Foodie Friday: Hello Stranger Cafe, Kota Kinabalu

READ HERE: List of Lifestyle Cafes in Kota Kinabalu

One thing I'm looking forward for a cafe nowadays is not just a cup of good and hot coffee but also the one that serves variety of food to choose from the menu. Especially when I'm looking for my late lunch after passing the lunch hour time and need coffee so badly. Kinda addicted to coffee lately. Seems like can't survive my day without a single cup of hot coffee. 

And that's where I found Hello Strangers Cafe which turns out to be one of my favourite cafes in Kota Kinabalu recently.



Situated at the ground floor of The Riverson which is not far away from KKians favourite mall of Imago, it serves an interesting Asian fusion cuisines which inspired from Japanese, Vietnamese and Western foods.

Without waiting any longer, here are some of the food which I savour before from my countless visits to Hello Strangers cafe:

#1: Chicken Katsu Curry (RM17.90). 

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. The Japanese curry is packed with flavours and not too spicy. Suitable for those who don't really into spicy food. 

#2: Teriyaki chicken served with rice and topped with a sunny side up egg (RM15.90).
Another Japanese dishes I love but I prefer them to use boneless chicken.


#3: Butter Chicken Linguine (RM15.90)

#4: Viet cold noodle salad with chicken (RM15.90).
This one a bit disappointed; not as per stated as their menu where served with vermicelli noodles, they gave me rice instead.

#5: Teriyaki Chicken Banh Mi (RM15.90). Available in beef too (RM17.90)


#6: Viet Summer Roll with Chicken serve with mint and peanut dipping sauce (RM11)

From wide selection of rices and noodles to Banh Mi (Vietnamese kind of sandwiches) and even spring rolls, sometimes it's indeed giving me a hard time to choose what I wanna eat from their menu eventhough I've been here like many times. Majority of the food served are flavourful and scrumptious and that's what make me coming back for more. Perhaps for my next visit, I would love to try dishes like Thai Basil Chicken, Japanese Chicken Curry Udon, Oyakadon Chicken and more.

Price wise, perhaps some of you might think it's kinda pricey but I found out that this is what most of the cafes in KK are charging at; price for a single meal cost between RM15 to RM25 depending on your preferred choice like chicken would be cheaper than the seafood dishes.

Besides main meals, they do serve cakes as well but I decided to skip it cause I found it's kinda average and slightly unappealing to me. You know when they said appearance does matter and it does apply to food too. Probably next time when I don't feel like wanna have something heavy but something light instead, then maybe I could consider it. 

#7: Everything gets better with a cup of hot coffee. My fav; either Cafe Mocha or Hazelnut Latte to kick off my day. 

Hello Strangers Cafe
B-2, The Walk Riverson,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday (8.30 am to 6pm)
                             Saturday & Sunday (11am to 6pm)

Read More

2017 Rainforest World Music Festival

To be honest, I never ever like to attend any events or festivals lately cause I dislike surrounded by large crowds. Not until one of my BFF suggested to have our first ever girl trip by attending the Rainforest World Musical Festival which held in Kuching, Sarawak - it's hard for me to say "No" when it comes to trip with my beloved friends. 

#1: #RWMF2017

The Rainforest World Music Festival is a three-day internationally renowned world music festival held annually by the Sarawak Tourism Board. This event is takes place at the Sarawak Cultural Village, situated at the foothills of the legendary Mount Santubong. This festival has been running for exactly 20 years and I can't believe this is my first time attending one of Sarawak's biggest event when I, myself have been to Kuching like for almost hundred times (I'm both Sabahan and Sarawakian by the way).

#2: Kuching International Airport

WHERE TO BUY THE TICKETS
If possible, don't attempt to buy your ticket last minute at the gate on the actual day cause it would be slightly higher than the pre-sale. Try to buy your entrance ticket from here.

#3: Entrance tickets

HOW TO GET THERE

For your information, Sarawak Cultural Village is located 35km away from the city center of Kuching, which takes about 45 to 50 minutes drive away. Don't worry about the transportation in case you don't drive cause just like last year, the Sarawak Tourism Board is providing free shuttle ride to the festival ticket holders. Cool right? The shuttle pick-up points are Hills Shopping Mall, Riverside Majestic Hotel, Harbour View Hotel and Merdeka Palace Hotel with the first pick-up starts at 9.30am. Be sure to book your accommodation nearby these pick-up points. 

#4: Sarawak Cultural Village main entrance

BE EARLY AS POSSIBLE

Although the world music performances would only begin to perform on the main stage in the evening, but there are plenty of awesome activities for the visitors to enjoy and entertain during the daytime such as the interactive music workshops, cultural and craft displays, mini performance and more. Sounds interesting, right?  

#5: Challenge yourself by crossing the traditional bamboo bridge

One of our favourite sessions is the Sape lessons. Sape, a boat lute shape is a traditional music instrument used by the tribal groups of Sarawak like Kenyah, Kayan, Kelabit, Penan and other ethnic tribes of Orang Ulu community. Sape is believed to be a sacred instrument used to cure the sick people and played for peace and harmony ceremony.

#6: My friends and I are enjoying the Sape lessons.

Another reason why you should come early in case this is your first visit to Kuching, Sarawak is because the venue itself. As mentioned earlier, the event happens in Sarawak Cultural Village and you could take this opportunity to visit and experience various traditional houses in the village. It likes killing two birds with one stone. Immerse yourself into the traditional cultural and heritages of Sarawak in this unique award-winning "Living Museum" and don't forget to leave your footprints in the ethnic longhouses.  

#7: Rumah Orang Ulu


#8: After more than 10 years, I'm back again to Sarawak Cultural Village for the second time.


#9: Traditional costume in one of the longhouses.

Be sure to check out the timetables for the workshops and mini performances which will be held throughout the three days event. Or else, it would be such a waste if you are coming mainly just for the main-stage evening concerts only. 

#10: Theater stage performance by Myanmar


#11: Visitors are even invited to join and dance along.


#12: Are you ready for the main-stage performances?

Alright before I proceed, there are few things I would like to share here which based on my own first hand experience.

1. Wear comfortable attire and shoe. As we all know (confirm know lah), Malaysia is always hot and humid. Hence, wear something that is light and bring along face towel to lap lap (wipe) your sweat especially. And to all the ladies especially who intend posing for Instagram, it is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoe cause the pathways within the ground are uneven. Don't wear high heels for the sake of posing, please! 
2. Bring along umbrella or even disposable raincoats in case of raining. We're being so smart to buy before going for this event cause out of sudden, the sky decided to have a sudden outburst. So luckily leh.
3. Prepare mosquito repellent and mat/blanket. Why? Cause it held in rainforest and you can't avoid all those annoying mosquito while enjoying the performances live. It's better to prevent the risk of getting dengue fever than cure, right? As the music festival is performs in the open space with no proper seats, hence it is advisable to bring along mat or blanket to avoid your butt from getting wet or dirty. 
4. Last but not least, enjoy and experiences the performances by various of creative and unique music artists from all over the world surrounded with the beautiful natural sound of the rainforest. 

#13: Kicked off live by At Adau - a local traditional music band and proud to say, this is our favourite one. 

#14: Second performance before it starts to raining cats and dogs.

The Rainforest World Music Festival, a not-to-be-missed occasion, guarantees a smashing time in the heart of the Borneo Jungle.

As for this year, it would held on 13 to 15 July 2018. So what are you waiting for? Hurry up book your ticket from Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia or even Malindo Air.

#RWMF2018 - You can even purchase your ticket here.

Planning to go Kuching and thinking what to eat there? Here are my full post on Food Must Have When Visit Kuching (click here).

Read More

Kuching Café: Madeleine Cafe & Patisserie

When one mentions about Kuching, can't deny quite number of notable local dishes such laksa, kolo mee, kek lapis, kueh chap and more will instantly hit one's mind and even the mouth too. As I frequently visit Kuching cause it's my second hometown, I have try almost all the local dishes. Plus, I even did a list of what to eat and which shops or stalls are recommended to try for their respective dishes: Food Must Have When Visit Kuching. 

But because I keep going back Kuching and had the same local food over and over again, I want opt for something new, something unique. That's where I stumbled upon Madeleine Cafe & Patisserie, a very classic and cozy cafe with French-inspired design situated at Ground Floor, The Spring Shopping Mall of Kuching. So in case you are tired or exhausted from shopping spree, take a break and relax by sipping a cup of hot coffee or tea pair with heavenly slice of cake without have to travel far away.  

#1: Madeleine Cafe & Patisserie situated at Ground Floor, The Spring Shopping Mall of Kuching

#2: A very classic and cozy cafe with French-inspired design 

Even before you step into the cafe, you can see wide array of freshly baked breads, croissants, cakes and pastries serve beautifully in the display counter. It's so many until I really having an issue to choose which should I have.   

#3: Freshly baked breads and croissants 


#4: Their cakes are beautifully created 


#5: A bit pricey but value for money  


#6: So now, which should I choose? 

So far, I've been to this cafe three, or four times? I barely remember but I don't mind going back again when I return to Kuching for more of their sweet and savoury delights. Who ever thought such a beautiful and perfectly crafted piece of cake would ever exist in the heart of Kuching town? Even so far, I haven't find any cafes serve this kind of cake in Kota Kinabalu town. 

#7: Mango and Passion Cake


#8: Coffee Opera Cake


#9: Drinks, cakes and pastries we ordered

Madeleine also serves a variety of beverages such as speciality coffees, teas, fruit juices and soft drinks. But still, my main choice would always be a cup of hot latte or mocha everytime I pay my visit here. 

#10: Their signature Coconut Cake (behind) and Green Tea cake (front)


#11: Coffee and cakes - the perfect match ever 

Relating to the price, although it might be lil pricey but then it's worth every ringgit you spend. Their breads, pastries and cakes are priced so for their superior and excellent quality. Oh boy! I should stop myself from keep continue to blog about this cafe cause I'm craving for their cakes and matcha croissant at this hour. 

Madeleine Cafe & Patisserie
Ground Floor, The Spring Shopping Mall,
Kuching (Behind Sushi King)

Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm daily except for Saturday which opens until 12am 

P/S: I will going Kuching again soon and any new cafes to intro? 

Read More

Foodie Friday: Food Must Have When Visit Kuching

UPDATED VERSION as at 5th May 2017
NOTE: Non-Halal Food Post

Kuching has a number of notable and famous local dishes that mostly served in hawker stalls. In this updated version, I even listed down which shops/stalls are recommended to try for their respective dishes. I didn't manage to visit all but you are welcome to give feedback and comments which shops/stalls you think served the best one. 

1) Kolo Mee

Who doesn't know this, the most famous noodle of Sarawak - Kolo Mee? A flash-boiled egg noodles that classically served with crushed garlic and shallot, minced meat, sliced of barbecue pork known (char siew), white vinegar and sometimes with chicken cutlets.  This is one of my favourite food that I can have it almost every day whenever I was in Kuching - whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even for supper. You can have this simple noodle as low as RM3.00 per bowl in Kuching. It's dirt cheap and sometimes the hawker is generous with the amount of char siew.



Usually, this simple noodle comes in two flavours - whether in plain or seasoned with red sauce (basically it's the char siew sauce which makes the noodles taste slightly sweeter). In certain stalls, you could request to be served in soy sauce or even in black vinegar. 

Recommendations for Best Kolo Mee
- Sin Lian Shin at 182, Green Road
- Oriental Park Cafe at Cathay Street
- Kim Joo at Carpenter Street
- Mee Kolok Mohammad Lim at Jalan Green Hell (For halal kolo mee)

2) Kuching Laksa

Cooked in shrimp based broth which made from sambal belacan, lemongrass, tamarin, garlic and thickened with coconut milk, this dish is served along with vermicelli rice noodles (bihun), omelette strips, shredded chicken, prawns, beansprouts and sliced deep fried tofu. This is one of Anthony Bourdain's Top 10 favourite dishes. 

Recommendations for Best Kuching Laksa

- Golden Arch Cafe at 3rd Miles

- Choon Hui Cafe at 34, Jalan Ban Hock (Anthony Bourdain, the world-renowned travelling & celebrity chef came here twice just for the laksa. Don't forget to try the popiah and kaya toast too) 

- Chong Choon Cafe at Jalan Chan Chin Ann (6.30am to 12pm)  

3) Kueh Chap

Kueh Chap, a flat and wide ricecake strips served in a herbal broth with assortment of pork internal organs, pork meat, skin, deep fried tofu, and hard-boiled egg. 

Recommendations for Best Kueh Chap
- Lao Ya Keng at Carpenter Street
- 3rd Mile Market at 3rd Mile
- Bintawa Kueh Chap (Tabuan Jaya) at Tabuan (4.30pm to 10pm on Tuesday to Sunday)
- Woon Lam Cafe 1999 at Jalan Song Thian Chiak

4) Tomato Kuey Teow

Another favourite of mine, Tomato Sauce Kuey Teow. Some people found it weird to eat this rice noodles served in the tomato sauce-based gravy but for me, it is one of the most heavenly delicious dish I love the most in Kuching. Some of the stalls in Kuching do serve in crispy deep fried noodles or bihun and you can request whatever ingredients you want to add into this meal. For me, I prefer chicken, pork and fish cakes.

Recommendations for Best Tomato Kuey Teow
- Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre at Jalan Padungan
- Fu Yu Kopi Shop at Sekama
- Stutong Baru Tomato Fried Kiaw
- Hui Sing Hawker Cenre

5) Belacan Bihun

Belacan Bihun - a rice vermicelli served together with cuttlefish slices, century egg mixed along with sweet and spicy shrimp based broth (belacan).

Recommendations for Best Belacan Bihun
- Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre (Stall No. 14) at Jalan Padungan
- Swee Kang Jalan Haji Taha at Haji Taha Road
- Old Rex Cucur Udang Cafe at Rubber Road

6) Traditional Kek Lapis (Layer Cake)

Most of the food above are inconvenient for you to bring back or even give to your friends and family as souvenires, unless they have to go Kuching by themselves. But no worry, as there are always something you can bring back as a gift from Kuching, none other than Kek Lapis or Layer Cake. There are many flavour with different kind of patterns and motifs. Most of the shops they will give one for free when you purchase at least 10 kek lapis. 

Recommendations for Best Kek Lapis 
- Kek Lapis Dayang Salhah at Jalan Gersik 
- Mira Cake House at Jalan Brooke (Opening Hours: 

(Take a boat across from the Waterfront 7-Eleven and turn right until spot a green mosque. Kek Lapis Dayang Salhah is just behind the mosque while Mira on the left side. There are signboards for both. No worries)

7) Kompia

This Foochow snack is famously found in Sibu but in case you don't have time to go Sibu, you can find it in Kuching too. It's a soft and crispy bagel coated with sesame seeds filling with minced pork cooked in a sweet gravy. Now they have many different flavours like stuffed with garlic, ham and more. Most of the stalls selling each for RM1.00 only.

Recommendations for Best Kompia in Kuching
- Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre (Stall No. 7) at Jalan Padungan

8) Kampua Mee

Another famous Sibu staple food which look like Kolo mee but the significant differences would be Kampua mee is more thicker and less curly than the latter one. In term of taste, kampua mee is more dry than kolo mee. Commonly served with sliced of barbecue pork and the noodles can be served in plain or soy sauce.

9) Sio Bee

Sio Bee is Kuching's version of siu mai. I never noticed this until my recent trip back there. The difference between siu mai and sio bee is that siu mai contains both pork and shrimps while sio bee is completely stuffed with pork only. No wonder they taste totally different from siu mai when I had my first bite.

Recommendations for Best Sio Bee
- Sin Kwang Heng at Open Air Market opposite Electra House

10) Sarawak Popiah (Spring Roll)

Popiah Sarawak Style might look so common like the one in West Malaysia and Singapore but actually their fillings are more toward dry version.

Recommendations for Best Sarawak Popiah

- Choon Hui Cafe at 34, Jalan Ban Hock

11) Three Layer Milk Tea

Three Layer Milk Tea locally known as Teh C Special. This three lay­ers are often made up of tea which is on the top, evap­o­rated milk in the middle and Gula Melaka syrup in the bottom part. Not just three, there are some shops even served in five layers. Cool!

Recommendations for Best Three Layer Milk Tea
- Everywhere in Kuching

12) CocoCane


Cococane is a combination of freshly squeezed sugar cane with scrapped coconut flesh and coconut juice. The drink is so refreshing and cooling and best to drink to beat the hot weather. Besides Cococane, you could also opt for Honey Sea Coconut juice.

Recommendations for Best Cococane in Kuching
- Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre (Stall No. 24) at Jalan Padungan

13) Sunny Hill Ice-Cream

This famous and legendary ice-cream parlour has been operated for more than 50 years and many local were actually grew up with the companion of this ice-cream shop. There are only certain of flavours will be served on the specific days and most of the time, only two flavours are served; strawberry flavour on every Monday and Tuesday, pandan or corn flavour on every Wednesday to Friday and chocolate flavour on every Saturday and Sunday. Whereas for vanilla flavour, it will be served on every single day.

Business Hours:

Sunday - Thursday: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm

Friday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Saturday: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Check out my old post on Sunny Hill Ice-Cream

14) Ice-Cream Gula Apong

Palm sugar, or gula apong is the sweet substance processed from the sap of the nipah palm. Nipah palm grows naturally and abundantly along the coastal areas throughout Sarawak. You can topped Ice-Cream Gula Apong with variety of topping such as crunched peanuts, orea, cornflakes and nestum.

Recommendations for Gula Apong in Kuching
- Open Air Market at Jalan
- DP Ice Cream Gula Apong

15) Ah Yeo Ice Kacang

From my point of view, Ah Yeo Ice Kacang served the best ABC in Kuching. I'm not a really big fan of ice-kacang but Ah Yeo changed my mind. So far, they have created more than 200 variety of menus with special and funky name. I was so surprised but at the same time, laughed for non-stop when I heard the name. Their ABC are freaking dirt cheap too where you can get as low as RM2.20. Gosh!



Address: Jubilee Ground Hawker Centre
Opening Hours: 11am to 5pm

Another famous one is Swee Kang Ais Kacang but I haven't try it yet. Will be in my list to do when going back Kuching again. 😁

16) Midin

Midin is a local fern picked from the wild and used a vegetable. Typically, it is stir fried with garlic and even with belacan and chilli. This dish is commonly found in any coffee shops or restaurants.

There are more food I haven't try yet especially the native dishes such as Ayam Pansuh/Manok Pansoh and Kacangma and I can't wait to be back to Kuching again for another food adventures. Beside the local dishes, there are also few cafes that are worth to try when one in Kuching. This will be next in my upcoming post. Oh boy! I can feel that my waist is expending soon. 

[Credit to: Says - 20 Sarawak Dishes You Need To Try Before You Die, MY Eat Play Love FB Page]

Read More