What does this have to do with this post? Well, I was recently invited to attend a government initiative called the Menu Rakyat 1Malaysia (MR1M), and I was really surprised at what it has to offer despite my initial reservation about any government initiative, and bear with me here, you’ll find out soon why I say it like it is.

First, what is the MR1M? The MR1M is a program that help eases our spending on food so that we can save for other needs, supported by KPDNKK (Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negari, Koperasi dan Kepegunaan) and there are currently over 3000 participating outlets throughout Malaysia. Basically what it means that these participating outlets are currently offering standard meals between RM2 to RM5, and no, it’s NOT April Fools – this is really happening!

Basically you could get a standard breakfast set inclusive of 2 slices of kuih+ a drink or perhaps a small packet of nasi lemak+ a drink is priced at RM2 (RM2.50 for East Malaysia). More unbelievably, a lunch set would be at RM4 (RM4.50 for East Malaysia) only. How does the food look like? Not bad at all.. take a look for yourself:

Each meal set will come with rice, a vegetable dish & a meat dish (either chicken, fish or beef) selected from what you see above. Some even come with an extra side of ulam+sambal! Okay, so it doesn’t look particularly better than what you’ve been eating most of the time, but hey, it’s really worth it for the ringgit spent. PS – I particularly love the choices at Medan Selera Duta, Pak Samad’s stall! His fried fish are a MUST try, so why not give it a go yourself and enjoy the affordable and yummy lunch set.

At the event, I got myself an RM4.00 selection of vegetables, mee mamak, a curry puff & orange juice. FYI, the portion is usually bigger but I didn’t want a too filling lunch hence took less than normal & added a curry puff which does not come along with my lunch set. In a normal circumstance, there is no way this could have costed you RM4 only, and that’s really what this program is all about.

But

hey I can hear you ask yourself in front of your mobile or computer, what’s the catch? Did the government subsidize the food cost which is the reason why they could sell at so much lesser than usual? Too good to be true innit? Well… your suspicions are understandable, but no, here’s how it’s done!

The MR1M program is voluntary and it is not financed by the government agency in any form. Basically, the stall owners are the ones who decided they want to benefit the rakyat by joining the MR1M program! KPDNKK (Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negari, Koperasi dan Kepegunaan) plays an important role to attract potential business owners to join the program by giving participants of MR1M an advantage ahead of others who applied for funding under the Skim Pembiayaan Mikro Penjaja dan Peniaga Kecil, which is between RM10,000 – RM50,000 in order to develop their businesses. What an incentive! It’s like telling these business owners that if you do good, you’ll get a better chance of showing that you deserve the opportunity to grow your business through revamps and restoration of their stalls. You reap what you sow

Did you have a better understanding now of how the MR1M program works? Before dropping by Medan Selera Duta as I suggested, do check out their website at 1Malaysia Pengguna Bijak (www.1pengguna.com) or use their Android Apps at “MyKPDNKK” to find out more locations of their participating outlets nationwide, you might be surprised that there are a few just right next to you. Another tip to locate the outlets is by looking out for the MR1M banner and uniforms (light blue T-Shirt and brown apron). Easy right?

Don’t just listen to me. Try it yourself and share your experience by commenting below. Good or bad feedback is good so they can keep improving the initiative continuously. Cheers!

Sincerely me, Guest blogger – Jingy, the Makan Queen.

The post Food Review: Menu Rakyat 1Malaysia (MR1M) at RM4 per set! appeared first on Spinzer - Blogger, Entrepreneur, Celebrity Manager.

The Awana Restaurant

It is located at the 85 Sloane Avenue London SW3 3DX. This is a seductive Kensington restaurant that offers a full priced menu and a 50 percent discount off the total bill for customers who make table reserves online. It is one of the 5 best Malaysian restaurants in London for dining options. There is an exciting menu that mixes modern interpretations of traditional Malaysian food. This provides a large selection of meals whose ingredients are imported from Malaysia including;

Curries Soups Grills Stir-fries

With its decoration of dark wood and silk panels, Awana is the perfect place to have a dinner.

The Champor-Champor Restaurant

It is a Malaysian restaurant of choice while in London. It is located at the 62 Weston Street, London SE1 3QJ, behind the Guy’s Hospital. It is only three minutes’ walk from the London Bridge Station. One can recognize its exemplary service from the welcoming vibrant sights, tastes and whisky smells that takes you to another world. For the decoration it combines artworks from Asia that creates its exceptional and warm atmosphere. Many people choose to dine at Champor-Champor Restaurant because it offers;

· A friendly service which is efficient and modest

· It serves the village Malay roots which is a modern Malaysian food like no other

· Their food is accompanied by Smooth ion of Asian beers

· There is a list of wines that one can choose from 

To be sure, one will have an exceptional dining experience at the Champor-Champor Restaurant and is a must visit venue for people travelling to London. 

Apium Noodle Bar Restaurant

Located at the 50-52 Long Lane Smithfields London EC1A 9EJ, Apium Noodle Bar Restaurant is the ideal place for Malaysian City workers who would like to have their food at the best prices. It is the only Malaysian Restaurant that offers Malaysian food at a casual atmosphere. The restaurant provides a long list of Malaysian food and one can be spoiled for choices like;

Ramen noodles in soup Yellow noodles made from egg and flour Fried Vermicelli ,a variety of rice dishes

Apium Noodle Bar and Restaurant is a fabulous place for city dining.

Suka at Sanderson Restaurant

It is located at 50 Berners Street London W1T 3NG and has a modern menu that offers original explanations of genuine Malaysian food. There is food for everyone such as;

Seafood including the Lobster Wonton Mee and Lemongrass Sea Bass Meat course like Suka Sliced Steak and Beef Rendang .The Suckling Pig Penang for pork lovers The Tofu Clay pot and the Vegetable Lodeh for vegetarians

The environment here is good for one to dine in style. 

C and R Cafe and Restaurant 

It is located at the 4 Rupert Court, Soho, and Greater London, W1D 6DY. They offer efficient service with friendly staff for delicious genuine Malaysian food. It is one of the 5 best places to get Malaysian food in London like; Laska Nasi Lemak Stir-fry.

Tell me what you think, if you’re a current student in London or in the past, which was your favourite Malaysian food?

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And that made me feel so alive. A jetsetter. Me. Unheard of. 

I guess all the effort really paid off eh? Soon who knows, I’ll be able to take my whole team with me, assuming this project takes off awesomely. Anyhow I’ll keep this post simple and talk about the food I ate at Jakarta. The next one will be about the office itself, which is really, really nice. If you can’t wait, check out the album on Facebook here!

When in Indonesia, make sure you drink Teh Botol SOSRO! Of course, drinking it from a kotak makes me go *palmface* LOL

In Jakarta there’s this place that’s called the financial district, where all the major companies invest in their offices here. Nearby the @AirAsia ASEAN office there’s this place called Potato Head that @kathyjah LOVES going, and so I insisted to Raman to pay them a visit too

The place looks really cool and gives off a nice, warm ambience. I’m starting to see why this became my gorgeous friend’s favourite eatery.

In particular they had this really amazing cock and mocktails (don’t know if that sounds right :/) and here’s some example of what they call their mocktails:-

• No-Hito – as you would expect, a Mojito without a hit-o haha!
• Bloody Shame – Bloody Mary, without the alcohol, which is usually called Virgin Mary LOL

I ordered my cocktail drink (but of course) and found it really good! If only I remembered what I ordered

 

[flickr id=”7227224970″ thumbnail=”medium_640″ overlay=”true” size=”medium_640″ group=”” align=”none”]

But Katherine told me that the Wagyu burger tasted even burger, and it comes with this secret sauce… The opportunist in me decided to order it as well… and when THIS came, I thought to myself, this is worth getting fat for…

 

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Here’s the tasty looking sauce… reminded me of my experience with The Burger Lab, except that this tasted pretty great because of the Wagyu patty (duh) and probably costed a bomb too. Thanks AirAsia for the hospitality

Before I left, I made sure to visit the noodle shop called Bakmi GM that everyone was telling me about, and grab something that looked like noodles and beef (wish I took a picture of the name, but I forgotten!). Whatever it is, this tasted soooo good as well! Now I know why my fellow Indonesian brothers Himawan, Handoko and Hilman Harryanto made such great instant noodles back during KTJ days

Anyhow that’s the end of this short post… next up – get ready to be awed by the sheer class of what goes on inside the AirAsia ASEAN office

The post Lunch in Jakarta, Supper back in Malaysia @ AirAsia ASEAN visit 1 appeared first on Spinzer - Blogger, Entrepreneur, Celebrity Manager.

So it starts, or rather, ends with this… After a full tour around IKEA @ Mutiara Damansara, we were led to the staff makan area where they get to rest… and eat… and play…. and even read!

The first thing that was out of ordinary is the fact that they have a washing basin at the entrance! Talk about super accessibility to being hygiene eh?

The next thing we noticed was a foosball table! How super cool is that?!

The resting area, featuring a carom board, plushy sofas (from IKEA of course :P) and waaaaaait, is that a black guitar I see? LOL!

Nearer to the makan area, we found a couple of microwaves! One says halal, the other, non-halal – super thoughtful if you ask me!

And here comes the food area… lemme tell you a secret – IKEA staff pay for the food at cost price, and you WOULDN’T believe how cheap it is over here! Ah, clear benefits working in IKEA hehe. Yummy and healthy too!

And so… we shall tuck in to our much awaited dinner! (funny how you keep looking forward to eat at IKEA, a FURNITURE shop, eh? That’s cause they don’t aim to JUST be a furniture shop

[flickr id=”6392858777″ thumbnail=”medium_640″ overlay=”true” size=”medium_640″ group=”ikea3″ align=”none”]Open Face Sandwich RM5.90 – Another way to enjoy Greenland’s shrimps, in a hearty sandwich with lettuce, eggs and mayonnaise.

First we had the lovely Open Prawn Sandwich. If you tried it, you’d know how succulent and springy the prawns are, embedded on fluffy mayo on top of wheat grain bread. Yums.

Don’t know if this is in the menu but it certainly is a type of Swedish delicacy!

Even their garnishing has style. Kudos to the chef!

[flickr id=”6392859221″ thumbnail=”medium_640″ overlay=”true” size=”medium_640″ group=”ikea3″ align=”none”]Cold Water Prawns RM8.90 – Caught from Greenland’s deep waters, served chilled with lemon & dill to enjoy the subtleties of their delicate flavour.

Ah. Shrimp Galore. Best

eaten as is *drools*

Ah. The discontinued Daim Cake at this time of writing. So sad. Yet so happy that I got to have so much to myself like a greedy pig that I am. Be envious. Hehe.

Oh, just another cute garnishing that I ate. Yes, I did. It’s tomato what!

Swedish Apple Pie and this other Swedish dessert, can’t remember what it’s called!

And of course the other mains… all for us to hantam!

[flickr id=”6392860371″ thumbnail=”medium_640″ overlay=”true” size=”medium_640″ group=”ikea3″ align=”none”]Swedish Meatballs RM10/10pcs – The all-time favourite Swedish dish that has captured the stomachs of many Malaysians.

Try it and you’ll find out why. That is, if you haven’t already. I know a certain company called Wago who often visits there cos the boss @ZainHD loves them!

Sooooooo with so many food there, and not many are as greedy as me, having multiple rounds (won’t tell you how many) , there were obviously plenty of leftovers. That’s where Pin2 and I hatched a devious plan, and before anybody could say or do anything, we quickly slid to a particular section (just behind the counters) and got this JUST before the store closed (made possible

cos I used my IKEA card – quick and efficient LOL)

At RM15, it was quite a steal! Don’t look down on the packaging of this thing because what I am about to show you is MAGIC! (though if you read the description, it ain’t magic

anymore lol)

Here we go fitting in the prawns, balls and sauces.

Yes I know putting both the meatballs and the Daim cake is disgusting.. but heck with it, my family’s going to love me forever!

Fast forward... this is how much food 17 freaking containers can hold. DAMN!

Tock is a happy (and greedy) man! But seriously though, food wastage is no good and I’m doing them a favour by tapaoing them back to my family! Right? Righttt??

Thanks to these beautiful ladies for giving such an awesome time at IKEA. You guys really do know how to throw a party Here’s a last look at how we packed it all in, not even letting the sauces and salad go. Hehe.

Just like McDonalds, IKEA promises that their food, wherever you have them, tastes exactly as good, thus giving you a sense of comfort. At least that’s how I felt about it, the way I experienced them in UK when I was a student, and now here in Malaysia, as a working professional. It’s amazing how they can put a smile on your face no matter what you do there.

How I wish that the two companies I’m currently growing now will adopt a similar messaging to our clients and beneficiaries. That, I think, is the secret to IKEA’s global success

The post What goes on behind IKEA’s showroom and cafe Part 3 appeared first on Spinzer - Blogger, Entrepreneur, Celebrity Manager.

Muse took our notice. Expensive, but looks worth the try.

Gobble. Guzzle. Me likey.

Vegetables, dismal portion. Tasty though. Enjoyed, wish there was more.

Steak. Beautiful. Yummy. Tender. Love the potato salad. Cranberries.

Thomas got the Dory Fish. Again, dismal portion. But egg yolk. Golden.

Ended with fruity ice cream. Too sweet? Nice finish. Worth the set price? Maybe.

Drinking till the night is gone. Mashed potatoes, recommended. Snack. Yums.

All at Jaya One. Follow @JayaOne on Twitter for more info.

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‘Twas another night at Craft Brews where I got to sample the food as well in a more detailed fashion, compared to my last trip there which I blogged about here: Craft Brews, proud to be non-halal.

The first thing I noticed was the superb ambiance every single time I checked in here, at least from the very start of it. The crowd was noticably larger, and we’re talking about very civilized crowd that aren’t too noisy and yet gives you the warmth feeling that you’re not alone. The lighting and the decor too emphasizes on how much it made us feel welcomed, and I think that’s an important factor for returning customers.

The lighting and the decor too emphasizes on how much it made us feel welcomed, and I think that’s an important factor for returning customers. Which of course, made me return :p

So there we were, Joanne Kay and myself, going on a gastronomic journey to sample the sweet combination of meat platters and custom brewed beer right here in the heart of Mutiara Damansara.

First we were served the Pork Based Tomato Soup -Offered with compliments from the kitchen as a means to Surprise & Delight Craft Brew’s dining customers. Savoury and thick, you can taste the broth that must have been brewed overnight, giving a wholesome flavour to it. Not salty too, so thumbs up on that!

The appetizers were served first, which includes the Caramelized Roast Pork 2 -RM16. Although it may not look impressive (or it’s VERY impressively dark, depending on how you view it of course) I do trust my taste buds in saying that it’s good! Every morsel sends a sinful shock into your system, and most importantly, make you feel good Try it!

Spiced Sausages in Bacon Skin -RM18, contrary to it’s namesake, isn’t that spicy after all! This new dish makes for a good sharing starter, easy to eat and also to the stomach especially just before the main course itself. The bacon skin lends it a very yummy taste of course, goes well with your choice of beer

The Bacon ‘n Batter -RM15 will forever be the favourite after Caramelized Roast Pork 2 though, thanks to its nature of being a finger food to go with simply any beverage you have with you! Eaten like french fries, you’d never realise the sinful nature of it before it goes deliciously down into your mouth, your saliva clearly enjoying soaking the morsels turning it into joy juices made especially for your tongue to enjoy! A MUST try!

The main courses then came, starting with the Pork Burger -RM26. Lavished with the following assortment, I thought it was great though if my onions were caramelized further it would have lent an edge to the taste, like a purposeful ‘zing’ to it.

The Burger Add-on Options are somewhat a little above the average price (RM2.50 each) but I guess with the amount they slap on top of that burger, one can’t really argue. Some of the toppings include

• Streaky Bacon
• Sunny Side-up Egg
• Pineapple Slice
• Caramelized Onions
• Cheese

Of course it all went well with their awesome Potato Wedges and Roasted Hob!

For the non-meat lovers Craft Brews serve the Lemongrass Butter Dory Fillet -RM26 which makes for a good tangy experience. The sauce is a little more special than others, and of course, best eaten hot

But of course we were here for the Tex-Mex Hickory BBQ Back Ribs -RM35 and the Honey Mustard Back Ribs -RM35. From the first time I was here, the cravings for these juicy ribs never died, and to have them again was like a sweet ending to a never ending story. Okay I jest, I want to come back again :p

Once again the ribs is something worth trying, if only they could drop the price a wee bit more, I would definitely go for it more often!

Lastly we had the Moist Chocolate Brownie for RM16. Joanne found it funny that they used cinnamon powder for sprinkles but we were told that it’s merely for the purpose of presentation, and not for taste. I guess they wanted to improve the smell, but sorry la I’m not a big fan of chocolate, so I whollaped on the ice cream instead, so yummy as expected of New Zealand Natural

My next blog entry will be about the alcoholic beverages (what else!) but here’s a teaser to come…

Presenting the RedDot Beers (from left to right):

• Czech Pilsner
• Monster Green Lager
• Weizen
• English Ale

What is your favourite? Do give it a try! For your benefit here are some useful info:

• Happy Hours: 1 Pint -RM25; Half Pint -RM15; Tower -RM169
• Normal Hours: 1 Pint -RM29; Half Pint -RM17; Tower -RM199

And here’s how to go to the venue!

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