[REVIEW] Bananabro | Authentic Malaysian Banana Leaf in Kuala Lumpur

The entrance of Bananabro in Times Square

Seeking for aunthentic Malaysian Banana Leaf in Kuala Lumpur? Well, here's a suggestion that i would recommend to my local friends, to my foreign friends and even to travellers who are visiting Kuala Lumpur to enjoy Malaysian food. I think i can confidently say that Malaysian food in general has created a huge impact to the world that Malaysia is now somehow also known as food heaven in many countries. As a Malaysian, a definite must try Malaysian expereince for those who wants the real deal, you must try Nasi Lemak and Banana Leaf Rice that has been well loved by different races and cultures in Malaysia.

See how the food is prepared

The ambiance of Bananabro, where comfort is guranteed

Today i'll be sharing with you a new banana leaf hideout that found within the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Being a fan of banana leaf rice, i know that it may not be easy for many who find banana leaf in non-central places. So, if you know where Sungai Wang or Lot 10 is, you'll definitely know where Times Square is, and Times Square is where the Bananabro shop is. For this post, i'll be sharing with you my first time experiences of dining at Bananbro, and honestly, i loved it! Thus, im writing this post about it to share my new find.

WHAT IS BANANA LEAF RICE?

A close up on the condiments of a Banana Leaf Rice set

There are many indian stores that serves banana leaf rice, but the real question is, which banana leaf rice store attracts different races as well? To me, i'd go for banana leaf rice that is compatable to Malaysian palatte (which also means the kind of food that can cater to malay, indian, chinese tastebuds!)  Usually, this is my tip for amazing banana leaf rice, as its guranteed to have different levels of flavours that you can surely find something that is compatable to your tastebuds. Now, what is banana leaf rice? Banana leaf rice is rice served on a banana leaf that usually comes with 3 types of vegetables.

To be enjoyed with friends and family, and did i mention that the condiments are refillable? 

At Bananabro, a set of Banana Leaf rice comes with a choice of white/brown rice, accompanied with rasam as an appetizer and yogurt for digestion, papadom to add some texture to your meal, and 3 vegetable side dishes. There will also be four types of curry to choose from where you'll have an option of dhall, curry chicken, fish curry, mung bean curry. Personally speaking, i would have to say that the mung bean curry is a unique addition as not many banana leaf shops that i know of, offers this Mung Bean Curry. After doing some research, i found that Mung Bean Curry lowers cholesterol, has high source in protein, vitamins and minerals, increases immunity, regulates blood pressure and helps with weight loss. With so much benefits, its hard not to get at least a spoon of it in your life. (Or, maybe more if you like it!)

The menu (Food options)

Breakfast and drinks menu

Got my dose of Banana Leaf rice to satisfy my cravings and at the price of RM12.90 for refillable rice, curry, vegetables, rasam, yogurt and papadom, i say its worth it! I can taste the authenticity and the ingredients are definitely frsh with intest flavours in generous amounts! What i love about Bananabro is that they elevated the dining experience where i can enjoy my meal in a more modern and contemporary environment. Trust me, the venue is a definite photo worthy spot to spend time with friends and family.

ADD ON SIDE DISHES

Chicken of the day

Mutton of the day

Chicken 65

If youre more of a meaty person, Bananabro hasnt forgotten about you! Bananabro offers a few varieties for you to choose from, and the options are mutton of the day, chicken of the day, chicken 65 and fried squid. I managed to get a bite of their mutton of the day and their chicken 65, and trust me, they taste just like home. Scratch out those commercialise flavours, Bananabro has prepared side dishes that literally taste like its food cooked from the heart. If ordering everything is too much, you can just add one side dish, or two and share it with your family and friends. But trust me, you gotta try it at least once! Im definitely coming back for more! hehe.

DRINKS

Teh Tarik Lawa

Original Lassi

While i was there, i was recomended with 2 drinks that is a must try namely, the Teh Tarik Lawa and the Original Lassi. At any banana leaf shop, these two drinks are a definite must, and being Malaysian, im all in for their Teh Tarik Lawa! After all, Malaysia is famous for our 'Pulled Tea'. hehe.  The Teh Tarik lawa is looks 'lawa' (which also means beautiful), and the great taste of Teh Tarik still remains. For amazing Teh Tarik in Kuala Lumpur that has just the right amount of Teh Tarik omph, i would highly recommend you to get a sip of this Teh Tarik Lawa. The other drink that would be recommended would be the Original Lassi where it has a more yogurt taste (a combination of sweet and sour) that is also a must try! But if you want more flavours, you can also opt to try their Lassi in Sour Sop, Mango or Stawberry.

NASI LEMAK AYAM with ACAR

Nasi Lemak Ayam Acar

Get your daily dose of breakfast

For an all day breakfast option, you can also get your dose of Nasi Lemak Ayam with Acar at Bananabro.   I got a bite of this, and trust me when i say that its really filling! The rice had just the right amount of coconut milk and the fried chicken was served to crispy perfection. Just talking about it makes me feel like i need to get myself back to the store to get another plate of their Nasi Lemak Ayam with Acar. Mmmhmm. Time to plan my week ahead! The Nasi Lemak dish has a side dish of acar, anchovies, nuts and sambal. Im not a fan of super spicy sambal, but this sambal had the right kick of sambal that i love (and its the not too spicy kind). So, if youre craving for Nasi Lemak, Bananabro has it!

VERDICT

Mandatory photo with the store logo

Enjoying my time with this beaty right here. (Im talking about the Teh Tarik lawa)

As a verdict, i would have to say that the prices are affordable and the food quality is top notch with a touch of home. I was told that the shop does not serve food that is not good enough for their own families, which i think is a great principal to believe in. This is their first outlet located in Berjaya Times Square, and a little bird told me that they will open their second outlet at Midvalley by the end of the year! I definitely see potential, and tasted one of the best banana leaf curry i've tasted, which leads me to looking forward to their expansion. Hehe. Well, thats all for now, you can checkout more details on their site below or leave me a comment if you have any other questions. Also, if you've been to Bananabro before, it would be great if you could share me your favourites in the comment sections too as i would love to know more. TataForNow <3

BANANABRO

Facebook | Instagram

Address: LG-59B (LOWER GROUND EAST ENTRANCE)

Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/APQcrEtDGTA2

Outlet Opening Hours : 8.30am-10pm

Banana Leaf served : 11am - 9.30pm

(served 8.30am-11am & 3pm-6pm)

Contact Number : +60327324605

20th Century Fox World Studio Store Now Open in Malaysia | Fox World Studio Store Haul

20th Century Fox World Studio Store is now open in Malaysia!

If you have been following my social media accounts, you would have noticed that I’ve been hyping on the most recent launch of the worlds first, Fox World Studio Store at Resorts World Genting, Malaysia! Im sure that we are all familiar the movies that 20th Century Fox World has created, and just to name a few, Fox has created memorable movies such as Avatar, Titanic, Ice Age, Alien Vs Predator, Rio and so much more! Being super excited for the launch of their first store in the world, I immediately made my way up to Resorts World Genting a day before the launching.

Arriving at the destination with other overnight campers!

Found a spot to sleep in!

My bag was used as a pillow to keep myself comfy

It was a Friday evening when I hopped on a bus with my partner and made our way up to Genting Highlands. We had early dinner at the Coffee Terrance and got our sleeping bags ready at the launching site itself. To our surprise, we found that we were not the only ones camping the night, and I was amused to find familiar faces outside the store. Most of us were really excited to get little sneak peeks of what the store has to offer, and I spotted a shirt that I would definitely want to bring home. Found a cozy spot to sleep in and lights were off.

Just a mandatory picture to keep

During the official cutting ceremony to launch the store

We even had popcorn and cotton candy being given out during the event

Not to also forget the Samba dancers who were really energetic

Woke up the next day feeling super fresh and found out that the launch would only be official at 12pm on the 21st of April 2018. Ironically we were a little too early, so we decided to freshen up a little and got ourselves changed into clean clothes. Hehe. After having breakfast, we immediately made our way back to the venue area to find all the lights, the sound system, the red carpet ready for the grand launch! It was all glamorous, and we also had special guests from Rio and Ice Age who celebrated the launch with us too!

STORE PREVIEW

The Store layout and concept

Some merchandises featuring Night at the Museum

Son of anarchy merchandises anyone?

Now,  here are some sneak peaks on what you can find when you're in the store. Honestly speaking, I was expecting it to be bigger, but it had a fair size since its located in a mall. (Fingers crossed on more stores to open when their theme park launches!) The store had a fair variety of merchandises featuring, Alien Vs Predator, Ice Age, Rio, Night at the Museum, Son on Anarchy, Epic and 20th Century Fox Official merchandises.

Haziq checking out a top in the Ice Age section

I got my eyes on the 20th Century Fox World Merchandises

The store offers mostly sells typical merchandise such as magnets, keychains, bookmarks, collectibles, t-shirts, stationaries, mugs, you name it! Being in my mid-twenties, I was more attracted to the merchandises featuring Ice Age,  Aliens Vs Predators, and 20th Century Fox World! In the images above are just a few things that I've gotten myself. Got me a shirt, a cap, a notebook, a magnet and a folder to get myself started with the 29th Century Fox World career! (In my dreams!) LOL. haha. A girl can dream, right?

PRICE RANGE (Merchandises with Price)

Managed to bring this Black Gold Foil shirt home at RM89.90

T-shirt, RM79.90

Umbrella's, RM53.90

Magnet, RM15.90

Keychain, RM6.90

Alloy Pins, RM10.90

Postcards, RM2.90

Sid Table Lamp, RM75.90

Hand Warmer, RM79.90

Notebooks, RM17.90

Mugs, RM49.90

Alien Egg, RM299

If you're wondering how much the price ranges are if you plan to make your way to the 20th Century Fox World Studio Store in Malaysia, I've taken some price tags of the items that are currently available in the store. Honestly speaking, I think that the price range starts from RM6.90 to RM100 on average. There might be other things that are cheaper, and other items that may be on the higher side, but mostly you can find items that are in the range that I mentioned.

Mandatory picture with the Rio Team

My souvenirs from 20th Century Fox World Studio Store 

So there you have it! If you happen to be in Genting, then you should definitely make a pit stop at 20th Century Fox World Studio Store in Resort World Genting to check out their merchandises. Just a recap, this is the FIRST Fox World Studio Store in the world, and this is your time to snag some limited items to bring home. But if you think Genting is not a drive away for you, then I'd suggest you wait for the official 20th Century Fox World Theme Park to launch! There is no confirmed date yet, but might as well kill two birds with one stone right? Hehe.

20th Century Fox World Studio Store

Address: Level T2A-03, SkyAvenue, Genting Highland

Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm

Power up with Potatoes USA | Fitness Potato Recipe

YES, Potatoes can help you be fit too!

Don't we all love potatoes, or are we real-life potatoes? Haha. I mean, my sister tends to call herself a potato, and I think we can agree that there's just something about potatoes that we all love. Potatoes are cute, curvy and fun to play around with, especially when it comes to preparing various types of dishes. Being a fitness junkie, I'll be talking about US Potatoes in specific on how they have always been synonymous with nutritious diets and meals for many Malaysian households. Check out the different types of potatoes that the USA has to offer.

US Round Red

US Russet Potato

US Yukon Gold

US Purple Blue

Being present at the showcase of Potatoes USA, we had a moment to understand the goodness of U.S. Potatoes in a themed "POWER UP WITH US POTATOES" event at Sime Darby Convention Centre earlier this week to highlight the importance of potatoes in the diet of athletes. Who would have thought that Potatoes can help with performance? Did you know that potatoes provide the carbohydrate, potassium, and energy that you need to perform at your best? Well, after attending the showcase, I would have to say that im convinced that I need potatoes to be included in my diet.

Here's me with Henry after our morning workout with Potato Power. 

According to Nutrition Today, they suggested that carbohydrates are a primary macronutrient for sustaining and improving athletic performance. Potatoes contain 620 milligrams of potassium and with more potassium than a medium-sized banana, potatoes are perfect for aiding muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function during long endurance events. There is no doubt that potatoes are used as a high-energy good carb for athletes and sporty individuals. 

A post shared by Noel Chelliah (@dailymuscle) on Mar 15, 2018 at 6:08pm PDT

Potatoes USA is bringing this important potato fitness message to Malaysians, and during the showcase, we had sports/fitness coach Noel Chelliah from Daily Muscle Lighthouse & and triathlon gold medalist Kimberly Yap who were enlisted to headline a showcase of potato nutrition with an emphasis on the characteristics and nutrients essential for improved athletic performance. After their share of words, I never knew how potatoes are good for daily nutritional meals, weight management, and sports.

Potatoes are also good as pre-workout meals and post-workout meals too! 

FIT MEAL RECIPES

BY CHEF NAEM

Chicken Tomyam U.S Hash Brown

Chicken Tomyam U.S Hash Brown

Ingredients
- 6 US Hash Brown
- 1 pack of tom yam paste
- 2 chicken breast (poached)
- 2 tomatoes (diced)
- 2 kafir lime leaves (sliced)
- 2 coriander leaves (sliced)
- 1 lemongrass leaves (sliced)
- Salt/Pepper

Method of preparation
1. Poach chicken (cut, dice & put the chicken into simmering water seasoned with some salt and ginger)
2. Spread the Tom Yam paste on the hash brown
3. Air-fry the US hash brown at 100'C for 15 minutes till golden brown
4. In a bowl, mix chicken, tomatoes, kaffir lime leaves, coriander, lemongrass, salt & pepper
5. Season well
6. Place the chicken on top of hash brown
7.Garnish with coriander

US Potato Jackfruit Smoothie

US Potato Jackfruit Smoothie

Ingredients
- 2 US Russets
- 1 scoop Protein Powder
- 6 pieces of jackfruit
- 1 cup soy milk
- 2 tbs honey
-1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
-1/2 tsp chia seed
- 1 cup ice cube
- 1 daun pandan (garnish)
- 1 gula melaka (garnish)

Method of preparation
1. Peel potato, cut into cubes
2. Boil the potato until soft for 10 minutes
3. Blend all ingredients- Potato, jackfruit, protein powder, soy milk, honey, cinnamon, chia seed, and ice cube together until smooth
4. Garnish with daun pandan, chia seed, and drizzle gula melaka

ON-THE-GO US Potatoes

On-The-Go US Potatoes

Ingredients
- 10 US Russet Potatoes
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 nos chopped garlic
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp curry powder
-1 nos lemon zest
- 1 nos lime (cut wedges, garnishing)
- Salt and Pepper

Method of preparation
1. Put the potato in a bowl and toss with olive oil
2. In separate bowl, combine paprika, curry powder, lemon zest and ground almond and garlic
3. Mix all the ingredient well and coat the potato with the ingredient
4. Cook in air-fry 120c for 20-30 minutes (in small batches)
5. Garnish with lime wedge

Chef Naem, the handsome fit chef of the day

With three amazing recipes to keep in mind, be sure to try out these fit potato recipes. Do tell me which is your favorite recipe in the comment below, and im actually thinking of preparing these dishes for myself too! Shall I do a blog post on it as well, just to share with you a step by step guide on how to prepare a selected dish with images? Hehe. Y'know what, I'll surprise you! It honestly looks super easy and quick to make and being a fan of potatoes, im a huge fan to recreate these recipes.

So whats your potato power motivation?

The entire purpose of this blog post is to actually inform you that potatoes can be healthy too instead of fattening. We need to throw away that mindset and enjoy the benefits of potatoes while having a healthy fit lifestyle. YES, it is possible! Noah Chelliah and Kimberly Yap are living proof that potatoes play an important role in their diet every single day. So let's start getting creative with potatoes, instead of hating on it. You can get your US potatoes from selected supermarkets in Malaysia.