Soo Kee, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Going from my healthiest meal for 2012 at Living Food posted yesterday right on to the unhealthiest but equally tasty at Soo Kee today. Well known by locals as one of the best char siew places in KL the evening we visited we saw this dish on every table. My local buddies and a number of foreigners in the know had advised that char siew is really the only dish to order as it is so good that anything else pales in comparison. It comes with rice and a plate of peanuts to nibble while you wait but we had to at least add some greens to balance out the heavily tipped scales - which were fresh and a welcome conscious saving side dish. So... the char siew - basically caramelized pork fat - so sinfully sapid that I wrestled hubby for the last piece and will need to run everyday for the next week to work it off. I later found out that you can ask for a portion with a higher or smaller meat to fat ratio. I don't know that I would choose differently though - I'm a pretty good runner :-) 

Soo Kee
373 Jalan Ampang
(near the junction with Ulu Klang by the overpass)
Ampang
Malaysia
+603 4257 0767

Bistro 42, Bangsar Village II, Malaysia

This is a very quick post on Bistro 42 as I'm yet to eat an entire meal here, just desserts. As with the rest of the Big Group restaurants the setting is well designed and a delight to wile away a few hours. This post though is principally about the passionfruit cheesecake (white rounds in the middle of the above pic). They are just heavenly. I can't imagine a better combination of flavours and texture - smooth, perfectly blended cream cheese with sweet but slightly tangy passionfruit. Yum!

Bistro 42
1F28 First Floor
Bangsar Village 2
Jalan Telawi 1
Bangsar Baru
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
+6 03 2287 6566

A Slice of Heaven, Terrace @ Hock Choon, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Lady Gaga cake - just an inkling into the creative genius of owners Nigel and Allan.

Take your taste buds on a wild adventure with this seemingly innocent cocoa lump - smooth chocolate coating with a hint of chili hiding one of their best sellers - durian cake.

 Chocolate cheese - another best seller.

Death by chocolate - yes please!

And... the cake they are best known for - red velvet.

Expats and locals alike will delight in knowing that there is a bakery in Ampang producing fabulously handsome cakes that taste heavenly too. A Slice of Heaven, run by the talented team of Nigel Skelchy and Allan Yap and recently opened in Terrace @ Hock Choon, has an indulgent selection of goodies. The four best sellers, all pictured above are, Red Velvet, Choc & Cheese, Durian and Death by Chocolate. The cupcakes are worth every calorie, but can be beaten only with a slice from the larger cakes. The Red Velvet cupcake, for example, is awesome on its own, but a slice of the whole cake is sinfully better with cream cheese infused throughout the layers not just on top. Your treats should be stored in the refrigerator but letting them stand at room temperature for 60 - 90 minutes before serving gives them just enough time to develop the gooeyness factor - where chocolate, cheese and toppings slightly melt infusing themselves into the cake layers taking your dessert to a whole new level of drooling moistness. One thing I appreciate about this crew is their high standards - if they're not happy with particular ingredients they simply will not make that treat until what they expect does become available - no settling for less or substituting substandard fare. Working together with the neighbouring Illy coffee shop means you can enjoy a gem onsite in cool air conditioned comfort or in the peaceful outdoors. 

Cakes can also be made to order and design is only limited by your imagination. Both children's and naughtier 'adults' only' interpretations will leave your mind spinning. Be specific or give them a theme and let this passionate pair dream up the masterpiece. Lady Gaga, above, is just a sneak peak of what these two are capable of. As if baking and decorating where not enough, this clever couple happily share their talents at bigger events too, by catering for conferences, workshops and special parties. If you give this create duo enough notice they can perform just about any act from table decorations to floral arrangements to taking over the planning of your event completely. A Slice of Heaven is more than just a tasty destination but a propitious resource to store in your smartphone.

A Slice of Heaven
Terrace @ Hock Choon
Lorong Nibong (off Jalan Ampang, behind Hock Choon Supermarket)
Ampang, Malaysia
+6 03 4251 7866
www.asliceofheaven.my

Makan Kitchen, Double Tree Hilton, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Makan Kitchen, in the Double Tree Hilton, is an ideal place to take guests who are only in town for a short time. You can experience Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisine all in one spot and not worry about unaccustomed guests' tummies adjusting to the local bugs they might be exposed to with street food. The buffet is spread over three huge dining areas with each section taking on the feel of the cuisine that is served in that area. The dinner buffet generally costs around 79++ RM but can vary depending on the season and other special promotions.

Makan Kitchen
Double Tree by Hilton
The Intermark
182 Jalan Tun Razak
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia 50400
+60-3-21727272 

Souled Out Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Souled Out Ampang makes it to The Yum List for their uber friendly service. There are few places around KL that try so hard. The staff are energized and do their best to make sure that you have an enjoyable evening. The ambience, in one word, is happy. Food here is unpretentious but decent and you'll be sure to find something to satisfy everyone's taste buds on the menu with both western and local fare given adequate coverage. Famous for their classic margaritas and lychee cocktails, Souled Out Ampang is the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two and a nibble with your buddies.

Souled Out Ampang
Menara HSC
187 Jalan Ampang
Kuala Lumpur
50450
Malaysia
+6 03 2181 1626
www.souledout.com.my
slurp@souledout.com.my

Feast Village, Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Feast Village at Starhill Gallery is a lovely spot to take visitors. A cluster of uniquely designed restaurants, walkways, walls, and ceilings make a visually very interesting space. Food is definitely not cheap but the ambience is truly lovely. The pictures speak for themselves. I suggest taking a drink in the bottle bar before taking a wander to choose on the dining location. Be sure to visit the bathrooms and take a walk through the starlit entrance coming from the Marriott Hotel.

Feast Level
Starhill Gallery
Jalan Bukit Bintang, 
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Starhill Concierge : +603 - 2782 3855
http://www.starhillgallery.com/