Ulik Mayang (closed down)

Nasi Dagang Ulik Mayang
55G, Jalan Melati Utama 4
Taman Melati Utama, Setapak
53100 Kuala Lumpur

We come here quite often, more than once a month. It competes with Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh for our affections. Its interior brings back, to a certain extent, memories of growing up in my hometown.

If you're on the MRR2 heading to Batu Caves it’s at Taman Melati (in front of the orange coloured Platinum Victory Condominiums). You'll see a long row of shop houses sandwiched by Esso and Petronas. It’s on the far left end of the row of shop houses.

the exterior

where the nasi dagang is served

western food stall within the shop

beverage stall

Brendan & nasi dagang..

uniquely east coast..

a different angle

distinctly east coast

stuff from my childhood

couldn't resist a shot of keropok..

I hail from Kuala Terengganu and know for a fact that it should be spelt 'Ulek' and not 'Ulik' Mayang. Apart from this, I have absolutely no complaints about this shop as the nasi dagang is as close as you'll ever get to the genuine article. Also, it’s very competitively priced and meals will not blow a hole in your pocket (if you have a big family).

FYI, the best I've ever had is naturally a shop in Kuala Terengganu. If you're ever there, ask for directions to *Simpang Tok Ku. Once there, there's a shop right in front of the Shell petrol station. Last time I checked, the nasi dagang there was still RM1.50 per plate!

Update: The shop at *Simpang Tok Ku has changed operators. The two elderly sisters have relocated their business to Kuala Ibai. I'll be looking for them the next chance I get, and keep you posted.

Pak Li (closed down)

Pak Li Kopitiam

Jalan Dang Wangi

50100 Kuala Lumpur

I regret not taking more photos of this cafe (especially its exterior) located along Jalan Dang Wangi.

The white coffee was sublime

I usually have the mee goreng mamak

Cat prefers the curry mee

While Brendan's more of a mee hoon soup person

All in all, we're gonna miss Pak Li!

With a Mamak shop next door (Syed Bistro), Pak Li prices  itself accordingly and competitively. 

Not long after these photos were taken, the shop closed down and was eventually replaced by My Asia 1 Cafe. The problem is, this kopitiam depends on lunchtime traffic from surrounding offices to survive. Its has little to no patrons at night, and is virtually empty during the weekends.

Xmas 2009 @ Kuantan

The day after coming back from Hat Yai we travelled to Kuantan (on Xmas day) to attend a gathering organized by my car club.

Before checking in, we had lunch at a roadside shop.

Interesting shop, the plates were huge

That night, we drove up the coast to Cherating and had dinner at the Peninsular Restaurant.

This was the only usable photo we had

The next morning before heading back to Kuala Lumpur we had breakfast in Kemaman.

Hai Peng Kopitiam, a favourite with the locals

Xmas 2009 @ Hat Yai Day 4

Breakfast at a Bak Kut Teh shop as usual. Although we could have walked there (some 15 minutes if on foot) Brendan insisted on a tuk-tuk.

Shot this whle on the tuk-tuk, the police were not amused!

Brendan wishing there were tuk-tuks in Kuala Lumpur

Did I mention Brendan loves the tuk-tuk?

At the Bak Kut Teh shop (ข้าวมันไก่ทุ่งลุง (เฮียอ้วน) or Fat Uncle's Rice Chicken Lung (?); Coordinates: 7.002222, 100.475694), while Brendan and I had BKT Cat opted for something else.

Cat had rice porridge instead

After breakfast, we persuaded Brendan to walk instead so that we could do some real sight-seeing. To our surprise, we came upon a Catholic church (Mae Pa Prachak Muang Ru Catholic Church; Coordinates: 7.004861, 100.475694) on the way back to the hotel.

The church

Said our prayers

Went around the church unencumbered

Tea time at McDonalds coz Brendan wanted his cheezy fries as usual.

While Brendan enjoyed his fries

Bought this watchamacallit potato thing for Cat

This was one of the last shots we took in Hat Yai

This year's Hat Yai trip was cut short as we had to rush back to Kuala Lumpur on Xmas eve to attend a gathering in Kuantan the day after Xmas.

But we'll be back.

Xmas 2009 @ Hat Yai Day 3

The day began with breakfast at McDonalds. Brendan had a hankering for the cheezy fries!

Cheezy fries please

Then took a tuk-tuk ride to Robinson Department Store again (Coordinates: 7.003254, 100.468869) for some follow-up shopping (i.e. stuff we missed yesterday).

Hey, its my star sign (ornament adorning one of the streetlight poles)

Jersey and fedora?

On the way back from Robinson, Cat found a salon called Nong and decided to pamper herself. Thinking that it was going to be as cheap as last year (at a different salon though), she was horrified when she had to pay more than 1,000Bt this time (last year's cut, was & blow was only 200Bt).

Nong is located along the same street as Robinson, so beware!

Avoid this salon (Nong) at all cost!

After a hard day of gallivanting we gave ourselves a treat at Sizzlers.

Garlic bread as appetizers

Cat loves the salad bar

Brendan attacking his kids steak meal with gusto

Cat showed more restraint

Meal fit for a king

Xmas 2009 @ Hat Yai Day 2

Took a walk in the morning to the market nearby (Gim Yong or Kim Yong, not too sure about the pronounciation).  On the way, we stumbled upon this quaint traditional house.

Looks like a typical Malaysian kampung house

We were amazed by how clean Gim Yong market (Coordinates: 7.007639, 100.469986) was, not the grimy wet markets in Malaysia.

Clean streets and walkways

And just what is he selling?

Going walkabout

We had breakfast there, found a shop selling local cakes and such.

Sorry, didn't have my flash on me

Then it was a bout of shopping at the Plaza market.

Clothes galore

Handbags as well

It was then off to Robinson Department Store (Coordinates: 7.003226, 100.468879) for more shopping. We found a simple shop selling really authentic thai food (read: flaming hot stuff) located along a lane behind Robinson (7.002639, 100.469167).

We love this down-to-earth kind of shops

Limited choice, but the taste more than made up for it

Caution: I was too liberal with the gravy on my rice, and paid the price (gulped down pints of water)

Went back to the hotel and Brendan said he wanted a foot massage. Since Cat and I didn't feel like it he went on his own.

An easy job for the masseuse, should've asked for a discount

Same as last year

Brendan loves this part

While Brendan was at the massage parlor, we spent our tea time at Chester's Grille.

Where would I be without my 55bt cafe mocha?

Dinner was at the usual tom yam shop (Coordinates: 7.007292, 100.470903) behind The Regency Hotel.

She remembers us

Authentic southern thai tom yam