Dec 10, 2016 |
Digging Into Malaysia’s Famous “Chilli Pan Mee”
I came across my first ever bowl of Chilli Pan Mee when I went on a “Shutter Therapy” with Robin Wong. That was a few years ago. Since then I have made it a mission to get myself a nice bowl of traditional Malaysian Chilli Pan Mee in Kuala Lumpur whenever I’m there.
Chilli Pan Mee is a real working persons meal. It’s got carbs and protein all in a bowl. The eggless flour noodles are thick, yummy and filling. It’s got crunch from fried anchovies. Some extra savory tastes from the fried shallots and seasoned minced beef.
And depending on which restaurant you go or which area you’re in; Chilli Pan Mee is one of the cheapest meals in Kuala Lumpur.
This bowl of homemade spice is what makes Chilli Pan Mee so special…
But the real kicker on any proper Chilli Pan Mee is the nice poached egg. Wait, I take it back. The real kicker is actually the homemade chilli!
For me this kind of chilli is spicy, but not fiery spicy. You can add 3 or 4 heaping tablespoons and you’ll get that enjoyable heat. But it won’t burn your mouth to the point your eyes start watering and your nose becomes super runny.
You mix everything up with your chopsticks and spoon together and enjoy!
There are many Chilli Pan Mee restaurants all over KL. And my friend Robin showed me a restaurant located in Chow Kit called Restoran Kin Kin.
Restoran Kin Kin is a dive restaurant that is popular with local Malays…
Restoran Kin Kin in Chow Kit
Address: 40, Jalan Dewan Sultan Sulaiman, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
There are plenty of famous Chilli Pan Mee restaurants all over KL. Restoran Kin Kin in Kuala Lumpur’s Chow Kit neighborhood is one of them. And this was actually the first restaurant I ever had my first bowl.
Afterwards I’ve tried several other places on my own. Many places came close to Restoran Kin Kin’s style. But it could never replace it.
Restoran Kin Kin is also very easy to find. You can get there by taking the KL Monorail to Medan Tuanku Station. The immediate area surrounding the restaurant may look run down to some but it’s quite safe.
A cook preparing a sheet of dough ready to be sliced into noodles…
I don’t think there is a menu but the staff inside can speak English and I know the owner inside can speak Cantonese and most likely Mandarin too.
But they know if you step foot inside you’re looking for Chilli Pan Mee. The real question is how many bowls you want to order.
And if you have a healthy appetite like me it’ll be more than one!
You can’t just have one bowl…
To me the portions are not too big. But one bowl is enough for a snack I suppose. So if you really want a full on meal I guess you have to order two bowls. Like most customers do. Every time I’m there when I look around Restoran Kin Kin customers usually have extra bowls on their tables.
Besides, a bowl of Restoran Kin Kin’s Chilli Pan Mee only cost 8RM. That’s $1.80USD a bowl. Also a small bowl of spinach egg drop soup is included.
Dec 9, 2016 |
And a Much Anticipated Visit to Suwon’s Fried Chicken Street (수원 통닭거리)
After my first ever Suwon day trip from Seoul last year I was so excited to go back as soon as I could. As much as I enjoyed exploring Suwon’s Hwaseong Palace (화성행궁) and its magnificent fortress, I missed out on a place I should’ve visited the first time. And that is Suwon’s Fried Chicken Street!
This year I had a chance to visit South Korea earlier than usual. And also my wife tagged along with me. It’ll be her first ever trip in South Korea. So I had to make it special.
With her in hand we headed back to Suwon for another day trip from Seoul. But will we be feasting on some of the best fried chicken this side of South Korea?
(Chi-maek) Chicken and Beer is a popular combination in Seoul. I got this from a restaurant in Myeongdong.
A Little Background on Korea’s Fried Chicken
First off in South Korea; fried chicken, which is usually enjoyed with a frosty mug of Korean draft beer is not unique to Suwon. Particularly in some of Seoul’s neighborhoods. If you randomly threw a rock in Myeongdong or Namdameun, chances are you’d hit a chicken and beer restaurant or “chi-maek” (치맥).
The fried chicken and beer combination is not just unique and famous in Suwon. What is unique however is that Suwon has a street dedicated to chi-maek restaurants with hordes of loyal local customers often waiting on queues to feast at their favorite local joint.
Now I have no clue about which chicken and beer restaurant is the best one in Suwon. So I googled and came across several travel blogs like this blog and on a few South Korean travel information websites. I quickly browsed through the info and found a lot of recommendations for the best fried chicken restaurants in Suwon.
It was only 5pm at Jin Mi Chicken and the restaurant was fairly busy…
As much as I respect other bloggers’ opinions I also like to do my own culinary explorations. There’s no secret to how I find good restaurants in unfamiliar territory.
I peek into a restaurant and if I see no local customers, I leave. If I peek inside and see a fair amount of locals I proceed. It’s as simple as that. It has always worked. Well most of the time…
Jin Mi Chicken Restaurant in Suwon
According to several travel bloggers, Jin Mi is the place to be for the best of Suwon’s fried chicken…
Address: 50, Paldal-ro 1-ga, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do
Telephone: (031)255-3401
With a little detective work I deduced that that Jin Mi Chicken first opened back in 1981. Or rather I just read it from the store front sign. Anyways, it seems like many of the most popular fried chicken shops in Suwon all have a long history in the business of providing fried chicken to the hungry masses.
And what’s supposed to be unique in Suwon is the restaurants fry their birds outside where onlookers can smack their lips while waiting on queue.
Seasoned (sticky spicy sweet sauce) and unseasoned are the choices…
I did not see such a thing happening. But then again we were visiting in late November. And the temps was a chilly low 50°F (10°C) degrees with wind. Not ideal for frying chickens I tell you. So no surprise to see them frying chickens in a kitchen. But I can imagine the spectacle and fanfare of cooking outdoors.
The Verdict
Does Jin Mi Chicken serve some really good lip smacking fried birds? I dug in first on the unseasoned fried chicken to check out the coating. For my own personal taste, the coating is too thick. And it needed some seasoning like salt. Okay, granted a small plate of salt and pepper is provided and meant for dipping solves the problem.
A little bit closer look and you’ll see a neck and gizzards…
We also ordered a half plate of seasoned chicken which was supposed to be a spicy sweet sauce. It was sweet but it certainly wasn’t spicy. Good news is the chicken wasn’t dry. Overall, it’s not bad fried chicken. We still managed to scarf down the two plates. It’s just not what I had expected is all.
Final Thoughts
You’ll also see that the chicken bits are all chopped up. Not all pieces are recognizable like you’d see at Kentucky Fried Chicken. There will even be a chicken neck in there. Even a handful of fried chicken gizzards is thrown in for extra protein.
No one speaks English inside. However there is this big menu board on the back wall with clear and simple prices.
One fried chicken restaurant down and many more to try the next time I’m back in Suwon for another day trip…
We didn’t have any beer because it was early evening and the meal came out to 15,000KRW or $13US dollars. A 500cc of Korean draft beer cost 3,000KRW or $2.50USD.
So I tried Jin Mi Chicken, one of the city’s most well known fried chicken joints. Sad to say I’m not crazy about their fried Chicken.
But there are many more fried chicken restaurants in Suwon to try out of course and I will certainly be back again to check them out!
Oct 30, 2016 |
The Cicada Market – A Place You’ll Enjoy Even When You Hate Shopping…
But that’s just me. I’m a big grump when it comes to shopping. However I do love taking a stroll through any of Thailand’s famous night markets like Bangkok’s Talad Liab Duan. And certainly around Hua Hin’s Cicada Market. Which technically isn’t a night market. But who am I to disagree.
Now there really isn’t that much to do in Hua Hin (in my most humble opinion). So checking out Cicada Market at night is most likely on your to do list. It’s a highly recommended must visit in Hua Hin by travelers on tripadvisor.com.
My wife and I always make it our mission to visit Cicada Market every time we stay several nights in Hua Hin. Because it truly is a lovely market to stroll around even when you don’t plan on buying anything.
The best thing I enjoy about Cicada Market is eating all the street food I can get my grubby hands on.
When the weather is cool in Hua Hin, Cicada Market is a pleasure to walk around at night…
Cicada Market’s Location and Hours
This popular Thai night market by the sea is just south of Hua Hin’s city center. About 4.11 kilometers from the city’s equally famous Hua Hin Night Market.
There are many budget, mid and high end hotels in Hua Hin. I’ve stayed in many of them. If you’ve never visited Hua Hin before and this is will be your first visit, be sure to book a hotel near Hua Hin’s beach because it’s a lot more affordable then you’d think.
Here are some hotels I reviewed near Cicada Market:
- The Escape Hotel (3 stars)- This hotel offers guests complimentary scheduled shuttle service to the market.
- Ibis Hua Hin (2 stars and pet friendly) – 5 minute walk to Cicada Market.
- Amari Hua Hin (4 stars)- 2 minute walk to Cicada Market.
Cicada Market’s operating days/hours are from Friday to Sunday, from 4pm to 11pm (cicadamarket.com).
Please note on Sunday the market closes 1 hour earlier at 10pm. Hua Hin Night Market closes at 1am.
The fact that they’re not open past midnight to me hardly qualifies it as a night market. Because it’s not. Everyone has been calling Cicada Market a night market.
Even Cicada Market organizers don’t refer to themselves as a night market.
Though I have to admit, the market looks beautiful at night with all the cool incandescent lights placed through out the market. It’s a real shame they can’t stay open longer.
There is also a small amphitheater where plays and even stand up comics can be enjoyed. I haven’t purchased a ticket to catch a show inside so I can’t provide too much information on that.
Cicada Night Market in Hua Hin is a must to visit while you’re in the area. It is open Friday thru Sunday from 4pm to 11pm…
What to Buy in Cicada Market
You’re going to see a common theme while strolling around. And that theme is art. Cicada Market is the kind of place where local Thai artists gather. Whether they be amateurs or professionals they come to showcase and perhaps make a bit of cash selling their art creations.
All kinds of modern art paintings are sold from contemporary to modern. Art lovers will certainly appreciate Cicada Market even more.
In the center of Cicada Market are a few small buildings that double as art exhibitions showcasing local art talent.
I came across this artists creating glass-blown art at Cicada Market…
You’ll also find handmade arts and crafts. Many are run by young enterprising Thai entrepreneurs. Need a bedazzled iPhone case? You’ll find it there. T-Shirts with unique graphic designs? You bet, you’ll see it there.
Amongst the arts and crafts is a family I came across making glass-blown figurines of animals. They can create a lot of animals with glass like giraffes, elephants, tigers and even all types of fish, right on site.
This guy is a master craftsman of glass figurines. His son is learning the art too…
And you can watch the process from start to finish. And it involves a blow torch. In my opinion nothing else is more entertaining then watching a guy wielding a blow torch to work at night. The glass figurines they create are also very affordable and a wonderful souvenir to take home.
Cicada Market is a haven for Thai artists in Hua Hin…
A caricature souvenir of yourself. Check. Many artists are available to paint a caricature of you starting at 300THB, depending on the size of the portrait. That’s a reasonable price. Plus you’ll be helping to feed a starving artist. Speaking about food…
The Food at the Cicada Market
When is it never about food?
Any self respecting market anywhere in the world has got to have an area where people can sit back and enjoy a meal.
I know there are people not keen on eating Thai food because they’re worried about consuming spicy foods. And we all know children are fickle eaters when they don’t recognize a food.
Cicada Market has a smorgasbord of international food selection. Don’t be surprised if you see Italian pizzas and pasta stalls selling next to a stall with American BBQ pork ribs and steaks. Even sushi is available. Halal food is also well represented.
There is a food court with an impressive array of Thai food to recognizable Western foods…
Cicada Market has quite a vast assortment of offerings. And because you’re in Hua Hin seafood is the specialty.
But I would skip the seafood inside Cicada Market because even though I know it’s fresh it’ll be more expensive. I know of a really good seafood restaurant right across from Cicada Market that I highly recommend. I’ll write a post on that restaurant really soon.
But if you find the seafood prices reasonable for your budget then go ahead and enjoy your seafood feast. Giant grilled prawns are available and sold by the kilo. A cook grills the prawns over a bed of hot coals while you wait and enjoy a nice frosty beer.
Lots of grab and go food are sold. But there is a big area with tables and chairs to sit down and enjoy your meals…
I haven’t really tried all the food in Cicada Market because I already have a couple of favorites nearby. But it’s a good place to grab desserts as there is a decent variety.
During peak hours, about 7pm to 9pm Cicada Market’s food seating area is filled to capacity so finding a seat could be difficult.
But with a bit of patience and perseverance you’ll eventually get a table. Plus standing over a seated table while glaring at the current occupants that have finished eating usually helps.
Western style food is hugely popular in Hua Hin and most certainly at Cicada Market…
The Atmosphere
Cicada Market is a fun place to just chill out. The atmosphere is non rushed and less crowded as other major bazaars and markets in Thailand, for example Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok.
And because the beach is nearby you get this nice ocean breeze during the evening.
This kid is quite amazing with what he can do with empty bottles of beer…
In a way it’s one of the biggest attractions in Hua Hin. Which is why many hotels in Hua Hin with shuttle services offer rides to Cicada Market. And spending an evening wandering around there is a perfect way to end a night in Hua Hin.
Like I always say, Cicada Market has a great chilled vibe. It’s a great place for locals to hang out too. Even for local folks in Hua Hin there’s not much to do except coming to these places.
Many festivals take place on the grounds particularly during seasonal holidays like Songkran Thai New Years and especially Western New Years Eve for the big countdown.
Don’t Forget to Check Out Tamarind Market Too – It’s Right Next to Cicada Night
Tamarind Market opened right next to Cicada Market. It’s a totally separate and new to the “night” market scene in Hua Hin. It’s so called because of the location of the market is surrounded by tamarind trees.
However, because both are super close together I think most would think it’s Cicada Market the same. One big difference though is that there’s more local Thai food sold inside Tamarind Market.
Tamarind Market also opens a day extra and an hour earlier: Thursday – Sunday 5pm to 11pm
Cicada and Tamarind Market are both easily the best areas to spend 2 or 3 hours in Hua Hin.
Tamarind Night Market offers Hua Hin visitors more food variety and plenty of seating to eat…
Oct 20, 2016 |
I’m Going to Regret Reviewing the Escape Hua Hin Hotel…
Why? Because there’s a chance there will be more people looking to book this hotel and I won’t be able to get a room. That’s how much I like the Escape Hua Hin. But regardless, here I go.
Hua Hin is one of my favorite city by the beach in Thailand. It’s one of the places I make a pit stop to the scenic and majestic mountains of Khao Sam Roi Yod.
To rest for a night or two before driving further south my wife and I enjoy staying at the 3 star Escape Hua Hin on 25/2 Phetchkasem Road, right in Hua Hin’s city center.
I usually stay over a few nights in Hua Hin whenever we drive down to Khao Sam Roi Yod…
This popular yet relatively unknown hotel is overshadowed by the 5 star Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort looming beside it.
I’ve been staying at the Escape Hua Hin frequently for years. And it was renovated about 5 years ago after it was bought by Sansiri, a popular Thai property conglomerate.
Not Exactly on the Beach – But Close Enough
In general, the closer the hotels are to Hua Hin’s sandy beach, the more money the hotels and resorts will cost. The Escape Hotel is a short 200 meter stroll to the beach.
Which means Escape’s rates won’t be cheap. Though it’s not considered expensive either. But guests can expect a satisfactory 3 star hotel experience. I certainly did every time I stayed there.
Hua Hin’s beach is quite long. The Escape Hua Hin puts you right in the middle of the beach which is much quieter…
Nearby Attractions from Escape Hua Hin Hotel
Escape Hua Hin is situated right by the main road of Phetchkasem in central Hua Hin. So it is very easy to find.
Yet the buildings where guest rooms are situated are neatly tucked away from the noises of passing vehicles. If you want peace and quiet, you’re going to get it at the Escape Hotel.
Escape Hotel Hua Hin property is not so big but still beautiful…
Matter of fact that’s exactly what I like the most about the Escape Hua Hin. It’s private with an exclusive feel without the price tag that’s associated with privacy. This hotel is small and cozy to boot. There are only 46 rooms split among five buildings with two floors each.
The Escape Hua Hin’s Room Review
There are two types of rooms to pick from. Deluxe and deluxe poolside. Deluxe rooms are on the second level and poolside is of course on the ground level where guests have easier access to the hotel’s wonderful little pool.
Deluxe rooms are roughly 31 square meters while poolside rooms are just slightly larger at 35 square meters.
The bathrooms are very spacious and take up roughly 1/3 of the entire room space.
There are these special little speakers by the bed side that pipe soothing and relaxing music. I left that music on at night and had the best sleep of my life.
The deluxe room bathrooms are spacious…
Both room types are the same quality though each building has a different decor theme. And I have stayed in a few different rooms in different buildings and find that the rooms are very clean.
But what you’re going to like most, especially if you’re traveling with a group of friends is the large balcony seating space.
A lot of space to chill out and enjoy a wonderful night…
How Much Will it Cost?
When I first started staying at the Escape years ago it cost me about 2800THB a night including breakfast and taxes. Today, I see that the rates are about 4000THB per night including breakfast and taxes.
That kind of pricey considering you can get cheaper rooms elsewhere. However, you won’t get the same quality rooms.
My only gripe is the breakfast however. The offerings and variety are a bit weak. But to be fair to the hotel I typically stay during the low season. Which means less hotel guests.
You might think the Escape Hua Hin is pricey. But consider the location, cleanliness and convenience…
Which means maybe they don’t want to have too much food laying around with not enough guests to serve it to.
I also want to note that I usually stay on the second floor deluxe rooms. The first floor deluxe poolside rooms cost about 1000THB more. So if you pay 1000THB or so more you’ll get a room as same level as the pool.
To be quite honest staying on the second floor and saving that 1000THB and spending it instead on a nice seafood dinner is what I’d rather do.
Escape’s Complimentary Shuttle Service
My wife and I prefer to get around on our own with our car. But Hua Hin’s traffic is getting worst these days and good parking space could be hard to find.
The Escape Hua Hin provides a complimentary scheduled shuttle service to several nearby points of interest. Such as Hua Hin night market, Cicada night market and Market Village. I use their shuttle service to visit Hua Hin Night Market so I don’t have to find parking in that area.
Cicada Night Market in Hua Hin is a must to visit while you’re in the area. It is open Friday thru Sunday from 4pm to midnight…
Otherwise, if I used a normal tuk tuk in Hua Hin I’d get charged 150THB one way. So I save a little bit of cash using the hotel’s personal shuttle service.
And the shuttle will also pick up customers at a pre-determined time and location. The shuttle is actually a 6 seater tuk tuk. So best to reserve some seats ahead of time at the hotel’s reception lobby.
The Final Word
For me, the Escape Hua Hin is totally worth the 4000THB price point. Part of the increase went into effect when Sansiri acquired the property years ago. Another part of the price increase is most likely due to the brand new Blúport Shopping Center opposite the Escape Hua Hin.
The hotel has just went up the scale in desirability because of the newest mall edition in Hua Hin’s city center. So the Escape is now considered prime real estate.
A trendy spacious lobby at the Escape Hua Hin…
Which is a shame because that just means there could be more traffic near the Escape Hua Hin. But no matter. Even if the price is a little bit higher I still think it’s well worth it. Because the Escape is a very comfortable and clean hotel with an easy walk to a section of Hua Hin’s wonderful soft sandy beach.
The Hua Hin Escape Hotel is one of the best hotels I’ve stayed in the city’s center. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Escape Hua Hin Hotel – 3 Stars
Address: 25/2 Petchkasem Road , Hua Hin City Center, Hua Hin / Cha-am, Thailand
Click to Book This Hotel
Sep 26, 2016 |
I often travel to Singapore because it’s not far away from Thailand. But like what most people say, Singapore ain’t such a big place.
And as much as I hate to say, not much to do for a middle aged traveler like me. There’s Universal Studios Singapore. But even then most average S’poreans will tell you that their Universal Studios is not a place to really brag about.
Bugis Junction Shopping District
So what’s there to do if you’re in Singapore a few days? Go mall hopping and shopping. Whenever I’m in Singapore I stay at an area called Bugis Junction in downtown Singapore. Because it’s mainly a tourist district there are a lot of restaurants, shops and of course hotels.
I personally enjoy staying at the BIG Hotel and it’s really close to Bugis Junction, less than a five minute walk.
Bugis Junction is the heart of downtown Singapore…
For any first timers visiting Singapore I really recommend searching out a hotel near Bugis Junction. Not just for the hotels mind you. But also because it’s where you can find Bugis Hawker Center for some serious good eats.
Bugis Hawker Center can be found on New Bugis Street…
To the uninitiated Bugis Hawker Center looks like a run down community center where folks with nothing to do hang out and eat. Sure it doesn’t look fancy but it’s a food court with some of the finest good grub in Singapore so don’t let the ambiance fool you.
Plenty of local Singaporean snacks are also available if you don’t want a full on meal…
Wing Seong Fatty’s Restaurant
Of course I have a favorite restaurant to recommend in Bugis Junction. It’s called Fatty’s Restaurant. With the word “Fatty” in the restaurant’s name you know the food has got to be good. And it is. My wife and I eat there every year we visit Singapore together.
Singapore Chow Mei Fun 星洲炒米 in the front. I was so hungry I didn’t realize I took a photo with my finger near the lens…
Though we order a lot of food our one favorite is the Singapore Chow Mei Fun 星洲炒米. It’s my favorite dish growing up in New York and I would order it at Chinese restaurants in my neighborhood.
Singapore Chow Mei Fun is a popular rice noodle dish with a hodgepodge of seafood, poultry and vegetables plus a hint of curry. All the ingredients are cooked in high heat which imbues an essence that only a super hot wok could produce.
Even though there’s not a whole lot for me to do in Singapore besides eating, I still enjoy traveling there. Singapore has a lot of history which I enjoy so much. And without a doubt one of the most beautiful modern country I have ever visit in Southeast Asia.
A popular temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy Kwan Yin near Bugis Junction…
Exploring Singapore is easy with it’s public transportation system. And traveling around on a metered taxi is so surprisingly affordable in a country known to be on the expensive side.
