Travel Food Series: AL BAiT (yes, there's no typo!)

Maybe you're from Saudi Arabia. Maybe you stayed in the Middle East for a very long time. Maybe you watched Anthony Bourdain "No Reservations".When the show asked the fans (FANa-tic) to send in their entry for a chance to be with Tony and explore food and culture in your chosen country or city, the winner Danya Alhamrani, a film maker/producer born in North Dakota caught Bourdain's attention. Danya's entry was all about her hometown Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

On that episode, Al Baik was one of the places they dined. It is a famous fast food chain that sells broasted chicken with much raved garlic sauce. It is Saudi's very own version of "KFC".  I was told that Al Baik  never had franchises and branches were only in Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Ta'if and Yanbu (wiki said so) and only 2 other branches outside the western region.

 As it was always explained and described to me, chicken is served with overloading fries and bread on foil trays, and garlic sauce that was the famous dip that comes with it. The serving was somewhat for sharing (if you have a small appetite). Considering how big the chicken parts were as it usually comes in 2 or 4 pieces.

There was a buzz coming around those "I-lived-in-Jeddah-and-Al-Baik-was-my-staple-food" kids who made a stop over in KL, saw this sign and almost swore it was the real Al Baik in Malaysia. I thought they made no franchise? I totally pointed out that the chicken mascot was wearing a different hat. The original was wearing a very Abraham Lincoln-ish hat while this one wears a Kopiah. Suddenly they noticed that it was a "T" and not a "K". Same concept but slightly different taste.

On our second day and the top priority of our trip, we met up with our friend who showed us where to find this broasted chicken in Bukit Bintang.

Their menu was pretty much simple. They have shrimp sandwich which is 8 RM ala carte, Shrimp Meal (25 RM), 4 pc chicken (spicy or original) 22 RM and 2 pc chicken 13.50 RM.

Shrimp Meal

Shrimps and batter used were just OK.  I love shrimps anyway :)

 

 Al Bait's  garlic sauce and Cocktail sauce

We ate at Al Bait twice and it's a bit disappointing how they were not consistent with the taste of the sauce. The cocktail sauce was a question mark for me. The garlic sauce was somewhat mayonnaise in texture and was just again, Ok.

You get these two when ordering any of their meal.

 2 pc Chicken Meal. I can say it was yummy!  Chicken is huge and overloaded with fries.

Our bill. Pretty expensive as we spent 67.40 tax not included (943 PHP) for the entire meal. 

I was very fortunate to taste Al Baik chicken after our trip and I was able to compare it. Only that the chicken in Al Baik seems to be smaller (going for real "asian" size now??) and tastier. I'm still trying to look where I saved the pictures I took that night when we brought home Al Baik (straight from Jeddah, Uhuh Uhuh!)

I think what's amazing well for me at least, is that whenever I get to taste and eat something really spectacular, I make my own version or at least try it at home which is appealing to my taste. I was able to make my own version of the broasted chicken and it was yummmerz!

Well, off to a meeting now. 

Happy Eating!

xx

Food Travel Series : Al-Sofra

Whenever we go to places, I am always on the hunt of hole in the wall restaurants. I seldom like fancy places to dine to. When going to places, we try to "live" the way people live and eat what's along the sidewalk or make sure that we try what the place is famous for.

I get to be the go to person here in the office asking how to survive  in a certain place with a certain budget. Of course, you wouldn't be eating burger and fries when you go to the province and expect to survive in a few days with eating just that right? I think we all differ in terms of travelling. For some, they will book 4 days and 3 nights and go to attractions, attractions and landmarks and some more attractions. While for us, we book a week long vacation to really feel what a local does. We get to go to landmarks and feed ourselves with much history and eat and yet have more time to relax. I think that's why it is called vacation right? You get that much needed break from the monotonous life that you have and break that "hurry" cycle that you are used to. I think you'll appreciate life and what's around you more.

Now moving forward, we took the afternoon flight and arrived around 7pm in Malaysia. What's funny is that there was still the sun, shining, shimmering, splendid! So much for the bat effect. For dinner which was technically our first meal of the day, we had Arab food. We headed to Al-Sofra which is in Damansara Perdana.

Sandwiches ranges from RM 5-12

I had Falafel Sandwhich to go which is one of my favorites! (forgot to take a picture)

The place is relatively spacious and air conditioned. There They do set up a couple of tables and chairs outside during the night if you want to dine al-fresco.

Fattoush RM6

Salad (mixed greens and veggies) with croutons (not in picture)

 Complimentary Lentil Soup

 Hummus with Lamb RM10

I miss this already. The lamb was perfectly cooked and topped on hummus.

Banana Masoob

Mashed ripe banana and grinded flat bread (rotti canai or pita) mixed with milk and topped cream and honey

It's like eating banana oatmeal but waaayy better!

 Lamb Biryani

Oh the lamb... melts in your mouth and seasoned very well.

Pita Bread

 Beef Biryani

Chicken Biryani

One of the BEST chicken biryani I have tasted. The chicken is well seasoned and all I can say is yum yum yum nomnomnomnom!

Over all, the price range is a bit pricey but worth it (because they are the only Arab Restaurant in the block)

I'm craving for middle eastern food must-get-one-tonight!

Happy eating!

RFWE: Pancit Center

Oh hai guys! Happy February! How was Valentines?  If that was the only event you may or may not have this month. Let the overrated, commercialized, flowers and chocolates month pass by. We all know that everyday should be valentines day. That means may it be with your special ones, family or pets and the list goes on.. and most probably yourself.

J took me on a spa date last November at Ace Water Spa in Pasig. I can still remember how HORRIBLE the traffic was (as if there isn't a place in Manila without any jam) going to Shaw. the taxi fare almost reached 300 pesos and I was on the road for about 2 hours.

I won't go into details with how the spa went as it pretty much wrinkled my fingers and toes. It was a great experience and the scented pools really relaxes your muscles.

After our spa stint, we went to Pansit Center. It was J who told me that this place has been featured on one of the programs on tv and I understand why. It is like travelling from Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao!  Located at Pioneer St. corner Shaw Blvd, Kapitolyo in Pasig, Pancit Center will definitely fill you with different pansit specialties from the Philippines.

The place is quite small and will only fit about 10 people inside. 

 

Here is the Pansit Map of the Philippines. If only I can taste everything!

 J ordered us Pansit Bato with dinuguan which is Bicol's specialty. I'm like "What's the Bato (stone in english) here?" Yun pala, it was the noodles. It originated in Bato, Camarines Sur.

I do not eat dinuguan. But this one was an exception! 

Everything went well together and it is a must try!!!

 BBQ

 I ordered Binalot na adobo and longanissa with egg and tomato.

I just felt breakfassy on a dinner.

Baon sa Dahon series

If ever you are around Pasig/Shaw, don't forget to drop by Pancit Center.

By the way, they are selling sweet delicacies from provinces as well. It is where I was able to taste "Tiyatug" in Maranao or what they call Lokot-Lokot in Zamboanga which I bought for 150 pesos.

  Flyer for reference

Happy eating!

xx