Iketeru - 池輝 Japanese Fine Dining at Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Iketeru or 池輝, located opposite KL Sentral Station, is among the few restaurants in the Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur, that offers an exquisite dining experience. This restaurant is frequented by Japanese themselves for the food served are undoubtedly of the highest quality.



You will find yourself stepping into a refreshing and relaxed setting, with water running down walls to greet you, as the platform leads you towards the simple and humble interior. There's a variety of seating options including teppanyaki tables, a sushi counter and tatami rooms.



We ordered the Unagi Kabayaki, Chicken Teriyaki, Soft Shell Crab and Tofu Steak to go with garlic rice. The garlic rice is a simple dish but its actually quite aromatic in flavour.



Goshina, the sashimi set costs MYR150 (USD 40+) per plate, serves four types of fish and squid. Sashimi at Iketeru is one of the freshest you can find in city.



Iketeru is open everyday between 12:00PM to 10:30PM. Highly recommended for its quality of food.

Food & Tea @ Tropicana City Mall

Does Tropicana City Mall ring a bell? It's a new shopping mall along the Sprint Expressway, situated right at the corner before the exit to LDP Expressway, opened some time in December 2008.

It is my first time to this mall to dine with my girlfriends and I find that the interior of the mall, is too spacious, just felt rather empty. We met up for dinner at Food & Tea restaurant restaurant, located on the 2nd level. I was optimistic as the Menu looked interesting. As usual, I go for the chef's recommendation.

The fried rice my girlfriends ordered is still acceptable, though a bit on the oily side. But I warn you not to go for the Butter-Fried Chicken with Rice. It is a definite NO-NO-NO!!! It does look promising doesn't it (see image below).



I thought it odd that I couldn't smell anything when the dish arrived, but gave it the benefit of the doubt and starting digging in. After all, when one is hungry, everything seem to taste good right?To my horror, I was disgusted by the taste, or should I say, lack of taste!! Food are still edible if its tasteless, but if its horrible, I'd say the taste bud would scream NO ENTRY! Even my brother who never cook can come up with a dish that tastes better.

One dish is all it takes for me to conclude that I will never step into this shop ever. The chef obviously placed no effort at all in ensuring the quality of the food being prepared.

I LOVE YOO! 老油鬼鬼

Do you recall some breakfast scenes in a Hong Kong drama? A common meal to start the day of a Hongkee is rice congee with "You Tiao". You Tiao is actually a salted strip of dough fried till golden brown. Its appetizing by itself, but equally good when dipped in the congee.



I LOVE YOO! @ The Gardens, MidValley serves just that, except they have choice of congee with Dry Scallop or Dry Oyster Peanut. This simple combination of a meal may sound bland and unappealing to some, but for rice congee lovers, this one of the many ways to savour the best of congees.



The two times that I've been there during the weekends, the crowd just continuously flow to this tiny stall at the Lower Ground of The Gardens. The many helpers there worked unanimously together serving the plentiful patrons hours after hours, and I can't imagine if they even have time for a breather until the day is finally over.



Also on the menu is Sesame Ball, Yam Ball & Sweet Potato Ball, Tau Foo Far (Soy Bean Curd), buns and for drinks, soya bean and coffee.

Well, you'll just have to try it yourself to understand what attracts people to such a simple meal.

Awana Kijal (3) - Where To Eat

There are a few restaurants within the resort vicinity:
1. Restoran Kampung Meraga Beris restaurant (Picture on Left) is where buffet breakfast is served in the mornings.
2. Little Canton, this chinese restaurant serves tasty food.
3. Windows Steak House has a very nice deco.
4. Waterfall Cafe & Lounge sits near the pool and golf course. You can access the bar from the pool as well. Daily live entertainment in the evening except Thursdays.
5. Atrium Coffee Lounge is right at the centre of the lobby with free wireless access.
6. Oasis Hut at the beach comes handy when you need a refreshing cool drink after some fun on the beach.
7. Studio One is a bar & pub. They may actually have Karaoke singing available in there (we didn't check it out though).



There are two rows of shop houses outside Kijal Resort about 8 minutes walk away.

1. Pertama Kijal ==> Chinese

Address: 12 Persiaran melor, Pantai Pelancongan Kijal, KM28, Jln Cukai-Dungun, 24100 Kemaman
Tel: 019-9932828 / 019-9932868

Most of the dishes are very good and seemed to be MSG free. Very tasty and my family prefers this restaurant anytime. Seafood are generally more costly.



2. Grandview Cafe ==> Chinese, Western
Address: 12 Backrow Persiaran Bunga Raya, Kijal Beach Resort, Kijal 24100, Kemaman
Tel: 09-8642486, HP: 012-9089382

The menu is exactly the same as Pertama Kijal, except it has extra choice of Western dishes. All their dishes are a little bit more expensive than Pertama Kijal.



3. KFC



4. Korean
We never saw this shop open the few times we were there, not in the noon, and definitely not during the night. So we're not sure if its actually still available.



5. Malay mamak



See also:
Awana Kijal (1)
Awana Kijal (2) - Things To Do

Uncle Lim's

Nasi Lemak lovers, this is one shop to savour the authentic flavours of sambal with sotong and curry chicken. This is one dish that's well worth the price. The other commendable item is Uncle Lim's Laksa. Also on the menu are chicken chop, variety of toasts, half boiled eggs, etc., typically those that you can get from the chinese kopitiam.


They still use the all-time classic tea cups (though not stained) which kind of brings you back to memory lane of the coffee-shops our grandparents used to frequent back in those days. Though now, you can enjoy the "kopi"(coffee) and "teh"(tea) all in the comforts of an air-conditioning.

You'd be surprise how many uncle(s) and aunty(s) spend their time there, catching up on times and sipping their hot cuppa with toast or a half boiled egg.


The outlet at Ikano lower ground floor is really really good. Its almost always packed to the brim. You just need to have some patience to queue up and self-service your favourites.

The branch at Berjaya Times Square is really lacking. My whole family agreed that the Nasi Lemak and Uncle Lim's Laksa wasn't as good. We didn't bother trying other dishes since the signature ones were hopeless.

Awana Kijal (2) - Things to Do

With a creative balance of recreational facilities surrounding the Kijal premise for both adults and children, Kijal is truly the resort for all.

A. FOR BEACH SIDE GOLFING
Golfers will not miss out on Awana's par-72 18-hole championship golf course. Buggy is available for rental.

B. FOR BEAUTY SPA & MASSAGE TREATMENTS
Step away from stress into total relaxation for a soothing and exotic spa experience with Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa. One could also opt for the Volcanic Stone Massage Therapy using the "Boro" healing stones.

C. FOR WATER ENTHUSIASTS
There's a beautifully landscaped swimming pool with 2 outdoor Jacuzzi (choice of warm and cold water), sauna and many other water sport activities. If you favour the natural, you can have a swim in the sea but beware of strong underwater currents and always keep a look out on the RED FLAG on the beach.

D. FOR THE ACTIVE
Fitness Centre, Tennis, Table Tennis, Snooker, Netball/Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Obstacle course, Bicycle Joy Riding, Jogging, Snooker, Archery Range, Jungle Trekking.

E. FOR CHILDREN
Childcare facility at the Indoor Children's Playroom, Children's Playground, Hopscotch, Giant Snake & Ladders game, Giant Chess and a Large Fun Pool for kids.


AND FOR THE ROMANTICS, one can spend endless moments strolling along the breathtakingly beautiful beach and engulfed themselves with the rhythmic lapping of waves.



The tour packages organized by the hotel are commendable and is a worthwhile take especially for foreigners to experience the local culture and visit local attractions nearby.


Some other places of interests outside of Kijal resort:

1. Chukai Town
- Chukai Night market


2. Jalan Sulaimani
- Chukai Wet market
- Chukai Riverfront


3. Kemasek Beach
- Head north towards Dungun, its situated 2KM from Awana Kijal


4. Bakau Recreational Park
- Located just outside Chukai town, look out for the tall Malaysian flag on the way back to Awana Kijal before the bridge


5. Penunjuk Kijal Beach



See also:
Awana Kijal (1)
Awana Kijal (3) - Where To Eat

Awana Kijal (1)

"Awana Kijal Golf, Beach & Spa Resort is Terengganu's first ever 5 star Resort set amidst 800 acres of lush tropical greenery, fringed by a 7.6km private beach." reads the room's key card. That perfectly describes the resort.

Our family were there last year around August 2007 and it was refreshing to be there again May this year (2008). Gratefully, the place did not disappoint us. We just cannot stop ourselves from returning to the tranquility of the surroundings, the beautiful landscaping, and the variety of facilities & activities at the resort. Its exactly the kind of hotels & resorts for every holiday stay.


For each of our visits, we stayed in the deluxe rooms which were adequately spacious. All the rooms in the resort have a sea view, but we did notice that the right wing of the resort has a much better view of the sea and golf course. Although the rooms on the left wing has a sea view too, we didn't like the view as much mainly due to visibility of water hazards on the golf course. We'd prefer if the view overlooked the entire greens of the golf course.



It was however real cosy snuggling on the two-seater sofa overlooking the panoramic view of the sea. The TV set across the room is mounted on a rotatable stand and conveniently let's us watch from practically all corners of the room, well almost all. :-)



We do love the fact that there is ample table space in the room for us to scatter our belongings everywhere. And oh, the bedroom slippers are most welcome although its not really needed since the carpets are quite clean.



We personally like the bathroom design very much. There is a large basin, with a separate shower and bowl, and a long bathtub that opens into the room through a sliding window. Ahhh....what better way to enjoy perfect relaxation than to soak in the bathtub while enjoying the range of programmes on TV!



Not forgetting, the solid king size bed and pillows in clean sheets gave us the utmost comfort every night.

The rooms are still in tip-top condition and impeccably clean. I must say, house-keeping did a superb job up-keeping the place. The resort has a dedicated house-keeper for each floor designated to clean the rooms of the resort so you know who has been cleaning your room. We were very impressed by the profesionalism of the resort's house-keeping: clothes strewn across the room are all folded neatly, and our personal belongings are neatly re-arranged but never moved out of place so we can always find them where we left them.

Buffet breakfast is usually included and they have a decent variety of English and Asian breakfast. For bread lovers, the choice is plentiful. All-in-all, a truly satisfying meal to start the day.


As for the BEACH, the sand is just perfect for us! Aside from articles that are occasionally washed ashore, the beach is very well maintained and clean. You will not want to miss the spectacular view of the sun rising in the mornings from 6:30AM onwards.



There are plenty of trees shading the beach and quite a number of shaded benches so all the fair ladies out there can laze around all day without worrying about getting a tan under the scorching hot sun! My hubby and I had the most peaceful hours by the beach in the mornings, noons and evenings, just listening to the soothing music of South China Sea!!



And of course, the excellent service exuded by the staffs at the resort deserves a thumbs-up! Thus far, all the staffs we have met there are most friendly and give all out to assist us on any enquiries.

Needless to say, these are only some of the reasons why we would choose Awana Kijal again for our next vacation. A highly recommended getaway for family with kids.

With such a pleasant experience at Awana Kijal, my family would most certainly consider Awana Porto Malai resort for island getaways, or Awana Genting Highlands for our next highland trip.


Address: KM28 Jalan Kemaman Dungun, 24100 Kijal, Kemaman, Terengganu Darul Iman.
Tel: +609-864-1188, Fax: +609-864-1688

From Kuala Lumpur
- via East Coast Expressway approximately 3 hours
- via Karak Highway Route approximately 5 hours (352km)



See also:
Awana Kijal (2) - Things To Do
Awana Kijal (3) - Where To Eat

From Highlands to the East

My family and I were feeling adventurous and have decided that we'll head on to Awana Kijal in Kemaman Terengganu after our Cameron stopover.

The distance between the two places on the map did not look that far apart, but some after-thought on it proved otherwise. It really seemed that all possible routes would land us with 7-9 hour drive. That idea wasn't very appealing but we went ahead anyway.


So which is the best and quickest route from Cameron to Kijal?


Well if the new highway to Kuala Lipis/Kuantan was officially opened, it might just be the best possible route to take. The exit to this new road is at the juncture just before Ringlet. However at that time (May 2008), most part of the route is not tarred yet, so the journey through the dirt road would naturally be slower.

Although its a much shorter distance, the idea of driving through dirt roads and the vague directions given to us did not make us think twice. We did not want to be getting lost on our holiday trip. A definite NO-NO!


Fortunately for us, there was an Indian tour guide who sits at the Equatorial lobby everday, very smartly pointed out the best and quickest possible route; that is a cut through to Genting. We were so relieved and thankful as it was indeed the best route available.

With his advice, we set off early in the morning and took the route to Tanjung Malim heading towards Genting. Then halfway up to Genting, there is an intersection that has an exit to Bentong. From there, it lead us back to Karak highway and then towards Kuantan where we took the Jalan Berserah up towards Kemaman.

It was a shocking 7 hours marathon drive of approximately 500km! WOW! Yes, we were equally shocked when we realized that.

Hard to believe how we got through the long hours in the car, and my poor hubby was very exhausted when we arrived at Awana Kijal as he did not allow me to drive.

Thankfully, all were quickly forgotten as we take in the breathtaking view of the beach and the sea.


Total toll rates damage (as at May 2008) = MYR 33.10 (~USD 10)
From Cameron to Tanjung Malim - MYR 10.50 (~USD 3)
From Genting to Bentong - MYR 3.00 (~USD 1)
From Karak to Kuantan - MYR 19.60 (~USD 6)



See also:
Awana Kijal
Cool Retreat to the Highlands (1)
Cool Retreat to the Highlands (2) - Accomodation
Cool Retreat to the Highlands (3) - Where to Eat

Who's the Chef?

After having a sumptous meal at a restaurant, have you ever wondered about the chef who prepared the dishes with such exquisite touches that you just cannot resist ?

This site gives you a sneak peak of the chefs behind the kitchen of some fine dining restaurants -- http://www.visionkl.com/2007-11/today3.asp

Among the restaurants in hotels that are featured on this site are:

Avanti Italian-American Ristorante @ Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa
Bossa Nova @ Parkroyal KL
Chalet @ Hotel Equatorial KL
Chynna@ Hilton KL
The Emperor @ Sheraton Subang Hotel and Towers
Genji Japanese Restaurant @ Hilton PJ Hotel
GOBO Upstairs Lounge and Grill @ Traders Hotel
Iketeru @ Hilton KL
ISHQ @ Crowne Plaza Mutiara KL
KURA @ One World Hotel
Lafite @ Shangri-La Hotel KL
Lai Po Heen @ Mandarin Oriental KL
MED. @Marchehé @ Renaissance KL Hotel
Ming Ren @ Highlands Hotel, Pahang
The Olive @ Genting Hotel, Pahang
Pacifica Grill & Bar @ Mandarin Oriental KL
QBA Lating Grill @ Westin KL
Qing Zhen @ Novotel Hydro Majestic KL
Sagar @ Hotel Istana KL
Senses @ Hilton KL
Tai Zi Heen @ Prince Hotel & Residence KL
Tuscany Italian Restaurant @ Putrajaya Marriott Hotel, Putrajaya
West Lake Garden @ Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa, Sunway
Zuan Yuan @ One World Hotel, PJ

Other mentioned independent restaurants are:

China Treasures @ Sime Darby Convention Centre, KL
The Dining Room @ La Bodega, Bangsar
Enak KL @ Starhill Gallery, KL
IL TEMPIO @ Taman Tun Abdul Razak, Ampang
Le Français @ One Bangsar
Tamarind Spings, Taman Tun Abdul Razak, Ampang

Cool Retreat to the Highlands (3) - Where To Eat

We always want a good meal during our vacation don't we, but you just never get lucky at times.

Hope the following reviews on restaurants around Cameron help you decide where you should have your next meal:

Food @ Brinchang

1. Golden Wing Restaurant (corner shop of the row behind the main road, from Tanah Rata direction, turn left at the end of the row of shops along the main road)
==> Steamboat, Chinese food

An elderly Singaporean who frequents this place every time he's in Cameron highly recommends this restaurant for its steamboat. Apparently, it has the best soup and steamboat.

Assam fish is a MUST try**!

We were really eager to try this restaurant, but unfortunately we missed it because its usually closed 2-3 days right after the holiday season.

Tip: 20% discount for phone reservations.
Contact: 012-5176223, 019-5556223


2. You Hoo Restaurant (next to Chop Joo Seng Mini Market)
==> Steamboat, Chinese dishes

This restaurant was packed on the last day we were there. Worth trying.


3. Restaurant Highland (behind Yoo Hoo)
- Steamboat, Chinese dishes

The history of this restaurant was rather vague but it seems the restaurant closed down for some time and is now re-opened in Brinchang. Apparently, it used to be the best steamboat restaurant in Cameron Highland and its the only shop that uses charcoal for the steamboat.

Rather quiet place, probably because of its location. Tourists would not even realize there's a restaurant behind the row of shops.

Fried rice is MUST try though**


4. Restaurant Cameron Highland (next to Yoo Hoo)
==> Steamboat, chinese dishes

We tried the steamboat here and the soup was tasteless. Besides the food portion was too little so a definite no-go for steamboat.

The chinese dishes looks promising though. But unless I'm staying in Cameron for weeks, I probably will not visit it again very soon.

Not recommended.


5. Jew May Yen
==> Steamboat, chinese dishes
One review recommends the Taufoo, Hong Mei Pork Ribs, Curry Fish Head

Contact: 05-4914020


6. Silver Star
==> Steamboat, others, there might be some western dishes too

A tourist trap warned by many for its expensive dishes.

However during our stay there, this restaurant appear to be only one that's mostly packed.

Will you take your chance on this? :-)


7. Hong Kong
==> Organic steamboat
Slightly more expensive than the other steamboats at ~USD6(MYR18)/person

No recommendations available.


8. Restaurant Kwan Kee
==> Steamboat, chinese dishes, seafood

No recommendations available.


9. O.K. Tuck
==> Steamboat, Chinese dishes

We tried several dishes, which was really just mediocre.


10. Restaurant Fong Lum
==> Steamboat, chinese dishes, seafood

One of the most brightly lit restaurant in Brinchang.
No recommendations available.


11. Palm Leaf (opposite Public Bank)
==> Thai food, fried rice


12. Raju's Strawberry farm (opposite Equatorial)
==> Milk shake, ice-cream, waffles, scones

Contact: 05-4914649
Address: F-12 Green low, Kea Farm


13. Ferm Nyonya - No recommendations available.
14. Hotel Kowloon - No recommendations available.
15. Country Lodge - No recommendations available.
16. Restaurant Sri Sentosa - No recommendations available.



Food @ Tanah Rata

1. T-Cafe
==> Apple pie, scones, breakfast
Highly recommended by many, this is one of the best rated cafe in Cameron Highland.

Contact: 05-4914018 / 019-5722883
Address: 4, 1st Floor, Main Road


2. Mayflower (opposite Regal / Kurnia Bistari bus station)
==> Steamboat


3. Yong Teng (row of stalls opposite Maybank)
==> Pancake, chicken chop, fried mee, nasi lemak
This stall is operated by a mute couple. You make your orders writing on a piece of paper.

They have the regular Malaysian breakfast menu and the price is very economical. Its not all that great a food but decent enough to fill your tummy, though their service was rather slow.

There was no one else around when we order a nasi lemak, chee cheong fun and a pancake but it still took them quite some time to prepare.


4. Bunga Suria Restaurant
==> Indian banana leaf



Other food places @ Cameron

1. Pepper fried fish, steamed mushroom @ a restaurant in Tringkap
2. Western breakfast @ Bala Chalet (very $$$)
3. Summer Palace (very $$$)
4. Roast Chicken, schnitzel @ Lutheran Mission
5. Cameron Valley (5 minutes before Tanah Rata from Tapah)
6. Western @ Smokehouse (very $$$)


OVERALL TIPS:
a. Average cost of Steamboat in Cameron,
- Clear soup ~USD4 (MYR12-14)/person
- Combination soup (two flavours) ~USD9 (MYR28-30)/person
b. Seafood would be expensive in Cameron


Please do share your comments on the food if you've been to these restaurants. Thank you.


See also:
Cool Retreat to the Highlands (1)
Cool Retreat to the Highlands (2) - Accomodation
From Highlands to the East