Into .... Fine Dining@ Pavilion KL .... Bak Kut Teh

Wednesday, 24th October 2012, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - KS Wong

Fine Dining .... Premier dining ... can u imagine, it's Bak Kut Teh

Things do evolve.... even food .... a low end dish moving up the ladder to find its way into the sphere of fine dining .... and it is a reality at Level 6, Pavilion KL, Malaysia.

The name of the joint, which bears testimony to the statement, is .....  

Pao Xiang Bak Kut Teh ............................ had achieved geographical diversification, expanded its business beyond Klang (in Selangor) to spread its wings into the wider parts of the Klang Valley, to Penang, and to actually make its physical presence in Singapore (all photos herein in this post were taken at Pao Xiang@Pavilion KL - photos by KS Wong).

But what is this all about ? .... please bear with me, it is more than a food topic but before that ....

A bowl of Bak Kut Teh ..... a serving portion for one person

Caution: NON-HALAL Topic - my apology to my Muslims friends and others who may find this offending .... it is not intended to be in such a direction, please take it from another perspective  ... say educational perspective, the topic has historical significance, a substantive business, and there are tourism implications.

What is Bak Kut Teh

Bak Kut Teh (the name of the stuff, primarily pronounced as in Hokkien dialect) - it literally translates as ’meat bone tea’, consisting of meaty pork ribs simmered in a complex broth of herbs and spices (including star anise, cinnamon, cloves, dang gui, fennel seeds and garlic) for hours. And at Pao Xiang Bak Kut Teh they claim to bring in their servings of Bak Kut Teh the full flavours to warm your tummy with additional ingredients such as offal, varieties of mushroom and pieces of dried tofu or fried tofu puffs. 

A shot of another bowl ..... and there is variety in the menu .....
different parts of the meat ..... bony, fatty, etc etc

How it is eaten?

Bak kut teh is typically eaten with steamed white rice, you tiao (also known as dough fritters or Chinese crullers), offal, preserved vegetables and braised bean curd skins. Light soy sauce or dark soy sauce is used as a dipping sauce. Sliced chilli, minced garlic or chopped chilli padi are often added to the dipping sauce. Chinese tea is the preferred beverage when having bak kut teh, as it is believed to help wash down the oil and fat from the dish.

you tiao (also known as dough fritters or Chinese crullers)

braised bean curd skins

Bak Kut Teh .... laid out on the table

Some arguments ..... on its origins

.... The Star, 23rd September 2009, reported ....... A “food fight” is brewing, especially in cyberspace, following Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen’s statement of Malaysia’s intention to lay claim to several dishes.

The story has been widely picked up by news portals, online forums and blogs worldwide after Dr Ng said that bak kut teh and few other food dishes are Malaysian.

The Star had also in its report made reference to the writings of a blogger .....whom had said in his blog  ......that  Bak Kut Teh has its origin in Port Klang area,Malaysia, during British colonial administration. In those early pioneering days, much of port activities relied on Chinese migrant coolies to do the heavy manual work. They needed something nourishing to maintain their good health while toiling in the hot and humid climate. Someone with knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) came out with a secret recipe of using herbs and spices to cook with pork.

In separate writings it have been argued that Bak kut teh is believed to have originated from the Fujian province of China. The introduction of the dish to Singapore and Malaysia is attributed to Hokkien immigrants who moved to this region in the 19th century. The dish is said to have been popular with the Chinese coolies as a hearty breakfast before embarking on their backbreaking tasks of the day.

The key feature or point to be made......

The key point herein is not the arguments about the its origins .... and I am not into it ..... the point of emphasis is that it is the Chinese coolies/ labourers in Malaysia and Singapore ....... 70-80 years ago or more ....... that kick start the local scene with Bak Kut Teh ....... and the key point being .....IT WAS A POOR MAN'S FOOD ..... nourishing themselves for survival .... in an environment with their very tough physical jobs. 

Traditionally, it seems there are three variants of bak kut teh - Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese versions; and in recent years we see more variations; especially the dry version.

............... However, the prime point is that it has gone to evolve itself from a food for the poor ........ up the ladder to become a popular local delicacy, and even very popular with tourists, ...... and today to be found in a restaurant in the fine dining floor of an up market shopping mall.

Can there be new developments 

There have been efforts to introduce to non pork versions of Bak Kut Teh ........ with chicken and other meats ........... but there have not been substantive developments towards this end.

Perhaps, there is need to re-examine as to what has not been properly put in place .... for the non pork version of Bak Kut Teh .... it could be a wrong business model or strategy ....... getting it right can open up a huge market ........ in the halal sector ......... imagine setting a chain to also tap into the OIC countries and beyond ....... a big opportunity and even, perhaps, a golden opportunity for Malaysian branding .........

KS Wong

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Drinks .. Happy Hour (Part II) , Malaysian Scenario .... delineating the parameters

This is Part 2 ... of the series ....  a closer look at "Drinking and the Happy Hour scenario" from a Malaysian context and perspective .... thus, .... it is about the local scene.

 The introductory brief (Part 1, posted on 19th October 2012 ) laid down a way forward .... primarily, stating my intentions and actually thrown in a starter piece .. touching on the "flower market" scenario ... on the drinking/entertainment scene- and I will take up this scenario further at later time; but in the meantime, please bear with me, I need to get hold of more details and photos.

I intend to throw in some depth of coverage on the overall topic .... and at the same time with the hope that I can be able to have a degree of investigative coverage- to make the topic more interesting and informative.

I have made out a small chart to assist me in my thoughts and approach - sharing it herein with you .... as it will enable you/ or shed some light ... in seeing the bigger picture as to what trying to do. 

The Chart has 6 dimensions .... as shown in the boxes; thus articles in the series will attempt to look at the key parameters .... what is in each of it ... how each influences the other .... and how it works together to define  the drinking scene and the happenings.

Having said something about my thoughts ... and the intended parameters of approach, we now move into ...... 

Looking at the statistics.... and this was reported in the Star newspaper...... on 23th May 2011

"Malaysia has been named by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the world’s 10th largest consumer of alcohol despite its small population and size.

Statistics by the international body this year also showed that Malaysians spent over US$500mil (RM1.5bil) on alcohol with a per capita consumption of seven litres.

Beer consumption in Malaysia is 11 litres per capita."

I know .... it seems unbelievable, even to me, ..... we dont really have a drinking culture, and yet....  our statistics seem to point towards it ...... our beer consumption per capita are within the range of those cultures that drinks.......... such as those in Europe.

This even make it more interesting to find out what is behind all this ...... what are and where are the happenings ................... and I hope I can successfully get into digging at it .... with photos., I hope......

Before I end this Part 2 ..... I herein share with you a few photos of shots taken by me last friday, at the Bukit Bintang area, Kuala Lumpur ............... depicting a traditional pub (WHERE) and the happenings ................... (the people in the photos are tourists from Australia ..... who were on visit for the Motor GP over the weekend ........ and I can tell you, there drank in large quantity ............... (contributing to our GDP):

They are enjoying themselves at the pub ...... a traditional pub

Can you guess what she is doing? ..... it is a completely legal activity

what is she up ? ........ 

..... with that I wish you a nice and pleasant day.. ....................................................................................  to be continued on .... Part 3

Drinking.... happy hour .... insights into this landscape

Thursday, 19th October 2012, Kuala Lumpur - KS Wong

Talking about lifestyle .............our drinking habits and places of drinking would immediately be a relevent topic of discussion; and I do intend to give some extensive coverage to this dimension over a period of time. 

..... not all in one or two post but with a series of posts depicting insights from a number of perspectives ..... and I am sure that there will be lots of interesting stories and scenes to share (that is if I can discreetly snap the various photos; where it can be sensitive to some people).

  

Ya .... it is about alcoholic beverages .... beers, wine, whisky ......cocktails etc etc ...... the Happy Hours ........ and the happenings surrounding this dimension.

The photo below is a starter ...... not a concert la ....but from a drinking and entertainment outlet in Bukit Bintang area, Kuala Lumpur .... unable to show more at this moment as I still need more photos from this place .... and I do have some interesting stories about this place .... including the people as in the ladies that work there and the customers.  

This is a scene from a category of drinking outlets .... targeted at a niche group of customers, primarily those of Chinese origin; where it is more expensive, has the company of ladies from China, and the "incidence of customers to pay a fee for hanging flowers on the ladies" when there go out to sing on stage ........ (the hang flower feature is the distinguishing dimension for this category of drinking outlet)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Photo-KS Wong)

Despite of the fact that Malaysia is an Islamic country, and a member of the OIC; it has been fairly liberal in the handling of business of entertainment, coupled with the tolerance to permit the sale of alcoholic beverages  ... By and large, Muslims are not permitted to drink; but the rest and visitors to this country are by no means being deprived of drinks ................ 

Thus, we are in an ok scenario when compared with other countries  ....... we have the diversity ....... diversity of drinks, diversity in places for drinks, diversity in occasions for drinks, ..... diversity in category of patrons ..... and we are no less in any standards when we talk about the HAPPY HOUR.

To be continued - Part 2

KS Wong,

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Global crisis ... if the major changes to our lifestyle ..... triggered by technology are to disappear tommorrow

KS Wong - Wednesday, 17th October 2012, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

(a wide topic; thus, I have to pick on an aspect and perspective to keep the post in a manageable size) .... 

Prime focus shall be  "everyone has become a photographer" .....  a very major change that we have taken for granted .... something that many of us went into without our conscious effort into it ..... and what will happen if this disappears. 

To kick start the discussion........

The technological advances in portable mobile communication devices such as the 
mobile phones, ipads, galaxy notes, etc etc ....., which started primarily in the periods at the end of the 80’s and beginning 90’s and the big leaps at the turn of the century into the 2000’s;  ...... triggered and spurred changes to our life styles ...... things that we may now take for granted; our mobile communication devices and the mode of communications took big steps forward ..... and are currently still being redefined to new heights. 

a Global CRISIS.... if it disappears.

Just sit back and think for a moment,  what will happen if all these were to disappear from our lives by tomorrow? ...... no mobile phone, no SMS, no Facebook, no twitter, no mobile apps, no emails, no mobile internet and 3G services, no more photos and videos from your mobile devices, etc etc .... the entire band of mobile possibilities just disappear from our lives.

It will be a global crisis ...... not a social crisis but also a financial crisis and even more ..... as businesses have also evolved to be dependent on mobile technologies; so it will be big a tsunami that will throw the whole world off its feet .... a catastrophe. 

Digital photography and Mobile Devices

Zooming in a specific dimension .... digital photography .... this itself has changed our lifestyle ..... one has to remember that it was still in the 90's and even early 2000"s that film photography was still the thing .... the ritual of taking photographs than to be limited to professionals and enthusiasts in photography ...... it was than also very expensive.

The arrival of digital photography in the 2000's, and in particular when the digital cameras became more affordable to a large number of people, and the subsequent leap of mobile communication devises being equipped with cameras ... to the extent it is the norm today for any mobile device to be with a camera ....... literally revolutionised the world of graphics and imaging ..... everyone became a photographer and videographer.

At the same time, camera manufacturers saw the change and the potential ...... step up its rollout of digital compact and DSLR cameras, now even equipped with HD video capability, .... as the hassle of film photography and the need to print photos seem to have been alleviated by the technology ...... there was a clear path of market growth and they dive into such a direction ... all these drastically expanded the number of photographers (pro or otherwise).

The developments were also driven by the technology platform for the communication of photos, which took a drastic up turn with all going through electronic means; and are nearly FOC to users .... through emails, Facebook etc etc.......The iPhone's icloud technology of streaming photos is another amazing development.

Even professional photographers have often made statements towards their industry being redefined, and they are forced to differentiate in their capabilities and offerings to remain in business...... just look at an event or a wedding, there may be a professional photographer trying a group shot but at the same time there will be 10-20 others taking photos with their mobile phones and compact digital cameras (something we don't see perhaps 15 years ago) ........... and almost immediately some of it will be on its way to Facebook.

The number of photos being taken per day, around the world, have taken a massive leap  ..... perhaps, even billions of photo per day ........ and are easily communicated to others around the world.

What will happen if this capability is gone or restricted?

snap here, snap there .... with our mobile phones and cameras ... and than share it electronically ..... a common scene; and we have taken this for granted.

The massive availability of cameras ... and the number of photographers, mean that the quantity of activities and happenings around the world being recorded would have reach unprecedented levels .... ... and there can be incidences of abusive and violation of privacy.

What happens if one day:

1) The technology platform fails ...... you can't transfer your photos electronically - such as you can't put it up Facebook or email or even MMS or on your WhatsApp....... perhaps, at that time one will realized that we are today very dependent on certain technologies and we took them for granted in our daily lives...... and to many it can be a very miserable thing................. (one may even ask if there any backup scenario that the world can fall back on if it happens? .... I don't know if there is one, perhaps .... someone can comment on this)

2) if, one day, the Governments in the world decide that mobile devices are not permitted to be fitted with cameras by virtue of the abuses and invasion of privacy.......... I cant imagine how much we will complain ...... perhaps, for the first time, we will see a highly synchronised global protest.



 KS Wong
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

ASEAN - are there problems?

16th October 2012, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - KS Wong
Further to the introductory brief on 13th October 2012 ..... where at the end of the brief I hinted .... are there problems?

(The topic may seem irrelevant to the Blog "Malaysian Lifestyle" but I do believe that there are implications to our lifestyle, food, culture and businesses ..... ASEAN brings changes, it might not be tidal waves of change but the influences from across the region will over a period of time yield a change in someway to our thinking, outlook and lifestyle. Thus, we should be aware of it to some extent.) 

The ASEAN Logo (downloaded
from the ASEAN Website)

ASEAN (Association of South EastAsian Nations) is today a reality ..... a fully developed legal entity; and members states are legally bound by the ASEAN Charter (to read more, click here).....

It is an elaborately structured set up, an orchestrated organisation of 10 Governments, with its Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia; and in a collaborative manner rolls out its initiatives in driving towards its expected deliverables.   

ASEAN came into being in 8th August 1967, with the Bangkok Declaration; and from there on it has moved, developed and evolved itself in pursuit of the ASEAN objectives ...... putting into place a wide spectrum of initiatives on an array of dimensions - economics, political, social, environmental, security, etc ...etc...

The prime intention is to bring regional stability and prosperity .... and in the gist of it, bringing developments to enable all ASEAN nationals to live a better quality life ........... and amongst the array of initiatives there have been leaps and bounds of efforts directed towards economic integration, improving ASEAN's competitiveness in trade and attractiveness to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Thus far, we have to applaud the efforts of the Governments of the 10 member nations for its initiatives ..... despite of numerous critics (media, academia, individuals, etc etc,) that have pointed out on several dimensions on ASEAN's lack of efficacy - that it is merely a talk shop. toothless tiger, lacks political will, the ASEAN Community is merely wishful thinking and it will never be fully realised etc etc .....

I do believe that there is some degree of truth in the elements pointed out by the critics; but at the same time I would argue that it is subject to the perspective that one adopts in looking at the issues ..... 

I am a strong believer that ASEAN is a good thing for everyone and there has been substantive efforts in driving it towards its desired ends .... the issue is perhaps, it still needs to overcome impediments in its path and the transition towards it may be painful.

A scene from the council meeting of the
ASEAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(ASEAN-CCI)

There are numerous stakeholders, including regional NGOs such the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASEAN-CCI), numerous ASEAN Industry Clubs etc .... looking into the impediments and are continuously seeking for means that can alleviate the adversaries faced by ASEAN ..... and their feedback channels are recognised by the ASEAN process.

Having said all the above, I will now try to layout some of the issues - it is intended to be constructive and should be construed in that mode ..... like I have said I believe in ASEAN (I also welcome your feedback on the issues and you may not agree with my perspective);

• Do know that ASEAN only became a legal entity in late 2008 - when the ASEAN Charter was ratified by its member nations. - Thus, technically it was in a way not a legal entity from 1967 to 2008 ! ..... .......I believe that initiatives prior to the date are  by no means void .... 10 countries had officially engaged each other in an array of instruments and initiatives ...... The ASEAN Charter connotes that ASEAN is committed and beefing up itself to be better able to rollout its initiatives for the betterment of all .
• There seem to be a serious lack of awareness on ASEAN (and this is a rather worrying scenario)
• Ask around - how many countries are there in ASEAN and can they state the countries?
• What does acronym ASEAN stand for?
• Show around the ASEAN logo (with the word ASEAN blocked) - you will be shocked if anyone can immediately say it is ASEAN!
• ASEAN Community, and therein also the ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (AEC) will be realised in 2015 - where ASEAN will be a single market and a single production base; with free flow of goods and services, labour and capital ............ however, the agony is how many of us are aware of this? or even.... to have given some strategic thoughts on its implications and opportunities? 
• The question seems to be "Why is it such a scenario?" and who is to be blamed? ..... I believe no should be blamed .... there were outreach initiatives. 
• ASEAN and the 10 governments of ASEAN states, including NGOs had over the years put in place numerous outreach activities to yield awareness ....... but were they adequate or .....
• Are the curriculum of the schools inadequate on this dimension? ......... something to be given some thoughts; perhaps, our Ministry of Education can give a look into it! 
• The general scenario seems to be .... "ok ASEAN so what" ....." what can it do to me" or perhaps, "What's up .... any benefit ka?" ..... the key point being lack of awareness is one aspect, and even with it; no one, especially the small businesses, seem to be bothered by it or have put any strategic significance to it?  
• No one seem to know or attach any importance to ASEAN DAY .... 8th August .......... perhaps, the media can assist on this .... and perhaps, just wishful thinking - make it a public holiday.
• in promoting ASEAN awareness ..... I believe that the media can play a bigger role .... perhaps, even to place a little publicity that Malaysia is a member of ASEAN (with the logo) ... e.g. The Star puts it some small corner of its cover.
• More exposure of the ASEAN logo to the public, together with the message that Malaysia is a member of ASEAN ...... perhaps,even at the airports.

This can go on and on  ... with a long list of issues (and we have not even gone into any details) ...... there are numerous developments coming out from the ASEAN process .... and we don't seem to be fully aware of them .... it bring changes to our lives and we don't want to left behind .... and miss the boat!!!!! 

perhaps,  .....we first need some ....  awareness and sense of belonging

to be continued .......  more on ASEAN ... going into some details.... are we all the same, when we talk in terms of ASEAN 10

KS Wong

Something on Malaysian English

.... not something new .... but I think it still has its significance ......... in making the comparison.


Who says our English is teruk? (meaning is BAD/POOR)

Just read below - Ours is simple, short, concise, straight-to-the-point, effective etc. 

British English vs. Malaysian English 

WHEN GIVING A CUSTOMER BAD NEWS 
Britons: I'm sorry, sir, but we don't seem to have the sweater you want in your size, but if you give me a moment, I can call the other outlets for you.

Malaysians: No stock.

RETURNING A CALL
Britons: Hello, this is John Smith. Did anyone call for me a few moments ago?
Malaysians: Hello, who call?

ASKING SOMEONE TO MAKE WAY
Britons: Excuse me, I would like to get by. Would you please make way?
Malaysians: S-kew me.

WHEN SOMEONE OFFERS TO PAY 
Britons: Hey! Put your wallet away, this drink is on me.
Malaysians: No need lah.

WHEN ASKING FOR PERMISSION
Britons: Excuse me, but do you think it would be possible for me to enter through this door?
Malaysians: (pointing at the door) Can ah?

WHEN ENTERTAINING
Britons: Please make yourself right at home.

Malaysians: No need shy shy one lah!

WHEN DOUBTING SOMEONE 
Britons: I don't recall you giving me the money.
Malaysians: Where got?

WHEN DECLINING AN OFFER
Britons: I would prefer not to do that, if you don't mind.
Malaysians: Don't want lah.

IN DISAGREEING ON A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
Britons: Err...Tom, I have to stop you there. I understand where you're coming from, but I really have to disagree with what you said about the issue.

Malaysians: You mad ah?

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE TO LOWER THEIR VOICE.
Britons: Excuse me, but could you please lower your voice? I'm trying to concentrate over here.
Malaysians: Shut up lah!

WHEN ASKING SOMEONE IF HE/SHE KNOWS YOU.
Britons: Excuse me, but I noticed you staring at me for sometime. Do I know you?

Malaysians: See what, see what?

WHEN ASSESSING A TIGHT SITUATION. 
Britons: We seem to be in a bit of a predicament at the moment..
Malaysians: Die lah!!

WHEN TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED
Britons: Will someone tell me what has just happened?
Malaysians: What happened ah? Why like that one lah?

WHEN SOMEONE DID SOMETHING WRONG
Britons: This isn't the way to do it. Here, let me show you.
Malaysians: Like that also don't know how to do!

WHEN ONE IS ANGRY
Britons: Would you mind not disturbing me?
Malaysians: Celaka you!

So which would you prefer? Send this to your Malaysian friends and let them have a laugh too. Good day!

Malaysians: Sent oredi mah!

ASEAN - an introductory brief

Malaysia .... is a member of ASEAN (Association of SouthEast Asian Nations) .....  with a membership of 10 countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore. Myanmar, Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Philippines...... a population of over 580 million for the ASEAN 10.

For details, you can go to the official website of ASEAN on  http://www.aseansec.org

This brief is a start up article on ASEAN .... and I do feel that when we look at Malaysia, one should also consider perspectives from the ASEAN context, .... as it has implications when we talk about lifestyles, food, culture, and even businesses.......

And, the argument is underpinned by the fact  that ASEAN is moving into a path of integration ... 2015 is set for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) to be realised .... making it a single market and Single production base ..... with freedom in the  movement of goods and services, labour and capital across region.

To be continued ....... but are there problems?

50 cents coin (malaysia)