Kagura Malaysia - Halal Chicken Ramen in KL!

Earlier this week, we visited the new Kagura Malaysia located in J's Gate Dining in Lot 10 Kuala Lumpur. Serving authentic Japanese chicken ramen from Tokyo, everyone can enjoy this as they are proudly Halal.

From their menu, diners can choose either to have the premium or natural soup. The difference - the premium soup will contain more collagen, hence richer and creamier, while the natural is like a clear consomme. Once you have selected the soup base, you can choose the flavour - shio (salt), shoyu (soy) or spicy miso. 

I wanted to try both the natural and premium soup, so I ordered a shio natural (RM14.90) and a shio premium (RM19.90). For us, the premium one is the way to go as the rich broth is the type of ramen broth we are accustomed to. I do know of people who prefer lighter broths, so by all means, try the natural soup - add in some chilli flakes for an extra kick.

The soup is made by using chicken only (no pork), as well as ingredients directly imported from Japan such as  Hidaka konbu, dried mushrooms, dried bonito, dried scallop and dried cuttlefish from Hokkaido and seaweed salt from Seto. Noodles are also certified Halal. We enjoyed the springy noodle texture and portions are good. The noodles are topped with beansprouts, spring onion, seaweed and a piece of chicken. The chicken was decent, moist with a smokey grilled aftertaste.

This is the premium shio - the soup looks more milky as it has more collagen

BabySumoKids had the premium shio ramen

Hubby went for the premium Shoyu ramen (RM21.90) - we were told that this is their bestseller. I tasted some of the soup, and out of the three, this was definitely my favorite.

They also offer some side dishes - all priced at RM5.90 each. Baby C loves her aji tama and she proclaimed this as the best ajitama she's had. Hopefully they will revise the price as RM5.90 is really expensive for an egg. Other side dishes I wouldn't mind paying RM5.90 for such as sushi roll, shrimp tempura, sashimi, chicken katsu etc.

The kids also shared the ice cream (RM5.90), which came with a scoop of green tea ice cream as well as yuzu. Worth trying as the green ice cream was creamy with a distinct flavour.

Menus

The main store is located in Tokyo with the name of Seimenka KAGURAYA

Opening times: 11am to 11pm daily.

Price: Total bill RM78.85.

Location: Kagura Malaysia, J's Gate Dining, Level 4, Unit P1-20, Lot 10 Shopping Centre, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03-2110 2366



If you enjoyed reading my posts, LIKE me on Facebook! You can also follow me on Instagram (@babysumo) for more photo updates or subscribe to our YouTube channel. Thanks :)

La Juiceria Superfoods Signature, Nadi Bangsar - Healthy is Sexy

If your resolution is to eat healthier in 2018, the newly opened La Juiceria Superfoods Signature in Nadi Residence, Bangsar is the place to be. With the focus still firmly on healthy food and the use of superfoods, the menu here features new Melbourne-inspired brunch dishes and will differ slightly from the other Superfoods outlets.

Not only do they have fantastic food and drinks options here, every spot is totally Instagram-worthy and we love the natural light flowing in through the ceiling to floor windows. The new chic cafe can house up to 100 guests, and has a private room (that can seat up to 12 pax) as well as a children's play area.

The great thing about La Juiceria food is that as well as featuring healthy ingredients they have nailed the flavour profiles of their dishes. For example, the Fried Rice Quinoa (RM24) made using quinoa, kampung eggs, seasonal herbs and chopped vegetables with a side serving of teriyaki grilled tofu (+RM6).

We were amazed that it tasted exactly like Chinese fried rice (it even had the "wok hei" feel) ..... all of the taste but with additional health benefits (protein-rich and high fibre, packed with essential amino acids). It's also very filling, and would definitely keep you full for hours. Winner!

The Bangkok Salad (RM22) was also big in flavour and texture. The salad is made up of romaine lettuce, grilled cherry tomatoes, steamed broccoli, carrots, roasted pumpkin and fried shallots, topped with tender, moist sous vide chicken and a Thai coconut red curry on the side. The curry dressing was extremely moreish, making this one tasty salad!

One of the prettiest dishes on the menu is the Avo mashed greens (RM22). Instead of the usual avocado mash, La Juiceria's version comes with green peas for extra texture. The green mash is topped on crisp toasted bread and crowned with the most beautiful poached kampung egg. The plate is also garnished with pesto, cherry tomatoes, feta crumbs and sesame seeds.

Can't visit La Juiceria and not have their cold pressed juices. Hubby had the Goodness greens (RM12.99 - organic kale, organic spinach, celery, kyuri cucumber, parsley, apple lemon) while I had the Beet aid (RM13.99 - carrot, apple, beetroot, lemon, ginger). The Beet Aid was super yummy, loved it!

Eating healthy doesn't mean forgoing desserts. The Acai berry bowl (RM24) is packed full of deliciously healthy ingredients such as Brazil acai berries, banana, almond milk, maple syrup, premium granola, strawberries, bee pollen, dessicated coconut and chia seeds.

We also had the Cake of the day - a chocolate cake from The Honest Treat. Made with dark chocolate, the cake was rich and moist and finished with drizzles of salted caramel and sea salt flakes - a lovely, indulgent treat! We enjoyed the cake with a matcha latte (RM12) for her and a turmeric latte for him (RM12).

The food and drink menus can be viewed online here.

Opening times: 8am to 10pm daily.

Location: La Juiceria Superfoods Signature, Unit No. Retail 1, Ground Level, Pangsapuri Servis Nadi Bangsar, No. 16, Jalan Tandok, Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Currently parking is free at Nadi Bangsar for La Juiceria customers).

Tel: 03-2201 9923

Website: https://www.facebook.com/LaJuiceriaMY/


If you enjoyed reading my posts, LIKE me on Facebook! You can also follow me on Instagram (@babysumo) for more photo updates or subscribe to our YouTube channel. Thanks :)

Recipe: Braised mushroom and fish maw with razor clams

Before Chinese New Year arrived, you may probably have seen cans of razor clams lined up beside the abalone and mushrooms in the supermarkets. We often get some of these to serve during CNY.

Here's a simple recipe for Braised mushroom and fish maw with razor clams. A very auspicious dish as mushrooms symbolise longevity, fish maw symbolises abundance, clams symbolise "opening of new horizons" and we even topped it with fat choy (sea moss) which symbolise wealth.

We also made braised trotters ;)

Braised mushroom and fish maw with razor clams
Recipe by Baby Sumo
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Serves 4-6


Ingredients
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp cooking oil
15-20 tea mushrooms, soaked for 2 hours and stalk removed
1 (25g) fish maw, soaked in warm water for 2 hours
1/2 broccoli, cut into florets

1/4 carrot, peeled and sliced thinly
1 1/2 cups water
2 tbsp mushroom sauce
1 tbsp ginger wine
1 can (425g) razor clams in brine

A handful fatt choy 发菜 (sea moss)

1. In a saucepan, heat oil over medium high heat. Add garlic and stir fry for 2 minutes until golden brown.

2. Add mushrooms and fish maw and stir fry for about a minute, then add the water and bring to the boil. Season with mushroom sauce and ginger wine. Once boiling, turn down to medium low heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the fish maw's texture is cooked to your liking.

3. Increase to medium heat. Add the broccoli and carrots and then cover. Let the vegetables steam for about 1 minute, then remove and set aside.

4. Lightly rinse the razor clams, then add to the saucepan. Allow the clams to heat through, for about 1-2 minute, then remove.

5. Taste and season sauce with more mushroom sauce, if necessary. The sauce should be a thick, velvety consistency.

6. Place fat choy in a small bowl, then pour boiling water over it.

7. To assemble, arrange broccoli followed by mushrooms and fish maw. Place razor clams in the centre and top with fat choy. Garnish with the carrots, then pour over some of the braising sauce.

Note: Soaking the fish maw in hot/warm water will shorten its cooking time, convenient especially if you are in a rush.

If you enjoyed reading my posts, LIKE me on Facebook! You can also follow me on Instagram (@babysumo) for more photo updates or subscribe to our YouTube channel. Thanks :)

Hotel Review: Element Kuala Lumpur - Tallest Green Hotel in Malaysia!

Want to feel reenergized after your staycation? Element Kuala Lumpur, the tallest green hotel in Malaysia, has all the elements to help you do so, thanks to its healthy food options, eco-friendly practices and outstanding fitness options.

Our recent family staycation at Element Kuala Lumpur was the perfect opportunity for us to educate our children and help them understand what it means to be green, all while having a super fun time together!

First of its brand to set food in Malaysia, Element Kuala Lumpur stands proudly at 275-metre high in Ilham Tower, one of the tallest, most iconic buildings in Malaysia designed by the globally acclaimed Foster+Partners. The Green Building Index (GBI) certified hotel is built green from the ground up with eco-friendly practices, natural light, open spaces and captivating views.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you can proceed to the hotel lobby located on Level 40. Soak in the panoramic views of the KL city skyline while the staff check you in.

The hotel features 252 well-appointed guest rooms in a range of spacious configurations from studio units to three bedroom suites. Our Two-bedroom Skyline Suite on the 49th Floor offered an incredible amount of space for our family of four, along with an amazing view of the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers. Follow us on a room tour here.

Sleek and modern, natural light pours into the suite, thanks to the large windows in every room. The suite is designed to feel like comfortable, urban residences. Our suite comes with a massive open concept living area, kitchenette and dining area. I loved lounging here and admiring the beautiful views out the window. At night, you can even can watch the KLCC Lake Symphony water fountains from your room window.

There is a 55" LED TV in the living area as well as master bedroom and complimentary Wifi throughout the hotel.

The kitchenette is well-equipped with energy-efficient appliances such as fridge, microwave oven, hob, pots and pans, utensils and Cafes Richard coffee machine, and there is also a separate utility room with a washing machine.

As part of their green initiatives, the hotel does not provide plastic mineral water bottles - this is to reduce plastic wastage. Instead they provide NSF certified filtered drinking water in each room (water from tap is safe for drinking). Furthermore, to aid in water conservation, towels will only be replaced if left on bathroom floor or bed linens if the green card is left on the bed and bathrobes are only available upon request. The hotel rooms are also 100% smoke-free.

The master bedroom comes with plush, ultra comfortable king-sized signature Heavenly bed. The kids had a separate bedroom, with twin beds as well as huge wardrobe and a working desk. Every single room here is so spacious and inviting.

The spa-inspired master bathroom comes with organic bath amenities and is bright and lovely with white marble tiles, separate shower and bathtub. Adjacent to the living area is a smaller bathroom with toilet and shower.

Breakfast is served daily at the hotel's all day dining restaurant, TRACE Restaurant & Bar. Priced at RM70 nett per person, get off to a healthy start to your day with the chef's special granola, fresh juices, waffles, pastries, dim sum, eggs and noodles.

Every weekend, Afternoon Tea is given a modern, artistic twist at TRACE. Arteastry is a unique afternoon tea combining elements of art, tea and pastry, complemented by fantastic KL skyline views. A super fun, interactive afternoon tea. Read our detailed review of Arteastry here.

TRACE also serves lunch and dinner and is committed to supporting local farmers and serving fresh, local produce, thus reducing the carbon footprint. The menu is a mix of Western and local eats, and there is also a Sharing is Caring section, perfect for feasting with family and friends. We highly recommend the Certified Angus sirloin 120-days grain fed (RM168), Beef it Up pizza (RM49) and Spring Greens Seafood Spaghetti (RM52) from the dinner menu. Read our detailed review here.

One of the many highlights of our stay was being able to go for a swim anytime of the day. That's because Element Kuala Lumpur comes with an indoor heated saltwater swimming pool on Level 39.

Rain or shine, it's always a good time to swim. The 200sqm swimming pool uses saline instead of chlorine which is safer for the environment and for those swimming in it. Don't forget to look up because the pool has a glass ceiling too! Very cool :) For fitness buffs, there is also a gym and exercise rooms in the same floor and the hotel also offers complimentary yoga classes for hotel guests.

Kids loved going for a night swim ;)

You can easily explore the vibrant city, using the Ampang Park Light Rail Transit (LRT) which is literally at Element Kuala Lumpur's doorstep. We took the LRT to the the next stop (KLCC) which took under one minute and explored Petrosains in Suria KLCC with the kids, for a fun, educational day out. Highly recommended for families with young children - allocate 3-4 hours time for your visit here. 

Thanks to Element Kuala Lumpur for having us!

Check-in time 3pm, check-out time 12 noon. Room rates start from RM340 for studio room.

Location: Element Kuala Lumpur, Ilham Tower, 8 Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur, 50450, Malaysia. (Parking RM15 per entry)

Tel: 03-2771 3388

Website: http://www.elementkualalumpur.com/

If you enjoyed reading my posts, LIKE me on Facebook! You can also follow me on Instagram (@babysumo) for more photo updates. Thanks :)