Chellayan's toddy toppu in Banting

During our travel to Banting for a lunch at the famous Bukit Jugra beggar's Chicken, my friend mentioned that he heard of a famous toddy place and after a few calls, we were given detailed directions to this place.

In case I forget, the toddy shop is located opposite Sekolah Menengah Kebangssan Sultan Abdul Samad, Telok Dato. From Banting towards Klang, right opposite this school (just before turning towards Dengkil) and at the bend, turn left. Just drive in about 50 metres and you will come across a kampong style house.

Go to the back and you will see some tables under trees. You will also see people lining up to order and get their food and drinks with many people "ta pau" the toddy.

It was really nice to sit under the trees and away from the afternoon heat. While the main thing here is toddy which I was told that it is very good, they also have food to accompany the drinks.

So, we tasted what they had which included fried fish, simple fried meehoon and curry chicken. We didn't order much as they were also running out of food and we were still full from our lunch.

It was a good eye opener for some of our younger members of our group and also something different from what we are accustomed to.

I am not sure whether I got their name properly but you can contact them in case you cannot find the place.

Mrs Nava – +603 3181 5657

Opening hours – 10am – 6pm

 

You can also read more about this place from this blog (with lots more info and pictures) http://ccfoodtravel.com/2011/12/toddy-iguan-and-wild-boar-curry-banting/.

Until the next time, cheers.

Jasmine Hills Lodge in Chiangmai, Thailand

We stayed at the Jasmine Hill Lodge in Chiangmai during our recent trip there in December 2012 as I wanted the children to experience a different environment. My main reason choosing this resort was based on the many good reviews that they received and that they were run by a Malaysian couple, Dolly and Paul.

The place was about 20 km from the city and located in a nice quiet area not far from Doi Saket temple. It is located in a rice field and is very serene with the ponds around. The architecture of the resort is also very pleasing to the eyes and one could really relax in this surrounding.

The main reception building and restaurant

Another view of the main building

The resort has a small pool which is sufficient to do small swimming and lounging around. Nearby, there is lanna where you can have a outdoor massage. As the resort is small, it is very quiet and sereene espceially in the mornings when guest may be out sight seeing.

Our room came with breakfast and one could have a choice of American, continental or Asian breakfast. The food was good.

We also ate in a few times and the chef was good and it was more like a home cook meal. The prices were also very reasonable.

A few kilometres away is the Doi Saket village and one can get quite a lot of Thai street food which is very cheap and nice. There is also a 7 eleven and Tesco express convenience stores to meet most of your need. There are also a few restaurants nearby that have both western and Thai food.

However, one would need to have a car or bicycle to move around.

A view of the swimming pools and lanna

We booked a villa and this was divided into 2 rooms ie up and dowstairs. It was fully made of wood and have a lot of character. We even have a verandah that opens to a small lake. Very nice. Unfortunately, I did not take any photos.

Morning mists and surrounding area

Another view of the resort

This place is not for those seeking a lively night life or activities filled programme. It is a place where you can have a nice and quiet time (after sight seeing). The service and friendliness of the owners also goes a long way to make your trip more enjoyable.

I could see that most of the customers are drawn here by the good reviews and recommendations by word of mouth.

I don't think I have given them proper credit due to the poor photos but you can visit their website. The details of the resort are as follows :

Jasmine Hills Lodge

123/4 Moo 4

Doi Saket, Chiang Mai

50220

Thailand

	info@jasminehillslodge.com
	+665-3495832
	+668-17464000
Web	http://www.jasminehillslodge.com

Until the next time, cheers.

Banting's Beggar Chicken

Somewhere in mid November 2012, we planned a trip to Banting on a Sunday late morning to eat at the famous Restaurant Bukit Jugra. The restaurant has been around for decades as I used to come here with my school friends 30 years ago. The last time I was here was more than 10 years ago and I was excited to see whether the food is still as good or not.

One thing for sure, the journey there is much faster and the roads are in much better conditions and in the past. The surrounding area of the restaurant has changed so much and looks much more suburban than years ago as it was on the verge of a swampy land.

However, there was not much change to the actual restaurant building, still the same Chinese village look.

 

One of the highlights to the restaurant is also to see how the beggar chickens were made. Not much has changed in the way they cook the dishes.

Now back to the food. The restaurant is famous for it's Beggar Chicken but apart from that, there are also a few other dishes that are popular. We ordered the glutinous rice and pork leg, both cooked in the clay and baked. A chicken herbal soup, oyster omelette and a fried fish (deboned and meat reconstructed).

Glutinous rice

The beggar chicken after breaking off the clay

The chicken ready for eating

 "Oh jien" or fried oyster omelette

Pork leg

Fried deboned fish

Herbal soup

All of us agreed that the pork leg is better than the chicken (not than it's not good) and surprisingly the glutinous rice was very good. The herbal chicken soup is also very good. However, the fish and oyster was just average.

Together with drinks and some vegetable, the bill came to about RM 250. There were 7 adults and 1 kid and while we were not stuffed, the food was enough.

The details of the restaurant are as follows. Please note that it is advisable to book and order your food at least a day before going. When we were there, all table were booked and a number of cars arriving without reservations and to be turned away. However, you can "ta pau" home the food.

Restaurant Bukit Jugra (Banting)
03-31202525
Bukit Jugra (Permatang Pasir),
42700 Banting,
Selangor.
Opens from 1 pm to 8 pm.

Until the next time, cheers.