.: Al-Amin Xinjiang Muslim Restaurant :.

Where food meets pleasure.

This will be a biased yet genuinely straight from the heart post. 

K's friend, Brother Bao, is the owner and chef of Al-Amin Xinjiang Muslim Restaurant. The restaurant specializes in Xinjiang-style cuisine, so unlike regular Chinese Muslim restaurants, Brother Bao churns out the most amazing dishes, with Middle Eastern and Chinese influences.

While I do not usually write reviews, I am making this an exception. Mainly because Brother Bao has a delightful personality and despite how busy he is, he always makes time to chat with us each time we come to his restaurant. 

Brother Bao's restaurant has over 30 types of dishes and beverages. 

Here are our top 3 favourites:

Xinjiang Kao Bao

Looks familiar? We sell these at Kaijia too! But we still love the ones sold by Brother Bao. His are generously filled with mutton and onions.

Fried Noodles

K loves this dish to bits that he orders it at almost every visit! The noodles are quite spicy and not heavily drenched in oil. 

Da Pan Ji

Also known as Big Plate Chicken, this bite-sized chicken dish is cooked with a variety of vegetables. Order a side of rice, noodles or bread to go along with it.

Bonus: Niangpi

Once upon a time, we sold these at Kaijia too. These days, whenever we feel like walking down the memory lane, we would order this to share.

Does the restaurant tick all the right boxes?

Tasty dishes? Yes!

Wide variety? Yes!

Reasonable price? Yes!

Generous portions? Yes!

Comfortable setting? Yes!

And they even have a surau. No excuse for missing your prayers!

The only downside? 

Finding a parking spot can be challenging, though that should not deter you from ever going there. The food and ambiance are well worth it.

Restaurant details:

Al-Amin Xinjiang Muslim Restaurant

Address: No.20 Jalan 19/3, Seksyen 19, 46400, Petaling Jaya

Opens daily: 12PM - 9PM (Fridays, 3PM - 9PM)

Phone number: 010-566 4012

Getting hungry.

9.09pm, Malaysian Time

.: Hayye Ala Al-falah :.

The azaan app.

Finally back on the blogging realm for a quick post. 

One of the things I had been busy with was doing the translations for the Hayye Ala Al-falah azaan app. Alhamdulillah, the app was finally released on 14 November 2017, on the App store, for IOS devices. 

Here are some screenshots:

If you happen to use an Apple product, or knows someone who does, it would be a great privilege to me if you or your close ones can download the app and provide honest feedback. This will greatly help the developers to make significant improvements, to make the app better for everyone.

Here's the download link:  Hayye Ala Al-falah azaan app

Share the word around!

10.54am, Malaysian Time

.: Daun sireh :.

Liners?

Rather odd for me to suddenly post on women's liners. But I suppose today is just one of those days when I have a little too much time on my hands. Just like the time I had a little too much time that I went on the Kotex website to request for some free samples.

About two weeks down the road, I received a pack of their Kotex Fresh Liners Longer and Wider Daun Sireh. Now that is a mouthful. There were 7 liners, a discount coupon and an information leaflet, and all of it came in a little cute box. I chose not to post the pictures as I had ripped the box to pieces and used up all the liners. 

I never liked sireh. I had tried eating it once or twice and I remember hating it. Can't say the same for the liners. Surprisingly it is quite comfortable and the smell isn't overpowering. 

Now this post would get weirder if I continue to describe my experience. So let's just skip that.

I'm not sure whether they are still giving away free samples. If anyone would like to request it, head over to the Kotex website and click on "Get a Sample". 

Or you can just click here: Get a Sample

I should really find more things to do.

12.28noon, Malaysian Time

.: Bee Cheng Hiang :.

Bak kwa.

To commemorate Malaysia's 59th National Day, Wednesday's family breakfast was halal chicken bak kwa slapped between sloppily folded pieces of white bread. Simple yet satisfying to the tummy. 

Munching on those pieces is akin to recalling my childhood. Back in the day, I would often ogle at the thin wafer-like pieces of sweet meat often sold in Chinese shops. The only comfort I had then was taking in unlimited free smells. Made usually out of pork, beef or chicken, rarely does one come across the halal variation.  

All those years, there is but one bak kwa brand that I remember selling this delicate delicacy and still exists until now. That brand is...

BEE CHENG HIANG

Specifically, the outlets in Singapore because those were the ones I grew up with. 

When I moved to Malaysia, I thought that was the end of it. No longer can I enjoy the free smells. There goes my excitement of ever seeing the succulent glistening sweet meat.

I was wrong.

The brand followed me to Malaysia.

And so did the dreary feeling of wanting something so badly, wanting something that is terribly out of reach. 

The meats are still non-halal. 

But that was not the end of it.

About a couple of months ago a Chinese revert friend of mine posted on his Facebook wall that he will be selling halal chicken bak kwa.

The news struck me like how sweet treats can mend a broken heart. 

And this is how the story ends. Friend posted the frozen halal chicken bak kwa to my house, I got my beautiful pack and stashed it in the fridge, waited for an opportune time, took it out of the fridge, slapped it on the grill and savoured every single bite.

Took me more than 2 decades of patience to have this bite.

Good things certainly come to those who wait. 

---

Ikhwan Ng's Frozen Halal Chicken Bak Kwa

500grams: 6-7 slices, 6 x 6 inches

1kg : 14-15 slices, 6 x 6 inches

Phone No: 012-3979998

Website: http://halaldelight.blogspot.my/

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/ikhwanhalal/?hc_location=ufi

PS: He sells other halal products.

---

This is not a paid review for my friend or Bee Cheng Hiang and honestly, I am allergic to chicken. Chickens, unless organic or reared without any of those nasty stuff make me itch. I am risking my allergic reactions for my childhood fantasy.

Things just got real.

10.44am, Malaysian Time

.: Authentic self :.

Tomorrow?

Two months ago I blogged of my intention to attend this month's edition of Incitement Ipoh. Alas, my schedule doesn't permit me to do so. But hey, just because I have to give it a miss, doesn't necessarily mean others should too. 

Here's a quick teaser for those who may want to attend it:

Wicked looking banner eh? The good news is the artist happens to be one of the invited speakers. So if you'd like to see more of his work, catch him and other speakers this Saturday, 11 July at Sepaloh Art Centre, Ipoh. Registration begins at 7.30pm and the event ends around 10.00pm.

Since this is suppose to be a teaser, you can jolly well do the rest of your homework yourself. Go dig for more info at Incitement Ipoh's:

Facebook Page | Facebook Event Page | Eventbrite Page

Bring along your family and friends to have a good time there, alright?

While we're still on the subject of authentic self and Ipoh, allow me to share this mind-blowing piece written recently by Ipoh-born Brother Ikhwan Ng:

"Why choose Islam?" They say..

Because embrace Islam won't mean that I have converted into another race. I'm still who I am, the only difference is I obey to Allah SWT and witness prophet Muhammad saw as the last prophet.

I don't mind being label as "Malay", because Allah SWT never judge me upon my race and skin color. He loves those who devoted to His commandments. Chinese is my race while Islam is my Deen.

People say that Muslim and Islam is an "orthodox" religion. Nothing special in it and looks dull. I have read and research Islam and my conclusion is totally different. Islam is way ahead from Technology and humans knowledge, as al-Mighty Creator is All-Knowing.. He knows every creations more than anyone and to Him we belongs.

People say that being Muslim don't look "Cool". I don't admire western cultural much, calling me in any English name and speaking fluent English won't make me a Brad Pitt. I choose to be who I am, for I have chosen to be Ikhwan Ng.

Now that's what I call hardcore authentic self! :)

6.19am, Malaysian Time

.: Waqf project :.

Crossing restrictions.

Brother Ikhwan Ng has recently embarked on a waqf project involving Chinese translations of the holy Qur'an. Being a convert to Islam with a Chinese background himself, he is fully aware of the need to read religious texts in a language one is proficient and comfortable with. This view is equally shared among other converts he has came to know through his blog - Another Chinese Muallaf. 

As of now, said texts are not readily available in Malaysia. Therefore, Ikhwan has taken the initiative to import these translations from China. Through this project, you may waqf a particular translation to gift a Chinese literate individual access to the holy Qur'an. You may also request or buy a waqf copy for yourself or your Chinese literate family or friends.

Version A

• RM100
• A4 size
• Qur'an text and Chinese translations
• Translated by Wang Zin Zai
• Detailed footnotes and written in layman terms

Version B

• RM70
• A5 size
• Qur'an text and Chinese translations
• Translated by Ma Jian
• Standard translation used in China

Version C

• RM30
• Pocket size
• Chinese translations
• Translated by Ma Jian
• Standard translation used in China

Orders and inquiries can be made via whassap to +6012 397 9998 or lifemualaf@gmail.com. All orders will be sent via Poslaju and take approximately 2 weeks to be delivered from China.

For information about this project in Bahasa Malaysia, kindly visit Ikhwan's blogpost.

This project is highlighted for others to get acquainted with the Qur'an. Wouldn't it be epic if there could be similar projects for other religious texts as well? 

Reading my Tao Te Ching. 

11.46am, Malaysian Time

.: Shedding restrictions :.

Second guessing limitations.

Back from Incitement Ipoh. I reckon most would have written or shared about the contents, speakers, event flow, or possibly, the organisers. On my part, I prefer to highlight the little things that people often take for granted, but for some, these are the things that left indelible prints on them. Before anyone starts to hurl a tirade of conflicting statements, let me say that these are my personal thoughts. 

The adhan

As a Muslim, it felt really nice when the organisers kept silent throughout the adhan. Not many would do so. In fact, I have never been to an event in Malaysia, organised by non-Muslims, that actually does so. For that, I take my imaginary hat off them. 

Not saying that it is a must for non-Muslims to respect the adhan, but I personally felt it was a well-thought gesture. A week has passed and I still think it was nice of them. 

The volunteers

There is a warm feeling when you see young people volunteering their time for something they passionately believe could bring immense benefits to others. The fact that some travelled back to Ipoh just to help out is a commendable trait and I admire their spirit. 

Having spoken to a couple of them, I would say that in some ways their warmth and energy had played a significant role in making my trip all the more worthwhile. 

And as bonkers as this may sound, I would actually consider attending the next Incitement Ipoh event solely because of these two reasons. 

So for those in Ipoh or those thinking of taking a break away from chaotic KL, perhaps you can consider to pop by the event. One of their speakers is Dato’ Lat - the guy whose comics gave this city girl a glimpse of how a kampung and a simple life can be. 

Eventbrite :: Limitless by Incitement Ipoh

Facebook :: Limitless by Incitement Ipoh

At least challenge yourself to experience it once and if you like it, and if I can make it, we could probably catch-up at Incitement Ipoh's event in July, insha’Allah. I will be the introverted individual who camouflages in the background - the female version of the legendary gollum. 

Disclaimer: I am not a part of the Incitement team in Ipoh nor am I a part of the Incitement movement. I am just someone who happens to enjoy seeing enthusiastic young people doing worthwhile things. :)

Happy days.

3.08pm, Malaysian Time

.: Incitement Ipoh :.

Limau  bali?

It has been a long while since I made myself available to attend any events out of KL. As I have more time to spare now a friend asked whether I would like to attend the one in Ipoh. 

The brutal truth is I have never explored Ipoh. To add more insult to the injury, I am absolutely clueless on what Ipoh has to offer, besides food, food and even more glorious food. But I thought maybe, just maybe, there is more to Ipoh than meets the eye. So my friend led me to the event's Eventbrite page: Incitement Ipoh

Nice looking banner. Concise information. And they even have a Facebook page! Neat!

My friend had attended the previous session. Needless to say, he was generous in sharing his experience. According to him, the upcoming event has speakers, and attendees can network, share and do a wicked exchange of experiences and ideas. 

Despite having attended events in KL with similar concepts, I am intrigued to see how the organisers in Ipoh run the show. Reckon it would be a breath of fresh air. I am certainly looking forward to acquiring new experiences and getting to know new people. 

So now that I have my trip all sorted out, I am all set to attend Incitement Ipoh! 

Even when it means I have to miss another event. :)

3.10pm, Malaysian Time 

.: Beauty of Covering :.

A book review. 

I came across the book when I was having a casual conversation with the author herself, Sister Noorshin Ng. I had known her for quite a while, and every now and then, we would find ourselves crossing paths at certain events. Even so, I never knew she had published a book of her own. Intrigued to know more about it, I eventually purchased a copy for myself and delved into its’ contents. 

At first glance, the cover of the book has a beautiful illustration against a lovely shade of pink. For a hardcover, the book isn’t too bulky nor heavy. It was just nice as a coffee table book and even came with a pretty pink bag. As I flipped through the pages, one at a time, I discovered that the writings and pastel coloured illustrations had been cleverly arranged in such a way that each page looked pleasant to the eyes. As though I was looking at one of those classic Disney fairy tale storybooks that I used to read when I was a child. Needless to say, I was bowled over by the aesthetic elements of the book long before I even read her writings. 

Reading through the pages, I have to say the simple words and expressions used had made it easy to digest. Sister Noorshin’s writings had also perfectly described and addressed the struggles I used to have with the hijab. It will not be too far fetched for me to say that I could relate to some of her writings on a personal level. Moreover, certain sections of the book, particularly the reminders and stories had in some ways, given me a better understanding of the hijab and made it easier for me to explain it to others as well.

On my part, I honestly feel it is a good read for those who are relatively new to the hijab or the concept of being in hijab. These are my personal thoughts, and it wasn't written because I am a friend of Sister Noorshin. I strongly encourage those who may be interested, to flip through the pages of the book and pass their own judgment. 

Further information can be found here: Facebook 

Higher purpose.

11.01am, Malaysian Time

.: Sg Wang Restaurant :.

Pearl of the Orient.

5 Combination Dish (五福临门)

In case you're craving for some halal Chinese food in Penang, try visiting my friend's restaurant. The vegetable dishes are priced from RM8, marmite chicken and home made bean curd are RM8 above while the curry fish fillet starts at RM15.

Address : 8 & 10, Lebuh Nipah 5, 11900, Bayan Baru, Penang

Phone No : 604 - 6455368

Website : www.sgwanghalal.com

FaceBook : www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000917113491

Email : cindylim@sgwanghalal.com

Partial Menu :

• Fish Maw Soup (鱼鳔汤)
• Plum sauce Chicken (梅子鸡)
• Salted Fish Vegetable (咸鱼时菜)
• Lemon Sauce Steam Fish (酸柑蒸魚)
• Vegetable Delight in Yam Ring (佛砵飘香)
• Three Flavour Home Made Bean Curd (三味 豆腐)
• Soya Sauce Steam Red Snapper Fish (清烝红狮鱼)
• Teow Chiew Steam Red Snapper Fish (潮洲烝红狮鱼)

Sometime in mid July, my sister will be in Penang for her company's golf tournament. Hopefully she gets the chance to visit my friend's restaurant and maybe 'tapau' some food for me. :)

Note :: 'Tapau' means "to take away" as in take away food.

Almost lunchtime.

11.18am Malaysian Time

.: WCME 2010 :.

Foreword.

By YBhg Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew and the synopsis of WCME:

Islam in China is rich with heritage and culture, and has influenced the course of Chinese history. One of the great Chinese Muslim figures of all time is the Admiral Cheng Ho, also known as Zheng He. Known as a great leader and skilled voyager, Cheng Ho symbolizes many things including the spirit of peace, friendship and adventure in the face of uncertainty.

- ~ -

The World Chinese Muslim Trade and Culture Forum & Exhibition 2010 consist of both local and international exhibitors showcasing Chinese Muslim Culture, Islamic Art and Calligraphy, Halal Foods, Textile, Apparel, Healthcare Products, Home Decor, Tourism, Technology and many others.

• The 拉面 was made on the spot, and the guy was kind enough to allow me to capture the whole process.
• Over at Uncle Chan's, the uncle was kind enough to reserve the last few packs for me.

The event was held at the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC), Mines Resort City. By the end of the day, I bought a few items *don't ask how much I splurged*, ate a bowl of steaming hot hand-pulled noodles (拉面; la1 mian4), packed some duck rice and made several new friends. Alhamdulillah, I even bumped into an old friend and her family, and did some catching up. :)

__________________________________________________________

WCME Info: http://www.wcme.com.my/t1/index.php

If you want to try the noodles, you can find them at this address:

Restoran Ayu
Batu 131/2 Jalan Cheras Kajang.
Tel: 03 - 87364717, 012 - 2080284
Opening Hours: 5pm - 10pm

As for duck rice; please check their website 'cos they have a few outlets:

Restoran Cina Muslim Mohd Chan Abdullah; http://www.mohdchan.com.my/

It was a worthwhile trip.

4.52pm Malaysian Time