Shitoya @ Melaka

This is another post contributed by Dr Neoh

Melaka is one of my favourite town in Malaysia which I visit frequently and regularly. This recent visit, my non-veg friend GL brought me to her favourite vegetarian restaurant Shitoya.

Customers are required to take of their shoes before entering. It's like you are entering your friend's house.

The location could be a bit of challenge to find, although it is actually not far away from tourist spots like Jonker walk. GPS, Waze and/or Google Maps would be indespensible unless you are local.

Since GL is a local, we have no problem locating this joint.

There is no barrier between the dining area and the kitchen; again, as if you were in your friend's house.

The decorations gave a homey feeling.

As stated in the cover of the menu, please be patient, as the chef/owner is not professionally trained, and not able to handle two or three woks at a time!

As a regular, GL called before our arrival, so that the steam boat sets were already set up when we arrived. 

We ordered "Vampire Fried Rice" on the spot. "Vampire" pronunciatino in Mandarin sounds like "shredded ginger" (僵尸 vs 姜丝), and it also imply that it is without garlic. 

We also had a bowl of salad, and a serving of roasted vegetable rolls as side dishes.
In conclusion, Shitoya is a restaurant with homey feel, relaxing environment and nice food. Most dishes are priced between RM12 to RM20, which I think it's quite reasonable for the quality.

Address: No 19, Jalan KBS3, Taman Kota Shahbandar, Kota Laksamana, 75200
Telephone: 06-288 0833
Opening hours: 12 noon - ?
GPS: 2.193225, 102.237407 (Approximate location)

Oriental Garden Delights Restaurant @ Petaling Jaya Selangor

It has been some time since ms veg has overseas post. Anyway, I do welcome contributors who do not want to own any blogs, but want to share food places.

Here's a contributed one from Dr Neoh who recently went Malaysia for some nice food!

Oriental Garden Delights Restaurant is owned by my friend. We went to the same secondary school, and hanged out a lot during those days. After secondary school, we travelled different career paths, and had lost contact for many years. We reconnected via Facebook a few years ago, and he told me that the chef at his restaurant is capable of preparing vegetarian dishes.

I didn't make much effort to visit though. However, recently I came to know that the restaurant was converted to fully vegetarian, so I decided to go, and had since paid a few visits.

It is located in Kelana Mall, not a prime location, but quite a comfortable environment.

At my first visit, I ordered a serving of Vietnamese coffee while waiting for my guest.

When my guest arrived, we ordered a few dishes.

The portions are quite generous (all the orders are either 'small' or 'regular'). The foods are quite nice, tasted like authentic vegetarian dishes, with no trace to suggest that it was non-veg previously.

Subsequent visit I went with my daughter. She ordered rice with eggplants on sizzling hot iron plate. I ordered fried glass noodles (with egg). We had Vietnamese spring rolls as side dish, and a 'small' bowl of soup.

This is not a tourist location, but if you happened to be somewhere nearby, this is definitely worth a visit. Of course, as I declared earlier, I might not be totally objective :-)

Location: Oriental Garden Delight
Unit No. 50 G - 01, Kelana Mall, Jalan SS 6/14, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Telephone: +60 3-7880 5110

Opening: 11.30am to 10.30pm

GPS : 3.104621, 101.600631

Artisan Boulangerie @ Killiney Road (Veg Options Available)

This week I was asked this question:- how do we really access "healthy" vegetarian eating? Do we really know what we are eating? Where do our real "proteins, nutrients, Vitamins"  come from? Do "Healthy Vegetarian" signs from veg stalls really signify "Healthy"? Well, my answer is, the choice is always ours to make and determine what we think "Healthy" is. Of course, being a vegetarian, we are always spoilt for choices and at times it is good to go really healthy and green for a good cleanse of our body.
I am really glad to have the opportunity to attend a dinner session at Artisan Boulangerie (a.k.a. ABC).
Note that ABC is not a "Pure" vegetarian/vegan place, but they have recently re-invented their menu to include quite a number of Vegetarian/Vegan options in their menu.

ABC Restaurant

I understand that ABC started at Killiney and now has 10 stores countrywide. Some stores do not have the full menu as per my understanding.

Launch of new menu ~

Nice Ambience

The New Menu

The new menu has indication of "vegetarian" dishes. However, I have noted that most contain cheese which may have "rennet" in them, so do read through the ingredients if you are a strict vegan/vegetarian! Also, some may have Onion/garlic in their sauce, so the safest to eat would be the salads, juices, smoothies and breads.

Fresh Juices ($6.40 - $8.50)

We had the ABC (Apple, Beetroot & Carrot) juice and a Kale Cucumber Apple Juice. I have never had kale before so it was a surprise as the blend was great! The taste wasn't "raw" as I've expected it to be. Instead it was fresh, and blended well with apple. Moreover, i felt full after this juice!

I have to admit that I was rather ignorant on the knowledge of kale though I have heard about it before.

According to reports, "Kale" is well known as a "healthiest" food in the world, and was supposed to be number 1 with multiple benefits. I think if we have been eating a lot of mock meats or processed foods, its good for a cleansing session at times.

Olive Bread

 Famous French Baguette

All of ABC's pastries and breads are baked freshly daily and contains no preservatives, additives and enhancers. In addition, they are handmade with imported french flour and premium European Butter. Again, because butter is used, the breads are not vegan-friendly. 

I think they would go well with soups or even coffee. Personally I prefer the Olive bread but it was a little oily. Then again, olive oil is supposed to be a healthier oil? 

Power Kale with Pecans Salad $10

 Organic Quinoa & Fennel Salad $12

Again, the skeptical me thought that the kale salad wouldn't be good, but the blend with lemon vinaigrette was awesome. 

Quinoa is also another superfood that some people eat this as a replacement to rice, and it is filling as well.

Avocado Wrap

Loads of greens and yummy avocado. Would be better if served warmed.

It is heartening to know that ABC has a "foodbank" donation program everyday for their unsold breads which are donated to the needy families as part of its corporate social responsibility. 

I do hope to see more veg items on its menu to promote a healthier choice for their patrons.

Personally, not your normal $3 economical place to go on a daily basis, but its an alternative and choice for us to go at times to have a cleanse. I will definitely keep in mind of including "kale" in my homemade salads.

Locations: http://artisanbakery.com.sg/contact/

Killiney Road, Great World City, The metropolis, i12 Katong, Asia Sq Tower 2, VivoCity, Chevron House, Suntec City Tower 2, Changi Airport T2, Robertson Quay