Money is not everything. Money cannot buy love, health and happiness. That is what many advice me. To me, money might not be everything but money is definitely something.
If you don’t have money, how can you buy roses for your love one on valentine? Without money, who is going to pay for hospital bills and how are you going to buy iPhone to cheer up yourself?
Let me show you what I do with my money. Nowadays, with money, you can do just about anything. And that includes becoming an Emperor for few minutes.
I am not talking about wearing the emperor costume for photo shoot. All I am saying is to experience a lavish spread of imperial Chinese cuisines in Fangshan Restaurant, Beijing.
As soon as you enter the main entrance, you get to experience a truly unique ambiance and real ancient décor signifying numerous ruling Chinese dynasties in the past.
The dining hall is adorned with beautiful royal painting on the ceiling and even traditional Chinese art. Of course you are greeted with waitresses wearing original imperial dresses.
Gold and yellow used to be the Emperor’s color. If you are spotted using those colors, you will probably behead instantly but that was long long ago. The historic setting with yellow and gold in dining hall surely add the imperial effect into it.
As far as food is concerned, you get to experience truly sumptuous dishes as long as you are willing to pay the bill. As for me, I go for the set of RMB 298/per person (~RM 150). If you are richer, there are also set of RMB 2880/person (~RM 1440).
What I get as a start are Appetizing Cold Dish, Mashed Peas Pudding and Rolls of Kidney Bean Flour, Stir-fried Scallops and Brocolli and Ginseng Red Date and Deer Tendon Soup.
Despite the place is very congested, I personally give 9/10 to the waitresses as the services are pretty efficient. As soon as I almost finish my dishes, they instantly served me with new one.
This time I get Braised Sea Cucumber with Quail Eggs, Braised Camel’s Paw with Scallion, Sautéed Prawns with Spicy Garlic Sauce, Deep-fried Duck Rolls and Pork Rolls. Yes, you got it right! CAMEL PAW!
I must say I get to savor the authentic flavors of former imperial’s meals. Some of it might look exotic to me but hey, no harm to give it a try right? Besides, this is the finest dining you will ever get.
On top of what they served earlier, here are the remaining from the menu, Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish, Sautéed Vegetables with Mushrooms, Sesame Cakes with Minced Meat, Assorted Palace Dim Sum and Mixed Fruits.
If you have some spare time, try to visit the “Imperial’s Toilet”. I must say, now I know where the emperors did his big and small business.
The bills cost me about RMB 952. It might appear to be slightly on the expensive side but it is definitely an experience that is worth trying. Money is not everything? Think again!
Fangshan Restaurant
Inside Beihai Park’s south gate, Beijing, China
TEL: +86 10 6401 1889, +86 10 6401 1879
Opening Hours:
Lunch: 11 am – 1:30 pm (Mon-Fri); 10:30 am – 1:30 pm(Sat-Sun)
Dinner: 5 pm – 7:30 pm (Mon-Fri); 4:30 pm – 8 pm (Sat-Sun)
GPS:
Follow my blog at Networkedblogs or Twitter or Facebook
Back in 1400, Parameswara decided to land in a place called Malacca. In 1511, Portugese also planned to rule this place and then followed by other big boys such as Dutch and British. Did you question why?
If you remember, few weeks back, many start to debate on Hang Tuah real existence. FYI. Hang Tuah is famous legendary Malay warrior in Malacca. Is he real? Or just a myth?
Come on guys, don’t ask me such questions. I don’t have genuine answers for you. If you want to know more, you should read your history books or follow latest updates in newspaper. (LOL..you thought I will give you a history lesson here :p ?)
The sole reason I drove all the way to Malacca despite my tight CNY schedule is not because of history lesson but for Malacca Chicken Rice Balls instead! The authentic version one!
To ensure that my international readers did not get slaughter for rocket high price, here I include some of the pricelist for your perusal. From the look of it, this is just a spot you should at least make a trip.
Due to many customers, even on normal days, you have to pre-order what you want. N sorry, there is no pictorial menu for you to finger point it. So you can either walk away or follow what the waitress suggests.
But hey, you should feel lucky when you read my post as I managed to snap few photos to at least show to you what you are about to get as I ordered pretty much everything on menu such as cabbage, assam fish, whole chicken and chicken rice balls.
To me, I think the steam chicken is comparable with Kedai Kopi 18 and Restoran Onn Kee (Taugeh Ayam) and all taste good. If you want something original, try the rice ball too.. DUH.. that is the whole reason why I was there!
Hoe Kee Chicken Rice
4, 6, 8, Jalan Hang Jebat,
75200 Melaka, Malaysia
TEL: +606 – 283 4751, +6012 – 623 8431
GPS:
Follow my blog at Networkedblogs or Twitter or Facebook
One fine day condom meets up with sanitary pad. Both of them fight like cats and dogs on who are more important. This is not the first time they are arguing about this matter but it just continues to go on and on for countless times.
While in a heated discussion, the conversation below was recorded.
Condom: I work in confine space and sometime in dirty place.
Sanitary pad: What so special about it, I work in bloody environment.
Condom: But I am guy best friend.
Sanitary pad: Well, I am girl best friend and sometime confuse guy like me too.
Condom: I work with health department to mitigate harmful diseases and virus infection.
Sanitary pad: I also work with health department to maintain female hygiene and preventing virus infection.
Condom: I have the capacity to contain fluids that potentially bringing another newborn.
Sanitary pad: I have bigger capacity to contain more fluids than you to prevent embarrassment.
Condom: I am quite trendy, come in different size, color, flavor and design.
Sanitary pad: Nothing to be proud of, I come with different thickness, color, design and more importantly bigger size than you.
Condom: Ok.. since you think you are the greatest. I shall stop operating for a month.
Sanitary pad: Well, the world will not miss you much as every time, you only get to work when I am not working.
Few months after that, sanitary pad bumps into condom. She looks rather down and upset.
Sanitary pad: I want to apologize. I don’t think I am the greatest afterall.
Condom: Why? I didn’t do anything, did I?
Sanitary pad: Yea, I know. After you stop operating for a month, I stop operating for the following nine months. Can you start working again?
Lesson Learnt: Like mom always said, “One mountain got one mountain high!” (一山还有一山高）.. it means, if you think you are great, there will always be someone greater than you. AND normally, I will rebelliously answer, ” What about mount Everest?” 
Follow my blog at Networkedblogs or Twitter or Facebook
Hello, can I call for room service? Ok.. What service do you want, sir? We provide all kind of services to our customers including some special one.
I am curious about the special one but let’s not get there. This is a typical type of conversation you will have when you call front desk in hotel. Nothing special about it.
Try again if either of you do not speak English. The conversation will become as challenging as what Chinese said, like chicken and duck speak.
Believe it or not, a simple mushroom soup will turn out to be the most difficult soup to order. If the soup turns out to be tasteless, the effort just goes to drain. Luckily, it did not happen to me this time.
By right, most menus should be numbered. It simplifies the communication between the guest and the hotel when in urgent need. When come to this, pictorial menu is completely useless.
Imagine how I ordered Sirloin Steak with Tiger Prawns and Fries, medium rare? The waitress for sure is patient and polite but probably in her mind, she will say this “What the F*** are you talking about?”
In normal circumstances, I will order a soup, main course, desserts and a drink. Now, the conversation is not only testing her patience but mine too.
The Banana Fritter and ice cream is one of the tough one. I know how to describe banana and ice cream but definitely not fritter in foreign language. I nearly fainted when I ordered strawberry milkshake and turned out to be orange juice.
All the hard works did paid off when the dinner was finally sent to my room but 30 minutes late. This is really a milestone for me and in fact one of my biggest fear in foreign places. Imagine if they sent “something special” and not food!
Follow my blog at Networkedblogs or Twitter or Facebook
If you read my post on Malaysian Food Street, you will probably realize that I was ONCE in Singapore Universal Studios. Do I go there to gamble?
No.. No.. No.. Gambling is a big boy game and I am still underage in my definition. As much as Singapore is proud of having two casinos (one of it is in Resort World Sentosa), I am not much of a gambler.
I consider myself as a risk taker and love to venture into new things. This time, I took a challenge to explore Universal Studio, not alone but with my family
Like many tourists attraction areas, this place is congested with human traffic. Despite having pretty ladies on the streets, or ship nearly crushes on us or cute little panda, I am so attracted to the red and blue roller coasters.
I took the risks and tried out both. The free fall sensation and speeding upside down experiences were marvelous.
Right after a few minutes of breathe taking moment, I directly looked for Transformer, The Ride. It is 4D Ride, just like 4D Theater in Qingdao but I can tell you this ride is highly recommended.
Beside almost an hour of queue, I get to also physically witness the leftover of CUBE and a chance to post with Optimus Prime.
I love when the missile fly towards my direction. Try it yourself if you don’t know what I am talking about.
This place is so huge that it can fit the whole Jurassic Park. I love the landscape as I think it is well designed to make me feel as if I am back to Stone Age.
I found it interesting when I managed to trick my mom into Rapid Adventure Ride with me. But really, “Don’t try this with OLD PEOPLE at home!”. Don’t even attempt it as I nearly got her into heart attack.
When up there… Is that Land Far Far Away?
Ohh.. I am right.. It is Land Far Far Away. I thought I was in dreamland for a second. I am totally impressed when I get see the Castle for real.
I was so lucky that it is a Donkey Night! Donkey is performing, can you believe it or not? The 20 minutes show was rather impressive and fun but again another long queue.
Shrek 4D is the same like what you might see it in Universal Studios Florida where you get to sit on a comfy moveable seat with water and some other effects. I must say, Land Far Far Away is a great place to retire
Before the dusk, I came across Madagascar and coincidently Boogie was performing. I can tell you, the whole place was lighten with the song “I like to move it move it” and the penguin dance.
It was a heaven of fun but I really wonder how the penguins and the man behind the thick costumes survive in this HOT and VERY HOT weather. If I am them, I will faint straight away.
Before we leave this place, we managed to catch high tech musical fountain show near the lighted dragon pole. The technology and synchronization of the lighting and water are mind blowing.
There are many more interesting attractions and I do not think you can feasibly cover all in one visit. Like Disneyland, you might need to spend few full days to tryout everything.
With that statement, don’t be surprise if Universal Studio is in my travel itinerary AGAIN.
Singapore Universal Studio
Resort World Sentosa
GPS: You know where it is..
TIPS: Don’t bring your big bulky camera or bags or you will be missing a lot of rides!
Follow my blog at Networkedblogs or Twitter or Facebook
牛车水 or better known as Chinatown used to harvest more than 70% of migrant populations (Chinese) in Singapore in the early days. Back then, this is just a humble place but today, it turns out to be one of the main attractions in Singapore.
To me, this is the place where I got my very first traditional Chinese costume which make me look like Chinese, the first place where I tasted the best dumplings ever and of course the first place where I visited when I first visited Singapore.
Personally, I have labeled this place as ‘must visit’ place in Singapore. If my math is right, I never miss visiting this place whenever I am in Singapore.
Over here, you will feel like you are in another world.. a Chinese world .. duh.. you can get cheap souvenirs, reasonably good deal on Chinese traditional stuffs and good food too!
I am not much of a shopper but I love to bring my mom around to see what I see and loiter around in strangers’ places. This time, I told her, “I will show to you what I love about this place.”
The weather is quite warm when I first arrived. Despite I was born in warm country, I still sweat like pig. I nearly get into a situation called “cerebral hypoxia” or better known as not enough oxygen getting to the brain.
As soon as I arrived at the hawker streets, I told my mom, “This is the main reason why we are here!” She just replied with a gentle smile. How sad when I only get to order Kuey Chap and Stew Pork Leg.
My favorite dumpling stalls and dessert shop were closed. On the bright side, this place is not as congested as usual, maybe because it is Chinese New Year when everyone is busy collecting angpow.
Both the dishes I ordered are really delicious. It makes me salivating when I wrote this post but the potion is slightly small. So, I decided to order seafood noodles just to fill up my bottomless stomach.
Generally, the food around this area is quite good and reasonably cheap. If you are ok in paying SGD, this place can be a food haven for you too.
Chinatown, Singapore
39 Smith St.
GPS: 1.282423, 103.8439
Follow my blog at Networkedblogs or Twitter or Facebook
How old do you plan to retire? Many will said, “Do I look that old?” To me, retiring is not about sitting there waiting to die but rather quit from your daily responsibilities and do what you want.
Of course you need to get financial independence first. In other words, escape yourself from becoming a slave for money. Question is how? My concept is, instead of savings cents by cents, earn more more more than what you can EVER use.
Rich dad or wife is an alternative but unfortunately, I am not that lucky 
but hey, money is never enough anyway.
Rather than dwelling too much on what I don’t have, why not just flip the coins, see what I want to do about it. OK. I plan to physically retire in Singapore. Not because I like the ‘fine’ country but I love the food there!
Because of Bedok Hawker Stalls, I will re-consider Singapore again. Why? Foods here are deliciously nice and affordable. For instance, chee cheong fun and Jian Bo Shui Kueh cost less than SGD 5 (~RM 10).
That secures my daily breakfast. What about lunch? All I need is to spend another SGD 5 (~RM 10) and I can get decent lunch such as lemon chicken rice, kuey chap or duck rice. I have tested all and the foods are highly recommended.
With that, I am not going to live in poverty or resorting in something not decent as all these foods are my favorites! Who say I must eat steaks or bird nest on every meal?
When clock strikes 3pm, maybe I can plan to have a short tea break. Over here, I get to order lek tau suan (green pea soup), lotus seed soup, or even tou fu fah. Tou fu fah is common but lek tau suan or lotus seed soups are hardly find in other places.
So, did you get it yet?
The fundamental rule to achieve financial independence is to have a simple life. All you need is getting a decent shelter (not in dodgy place) and securing your stomach (not with bird nest) AND you are a step closer to your retirement.
(don’t act smart by asking what about dinner and supper! That you have to figure it out youself :p)
Bedok Hawker Stalls
Blk 207 New Upper Changi Road
#01-XX Bedok Interchange Food Centre
GPS: 1.325362, 103.930546
Follow my blog at Networkedblogs or Twitter or Facebook
Someone told me that I am not a tourist in my own country. Actually that is not quite accurate. In reality, I am not a tourist in my own region too:p
Because it is Chinese New Year, I suppose to be a good boy (please don’t laugh when I say I am still boy), I should make everyone happy bla bla bla.. So, I decided to pay a visit to Singapore recently.
So, why Singapore and not other places? Universal Studio? Yes and No.. I read on newspaper (yes I do read) that some genius plan to bring all good Malaysia Food to Singapore Universal Studio.
Considering that I have limited time during CNY, I decided to pay a visit to Malaysian Food Street instead of spending time hunting for food from various corners around Malaysia.
My first impression, Happy, coz it operates during Chinese New Year and damn CONGESTED!
It is worth while to queue for 20 min for my turn to enter the ‘street’ as I get to try my all time favorite Penang Lobak. Don’t expect to get your food right away as right after your queue, there is another long queue in this stall.
This lobak is the most satisfying dish that I tried here. Despite charging in SGD, I ordered twice. You better try it yourself but you need to be fast coz it finishes early.
The next food that I think is well done is Penang Hokkien Mee. I am not sure if many might like this but this stall is also congested with customers.
If you are Muslim, I urge you not to try as I suspect there are lards in it. Please don’t quote me on this but suggest you to ask for clarification if it is ‘Halal”.. Ohh.. Don’t forget to take the awesome sambal (chilli paste) too.
The next few dishes that I ordered are just nice to ease my craving but they are not the best that I have tried so far. Cuttlefish with vegetables is so so only as the sauce is kind of limited.
The cendol and ice kacang for desserts might be a good idea if you want something cold for hot sunny day but the char kuey teow is rather not so authentic. I still prefer char kuey teow from Kafe Heng Huat @ Lorong Selamat .
One stones kills many many birds. That is what I felt when I got to try so many Malaysian Food in one single visit to Universal Studio, Singapore. Awesome isn’t it?
Malaysian Food Street at Resorts World Sentosa
8 Sentosa Gateway Sentosa Island,
Singapore 098269
GPS: 1.254744, 103.822689
Operating Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Monday-Thursday); 9 a.m.- midnight (Friday and Saturday); 9 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sunday).
Follow my blog at Networkedblogs or Twitter or Facebook
AS you might aware, Valentine is around the corner. Any surprises for your loved one? Buying a diamond ring is just too common. If you are running out an idea, I have one for you.
What about preparing a candlelight dinner by YOURSELF? If you are worry that you might not be able to get a perfect wine for the night, this might be your ultimate solution.
Few days ago, I came across this website, Wine Gift Baskets while in the midst of googling the best wine around. It is actually an online shop selling variety of wines ranging from Red, White, Merlot, Pinot Noir,Shiraz and many more.
Not only they are selling wines but they sell Gift/Wine Baskets too. These sorta baskets normally work as perfect gifts to just about anyone on any occasions.
As for valentine, I find wine and chocolates outshine others and it is worth buying.
The website is rather simple where all you need is just register, choose, make a payment, and it will delivers to your doorstep.
You don’t need to worry what to get as you have multiple choices to choose from. If you are making your first order, you get the shipping price as low as 1¢. Try it if you don’t believe me.
From consumer point of view, I bet we are hesitating if our choice is a right choice, how good is the service, products qualities etc.
But hey, don’t worry as you get to read reviews from previous customers and product description before you place your payment. If still not satisfy, give a call to their customer service at 1 800 592 5870.
To me, there is always a risk in purchasing any online products. So to avoid any unfortunate events, always check for their customers review. Surprisingly, when I check, this website appears to have a lot of satisfied customers. Why not you give it a try?
Website: Wine Gift Baskets
Follow my blog at Networkedblogs or Twitter or Facebook
Prostitute is a woman who engages in sexual intercourse for money. In normal conversation, we, Chinese always refers prostitute as chicken. If a man said, “I want a chicken!” What do you think?
Before you judge, please see if he shows his pervert-ive look. If not, he probably means something else. If you ask me if I want chicken, I will say, “Absolutely!”
Not because I am a pervert but I am so much into “chicken”.. as in chicken, chicken, the edible version. Oh yea, never say no to any type of meat if you are a real meat eater like me.
If you try to prepare TikkoSS’s Roasted Chicken, you might realize it is actually quite difficult but hey, I have an alternative for you, HuaBaoGang Roast Chicken.
My friend bought me this from a small rural area in China. According to him, this chicken has almost 500 years worth of history. Not the chicken itself but I believe it is the way how the chicken is prepared. Those of you with an online culinary arts degree will know what I’m talking about.
As you can see from the photo, the whole bird is properly wrapped in a paper and frozen. So, all you need is just to heat it up. What I do is put in oven for 10 mins and it is ready to be served.
If you ask my personal opinion, I would say TikkoSS’s Roasted Chicken is way better than this HuaBaoGang Roast Chicken. Maybe I am bias but I find it a bit salty and the meat is a bit hard.
BUT BUT.. I am not local Chinese from China, so my taste might be different from what they claimed to be the best. Maybe you will find this ready-made chicken taste suits you, who knows, right?
Everything is so commercialize nowadays. So, I believe you can order this Roast Chicken via online too. Hopefully the chicken is still in a good shape when it arrived on your doorstep :p
HuaBaoGang Roast Chicken Co., LTD.
Tel: +86 372 – 862 1688, +86 372 – 863 2789
Email: huabaogang@163.com
Web: www.huabaogang.com
Follow my blog at Networkedblogs or Twitter or Facebook
Recent Comments