2019 Road Trip to Malaysia Clocking Mileage in Johor - Melaka - Seremban 3 Days 2 Nights Part 3 aka Detour to Seremban

Continuing from previous tale, on Day 2 in Melaka, we decided to have breakfast in Seremban. Drove out of Melaka and randomly picked Pasar Besar Seremban as our breakfast destination.

to the market!

Its main market was razed by fire in 2017. Read about it here. And the food stalls had moved to outside of the market.

walk past these stalls

Seremban Beef Noodles

The hawker stalls were arranged over a large area with about 3 main sections and each have their own coffee stall.

uncle looking at us

kopi

Seremban Beef Noodles - Tendon Soup @RM14

Seremban Beef Noodles - 牛肉面 @RM9

Ordered our food and the stall assistant would bring it over to the table. Got a shock when we paid for the beef noodles. Only 2 items and it costs us RM23. Wow.

Hiong Kee Mee Hoon Sotong 雄记鱿鱼米粉 @ RM4.50

As Hiong Kee Mee Hoon Sotong appeared as one of the must try in Seremban, we got two plates to share. It was really affordable at RM4.50 per plate but it tasted more like braised pork bee hoon. Hmm, rather normal.

I went and picked out some yong tau foo 酿豆腐 for my Singaporean friends to try. This stall somewhere in the middle of the place,was manned by a lady and her adult son. She's probably in her sixties and was super friendly. Picked out some beancurd, brinjal (I love these fried brinjals stuffed with fish paste) and the aunty advised me to get the mushroom balls. Only RM2.50 for 5 pieces, so ok! Also got a plate of deep fried pork belly in fermented beancurd 腐乳炸肉 (nam yee pork).

yong tau foo selections

腐乳炸肉 (fermented beancurd deep fried pork belly slices)

My goodness, all of those yong tau foo and the plate of meat costs less than RM10 in total. Well done! The yong tau foo was on point with homemade fish and pork paste stuffings. The deep fried pork belly was good except that it was cold. But hey, still enjoyable.

breakfast is served!

After breakfast, we walked around Seremban Gateway which I had no idea it existed till we stopped there to go to the washroom.

After loitering for about an hour or less, it was time for lunch. Actually, I was still stuffed from breakfast.

Bak Kut Teh

Yes, we decided to get bak kut teh for lunch since we didn't get to eat it in Johor. It was only 1130am when we stopped for lunch.

shop interior

The 火爆肉 reminds me of a certain bkt shop in Singapore which also originates from Seremban

let's get some cold drinks to quench thirst

Guess how many items we ordered. There were 4 of us, and we had 3 items. On hindsight, it meant that we ate almost one pot on our own. What!

bak kut teh @RM14 (single pax serving)

Claypot Chicken Rice @RM14

Yellow Wine Chicken 黄酒鸡 @RM14

I liked the huang jiu ji (yellow wine chicken) for its unique and comforting flavours. The claypot chicken rice was good as the chicken meat was well marinated and tender. The bak kut teh soup was decent but not as strong as I'd like it to be.

The staff at the shop appeared to be mostly Vietnamese.

Anyone wants to guess what we did after lunch?

Yup, we went to get more food. Seremban is famous for Seremban siew bao so we went to find some to da bao back to Melaka.

Siew Pow Master

coconut tart

siew pow

baking the goods

There was a small queue formed when we arrived at Siew Pow Master. The siew pow is smallish and the bakers were busy sorting the trays, the baked goods and the boss was busy taking orders from the guests.

The siew pow is priced at RM1.70 per piece which was about SGD0.60. Because the siew pow was just taken out of the oven, it was still warm so I had to take a bite in the car.

siew pow (still warm)

lovely char siew

First time trying Siew Pow Masters and loving it! Especially when it was just freshly baked. Yums!

I seriously thought we would be going back to Melaka by then, but Hence, Tracy and Ivan had other plans. They said, "Let's go A&W!" I was like, whyyyy? For dessert, they said. But no, this was at the height of the long queues when Jewel first opened its doors to the public. The queues were wild back then!

how was this a dessert?

cheers~

Wanted to get a small root beer float but the girl at the counter said that the price difference between large and small was just RM0.50. Darn! And so, the sweet drink got upgraded to large. Ugh, that is why I am fat.

Pasar Besar Seremban

Address: Jalan Tuanku Munawir, Bandar Seremban, 70000 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Business Hours: Daily 7am to 12pm

118 Bak Kut Teh

Address: No.92, Jalan S2 D32, City Centre, 70300 Seremban (City)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/118bakkutteh/
Contact: +60 11-3382 4338
Business Hours: 
Tues - Wed: 1030am to 11pm
Thurs - Sun: 10am to 11pm
Closed on Mon

Siew Pow Master

Address: 368, Jalan Seng Meng Lee, Taman Unian, 70200 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Website: https://siewpowmaster.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral
Contact: +60-6-763-2409
Business Hours:
Mon to Sat: 8am to 630pm
Closed on Sun

[Tasting] New Menu @ 51Soho Telok Ayer

Am a huge fan of their Lobster Stew Rice (read about it here) and when I heard about the upcoming change in menu, was excited to try out the new items and it was a relief that the Boston Lobster Grains Risotto (@$38++) is still available!

new menu

of grains and stews

For the new menu, the focus is on hearty and comforting dishes. Think wholesome grains, stews and pasta. The restaurant's staple of meat skewers remains on the menu with newer items added to the skewers selection. 

Are you hungry yet? I am, so let's eat!

freshly shucked French oysters @$2++ per piece (promo)

Started with French oysters for just $2 a piece. Ahh, that's because there is a promotion for these tasty mollusks. Usual price would be $30 for half a dozen. Oh, excuse me while I devour a few more of these.

This time round, we finally tried the Prosperity Cup, that came complete with its signature edible 'money'.

51Soho Specials - Prosperity Cup @$88++ for 9 cups, $100++ for 12 cups

Next up, usually one would get the skewers or 串串 (chuan chuan in Chinese). The skewers were done up in house marination and coated with addictive spice dust. 

Skewers (price ranging from $1.50++ to $5.50++, depending on type)

We tried chicken skin, pork rectum (?), mantou (?), chicken meat and pork belly. Ok, I ate the chicken skin without having a photo of it, but it was a really skinny stick with the skin done up ultra crispy. Addictive indeed.

The pork rectum sounded like a fear factor item but it tasted just like intestine. Not as crunchy as the chicken skin as it retained a slight chewiness similar to intestine. Nice.

I didn't know fried mantou could be a skewer item! Interesting. It was quite likeable, in fact. But I think my brain had been wired to the need of a dipping sauce for fried mantou.

mantou (held up), with chicken skin directly underneath it and the rectum skewer on the right (top)

Enoki Mushrooms @$5++

Let's try something brand new in the menu for the next appetiser dish. Did you know that you could get Beef Bone Marrow for just $12 at 51Soho? Presentation of the dish was on point and dig out a good chunk of that creamy, rich marrow, spread it onto the bread. Take a bite and tell me if that doesn't impresses you.

Beef Bone Marrow @$12++

marrow awaiting

All of us were impressed by the value of the dish and the amazing bread that was paired with it. So yummy.

amazing bread

One more appetiser before we move on to the mains. This plate is strongly flavoured with the base of creamy sesame dressing. Soy marinated lava egg, asparagus, crispy silver fish toppings and sweet pea forms up this delicious plate. I liked and will gladly eat all my vegetables if it was like this plate!

Grilled Romaine Lettuce and Vegetables @$14++

At this juncture, don't you feel kind of thirsty? Let's get some more drinks! We got the namesake drink - 51Soho. Of plum wines, rose and lychee. My favourite, actually. Sweet and such a nice scent by using the lychee.

51Soho @$88++ for 9 cups, and $100++ for 12 cups

pouring me a cup, again

Let's get some more food into our bellies, shall we?

what's smoking?

Classic French Chicken Cassoulet @$24++

First time having the Classic French Chicken Cassoulet. According to Wiki, it is a rich, slow-cooked casserole containing meat and white beans (haricots blancs). The chicken (two large pieces and nicely browned) inside this casserole has soaked up all the good flavours and it was so delightfully tender! Wished there was more chicken meat though. The sauce was so so good. Hearty meal indeed. One gets very full from eating all that beans!

Chicken and Mushroom Stew @$18++

The Chicken and Mushroom Stew was really interesting with its flavour that I thought was pretty familiar much like the chicken and mushroom broth that we make at home to cook flavoured porridge with. 

This was of a lighter flavour as compared to the cassoulet and had lots of grains in it such as the black rice, oat groats , barley, carrot, button mushrooms and kale. Again, lots of grains to munch on and it is a filling dish. I can imagine myself having this if am feeling under the weather or just to get comforted by the homely flavours.

let's get pasta

We got an Italian Carbonara to try. This one is without cream. Took a few bites and wow, this one's a heavyweight in terms of punchy flavours! The noodles texture was on-point.  If you love cheeses, then this carbonara is for you. I won't be able to finish this plate on my own as the flavours from the cheeses were really strong.

Italian Carbonara @$17++

Stronger flavours requires a stronger drink. What's better than a "Dancing in the Moonlight"?

51Soho Specials - Dancing in the Moonlight @$88++ for 12 cups and $120++ for 24 cups

Took a whiff and whoa, this one's a strong drink! Looked harmless with a bit of white fungus swimming at its surface of golden yellow hue. Reminds me of chrysanthemum which it was not.

Introducing Jiangxiaobai (白酒) - Joyouth 

The liqour is concocted with baijiu from the Jiang Distillery. The Joyouth (from 40% collection) is used here. This is an award winning chinese wine in 2017.

One was supposed to down it in one shot but I was too chicken. Took a sip and boy, it was strong! The throat would still be feeling some heat from the pathway the liquor took while travelling smoothly down. 40% alcohol yo, so drink responsibly!

Ok, now we are ready for desserts. Something cold, yes? A plate of greens was placed infront of us. Uhm, we didn't ask for salad again, did we?

Apple, Cucumber and Yoghurt @$10++

another angle

It was love at first bite. Ahhh, such refreshing flavour! Choya marinated cucumber and apple (pickled with plum wine? ooohhh), cucumber granita, and that deliciously light and wobbly greek yoghurt panna cotta, and topped with crumble. We attacked this dish relentlessly till not a drop of crumb was left. It was that good. Try it for yourself.

For pretty looking dessert, there's the Strawberry and Balsamico plated dessert. The vanilla ice-cream was really good and topped with a layer of salted cheese blanket (ya, like those bubble tea...).

Strawberry and Balsamico @$10++

51Soho is about 3 minutes walk from Telok Ayer MRT station, hence if you are around the vicinity, do drop by to try some of their foods.

For spending above $60, you could redeem a pasta or grain stew free of charge. And this redemption could be for the same day use as well.

voucher with every $60 spent

Thank you Kris for the invite and Chef Eugene, 51Soho for your generous hospitality. Kudos to the kitchen team for the delicious meal.

Dinner with Ivan, Tiara and Kris.

beautiful space

promotion

51 Soho

Address: 51 Telok Ayer St, #01-01, Singapore 048441
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/51soho/
Contact: 9755 1058
Reservation: https://www.chope.co/singapore-restaurants/restaurant/51-soho
Business Hours:
Mon to Fri:   8am to 11pm
Sat:            10am to 11pm
Sun:           10am to 10pm

[Tasting] 25 Degrees Burgers and Liquor Bar

Was invited to 25 Degrees Burgers and Liquor Bar recently. While I had been a customer at Ginett (am always lured by the concept of reasonably priced good wine with good food) prior, this was the first time am setting foot at this restaurant just next door to Ginett! Thanks to Jasmine for the invitation.

come on in

The Ambiance

25 Degrees possesses an old Hollywood charm in a casual setting. High ceilings, dark interior and classy American decor.

The Staff

The service staff at 25 Degrees are friendly and ever ready with a response to our queries. 

The Food

We heard that Cheesy Mac Attack is Back! This burger is not on 25 Degrees regular menu but was an earlier favourite, and was brought back due to customers' demand. How cool is that? Thanks to these loyal customers, we got to try this highly popular burger, once more.

Cheesy Mac Attack @$18

Oho, it was actually the perennial favourite of mac & cheese, battered and deep fried to golden brown to form the 'bun' to the burger. I see! Crispy, cheesy and beefy. We had all our burger patties done medium and it was flavourful and with some moisture retained. How does caramelized onions, bacon, nacho cheese, swiss cheese and thousand island sounds to you? If that doesn't scream creamy and  flavours, I don't know what will!

Best part? All of those and that little side of pickled gherkin, tomato slices and lettuce are priced at $18++.

yummy

I loved the Cheesy Mac Attack and can understand why many others do too. Crispy exterior with that familiar cheesy yums of mac and cheese inside the fried 'buns', smothered with thousand island and more melty cheeses along with the flavourful handmade beef patty, it was like having two favourites of mac and cheese and burger all at once!

happy hour, means need happy juice

For the kiddos, how about some milkshake to shake the blues away? We got one from the Classic selection and another that is more adventurous in nature. The Chipster is a vanilla based milkshake topped with potato chips. Think salty sweet mix. It tasted as it is. Milkshake and potato chips. Was happy that the milkshake here were not overly sweet and really enjoyable, if we do not have to care about the calories it packs...

Classic Chocolate Milkshake @$12++

The Chipster Shake @$16++

For some of us, we chose beer to wash down our burgers. One could get beer on tap (Kronenbourg Blanc or Calsberg) or bottled craft beers.

Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc @$16++ (1 pint)

Bevy of beauties @$16++ each

pour me some

Let's get some sides while we are at it. As the burgers does not come with any french fries, one could order a side of filthy/truffle/french or curly fries. We had the filthy fries that was topped with bacon gravy, caramelized onions and cheese.

Filthy Fries @$6++

25 Degrees Wings @$8++

The 25 Degrees Wings were interesting as it came topped with curly fries and had a coating of spicy homemade sauce that tasted like, some say sambal? Only mid-wings were used and these little wings were moist and flavourful. Seasoned pretty good.

The must order for the sides would be the onion rings. mMmmm, so good! The batter was good, the size of the onion rings were huge and outer was crispy while the inner was moist and sweet. Strongly recommended.

onion rings @$5++

so big!

Let's try some more burgers. We heard that Number One, and Number Three are the current crowd favourites while the new kid on the block was the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger. The burgers are priced at $14++ and one could opt to switch for gluten free buns at additional cost of $2++. We just got ours with regular buns.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burger @$14++

The buttermilk fried chicken thigh was well fried and tasty but it turned soggy with the slather of spicy miso BBQ sauce. Decent but I preferred the beef patty burgers instead.

Let's bring out the beef burgers, shall we?

Contender Number Three would be the jalapenos, chipotle with the mezzo secco jack cheese versus the reigning champion, Contender Number One with its arsenal of caramelised onions, artisanal cheeses of cresenza, prelibato and gorgonzola, topped with bacon and the pepperish bitterish arugula and smacked with thousand island sauce.

Number Three (beef patty, roasted tomatoes, mezzo secco jack, jalapenos, chipotle, avocado)

Number Three unveiled

Number One

Much as I liked Number Three for its attempt at spicy smoky, Number One wins hands down! The combination of all its cheeses and that arugula with delicious beef patty, meant its overall tasty flavours were much more prominent and seriously good to munch on this one. Yums!

irresistible Number One

After all the good times, the one that I will miss the most, is still you; Cheesy Mac Attack. Hurry and get your hands on one before 31 August 2019!

Cheesy Mac Attack

Trivia (Value for $$ Alert!)

Did you know that 25 Degrees Burgers and Liquor Bar has a local breakfast set of kaya toast, poached eggs and free-flow brewed coffee for just $2.50 in the morning? Wah, I'd have to admit that's pretty good value!  It's even cheaper than the set offered at my workplace canteen and that's without the free-flow coffee, yo.

Once again, thank you Jasmine, R&B Lab and Hotel G for the invite and 25 Degrees Burgers and Liquor Bar for hosting the tasting.

Dinner with Kris (@msginginly), Alvin (@o_oican), Shermaine (@littletinysun), and Hence & Tracy (@chubbybotakkoala).

25 Degrees Burgers and Liquor Bar

Address: 200 Middle Rd, Hotel G - Singapore, Singapore 188980

Website: https://www.randblab.com/25degrees-sg

Business hours:

Daily 7am to 3am