Kindly Yours

Lobak, or deep fried pork and crab roe filled soy bean wraps. Highly recommended. Otak-otak or steamed spicy fish mousse. The key precepts of every Chung Ling School student.  I am told by Mr Lee Chao Chin, a university classmate of mine, that initially he reckoned they are a pair of lines of poetry that adhere to strict traditional rules.   Such calligraphy are often hung in frames on walls or doorways of homes in China.  In literature, they are known as antithetical couplets.   The characters chosen are usually profound in meaning and yet precise in message.  ON a second viewing by Mr. Lee, they may not be such couplets but provide praises for families with scholarly achievements. Pig trotters braised in vinegar and dark soy sauce - the " Too Kar Orh Cho" .  Highly recommended. Jee Hoo Char with a dollop of Sambal condiment on a lettuce leaf.  Move over, Sang Choy Bow! The fried Yambean or Jicama is combined with shredde

Samsui ginger chicken at the Soup Kitchen, OneUtama. Kaya filled snack at bakery at Bangsar Village One. Siau Gou or water dogs in soup, Cantonese style. Tender, yummy and juicy fried chicken at Ratha Raub Indian. The simple yet tasty and appetising Roti at 6am on a Friday morning near Taman Tun. Loh Mai Kai or steamed Glutinous Rice chicken, Ipoh Road, Kuala Lumpur. Caramelised top over my Cappuccino at Cafe Pascucci, Tropicana, Petaling Jaya. Modern bakeries are the rage amongst  KL's families and youngsters. A most rewarding chicken curry with oomph at Ratha Raub.

A most popular dish when gathering for dinner with friends and family over the festive season, mainly in south-east Asia, especially in Malaysia and Singapore.   It is a collection of crunchy stuff, raw fish and thinly sliced veg  - the Yee Sang. Before eating, every one at the dining table stand to stir up the ingredients and concurrently pronounce " Lo Hei "  (in Cantonese "to stir up the energy and vibes").    Photograph was taken at the Grand Kingdom, Tropicana, Petaling Jaya, Klang Valley . Add caption The Kumquats and the Oranges are iconic symbols of prosperity and gold in Chinese culture. Roosters can either articulate too much or are extremely quiet.  Other Rooster characteristics are discipline, problem solving and seeking attention.     They are often self-assured and organised.  Image credit - Social media. The iconic Tu Tor or pig stomach soup, here home made for the gathering of family on Lunar New Year's Eve.

The earth oven used for toasting bagels at the Mug Shot Cafe, located at 302 Chulia Street. There are more than just yummy street food, innovative wall murals and Victorian age architecture in the UNESCO Heritage quarter of George Town on Penang Island.The palate needs sustenance after walking around for half a day past quaint lanes, busy markets and busy streets.    For a coffee devotee, you would have tried the local versions of Teh Tarik, Kopi-O and white coffee.   Australian visitors would resist going into Starbucks but may sample the cafes run by Hudson's from Perth or the Coffee Bean franchise chain shops at shopping centres.......but what about real barista made unique coffee blend cuppas? Sighted in the UNESCO Heritage Quarter of George Town, Penang Island - Wheeler's Coffee. There are cafes and cafes in Penang and one cannot possibly have even the best of it all on one visit to the island.     There are unique non-coffee competitors as well

Traditional tiles on a Straits Chinese terrace, Pulau Tikus. Heritage show box that still does its job, E & O Hotel. Straits Chinese wooden door being carved. Fresh blooms on sale leading to Thaipusiam, Chulia Street, February 2017. The Penang Channel facing the Kedah coast from the Penang Club. Customer drawing at the Kopi C Espresso and Bar, China House.  Photo image - Anonymous. The George Town heritage foodie trail. Entrance to  a clan association. The necessary thing to do on a humid afternoon - go indoors for Planters and Sling! Good morning, Penang!

A recent structure at Bald Hill honouring one of Australia's greatest aviation pioneers from the 20th century  - Lawrence Hargrave. Refreshing juice mixes at Al-Aseel, Fairy Meadow.  Wollongong continues taking in immigrants as a tradition - from southern and eastern Europeans post World War 2 to the present intake from the Syrian conflict. A summery afternoon in Berkeley. Still waters at the Botanical Gardens, Wollongong, below Mount Keira. There are more than 120 cafes in the Wollongong area - pictured is the Iced latte at the Quay Canteen, found up the stairs at the middle of Crown Street Mall in Wollongong City Centre. Lotus blooms  - the trick is to visit the area at the right season. Reputedly the best Curry Laksa in the greater Sydney region.  Found at the Nan Tien Temple's Dew Drop Inn at ground level.