegetable & pork stuffing but topped as if it's the Okonomiyaki -- of course it's the okonomiyaki sauce, bonito flakes, and mayonnaise. But instead of using aonori (seaweed) flakes, there's the chopped spring onion ... must try !!!

Desserts also available to serve the word 'BISHAMON' -- what we ordered here was 'Cold Red Bean with Mochi' 60Bht -- in fact it was also included green tea ice-cream & small dot of whipping cream ... I was so in love with this red bean (which full with not only sweet taste but a little of salty taste in) and soft mochi here.

Come and Enjoy its easy relaxing atmosphere here -- you will see that it will be full with Japanese Golfer and / or Japanese Family as it locates at the front of TEE OFF Driving Range ... But don't worry as this eating place is so huge and so cozy indeed with 3 types of seating including counter bar !!!

BISHAMON SUPPORO RAMEN
1032 Sukhumvit Road, Phra Khanong, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Reservation Call : 02-713-6060
Direction : in front of TEE OFF Golf Driving Range (opposite Sukhumvit Hospital) -- able to enter from Sukhumvit Road or Sukhumvit Soi 42

Business Hours :
Monday - Thursday 11.30 - 21.30 (Last Order)
Friday - Saturday 11.30 - 22.30 (Last Order)
Sunday 11.30 - 21.30 (Last Order)

Food Drops from Japan

2011-09-12T13:39:00.017+07:00

Of course, you might have heard or seen in the movie that in the future the food will be served in tablet or capsule format. The taste will not irrelevant I think as it will involve only nutrition and make stomach filled ... Anyway, the time is not yet arrived but some of you might be able to see this food drops !!! It's not a real food in fact, but it try to be like real food ... Another fun thing to try indeed !!!

It's called 'SAKUMA DROP' -- it's a long history hard candy from Japan made with real fruit juice (in various flavours). The manufacturer is Sakuma Candy Co. in Ikebukuro, Tokyo by Jiro Sou Sakuma. What should I say ... it's a kind of retro item as it was firstly made in 1908 and still sold in its original 4 by 3.5 inch tin cans (which is so popular for all collectors). However, these days there's not only fruit flavour, but also come in distinctly non-candy-like flavours ... which is Regional Foods from Japan & Asia ... Then it was called 'Food Drops' !!!

Here there are some of the candy that tastes like food featuring the regional dishes of Japan !!!

From the left, it's the Chanko Nabe Food Drops ... Chanko Nabe is a 'one pot' dish eaten by Sumo Wrestlers. Of course, it must be full as stew protein intensive for. Amazingly this drops can transfer the savory feelings into this small candy ... so meaty feeling indeed for me.

While Supporo Beer Drops (not savory dish but in fact beer drink) is sweet with mild taste ... a kind of Sapporo Light Beer (with no alcohol contain) ... however, I got the feeling of alcohol taste within ... Amazing right?

Another one is Shirokuma Ice Drops -- as the name mentioned, it's full with delicious taste of Shirokuma Ice-cream -- a shpecialty of Kyushu. Shirokuma is an Vanilla ice-cream topped with various fruits, sweet paste and condensed milk.

Amazingly, I also found this one in internet (but still can't find the real thing yet) ... Thailand Tom Yum Goong Food Drops ... So pround as it's a kind of Thailand Signature Dish !!!

Anyway, there're a lot for you to try and get from Japan ... from Buta Don, Sasebo Burger, Kisune Udon, Roast Corn, Tokyo Noodle, Gyoza, etc.

What should I say -- Sakuma Drops is a kind of an icon of candy in Japan ... a classic piece of Japan Culture !!! -- similar to Pocky & KitKat ... with limited edition in each season for strangely flvoured flavours ... have fun and enjoy it as much as you can.

One last thing that I would like to show about Japan Culture on Candy ... This one even the taste is not like food but the look is ... such as Sushi Tray or Bento !!! ... another thing as Souvenier from Japan with the real feeling of eating ...

Thank you for the owners of some pictures that I took from internet -- Original Sakuma Box & Candies, Tom Yum Goong Food Drops & Bento Tray Candy.

'Don Don Tei' where the Japanese Rice Bowl available

2011-09-08T13:55:00.042+07:00

いらっしゃいませ ... Irasshaimase ... yes it's a welcome greeting at the front of the entrance as soon as we steped into this place ... This is 'Don Don Tei' ... donburi shop came from Osaka, Japan.

Donburi is a Japanese genral term for 'Bowl' -- In fact, it also refers to a bowl of cooked rice with some other food on top (variety of toppings available in Japanese Donburi). Do you know that the word 'donburi' in fact was originated from Thailand ... It was long ago during Thonuburi Kingdom where King Taksin The Great has given the Emperor a ceramic bowl one time. Then such bowl was called 'Thonburi Bowl' and was asked to find the dish to fit in the bowl ... Somewhere some how, the 'Thonburi bowl' was turned to be 'Donburi Bowl' later as we have seen nowadays.

Now back to 'donburi' in this present day. there are exist a variety of donburi dishes (as you are aware of ) such as Oyakodon or Mother and Child Donburi (Chicken & Egg), Katsudon or Tonkatsu Donburi (Pork Cutlet), Gyudon or Gyuniku Donburi (Beef), Tendon or Tempura Donburi, Unadon or Unagi Donburi (Eel), even Tekkadon or Tekka Donburi (maguro - raw tuna) ... and What's about 'Don Don Tei'???

As Don Don Tei is the specialized on Donburi ... here are some of their Donburi Dishes ... starting from Tenchazuke (180Bht) -- Rice bowl of shrimp and scallop tempura served with hot soup ... This is the combination of Tendon and Chazuke. Noted that Chazuke is a Japanese Dish made by pouring green tea, dashi or hot water over cooked rice with savoury topping. In this case, the sovoury topping is tempura which consists of shrimp and scallop. My favourite part was a Shiso Leave which made this dish so aromatic (a kind of minty and able to kill the quesy taste away). How to eat was so simple -- just pour the dashi soup over and enjoy!!!

I have to mention that Don Don Tei is specialized on 'fried item' donburi ... so this is another fried item Tendon (210Bht) - Rice bowl of shrimp and vegetable tempura ... As you know tempura are deep fried pieces of battered seafood and vegetables ... so this one is various tempura pieces dipped into a kind of soya based sauce before served on top of rice.

Try this one - Tentojidon (230Bht) - Rice bowl of shrimp and vegetable tempura coated with egg in sauce. Another combination of Tendon and thing similar to Oyakodon become Tempura topped with egg ... I like this dish more than normal Tendon as the sauce & egg made this dish naturally sweet and tender

Yes, a lot of Donburi Dish to try ... But if you want something big - I meant Bigger ... Try this Combination Set which cost 280Bht ... there' re 3 choices to select from Tendon Set, Oyakodon Set, or Buta Shogayakidon Set. Anyway, each set come with your choice of either tendon, oyakodon, or buta ... and choices of cold noodles topped with mixed salad or soba, Japanese Style Fried Chicken or Mixed Tempura, and ice-cream. Below was Set B (Oyakodon Set) with Cold Noodle topped with mixed salad (which is cold as it name and feel like eating salad), fried chicken ... end up with ice-cream (green tea or red bean) ... below was red bean which I love it with real bean in !!!

Can't enjoy only Tendon as main dish right? There's also an appertizer menu for you to select from croquette, kararge, tempura, and a lot of tofu dishes ... below is Agadashi Tofu (90Bht) - a deep fried tofu in sauce topped with radish & ginger ... I so love this white soft tofu !!!

You can't miss this eating place -- it's in Isetan area full with Donburi Dish at the window ... come and experience variety of Japanese Donburi ...

DON DON TEI
6th Floor, Isetan Department Store
4/1-4/2 Central World, Rajdamri Road, Pathumwan, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel : 02-255-9891

Thai Tempura 'Hed-Tod-Na-Nhod' (Na-Nhod Fried Mushroom)

2011-09-04T18:01:00.020+07:00

The classic "batter-fried" food in Japan is tempura -- it's not strange to you all right? But do you know that this Japanese Tempura in fact was introduced by Europeans living in Southern Japan (Spanish and Portuguese) in the late sixteenth century. At this century, the tempura is also famous in Thailand ... and now, Thai People has already developed our own Thai Tempura by using vegetables, mushrooms, and also flowers.

The produced location is in Southern Part of Thailand called 'Na-Nhod' which is one of subdistricts (tambon) of Mueng Phatthalung (ตำบลนาโหนด อำเภอเมือง จังหวัดพัทลุง). However, this is a local product made by local people but with some help from National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA / สวทช) to increase capacity via new technology & innovation.

When I said 'Local Product', it means the local agricultural produced from within Phatthalung province. In fact, this project was happened when the product was over produced (imbalance between demand vs. supply) !!! The owner has his own mushroom farm and could not figure out how to do with fresh mushroom. One of the solution which made him earning well was to make it as 'fried mushroom' ... and it become 'Hed-Tod-Na-Nhod' or 'Na-Nhod Fried Mushroom' nowadays ... Not only that, now products also includes some green veggies, colourful flowers, and other head veggies under the ground.

Now, the product come up as 3 sets -- selling at 40Bht per pack with sweet chilli sauce for dipping available inside.
Mixed Vegetable set (Green Pack) : Grey Oyster Mushroom เห็ดนางฟ้า, Jew's Ear Mushroom เห็ดหูหนู, Carrot แครอท, Spinach ผักโขม, Mint สะระแหน่
Mixed Flower set (Purple Pack) : Grey Oyster Mushroom เห็ดนางฟ้า, Paper Flower ดอกเฟื่องฟ้า, Blue Pea ดอกอัญชัญ, Roselle ดอกกระเจี๊ยบ
Mixed Mushroom set (Blue Pack) : Grey Oyster Mushroom เห็ดนางฟ้า, Oyster Mushroom เห็ดนางรม, Jew's Ear Mushroom เห็ดหูหนู

You can notice that mushroom is always in every set -- of course the major supply is mushroom as the owner has his own fresh mushroom farm, remember? ... and the below picture in the middle is the picture of mushroom farm ... and the other two was real finished product of Vegetable Set.

Similar to tempura, the product must be with deep-fried coating with something similar to the tempura batter (but in Thai Style). However, with some technique that need to bake into the oven again before packing. This baking process is to get rid the oil on !!!

Now from the local product selling in only souvenir shop in Phatthalung Province, it become more and more known ... such as the pack that I show you, I bought from Foodland Supermarket ... you can find this product available in Convenience Store and other supermarket (and Hypermarket) as well.

Hed Lam-Thong Na-Nhod Farm
Tel : 074-641-082 / (089) 870-2332
Website : www.thaitempura.com

I would like to thank to the owner & thaitempura.com as I put some of their pictures in this blog to show the real material & some of the process to you all ...

King's Palace - where good is never good enough

2011-08-30T15:35:00.033+07:00

What are you thinking of when you see this picture? Yes, it's a Roast Goose ... Roast Goose makes me think of Hong Kong ... Yes, as you may know, Hong Kong is the Culinary Capital of Asia (They all said that) ... The Hong Kong City is home to some of the most food-obsessed people in the world ... Some of the Hong Kong foods we can't miss (or live without) are namely from Egg Tarts, Hong Kong Style French Toast, Beef Brisket, and so on ... And within the list, you can't miss the Roast Goose, Hand-Pulled Rice Rolls, Congee, and Egg Noodle !!!

The reason I am talking about Hong Kong is because ... I would like to say that we don't have to fly to Hong Kong to enjoy Hong Kong Foods (unless you want shopping!!!) ... Here at K-Village, there's a place called 'King's Palace Congee & Noodle Bar' where a lot of Hong Kong dishes are available. Why not as everything here was imported from Hong Kong (even the chef) ... plus it was proven by its various branches in Hong Kong and Kowloon !!!

As from its name, of course I have to mention about Congee ... Congee is commonly called 'rice porridge' in Mainland China. But in Guangdong Province (which includes Hong Kong) especially people in Hong Kong, it's more than that as it involves a lot more of hard work from Boiling putting fresh raw ingredients into the hot and continuously boiling plain congee till getting soft-textured congee. It's a kind of texture is deciding factor rather than flavour in Hong Kong. However, a carefully selected ingredients make a distinctive flavour among bowls. See these below sample ... Each bowl has distinctive flavour even they are called 'congee' due to the ingredients that made in.

Firstly with the original called 'Scholar's Congee with Pork, Pig's Liver & Intestine' 180Bht ... The original as it said and the best carefully selected and cooked well of each ingredient especially the liver !!! More over, the minced pork was so specially made to be so tasty and tender by itself.

The Second one, Chinese Mushrooms & Chicken in Congee 150Bht ... another best selected ingredients again ... never thought that the chicken can be this tender & sweet due to its size cutting in the bowl plus the mushroom which was not only put in but has passed some marinated process. All in all, I am in love with the rice congee part here at King's Palace.

Now, seeing the Hong Kong Style Noodle -- you might familiar with egg noodle with wonton right? Seeing this ... it's Roast Goose with Noodles 300Bht which was served separately in plate and bowl. Roast Goose is a lot different from Roast Duck as it's deliciously fatty and moist ... much bigger in terms of size and full mouth feel !!! Of course, it has passed the process of seasoning and charcoal roast till getting the crisp skin (with juicy) and tender meat. The noodles was Egg noodles served in special soup and green onion on.

Shrimp Wonton right that we are mostly familiar with ... try this one ... Fresh Shrimps Ravioli in Soup 180Bht ... not a normal style of wonton that we know as it's mixed with various ingredients like the Italian Ravioli style and size !!! Inside was full with shrimp of course and also the fresh black mushrooms ... the best part is the wonton sheet which follows the rule of yummy as it's so thin that we were able to see what's inside !!! ... serving with iceberg cabbage in tasty broth soup ... so soupy !!!

Try also the Steamed Vermicelli Rolls (Rice Rolls) with Shrimp 200Bht ... it was served with separated soy sauce (special mixed recipe of course by King's Palace) ... So when this dish was served every time the staff would ask whether to pour the sauce immediately or not ... the roll skin was so thin and went well with fresh big shrimp inside - yes, it's my favourite part always.

Even the rice dish ... there's something unusual that I have never seen before .. Fried Rice with Roasted Goose & Preserved Vegetable 350Bht ... I wish you can see these pictures better (like real) as you must see the shiny colour of the fried rice here (not only this one) as the colour is so golden yellow and the rice within was so beautiful -- must be made with strong flame while cooking. For this one, who can think we can put roasted goose to be a meat fried with rice and pickles !!! Amazing taste I had for this one.

Moreover, don't forget the culture of Hong Kong which is 'Tea Drinking' -- with a cup of steaming fresh tea (in fact it will be served in pot) is the perfect combination and complement to Hong Kong Dishes !!!

Almost forget to mention one thing about bowls serving here at King's Palace ... it was printed as 'Watch out it's hot' ... I love this ... similar to coffee cups serving in famous coffee stores (that most of us are familiar with) ... it's cute and showing the concern of the owner always !!!

Yes, this is such a truly gourmet's delight indeed ... not only me but also my family ... easy easy ... Funny I don't need to bring my parents to Hong Kong any more to enjoy the meal ... I can take them here, take home for them, or even call for home delivery !!!

KING'S PALACE CONGEE & NOODLE BAR
K-Village, 2/F Shop A215
Sukhumvit soi 26
Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Tel : 02-661-5042
Open daily from 10.00 - 23.00
Website : www.kingspalace.com.hk

For Delivery Tel : 02-204-2001 -- ChefsXP or www.chefxp.com

Real Rich Flavour of Grilled Unagi at Unagi Nakamura

2011-08-27T22:50:00.048+07:00

'O-Bento' is what the Japanese call a packed meal (a single-portion) -- usually for lunch and common in Japanese cuisine. Yes, 'O-Bento' are readily available in many places including convenience stores, bento shops, train stations, even department stores. Even in some Japanese Restaurant, you can find a lunch in Bento Box in black-lacquered wood boxes. Yes, this blog shows you lunch set serving in Shokado Bento (lacquered Japanese Bento Box) full with colour combinations of the foods.

This place 'Unagi Nakamura' is not a normal Japanese Eating place or Japanese Izakaya -- as it's the Unagi-Ya ... the place where specialize in Unagi (fresh water eel) with a long established and well-known among Japanese Expat in Thailand (Sukhumvit Area especially). For your note, most of Unagi Restaurants can be recognized by and elongated う character (the first character in 'unagi') and fashioned to resemble and eel and displayed prominently on the shop sign or curtain same as this place 'Unagi Nakamura' in Japanese it's say as うなぎ中村.

Let's see the first lunch set 'Unajyu Set' 580Bht -- Grilled eel with teriyaki sauce served on rice serving with two kinds of small dishes, pickle, dessert or coffee ... Some might call this Unadon (Eel-Don) a kind of traditional dish and commonly known for a used of Unagi serving on the bed of rice. Ummm ... look by your eyes and see how big and how juicy the Unagi was laid on this bento box together with Japanese Omlette (Tamagoyaki).

Next one is 'Unagi Tamatbako Zen' 450Bht -- Grilled eel with teriyaki sauce served on rice with grilled eel (Umaki), and Eel Futomaki (where you see the nori seaweed outside). Talking about this eel futomaki first, 2 pieces were served with a large size made with unagi (grilled eel) of course, cucumber, and special sauce. While Umaki is the Japanese Omlette filled insided with grilled eel. So this bento box you can taste with 3 different kinds of Unagi in ... of course, the size of unagi in here was smaller than the first one I mentioned.

Right, I have not mentioned about the 'Unagi' much yet ... Unagi is the Japanese word for freshwater eels -- don't get confused with 'Anago' which is saltwater eels. It's said that unagi has been consumed in Japan thousands of years ago as it's rich in protein, vitamin A & E, and so on. On another side, it's believed that unagi gives people stamina so it surely was eaten the most during hottest time of the year.

The well-prepared unagi combines a rich flavour (a bit like pate) with an appetizing texture, crisp on the outside but tender on the inside. Cooking process is what makes the eel yummy from first grilled over hot charcoal, then steamed to remove excess fat, then seasoned with a sweetish sauce and grilled a second time ... The ingredients in the sweet sauce is very important (a kind of unique secret recipe of each place) as it's the final taste of the unagi same as special charcoal that some place used for adding special flavour to the eel while grilling.

Yep Yep, I have seen this story in some manga that some place has the sauce jar which was passed along from generation to generation !!!

I don't know how long this jar has been for Unagi Nakamura ... but see the colour and thickness of the liquid inside the jar.

Yes, that's what the Grilled Unagi was served as the main course ... in bento box and also another 2 kinds of small dishes including soup and pickles.

Now, how about the grilled unagi as hors d'oeuvre ... in fact it's a kind of serving with drinks ... such as this one called 'Unagi Oshizushi' 440Bht -- Oshizushi or known as 'pressed sushi' which is a pressed sushi in block-shaped piece form. The chef lines the bottom with grilled unagi covered with sushi rice then presses the lid of the mold down. This Unagi Oshizushi was cut into bite-sized pieces ... However, I found out that at Unagi Nakamura has such as bite size indeed !!! Therefore, the taste was full-amount indeed ... plus in between there's a special sauce and herb ... so tasty so herby !!!

Another interesting one was 'Unagi Shirayaki' -- it's an eel grilled without sauce ... seem to be plain form which is most popular with diehard Unagi Purists !!! This one is the Grilled eel served on top with wasabi horseradish ... yes, this is real as I can taste the unagi meat like pate indeed ... while the skin is in fact crispiness full.

Although Unagi Nakamura is specialized in Unagi ... there are also another dishes as in normal izakaya has (small dishes eating with alcohol drinks) and also fried dish like this 'Ebi Tempura' 190Bht ... 4 pieces fried in flour batter and also Green Shiso Leaf. Wow Wow Wow ... it's so great especially the batter and the way it was fried !!!

Before I end this blog, I forgot to show what are also included in the lunch set --- as your choice coffee or dessert ... one that day it's the orange jelly filled with orange piece inside ... sound common as the jelly dessert can be made with instant jelly but the idea of having peeled cut orange filling increased the refreshment indeed.

Unagi Nakamura
1/12 Soi Sukhumvit 39, Sukhumvit Road
Klongton Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Tel : 02-258-9762, 089-929-7194

Come Taste - The Fineness Japanese Cafe with the great taste of HOT DONUTS Japanese Style

2011-08-26T14:30:00.030+07:00

Yes, it's me again on the blog with Japanese Cafe Style ... this one is called 'Andonand' locates at ctw in Bangkok Thailand. In fact, Cafe Andonand was originally established in Tokyo, Japan. Yep Yep what's the unusual word 'andonand' right? It's the combination of the Spanish word 'andando' means development and the Japanese word 'nandomo' means consistently ... plus 'and' refers to you and us or together ... What a perfect deep meaning & combination right? Anyway, the whole word would mean to 'create endless happiness for a never-ending relationship between you and us' !!!

Thank you to the 'cafe andonand' to explain me this meaning ... otherwise I would understand it a kind of a donut or something !!! Why? Why? Because I saw this place first time as an outstanding donuts cafe.

Look at the pictures below ... don't you think they are so tempting to try ... I am in fact not a kind of person who keen on donuts ... I have never been crazy with any donuts even the most famous brand that people running to or queuing to. In the cabinet each day, there won't be more than 10 variety of donuts to select ... each donuts has its story and its own characteristic ... I can't see this one making like a factory like ... on the other hand, I get the feeling of dedicated made and best selected ingredients to make donuts not like other places.

Not only the donuts, the coffee was also served -- many kinds of coffee like the cafe would do ... they said 'cafe andonand' select the finest coffee beans from the best plantations in the world ... and here in Thailand of course acquired originally from cafe andonand in Japan.

I myself have tried donuts and coffee ... not their signature dish 'Chocolate Affogato' yet as it's a kind of a hot chocolate donut filled inside with custard cream ... topped with foaming whip cream and chocolate sauce ... Ha Ha ... it's the right picture that I use my prompt & quick movement to take picture before it was served to other customer !!!

The setting & environment is so quiet & peaceful ... showing another placees of cafe andonand in Japan from Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Sapporo, etc. and yet not only donuts there's are also hot dogs and other light snacks to try.

For me, I selected to buy take home after simple donuts and coffee that day ... the box was so lovely - able to fill 4 pieces in ... plus an warming and keeping instruction inside the box !!! You know what I almost forgot how to warm the donuts when take home ... especially in Thailand we would keep it in fridge and leave it at room tempt before eating the next ... that's my family's practice ...

I show you the real colour and real texture of donuts from cafe andonand again ... These was taken from outside store (in normal light) ... you can see the real coulour and real texture of donuts including its topping ... One thing I would say 'let try by yourself' as I have tried it and I feel it's different from other brands ... My last words 'it's now my favourite donuts brand !!!'

cafe andonand coffee & donut
6th Fl Beacon Zone Central World
open daily : 10.00am - 10.00pm
Tel : 02-646-1330
facebook : cafe andonand (Thailand)

Note : cafe andonand is one of the brands belong to CRG Group (Central Restaurants Group) -- after CRG decided to move forward on the Japanese Food Market recently.

Soy Drink in Thailand or in Thai we call 'Nam Tao Hoo'

2011-08-25T09:27:00.020+07:00

I'm not a Vegan, otherwise how comes LoLo can recommend various places of eating hearty meaty food to you guys right? A lots of places A lots of dishes I ate myself and took pictures myself for you all ... However with a little problem on lactose intolerant (I guess), I could not consume much of dairy products contained dishes (as you may notice). Thus in my daily life, I prefer to drink soy milk rather than fresh milk as people should have ... Still good source of protein and also high in fiber as I believe it's good for my health.

Nam-Tao-Hoo (in Thai) or Soy Milk (which also called soya milk, soymilk, soybean milk, or soy juice - or even soy drink/beverage) ... All is a beverage made from soybeans - I don't know why people need to call it in different names !?!? Seem to be nowadays people move to drink soy milk a lot ... One thing to be noticed was the big manufactured brands have launched many products / many variants / many format into the market including a lot of imported soy milk coming in Thailand.

Anyway, my still most preference for soy milk is on hawker (street food) -- it's the simple soy milk putting in the big pot which we can flavoured with either white sugar or brown sugar also with the option to add from grass jelly, sago, other cereals. Yes, this type of hawker soy milk can be sold at 5Bht (or 7 Bht with additional inclusion). Anyway, the price can be varied to 10Bht (or 12 Bht with inclusion) depends on street location (such as Thonglor area where you get higher price of things than other outskirt of Bangkok). Secret recipe of each hawker soy milk was varied too such as this place, the owner put the pandan leaves in to add the greenish cool aroma for.

If not along the street, in the department store, there's also a place where you can buy fresh soy milk -- as this one, I took pictures from Emporium Department Store -- another place where I bought soy milk when I crave for during shopping. Don't expect the price as the hawker's of course ... The price here is almost 50Bht -- give to them the space rental, the machine, and also the way of the presentation (compared the picture set below with the above).

There's also a choice of Soy Milk besides Fresh Milk served in Hotel (see my previous post about breakfast in 2 Five Star Hotel as : Breakfast at Athenee's and Breakfast at Aqua). And also a trend in Organic Food eating around which some cafe has served fresh made Soy Milk (which available in Take Home Bottle) ... The way to do is not that difficult as I noticed that a lot of places using the SoyMilk Maker (as seen in the below middle) -- just soak dried soy beans overnight then put soy beans in machines later ... press the buttons, within 15 minutes, you will get fresh home-made soy milk Yippeee !!!

However, if you like the harder way ... In fact, it's not that hard but a little bit of steps ... you can do the traditional way (with a little bit of using electric machine to fit nowadays life) ... Thank you Khun Manivan Larprom from Thai & Lao Food.

Then, you can have another easier choice by buying in the packaged form -- in UHT format or even in bottle format ... Anyway, the taste and the choice including the price would be varied of course ... From Silk (one of my favourite imported brand - referring to my previous blog of 'Interesting Soy Milk from USA') or local brands of UFC Home Soy which is able to claimed as soy milk home-made recipe with no milk contained no preservative added ... and Vitamilk or DNA which are available in market for long.

Anyway, try the preference choices of soy milk ... as nowadays the taste of soy milk has been improved more and more so people can drink and enjoy it more !!! Happy Drinking Folk !!!

Big Antipasti Buffet at Palazzo Ristorante & Wine Bar (Thonglor)

2011-08-21T10:38:00.029+07:00

For Italian meal, without an appertizer, a formal Italian meal is simply not a meal !!! If you are about to go for Italian meal, the best is to start with Italian appertizer to suit your meal (or we call it Antipasto - with plural of Antipasti). The word 'antipasto' means 'before the meal' or 'before the pasta' and there are a huge array of Italian appertizer you would see.

With this blog, I will take you to a place where you can various various antipasti continuously (never ending) as the first course of your formal Italian meal. You can refer it as a starter (or an entree) if you don't feel full before you start the main course. This place is Palazzo Ristorante & Wine Bar where you can have a truly good Italian appertizer with best ingredients you can get. Here you might forgot the rule of thumb for Italian meal about 'Select your satisfied appertizer that compliments your whole meal !!!' -- as a lot that you can enjoy even might forget that you also ordered main dish and what's for main dish that has been ordered (as I normally do).

Here they call where the Anipasti locate as 'Salad Bar' ... So we can see 'Cold Meats' which is a traditional favourite. It might look simple but you can be wondered with its high quality and freshness. It was arranged on plate nicely with lovely crisp salad greens or some with olive oil mixed.

Can't miss what the Italian call 'Appertizer Salad' or 'Antipasto Salad' -- you can see some imported ingredients that was used mixed with local from sun dried tomatoes, fresh mushroom, Italian pasta to become grilled dished. Like my favourite on the above picture - Millet Salad which was mixed simply with fresh tomato, basil, mushroom, and olive oil.

Then, the Fresh Green Vegetables are also available -- Season Fresh Vegies plus more than 4 dressing types that was ready mixed ready for all customer to mix and topped with egg and crispy bacon -- so it can become your Cesar Salad in your plate easily by yourself !!!

Right, like the left picture, it's my gourmet antipasto platter full with a combination of what I mentioned above ... You can imagine how many time I would walk back and forth to get enough of 'Antipasti Need' to my stomach.

Next in the course, it became the 'Soup' -- which I selected Tomato Minestrone Soup ... Of course, having Italian Meal why shouldn't I order the traditional Italian Soup. The soup was made with vegetables include beans, onions, celery, carrots, and of course tomatoes.

Last but not least, the 'Main Course' -- wide selection to select from 'Pasta Dish' (Spaghetti or Penne) with your favourite choice of Carbonara Sauce, Beef Meat Sauce, Arabbiata Sauce (as in the picture), Squid Ink Sauce, Crispy Bacon in Peperoncino Sauce, Shrimp in Lobster Sauce (as in the picture), or Home made Ravioli Spinach and Ricotta in Tomato Sauce. But if you not fancy on pasta, there're also a choice of 'Meat Dish' from Chicken Breast Valdostana (Speck ham, Mushroom in cream - as in the picture), Grilled Pork Chop in Green Pepper Sauce, Grilled Beef Tenderloin, Dory Fish Fillet Stuffed with fresh herbs served in capsicum light spicy cream (as in the picture).

Now, we reach to the end with the 'Dessert' part. Choices or Panna Cotta (as below picture), Tiramisu Cake, or Ice-cream or Sherbet were also available. Come together with your choice of coffee or tea.

Yes, this is always my mom's favourite ... She love the variety and the tasty Italian taste on antipasto a lot !!! Plus the place is so convenience, parking available at the front of the restaurant ... not much crowded and most important, food is always full ... The Chef (Italian of course) himself takes care every steps -- keep filling and bringing the new dishes until no customers arrive everyday.

Palazzo Ristorante & Wine Bar
Lunch : 11:30 am - 2:30 pm / Dinner : 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm
335 Sukhumvit Road (Thonglor 17)
Tel : 02-712-9900
Website : www.palazzothonglor.com

Price for LUNCH BUFFET
2 Course : Salad Bar + Soup (280Bht ++)
4 Course : Salad Bar + Soup + Main Course + Dessert + Tea/Coffee (350Bht ++)
4 Course : Glass of Wine + Salad Bar + Soup + Main Course + Dessert + Tea / Coffee (450Bht ++)

Don't forget if you want to enjoy WINE BUFFET ... All you can drink Red/White/Sparkling wine ... everyday from 5pm onward (700Bht++)

TOM N TOMS The only Korean Origin Coffee Chain in Thailand

2011-08-19T13:46:00.023+07:00

You might not have heard of this name 'TOM N TOMS' if you have not been at K Village before ... That's not a problem as 'TOM N TOMS' now is opened at Siam Centre too.

Yes, 'TOM N TOMS' is a coffee chain coming from Korea ... In Korea, it is the biggest coffee chain there (almost 200 stores) ... Now it's the move of 'TOM N TOMS' in Thailand ... No Wonder as the Korea Trend has been here in Thailand for a while either K Drama, K Pop, K Singers and so on ... Korean Fever !!!

As soon as I stepped into this place (in K Village), I could feel the Korea atmosphere and Korea Environment ... Why? Of course, a lot of Korean had already seated in this place ... Amazing !!! I'm kidding ... in fact the decoration was set as American mixing with Korean style. Anyway, as of today, TOM N TOMS has just passed its 1 year in Thailand operated by a Korean Guy who owns another brands such as Red Mango, Missha Cosmetic, and other imported Korean products in Thailand ... with his objective to compare with Starbucks as in the premium range !!!

Another unique thing that other place don't have is 'UFO' -- yes, the round thing with lighting as below picture ... it's a kind of tool that help you not being on queue at the counter ... you can order then find your place enjoy your chit chat and then waiting for this UFO to vibrate and glow ... yes, that means your order is ready to pick up at the counter !!!

Besides that TOM N TOMS is like other coffee chain -- offers a variety of coffee-related cultural contents and grows to be a world renowned brand with competitiveness composed of its original qualities -- that's what this Korean brand says !!!

That's what about the brand and atmosphere, besides that coffee, there's also the pretzel ... The pretzel is one of the baked product available in soft and hard varieties and savory or sweet flavors ... but one thing that the pretzel share in common is its unique knot shape !!! In TOM N TOMS you can get the freshly made pretzel with a lot of variety to select for ... No Coffee Chain has this thing attached in I bet !!! I love its freshly baked full with real ingredients (such as cinnamon sugar as I ordered) ... but one thing that I don't understand why they need to cut the pretzel for me ... I didn't get my favourite knot shape pretzel !!!

Anyway, if you want to see the real setting and atmosphere of TOM N TOMS -- I was able to find this clip from the internet ... Thank you VOICE TV ... This was on the grand opening day for TOM N TOMS K-Village.

One last thing that I need to mention about this place is that ... I found a lot of TOM N TOMS logos everywhere in the shop plus a lot of Korean things such as Korean Sugar ... See my pictures on logos everywhere from table to floor ... now I understand what the owner said about this brand that they will devote themselves to make TOM N TOMS the No. 1 Korean brand that Koreans can be proud of ... Right, I know you must be really proud of your brand Sir !!!

TOM N TOMS Coffee
Branch 1 : K Village Shopping Complex (Building A - Ground Floor)
Branch 2 : Siam Centre (4th floor)
Coming Up Next for 5 more branches soon !!!

Website : www.tomntoms.com

Chabuton Ramen chain with its just a year later

2011-08-16T09:27:00.046+07:00

Many people don't know that Ramen actually originated in China ... yes, since the Chinese immigranted to Japan so they brought it with them ... Of course, the Japanese changed it a bit to fit their tastes to become what we know today as 'RAMEN' !!!

In most of every ramen shop, you will see the same thing as white steaming from broth pot, people busying on sauce, flavouring, putting topping and all additions into ramen bowls ... This is the same as you saw in my first picture ... It's taken from 'Chabuton Ramen Shop' where (most of us are aware) it features four different ramen menus seen in popular 'TV Champion' -- A Japanese Television Variety Show by TV Tokyo. The show normally challenges competitors with various talents in order to crown 'King of such Ability'. Of course, Mr Yasuji Morizumi (The Chef of Chabuton Ramen) was a winner of Ramen Competition from TV Champion program or I would say 'Ramen King' and also a kind of 'Legendary Ramen Celebrity Chef in Japan' (you can click left picture for more story) ... Anyway, Chabuton is not new in Thailand as everyone knows that from big news last year about 'TV Champion Chef' has opened his 1st ramen shop at Siam Square.

A lot of ramen shops have been opened recently in Bangkok which you might like or not like some ... I won't say much about this point as LoLo respects individual taste preference always ... I won't judge anything in my blog as I only tell you where to eat only ... Therefore, within this blog, I would like to talk about 1 year anniversary of Chabuton Ramen in Thailand ... To remind you about the Ramen Shop with its Signature Ramen Menus from Tonkotsu, Shio, Shoyu, and Shoyu Zaru Ramen ...

Come with me bowl by bowl ... starting from 'Tonkotsu Ramen' where it made with pork stock ... from long hours simmering bones till getting creamy cloudy white colour broth that is the Tonkotsu Type of Ramen. At the top of the bowl, it was put by slice of chashu (roast pork) with spring onion, little white sesame seeds, and fried onion. As thick broth as it could be ... very hearthy feeling every time I have when eating Tonkotsu Ramen.

The next one here is Shio Tonkotsu Ramen ... normally shio means salt thus normal Shio Ramen would be in a pale, clear, and yellowish broth as it made from chicken, vegetable, dried fish, and seaweed (depends on shop). However, this is the Shio Tonkotsu Ramen from Chabuton so it of course made by its own recipe with the pork bone soup base with still light and clear compared to the 1st Tonkotsu bowl earlier. The bowl was topped with chashu of course and bamboo shoot, spring onion, and white sesame. This is my favourite !!!

While this is called Shoyu Ramen -- Shoyu means soy sauce therefore you can imagine that it would be a brownish and clear broth due to plenty of soy sauce added ... full with salty and savory taste but light feeling that I could get. This bowl was topped with chashu, spring onion, fried onion, and bean sprout ... I would say if you like vegetable a lot in ramen bowl, this bowl is for you !!!

This is another one that might be new thing for you called Shoyu Zaru Ramen ... It's a cold ramen which need to dip into the shoyu sauce ... I would say it's a Tsuke-men type (Tsuke-ru means dip in Japanese) ... Therefore, the ramen noodles and soup were served in separate bowls. So we need to dip the noodles into the soup before eating. The contrast would be on best combination of cold noodles while the soup is hot !!! Inside the soup bowl, there were a lot usual stuff from bamboo shoots, chashu, spring onion, etc but in more richer and more concentrated than normal ramen. It's an art of Japanese culture that can think of this method as the soup will be diluted if we keep soaking the noodles. Now, I bet everyone would have left the soup right? Now you can ask for 'Wari Soup' as the staff would bring you in separate bowl -- this is to add into the remaining soup as we can enjoy till the last drop !!!

Coming here if you don't want to eat ramen, there's also rice bowl called 'Chabuton Don' -- coming in small bowl topped with grilled big piece of chashu and spring onion ... however, underneath you will find the small pieces of chashu which was cut and diced mixed with special sauce ... therefore, you can taste the tasty sauce and tasty chashu in one both in big piece and small piece.

Of course, small snack needed in ramen shops always ... Gyoza and Grilled chicken are available ... Golden grilled gyoza serving on the plate same as Golden fried chicken which inside was marinated well as you can see by its colour (from inside to outside) -- both are very crispy. I would say I love ramen here more than snack ... I could feel the high intention on ramen noodles and the soup that mixed together among each type of ramen bowls !!!

Chabuton Ramen
Branch 1 : Siam Square Soi 3 (near Lido Theatre)
Branch 2 : Central World (6th Floor - Atrium Zone)
Branch 3 : Major Ratchayothin (2nd Floor - Suzuki Avenue)
Branch 4 : Siam Paragon (4th Floor - Food Passage Zone)

Genuine Continental European Breakfast @ Bei Otto Restaurant

2011-08-12T10:23:00.042+07:00

You might have heard about Bei Otto name before right? Yes it's the Bei Otto Restaurant on Sukhumvit 20 which was established long long ago in Bangkok since 1984. However, today I won't yet talk about its restaurant as dining but I will talk about its breakfast offering here featuring Bavarian Style at their deli-shop area.

Bei Otto has its own bakery full with German breads and pastries ... it's always produced daily and simply divine when eaten hot from the oven ... A lot of selection too ... from German classics such as Farmer bread, Heavy Rye Bread, Kraftkorn Bread and Rustical Bread, Swiss Country Bread, and a number of mixed grain and multi wheat breads ... More of that ... a lot of pastries and cake ... more you can see from my pictures below !!! You can even buy and ask the staff to slice your big bread -- it will be taken care with special seal easy for you to take home and keep.

Now, talking about its real Breakfast either air-dried or smoked cold cuts even the cooked breakfast. The meal will be served not in the dining section - instead it's served at the bakery zone where the seating & table was set with bright morning light in easy simple atmosphere suitable for morning mood indeed.

The set (either German Set or American Set) were served with 2 German Rolls with Butter & Jam (if you don't like German Rolls as seen in the picture, you ask for 2 pieces of toast bread) together with a pot of coffee and a glass of orange juice.

Below is the picture of German Set (205Bht) -- besides the beverage & side dishes as I said, it was served to me with assorted cold cut and boiled egg. For this set, you can taste the different kinds of cold cut from Bei Otto as in Bei Otto's own butchery under the condultation of Master Butcher Heinz Twinkle.

While American Set (225Bht) was served with bacon, Nuernberger fried pork sausages, 2 eggs any style (in this case scramble egg was selected), hash brown potatoes ... so hearty in deed for this set ... I love the true and direct taste of breakfast set here at Bei Otto.

This is called 'Strammer Max' -- it's the traditional Bavarian Breakfast which came with 2 fried eggs, Smoked ham on rye bread serving with pickled gherkin. The salty taste with smokiness of ham went well with sweet & sour flavour of pickle. Let's say, you can taste air-dried and smoked cold cuts of meats together with fresh bread in one.

All-in-all, there are more set than I show you here together with another light a-la-cart breakfast menu for egg, pastry, or sausage & cold cuts that you can order.

Don't forget after your breakfast, you can shop around too. As within the deli shop, there are the well stocked delicatessen which attached to the restaurant ... This means if you discover something you like, you can buy the ingredients and try the dish yourself at home !!! Easy and Simple as you were in German as all are the real German Taste ... Guten Appetit !!!

Bei Otto Restaurant
Address : 1 Sukhumvit 20, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110
Tel : 02-260-0896. 02-259-4560, 02-262-0892
Breakfast served daily from 8.00 till 12.00
Deli shop open daily from 8.00 till 24.00
Website : www.beiotto.com

42nd Annual Royal Project @ Central World

2011-08-09T13:35:00.048+07:00

Here we go the Annual Royal Project Fair ... In celebration of HM the King's 84th Birthday under the concept of 'His Majesty's Love and Kindness Pour Out to His Subjects' as you can see the main hall that show the theme of his Royal Kindness to Siam like the water drop from the sky !!!

Now the 42nd edition of the fail, Royal Project 42, is now on at Central World -- featuring more than 3,000 quality products and souvenirs from the Royal Project together with selected merchandising from affiliated projects such as Bangsai Arts & Crafts Centre, Chitralada Shop, Silapacheep 904 Shop, Phu Fah Shop, etc. This is where you can see a lot of merchandise from various foundation for the promotion of supplementary occupations and related techniques.

There's one zone to be called 'Gourmet Zone' which comprises of famous restaurants and lots of food shops ... plus local chefs from various and famous hotels to show their cooking talents from Royal Project products (Avocado, Japanese Pumpkin, and other veggies).

My unforgettable restaurant is from Doi Angkhang in Chiangmai which in fact from Royal Agricultural Station Club where a lot of Hill Tribes Dishes was created by using Royal Project Ingredients. See previous post at Hill Tribes Meal at Angkhang Royal Project ...

One thing that this year fair has changed was to create the First ever Air-Conditioned Farmers Market ... full with healthiest quality of agricultural products ... various choices of vegetables and fruits including flowers and plats. Normally I buy Royal Project's vegetable at Royal Project Shop but this week I bought a lot from here -- more fresh and more variety you can see as it came directly from the sources.

My one of beloved vegetable 'Pointed Cabbage' see picture below in the middle of 3rd row ... I almost jumped directly to this cabbage as I miss it and miss where it came from ... I went there once where I saw and knew how Hill Tribe People grew the vegetable for Royal Project. Read more in my previous post at One Morning at Royal Project Vegetable Plot .

While in picture 4th row, there's a picture of 'Vanilla Bean' ... yes, Thailand has vanilla available already as Royal Project sells in glass tube ... Have not seen the fresh vanilla right? I also took picture of it -- see the above on 2nd row right-handed side ... the green one like bean !!!

My another beloved vegetable is 'Portobello Mushroom' (below right 4th row) ... it's now around 3.5 - 4 inches in diameter ... no more import as it's available year round ... look at the size of 2 portobellow packed in foam pack that I handled !!!

Again I also saw the 'Apricot' (even the dry one), it reminded me that there's a lot to be seen and a lot to explore in Royal Project related -- one time that I went there having a nice afternoon tea in the Royal Project Orchard under the Japanese Apricot Field -- so Cool and so Happy indeed ... See my previous blog at Afternoon Tea at Japanese Apricot Field (Royal Project Orchard's) then you will know what I meant. However, I recommend all of you to go and travel there either with Royal Project Tour (see short brief of Royal Project Tour as the sample from my Gourmet Angkhang at : About Royal Project Tour & Royal Agricultural Angkhang or by yourself as you can see some brief information at : Royal Beauty at Doi Angkhang from Tourist Authority of Thailand Website.

Upcoming tours are more to come ... I will be with Gourmet Tour Inthanon soon at nearly the end of this year ... this is to see more of the research station carries out work on developing marketable crops from fruit trees to flowering plants ... as well as my favourite cultured Rainbow Trout & Sturgeon Fish !!!

You might be wonder how comes the fish came from the mountain ... yes, it is ... We are lucky to have our King as His Majesty The King had a keen interest in introduce trout raising in the northern highlands as it is an exonomic fish species that need to be grow well in low temperature area where the project happened at Inthanon Station. Same as me, before being there, you can taste the real thing from this fair either Rainbow Trout, Sturgeon Fish, or even the Shrimps !!!

42nd Annual Royal Project
4-14 August 2011
Central World

Royal Kindness to Siam ...
Enjoy and See and Taste and Buy Up !!!

Benihana where you can enjoy extraordinary 'eatertainment'

2011-07-27T21:00:00.057+07:00

This is an 'EATERTAINMENT' ... You might think it's typo which I typed it wrongly ... Nah Nah Nah ... this is a kind of getting experience at every table ... Yes Yes Yes ... Because this is Benihana ... where all customers/guests will get what called 'BENIHANA EXPERIENCE' ... It's the Teppanyaki table, around which guests gather and enjoy a meal expertly prepared and cooked to perfection on a steel grill -- right before their eyes !!! In addition, a chef here is not just a chef -- he would be a kind of as much entertainer as culinary master.

Look at the left picture, enjoyment started even before the food is served ... Chef carries his push cart for all ingredients & materials then he chit chat and show his skills such as throw the spatula, flipper, eggs, or even the tail of shrimps on to his chef hat

In fact the founder of Banihana (Hiroaki Rocky Aoki) has concept since started as the meals to be theatrically prepared by a knife-wielding, joke-telling chef at a teppanyaki table surrounded by a wooden eating surface in front of the guests ... Teppan means 'steel grill' or 'griddle' and Yaki means 'grilled', 'broiled', fried'.

The meal itself began with 'Onion Soup' followed by 'Salad' ... it's the clear soup with some of crispy fried onion in while the green salad with ginger dressing. It's such a good start as 'appetizer' -- clear your throat and prepare stomach plus creating appetizer for main meal.

Here comes the part again where the chef play with our food as he cook it for us -- a kind of Dinner Show ... I must say it's a longest running dinner show in the world since it opened first in 1964. Of course, entree started serving with homemade dipping sauces (2 types : Brownish shoyu mixed and White mustard mixed type of sauce). Firstly started with Shrimp Appetizer with veggies.

Our order started first with Fish ... there were 2 types of fish we ordered which of course 2 different ways of cooking ... Red Grouper and Mackerel / Saba cooked as pan fried with little of flour and Japanese Saba Sauce.

Normally the food will be served with plain rice ... However, my always favourite is Garlic Fried Rice instead ... the charm of this fried rice was again a playing of chef on eggs which sometimes chef ask us to play with him either throwing the egg or spinning the egg ... More charm of this fried rice was on the way of cooking ... see the yellowish egg which was cooked and mixed well with garlic butter ... My last visit the chef was playing as a kind of Ultraman serving the Heart Shape Fried Rice for us ... Oh Gosh !!!

Now seeing another meat cooking ... It's a pork !!! Two types of Pork ... My favourite was Pork Tenderloin marinated with Plum Sauce and Pork fried with Pineapple

Lastly in the set was finished with Hibachi Vegetables ...'Hibachi' literally translated means 'fire bowl' ... It's a grilling technique in the kitchen or inset in the center of a dining table. Therefore, Hibachi may include anything from simple, grilled meats and vetables to soups and stews. As for this it's a mixed vegetable to finish the meal !!!

While eating the green tea was served as included in set ... including the fresh fruit as dessert to end of the meal ... So You can see this is such a really BIG meal ... SO BIGGGG !!!

Benihana Japanese teppanyaki steakhouse
Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa
257 Charoennakorn Road, Bangkok 10600
Tel : (66) 2 476 0022 ext 1442

Complimentary Shuttle Boat from BTS Saphan Taksin every 20 minutes

'Khon' : The most stylish of Thai Performance

2011-07-23T22:00:00.031+07:00

Yes ... Yes ... I am also the one who have seen this teaser ad and felt that I must see this ... It's only once a year to seen this grand performance ... Therefore, I was there last week to see this with my eyes and to hear this with my ears ... lastly to feel this with a feeling of 'proudly to be Thai' !!!

For those who don't know what 'Khon - โขน' is ... I would like to give you a brief idea about this performance ... 'Khon' is a traditional most sophisticated form of Thai masked drama. It is belived to have been performed since the Ayutthaya Period (year 1350-1767). Traditionally the performers wore masks and all the speaking and singing were done by the reciters and the singers sitting at one side (or two sides) of the stage with the Thai orchestra.

Most Khon performances feature episodes from the Ramakien, the Thai version of an Indian epic Ramayana. Therefore, the Khon roles are male humans, female humans, monkeys, and demons where the leading performers have to wear masks except angle.

In short the epic is concerned with the protracted war between Rama the righteous King and Thotsakan the King of Demons, which is touches off by the abduction of Rama's beloved consort by the Demon King. Therefore, the drama is therefore full of love, magic, and war scenes.

Last few years, HM the Queen Sirikit's original comments were based upon her concern for traditional forms of Thai dramatic art to be preserved so that younger generations and future generations of Thais can fully appreciate the incredible experience. HM the Queen has called for the preservation of Khon as it' the kingdom's most refined form of traditional dramatic art. Therefore in year 2009, The Support Foundation organized the first Khon Performance 'Episode of Prommas. Later in year 2010, Khon Performance 'Episode of Nang Loi' was also organized. This year, the Episode of Suek Miyarap or 'The Battle of Miyarap' has been arranged.

The below clip are some scenes from Khon Performance : Episode of Suek Miyarap ... One thing I would say ... You have to see by your eyes !!! I was not able to take photos or VDOs as for it's not allowed - so this is the most I can find to show you how great the show is ... it covers most of the most important scenes (and most impressive scenes).

And this is the end of the show where all the performers came out on stage, you can see that it includes a lot of performers in this show. And if you look carefully, further below left picture is the picture where they still wear the mask while the right picture some has already taken out the mask.

About the mask ... it in fact cover performer's head ... there are holes for visibility at eye position (of course). They are decorated to perfectly portray each characters and roles such as Yak (Demon) ... Masks are decorated with gold, lacquer, and paste jewels ... We Thais call this 'Nah-Khon'.

In additional costumes for Khon is not only the mask ... but the beautiful thing is also the dress ... please look at how amazing the Thai Art can do with the design and material !!!

Anyway, I encourage you all to see this fantastic performance (take yourself, your family, and your kids) ... You will be wondered of the grand stage, sound, and lighting ... don't think the old performance is boring, I see by myself that children enjoyed it / laugh at it / and have fun with it ... you will get every moods you can feel from the story ... I bet you will enjoy it and think how comes the 3 hours show is so fast !!!

Khon Performance : Episode of Miyarap
การแสดงโขน ตอน ศึกมัยราพณ์
Ticket available at Thai Ticket Major
Venue : Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Center
Performance : Today till 7 August 2011

Irresistible Taiwanese Hot Pot at OK Shabu Shabu

2011-07-19T13:27:00.036+07:00

Have you ever wonder when you passed by Samitivej Hospital in Sukhmvit soi 49 and see this building ??? Or have you ever felt frustrated with traffic packed when trying to get through to Thonglor via Thonglor 13 from Sukhumvit 49 in front of this building ??? Of course, you can be wonder as this is not J Avenue or even Seenspace 13 on Thonglor where people hang out day-in and day-out !!!

Why not, as this is the place for one of the top famous Shabu Shabu Place in Town ... OK Shabu Shabu - The Taiwanese Shabu ... The first of its kind that combining both Japanese and Taiwanese Hotpot Eating Culture together. For your note, in Taiwan, the hot pot is also called 'Shabu-Shabu' due to Japanese Influence (the period when Taiwan was under Japanese Rule).

The word 'Shabu Shabu' in Taiwan could be called 'Sha Sha Woh' ... in fact it originally came from Northeast China in the 13th Century ... Genghis Khan used to feed his Mongol Troops with a gathering around a large pot and put thinly sliced meat in the chafing dish called 'hot pot'. Later Japanese armies seized at the Northeast part of China which they bought 'hot pot' back to Japan and change the name to be 'Shabu Shabu' ... And then a lot of Japanese live in Taiwan, the Shabu Shabu becomes one of the popular foods for Taiwanese which even created its own flavours for.

In fact, Shabu Shabu is considered a winter dish ... a kind of traditionally crowded around hot pots as white steam and piping hot soup can keep the body warm and spreading a feeling of well-being that few can resist. But nowadays Shabu Shabu is eaten year-round already ... even eating in the summer in air-conditioned environments become normal and be prefer as I frequently eat it (no matter what the weather is).

Normal hot pot relies on a cooking pot situated in the middle of the table for everybody to reach out and put the raw food of their choice. However, at OK Shabu Shabu, each customer has individual pot which each is utilized by electricity and hiding underneath of the counter table. Therefore, the chopstick is needed for dropping the uncooked food in the hot pot. Also the sauce, as each is able to prepare individual flavour of sauce prior to cooking as from soy sauce (which was prepared specially by OK Shabu Shabu), vinegar which each can pour on-top of chopped garlic, chopped chilli, and chopped spring onion. And can't forget another sauce which is like XO sauce (a kind of spicy seafood sauce made from chopped dried seafood such as scallop, dried fish and shrimp cooked with chilli, onion, garlic, and oil).

Talking about things to be cooked in Shabu Shabu ... it traditionally made with thinly sliced of meat which can be from beef, pork, mutton, etc and also includes lobster, crab, and many kinds of wonton or dumpling. The meat will be served with tofu and vegetables from seaweed, cabbage, carrots, shitake mushrooms, even udon or mochi. While at OK Shabu Shabu, they offer variety of sliced meat from special cut beef, lean beef, pork, chicken, lamb from New Zealand, even seafood. This includes variety of dumpling from shrimp ball, Taiwan squid dumpling, Taiwan pork dumpling, Taiwan fish dumpling with Tuna egg, Taiwan pork meat ball, Octopus ball, Fish seaweed roll, House egg dumpling, Crab meat stick, etc.

There's one thing that I found (as customer) that we should follow here as : 'Bht50 surcharge will apply to guest who do not order set menu or vegetable & mix plate' & 'additional Bht25 will apply to guest sharing pot'. In this case, I normally order firstly with BY SET which consists of OK Set (seafood & meat) 275Bht, Seafood Set (235Bht), New Zealand Lamb 215Bht, Special Cut Beef Set 200Bht, Pork Set 180Bht, Lean Beef 180Bht, Chicken Set 180Bht. Therefore, it will be one plate of mixed veggies (tofu, udon, mushroom, taro, few of dumplings) and another separated plate of meat (whatever you order). Then for me it's so normal that additional vegetable & dumpling would be ordered.

The technique of eating shabu shabu is not difficult ... after the soup / broth is boiling, I normally dump all the vegetables in (including meatballs & dumpling) ... depending on how long they should be cooked or how soft or green you like it to be ... Careful not to leave tofu for too long -- it will be gone in pieces!!! The most important thing is the meat !!! No matter it's pork, beef, or what ever ... we will leave the meat off the pot ... only use the chopsticks to swish it a few times in the hot broth until it turns brown ... Then dip it into the sauce. When the meat got switched into the pot is where the swishing sound happened and this is where this dish gets its name 'Shabu-Shabu' translates to 'Swish-Swish' !!!

Another thing which is a kind of traditional is for the leftover broth from the pot (once the meat and veggies have been eaten) ... this leftover broth will be combined with rice resulting boiled rice which will be eaten last ... That's it - Congratulations you reach to the end of eating Shabu Shabu!!!

At OK Shabu Shabu, to finish the meal here is not that ... it must be a dessert to round-off ... This is free for all customers ... a traditional Taiwanese Dessert ... Cold Sweet Sticky Rice with Red Bean -- it's so refreshing after we have been through the steaming and hotting meal ... I so love this dessert (keep asking for more or sometimes get from someone's quota).

OK Shabu Shabu
9/3 Soi Sukhumvit 49/4, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel : (66) 02 - 712 -6397 to 8
Open daily : 11.00 - 21.30

Reservation is allowed during weekdays only
Take-Out is also allowed - please call and order, it will be ready for pick up

Direction :
1) Sukhumvit soi 55 - get into Thonglor soi 13, end of soi (across from Samitivej Hospital)
2) Sukhumvit soi 49 - building is just across Samitivej Hospital