The Morning Wet Market & The Breakfast of Champions

I am not usually a morning person.

However, this morning I decided to drag myself out of bed and venture to the morning wet markets. As a child, I used to accompany my mother to these wet markets to buy fresh produce. It was the only way to shop in those days - before the big supermarket chains changed the way we bought our groceries. 

The Morning Wet Market

At the break of dawn, these fresh produce and meat sellers would procure their products from the farms and suppliers. Then they will assemble their products in their own carts or stalls at a specified area. Yes, the area is zoned for a wet market with the condition that they will dismantle everything and leave the said area by 12 noon or the set time. It is usually a large parking spot that has been turned to a wet market like the one pictured above. After 12 noon, it will be returned to its original status as a parking lot. It is always busiest at around 9:00am to 10:00am.  

In Malaysia, these markets are called wet markets because the ground is literally wet. 

The View from at the Ground Level

You can find all things "fresh" here - vegetables, fruits, seafood, meat and etc. I have not taken a picture of the hanging fresh cut meats. It has never been a pretty sight to behold in my books. What I do enjoy going through are the vegetables and fruits. Every stall owner would mind their own space, careful not to over-step the boundaries of another. 

Vegetables Galore

Assortment of Fruits

One of the several Fish Mongers

A wet market is never complete without the usual "traditional" breakfast stall-sellers. There is the "nasi lemak" lady with her own small table set up. "Nasi Lemak" is a staple breakfast diet for most Malaysians. It is basically coconut milk-infused cooked rice served with a half of a hard boiled egg, some fried anchovies, roasted peanuts, slices of cucumber and accompanied by the famous spicy "sambal" sauce. Then it is all wrapped up nicely in banana leaf.

The "Nasi Lemak" Lady

"Nasi Lemak" Unwrapped 

These days, there are several variations to the original "nasi lemak". There are even "gourmet" versions whereby you can add "chicken rendang" or "beef rendang", fried chicken and etc. "Rendangs" are traditional Malay-styled curries but in a dry form, unlike the soupy curries that we usually see. These "rendangs" are always loaded with spices and exude a wonderful enticing aroma when done well.

Another local favourite breakfast diet is the "Chee Cheong Fan". It is essentially made of rice flour and rolled into individual long cylinder pieces. Similar to the rice flour "Cheong Fans" in Chinese Restaurants for "Dim Sum". However, these are plain "Cheong Fans" - without any meat fillings.

The "Chee Cheong Fan" Stall

These are usually eaten with fish balls, fish cakes of different varieties and drenched in sauce. We have a choice of sauces - from curry, to spicy to sweet. I usually pack all three just because I do appreciate variety. Of course, we can pick anything that we like to go with the "Chee Cheong Fan". The stall above sells all kinds of tofu and soy products to go along with the "Chee Cheong Fan".

The sauces to accompany the "Chee Cheong Fan"

This is how we serve the "Chee Cheong Fan" at home

And this is usually how I eat mine - drenched in a mixture of the sweet and spicy sauce. Yes, in the end, the curry sauce was left aside :(

My Fave Combi of the "Chee Cheong Fan"

Lastly, another local delight which one may not find in Western countries - the "Putu Mayam". It is another childhood fave of mine. It is a sweet rice-vermicelli-looking dish that is served with grated coconut and "gula melaka" (coconut palm sugar). Here, at the wet market, an Indian man sells it straight from a box off his motorcycle. 

Preparing the "Putu Mayam" for a customer

Yes, he uses his bare hands! No, just kidding.

All packed up and ready for the happy customer to take home

The "Putu Mayam" is the perfect ending to my entire breakfast. Yes, I started off with the "nasi lemak" which is traditionally Malay, then moved onto the "Chee Cheong Fan" which stems from a Chinese culture and ended with the Indian "Putu Mayam".

Naturally, there are much more varieties in a Malaysian cuisine in terms of breakfasts. I am just highlighting one small part of my Sunday morning. The cities all around Malaysia are buzzing with all kinds of people waking up, and venturing out of their homes in search for their favourite Malaysian breakfasts by now. 

This is the glorious priviledge of living in Malaysia. Our breakfasts are created from our colourful and diverse communities. To me, IT IS THE BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS.

In fact, in most households, it is not surprising to find that the dining table would feature dishes from different races. In my family home, our meals are as colourful and diverse as our motherland, Malaysia. This is what "One Malaysia" tastes like :)

May we always enjoy the beauty and harmony of being Malaysians, living in Malaysia. 

Have a lovely Sunday, everyone.

Peace to all :)

The Return of Majestic Beauty

Every Friday, a column in NST RED will feature an article written by me. It's all about the unique spaces which I have come across that provide interesting or unusual experiences. 

Yes, the stories I write for NST RED can be about anything as long as it is related to spaces/places. After all, the RED in NST RED stands for Real Estate & Decor.

So, this Friday 18th January 2013 - I have written an article about the much anticipated re-opening of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. 

As there are always "constraints" in the newspapers' publication, this is the full version with extra pictures and information. 

THE RETURN OF MAJESTIC BEAUTY

It is becoming almost a rarity these days to be able to walk through conserved old historical buildings, as many are being torn down and replaced by new modern structures. However, it is only through the architecture and monuments of the old which we can catch a glimpse of a country’s heritage and culture. So much of who we are as a citizen or a nation is carved into all the old buildings. The great Winston Churchill said, “We shape our buildings; thereafter, our buildings shape us.”

The Majestic Lobby

As Malaysians, we are fortunate to have corporations like YTL Hotels, which invests in the restoration of heritage buildings. They help keep our architectural lineage alive for future generations to come. YTL Hotels owns and manages an impressive portfolio of award-winning resorts, hotels, spa villages in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and the United Kingdom.

The Reception

After nearly 30 years of absence, YTL has made it possible for a well-regarded nobility to return to the Kuala Lumpur landscape by the re-opening of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. This is the second Majestic Hotel after the property in Melaka that bears the same name.

Reception Area

The Majestic Kuala Lumpur holds a rich history which prided itself as the grandest hotel during her hey days. This grand dame hosted dignitaries, celebrities and politicians of that time. Now, her majesty has returned once again to grace the city which has missed her characteristic presence deeply.

The View Of The Tower Wing

Majestic Restoration

The Majesty Hotel Kuala Lumpur reopened in December 2012 after a long massive reconstruction. It comprises of the four different buildings: Majestic Wing, Tower Wing, Majestic Spa and The Smoke House. The Majestic Wing, Majestic Spa and The Smoke House are housed in the original historical structure. The Tower Wing is a completely new addition to the entire building. The original architect was the Dutch Van Leangeanderg, who designed and built it in 1932.

The Pool at the Tower Wing

In the redevelopment of “Her Royal Highness” to her former glory, YTL entrusted the honour to Zaidan Tahir almost a decade ago. He is the same architect who had worked his magic on “The Majestic” in Melaka and “The Cameron Highlands Resort” of YTL.

The Roof Top Garden at the Tower Wing

The Original Dome 

Zaidan and his team did a remarkable job in preserving the nostalgic 1930’s ambience within the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, as well as its classic facade. While he adhered to the art deco influences of the era, he added his own interpretation of elegance to the whole design of the hotel. Zaidan shared, “We wanted to maintain the look and feel of the place but, at the same time, give it new life. For example, we kept the dome roof in the entrance hall but we added the gold leaf, which has livened up the room.” 

Majestic Wing and Tower Wing

As one wanders through the hallways and every floor of the Majestic Hotel, one cannot help but imagine the golden days of hospitability of this establishment. It is as if time stood still within the realms of this resplendent hotel. 

Nostalgic Hallway

I had the priviledge to be taken on a personal tour of the revitalized property by Ms. Izan Yusuff, the Director of Public Relations of YTL Hotels. She informed me that the Majestic Wing only houses suites. Each suite comes with complete the claw foot bathtubs and personal butlers. 

The Governor Suite's Living Room

The Governor Suite's Bedroom

Breakfasts are even served in the privacy of the suites, delivered by the personal butlers at the guests’ preferred times. There are 18 Colonial Suites, 15 Governor Suites and 2 Majestic Suites in the Majestic Wing. I especially adored the bathroom tiles of the Majestic Wing’s suites. They are the “Metro Beveled Edged” white tiles that are also used in the “London Underground”. Imagine the extent of classic details embedded into these suites. 

The Claw Foot Bath Tub

Those who long to re-live the glory of colonial days, the suites in the Majestic Wing would be the perfect choice. The Majestic Wing remains Izan’s favourite section of the hotel because she used to visit the original Majestic Hotel with her parents as a child. This is indeed a “personal revisit” for her in many ways. 

The Governor Suite's Bathroom

For guests who crave a more contemporary accommodation, the Tower Wing provides 176 Deluxe Rooms, 55 Junior Suites, 11 Grand Suites and 11 Premier Suites. All the rooms in the Tower Wing are modern rendition of the hotel’s art deco style. 

The Deluxe Room in Tower Wing

Zaidan explained that, “The Art Deco period represents luxury, glamour, exuberance and technological progress, which I found would be the best concept for the interior of this new building, elements of which are found in the old building.” Opulence is not lacking in any of the Tower Wing fashionable rooms. Every decorative item has been personally selected and designed by Zaidan. Hence, the exterior and interior of the hotel pervade in the same architectural language and theme.   

Majestic Spa

The garage and staff quarters of the old wing have been transformed into a double storey Spa. 

Majestic Spa Reception Area

The Majestic Spa is very much infused with the designs of the world famous Scottish architect, designer and artist: Charles Rennie Mackinstosh. Here, one would find art nouveau converged with the old world of British Malaya. Even the spa menu reads like an English Afternoon Tea Party. Lavender, the flower, its scent and the colour, plays a central role in the Majestic Spa. 

Prelude to Spa Treatments: Foot Bath 

An additional special feature of the Spa is its pool that overlooks the Moorish Heritage Train Station. Before a treatment begins, every guest will be treated to a foot soak or bath. They will be enjoying this prelude to their spa treatment at the second storey lounge area of the spa. There is nothing more luxurious than soaking up the ambience of this very majestic spa and being pampered from head to toe.  

Spa Pool with a View

If the spa treatments are not enticing enough, one could easily relax in the Smoke House of the Majestic Wing. The Smoke House is the only place in the entire property that one could still smoke indoors. It is a games room of sorts. As soon as you open the doors, a Billiard’s Table in the middle of the room greets you. 

The Smoke House

There is a bar, cigar room, card room, private dining area complete with a showcase kitchen, a living room with the state of art visual and audio systems, and that is not all. 

The Audio Visual Area of Smoke House

As one ventures down the stairs to the lower ground of the Smoke House, one would find a 12 seater Private Screening Room and a Gentleman’s Barber with its own bespoke tailor on call, and shoe shine services. Yes, the men can enjoy their own “personal grooming” here.

The Screening Room

The Gentleman's Personal Grooming Space

A Room of Ten Thousand Perpetual Blooms

One of the highlights of the Majestic Hotel is the “Orchid Conservatory Room”. This may be the first hotel in Malaysia that could boast of having a dedicated conservatory to orchids. 

Orchids Galore

The temperature in this room is set to a constant 22 to 24 Celsius degrees. It is a unique space specially built to connect the new and old wings of the hotel. It measures no more than 28 feet by 50 feet. Izan said that conservatory is nicknamed, “a place of ten thousand perpetual blooms.” 

Perfect Spot for Afternoon Tea

A local renowned orchid cultivator and enthusiast, Steven Cheong, is responsible for maintaining and changing these splendid local varieties known as the Phalaenopsis. As Steven explained that the Phalaenopsis is “relatively easy to grow and care for, thriving especially in a controlled climate environment.” All I could do was swoon at the sight of this stunning conservatory. Enjoying one’s afternoon tea amid these elegant blooms would be a true delight.

Colonial Café and Contango

Apart from the traditional English Afternoon Teas, the Majestic Hotel offers two very distinctive dining choices. The first is the “Colonial Café”, prized for its traditional dishes such as the “Oxtail Soup”, the “Potterhaus Steak”, “Hainanese Chicken Chop”, “Chicken Rice Balls” and “Ayam Kunyit” just to name a few.

Colonial Cafe

Heritage Recipes

Some may have not be aware that the hotel’s Executive Chef Mohammad Ali Kunhi had actually undergone an “intensive training course” with the YTL owners’ mother, Puan Sri Datin Seri Kai Yong. Therefore, Chef Mohammad had actually learnt the traditional “colonial” recipes directly from a very special individual. These are what I’d call “heritage recipes”, as they have been passed down from one generation to another, unadulterated by the modern changing flavours. For example, the sauce for the “Ayam Kunyit” takes more than 20 hours to prepare in order to achieve its authentic taste and flavour. There are no short cuts here. Therefore, if one would like to experience the flavours of the old British Malaya, then the “Colonial Café” is the place to go. Some may be surprised or unaccustomed to the “original” tastes of these dishes, but do know that they are definitely as authentic as it comes. After all, Chef Mohammad has made sure that he had acquired the exact measurements of all the ingredients to each recipe from Puan Sri Datin Seri Kai Yong and worked to perfect them.

Contango and their savy Chefs

The second dining option in the Majestic Kuala Lumpur is “Contango”. Chef Mohammad fondly describes “Contango” as an interactive dining experience. 

The Western Station at Contango

Although the lay out of the restaurant is similar to a buffet of two exclusive stations, it is so much more than a “normal” buffet styled dining. Diners at “Contango” are actually encouraged to speak with the chefs at each cooking stations, and then the chefs would customize the dish to suit each diner’s palate. The two stations offer an International and Asian cuisine.

The Asian Station at Contango

I must say that “Contango” offers a diverse and vast menu. They make their own freshly baked breads, pastas, salads, sushi, ice creams, and there is even a Churrasco. One can literally order anything and the chefs of each station will gladly cook it and serve it up. What’s more, the restaurant changes its menu selection during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chef Mohammad is constantly challenging himself and his team to create something new while infusing the local flavours with various spices.

Each of Contango’s station invites the diner to create what they like, as they like it. I was most thrilled to find that I could make my own version of “rojak buah” and add the fruits which I liked best. However, my natural gravitational pull was towards the Dessert Bar. “Contango” has an impressive selection of homemade ice creams which range from the usual flavours to “Cempedak”, “Calamansi” and “Durian.”

Delectable Desserts with Berry Sago on Display

My personal favourite at “Contango” is the “Berry Sago Dessert”. You just have to come and taste it for yourself. If you want to fully enjoy this dessert, I strongly recommend that you add a scoop of “Strawberry” ice cream to it. Trust me, it tastes simply divine.

Private Dining Area in The Smoke House

As they say in YTL, “Sometimes the resurrection of a Hotel can herald a second renaissance.” It is indeed a pleasure to welcome back a magnificent structure such as The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. May “Her Majesty” remain with us for many years to come, so that future generations may also experience its rich heritage. Like a “Sleeping Beauty”, SHE has awakened to stir our long cherished memories and to assist us in making new ones.

So, whether you choose to come to The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur for the glorious food, or you’ve come to savour the history of the hotel, you would no doubt experience something marvelous here. At every corner, lovely surprises await you. Come expecting nothing, but leave with your very own majestic moment.

A Revolution or a REVIVAL?

Anyone who knows me well, would know that I HATE POLITICS with a passion.

I do not like talking about it, reading about it, watching it or even listening to it.

It is not that I do not care about my country or my fellow Malaysians. It's the sense of hopelessness that weighs me down every time I come across something which I know should not happen at all, but it does. And in Malaysia, it seems almost condoned.

When one has read, listened and watched more than enough B.S over the years, it becomes rather old and stale. In my case, I have become totally numb to the B.S of Malaysian politics.

Recently, Malaysia has been voted as the worst corrupted country. We have out-performed China and Indonesia in this aspect. Our CHAMPION TROPHY is not accompanied with glory. Rather, it reeks with shame and disgust.

Do not take my word for it. Watch it for yourself here and read all about it here.

This is my personal opinion - I can actually accept that some measure of corruption exists in every country and it is virtually impossible to wipe that slate clean. However, I expect and demand that you please deliver the goods and promises after you have pocketed the money. IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE for you and your cronies to take the money and deliver crap to the people and nation. THAT IS EPIC B.S.

Question: Why does every other person on the street feel fed-up and totally disillusioned with the government at this point in time?

Answer: They have been repeatedly let down and been majorly screwed over.

The very least any government could have done, after taking the money, IS to do the job well and right. But there is no such thing here because GREED has ensured that no one could do any job well. Some do not even lift a finger to do anything at all and yes, they continually get paid well.

Hence, we have arrived to where we are now - Angry, Fed-Up and yes, we have had it up to our eye balls with the lame excuses, lies, shadow plays and superficial charades.

No one is that stupid anymore, and no one wants to buy the B.S anymore.

I ESPECIALLY HATE IT WHEN THEY PLAY THE RACIAL GAMES. TRYING TO FOOL PEOPLE INTO DISHARMONY. THIER OLD TACTICS OF DIVIDE AND CONQUER ARE STILL BEING USED TO THIS DAY. ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY HAVE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING GOOD TO OFFER OR STATE. 

ENOUGH WITH THE IMPERIAL B.S ALREADY!

WE ALL KNOW WE DESERVE BETTER.

WE WANT BETTER AND WE DEMAND BETTER.

IF ANY GOVERNMENT WANTS TO WIN BACK THE NATION AND PEOPLE'S TRUST, THEN THEY HAVE TO START DOING WHAT THEY DID NOT DO AT THE START - THAT IS, DELIVER ON ALL THE PROMISES AND GOODS TO THE PEOPLE, TO THE NATION. ENSURE THAT EVERY PROCESS IS CLEAN, FAIR, TRANSPARENT AND UNSTAINED BY CORRUPT TACTICS.

IF ANY GOVERNMENT WANTS TO WIN BACK THE PEOPLE'S VOTES - THEN FOLLOW THROUGH CONSISTENTLY WITH POLICIES THAT ACTUALLY HELP THE PEOPLE AND NOT JUST THEMSELVES.

IF THE ONLY THING THAT ANY GOVERNMENT FEAR IS THEIR OWN DEMISE, THEN THEIR ACTIONS AND POLICIES WILL ALSO REFLECT EXACTLY THAT. AND EVERY CITIZEN WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THROUGH IT ALL VERY CLEARLY. NO ONE IS THAT BLIND AT THIS DAY AND AGE.

The Election is coming up soon. They have until April this year to call it.

People have taken to the streets in a peaceful rally to demand a clean election.


KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 ― Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan took Bersih’s fight for electoral reform to the “Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat” rally at Stadium Merdeka this afternoon, urging the crowd of over 80,000 people to help the group spot fraud in the coming polls.

The Bersih co-chairman, who was introduced to the rally as “the iron lady of Malaysia”, said Malaysians should also come out in full force on polling day and exercise their constitutional right to vote for the government of their choice.

“We need help. Help us as observers. In the 13th general election, all must come out to vote. You must,” she thundered to the standing crowd that filled the entire stadium from the open field to the bleachers.

“Ini kalilah. This is it. Repeat after me. This is it. We love Malaysia. This is for Malaysia. And we have hope because of you.

“You, the rakyat, will make the difference. You can help us clean the election. You will rise to the occasion, you will take part in democracy. This is it,” Ambiga said, leading the crowd into a chant.

Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/ambiga-rallies-crowd-to-join-bersihs-polls-reform-campaign/

IT'S TIME FOR ALL GOVERNMENTS TO CLEAN UP THEIR ACTS.

IT'S TIME FOR ALL NATIONS TO RAISE THEIR STANDARDS.

WE, AS THE PEOPLE, DESERVE MUCH BETTER.

THIS IS NOT A REVOLUTION.

THIS IS THE REVIVAL OF PEOPLE POWER.

We, AS THE PEOPLE, are the ones who define our country by the decisions we make and the things we allow to be put into place. We, as the voters, have the power to decide how we want our country to be governed. After all, we are the very ones who have to live with the decisions or suffer the consequences. Remember this when it's voting time. Here's to a better, stronger and more united Malaysia! 

Peace to all!

Story Ten from "A Symphony of Short Stories"

Story Ten: The Reluctant Traveler

Fear has held Sandra hostage because she had allowed it to. She thought it was safer to be locked within her own boundaries. She knows that she had given terror the absolute authority to make her invalid to the world, and to herself. It has been 25 years, 8 months and 10 days since she lost her entire family in a horrific plane crash. To this day, it is recorded as the worst single aircraft disaster in history.

Sandra can still hear the newscaster’s voice in her head, as if it was just yesterday. It was an August evening of the 12^th in the year 1985. She had came home early from work. As usual, she would switch on the television to catch the day’s headlines and make herself a cup of tea. The local news channel was broadcasting the top stories of the day. Then the words: “BREAKING NEWS - Japan Airlines Flight 123 has crashed near Mount Osutaka.” splintered across her kitchen table, and gutted her heart.

Sandra’s mug fell onto the floor, and shattered to pieces. She could not move, and stay glued to the television set. They were showing a live aerial transmission of the crash site.

“At around 6pm today, the Japan Airlines 747 Boeing flight had taken off from Tokyo International Airport 12 minutes behind schedule. It was a domestic flight from Tokyo to Osaka. However, due to severe mechanical failure the plane crashed into the mountains about 100 kilometers from Tokyo. There are only four confirmed survivors. The death toll stands at 520. ” The newscaster added.

Sandra’s husband and son were on that flight. Her husband was taking their son to visit his parents in Osaka, as it was the Obon holiday week in Japan. It was customary for all practicing Japanese Buddhists to go back to their hometowns during Obon to honour the dead, specifically the spirits of their ancestors. Sandra would have never imagined that her family’s first trip back to Osaka without her would be their last. In that one day, Sandra’s world came undone. She had lost everything that was important and dear to her. 

The weeks that followed went by like a haze. Sandra had to fly out to Japan to identify her family’s bodies. She went to the morgue together with her in-laws. They had decided to bury their remains in Osaka, where her husband was born. After the small and private funeral procession was over, Sandra made her way back to Malaysia. She truly dreaded coming back. There was nothing for her to return to.

The first month was pure hell. She had never felt more abandoned. Although many friends and relatives came by to visit or called her, it was never going to be the same. She was completely and utterly alone. As she was an only child and her parents had already passed, her husband and son were all she had in the world. She thought of joining them in the after-life, as there seemed pointless in pretending that she still had a life. It became her routine. From the very second, she opened her eyes to face another depressing day, to the final minutes before she gave herself over to exhaustion and slept through another lonely night – all she could think about was how to end her life. Even breathing in and out was becoming a chore. Day by day, she felt more drained. She had no energy to do anything else, but grieved. Her house was turning into a dumpsite of sorts.

THIS IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK: "LIFE IS A JOURNEY - A SYMPHONY OF SHORT STORIES".

THE BOOK IS BEING PUBLISHED AS WE SPEAK, BOTH IN HARD COPY AND E-FORMAT. 

HOPE YOU LIKE IT ENOUGH TO BUY THE BOOK WHEN IT IS OUT. I WILL UPDATE AGAIN. 

THANKS :)