Buying FitFlop from Cloggs

1. FitFlop

I came across this sandal a few years ago as my MIL recommended tho sandal due to her arthritis. And a lot of people even swore by this sandal. It was said to tone your body as you walk.

But, wow!!! The price is expensive, around £50-60 depending on the designs. Some even high-end design can cost you £80++. After 2 years, I can't wait anymore...

2. Cloggs
I searched around for the best (cheapest) price... I think I saw FitFLop being sold in some Clarks outlet but I hardly found the one... I found some retailer at Amazon, but the price is too good to be true and kind of dodgy. Then, I found this Cloggs website through Unidays page. I thought, this must be legit.

Cloggs offer wide ranges of shoes... And FitFlop is one of it. Yeah!!! And the design that I like was on sale! Double yeah!!! And as a student, I can get another 10% discount. Triple yeah!!! Afraid, not, if you're not a student, you can go to UK HOT DEAL website and get the 10% discount code. The best is that, place your order before 4pm and get your shoe(s) the very next day for free... Quadruple yeah!!! Hooray!! I was still asleep when the courier ringed the buzzer this morning. LOL!!!

I chose FitFlop Walkstar III in super navy. Just love the nubuck finishing... Nubuck is a cowhide leather that has been rubbed on the outer side of the hide to give it a fell like a suede.

And Cloggs gave a lovely cotton bag that I can use as a shoo-in bag. Brilliant!

Let's cook: Chicken Porridge (ala McD)

Ingredient;

Rice

Water

Chicken (any part will do)

Sesame oil (2-3 spoon)

Ginger (1 inch / a spoon)

Salt

Spring onion, fried onion, coriander leaves for garnishing - optional. 

Methodology;

1. Put 1 L of water in a pot and bring it to boiling point. Then it boil pun the chicken in it and boil it until the chicken is cooked. Take out the chicken and start shredding the chicken patty - like we use to do with chicken soto. Don't throw away the chicken stock, we would like to use it to cook the rice/porridge. 

2. Put your rice into a pot and add water. Pour in the chicken stock that we prepared earlier. Bring it into boil. The formulation is 1 cup of rice = 4 cup of water (plus chicken stock). If you feel that your chicken stock is not enough, you can use the boxed chicken stock. I would not judge you. Hey, the McDs are doing it, why shouldn't us?

3. Stir it once in a while and you can see that the rice is starting to expand... If you feel that the water evaporated quickly, you can keep adding water. The rice now has become porridge with some sort of slurry. Well adjust the level of concentration/slurry that you like. Then, add ginger and sesame oil. I can't tell how much, it depends on your liking. Add salt and adjust the taste. Sesame oil enhances the flavour of your porridge and you can smell the yummy fragrant! 

4. Done. Garnish your porridge with shredded chicken patty and spring onion, coriander leaves and fried onion. 

Okay, the picture was not doing any justify. But you know the porridge is delicious...

Cath Kidston Day Bag (Navy Spot)

Opening my order from John Lewis Online... 

Tadaa...

Pretty yet practical, Cath Kidston's classic day bag is the perfect size for carrying all of your daily essentials. Crafted from PVC coated cotton, its plastic, protective coating is functional and fashionable, whilst the sturdy cotton webbing grab handles are comfortable to hold. With a main zip fastening, the bag has 2 handy side pockets which are ideal for holding a bottle of water or your umbrella. The interior features a cotton lining, and a zip pocket.

The dimensions are H25xW36.5xD14 cm. But please note that the bag has deep zipper, so high will be not as high as 25cm. When I put my D3100 camera, it became congested. In the beginning, the zipper was quite tough. I put some baby oil to ease it. Now, no problem. The two winged pockets are bonus... I like to wear Cath Kidston bags in this season due the materials durability towards rain... I think I prefer this design/print than the Kensington Rose day bag. The spot design is more versatile and look more fresh... 

Love it!

Oh, about the price... The RRP is £50. But I bought it from John Lewis with 30% discount at £35. I think (as 28 January 2014), John Lewis still have that promotion. Grab yours now!

To my fellow student friends, register yourself at Unidays now for Cath Kidston 10% discount (non-sale items). Hooray!!! 

Beauty: Benefit Watt's Up

Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter is a delicate 'champagne' sheer highlighter. It has cream to powder finish... Just glide on cheek & brow bones, then use the blender (sponge) for the perfect glow. 

I was going to buy Benefit High Beam but I found it too 'white' for my complexion (yellow based). I tried the Sun Beam but it just sinked... So the beauty advisor advised me on trying Watt's Up... It more easier to apply and control because Watt's Up is in stick form whilst High Beam is in liquid form. Slightly pricier than High Beam... Watt's Up is £24.50 (9.4g). It came in beautiful & cool package and has a sponge at the other end for blending...

Swatches...

Overall;

Price: 3.5/5 - it's a bit expensive for a small volume of make-up...

Colour: 4.5/5

Application: 4/5

Reliability: 4.5/5

Overall experience: 4.5/5

Longchamp Le Pliage "Shopping" S (Tote in Small)

I bought a new Longchamp Le Pliage...

Image from Longchamp UK website

Longchamp Le Pliage "Shopping" S (Tote in Small)

Colour: Taupe

Dimension: 25 x 25 x14 cm

High street price: £59

Airport price: £50

For more information, please click here

Benefit The POREfessional Pro Balm

Benefit claimed the primer/balm can minimise the appearance of pores. It oil-free, lightweight, translucent and silky. 

It can be use before make-up as primer and touch-up. I was surprised how efficient this product can be! Not only, the primer/balm sinked into the skin, the balm colour also 'disappeared' into my skin colour. I'm happy that this primer/balm did not contradict with my foundation colour. My skin became smooth and silky. Applying the foundation became easier. Seriously, I am so impress with this product. I tried to use this balm as touch-up, I just pat on lightly over my make-up, and my face looked fresh afterwards.

I bought the special set (available in airport outlet) came with It's Potent eye cream (3g) and "That Gal" brightening face primer (7.5mL).

High street price: £24.50
Airport price: £20.80

Overall;

Price: 3.5/5 - expensive for 22mL primer

Colour: 5/5

Application: 5/5 - really easy, no brainer... 

Reliability: 5/5

Overall experience: 4.5/5

Autumn / Winter Beauty Haul and Favourite!

Living in four seasons country is quite tricky. You have to change your lifestyle every 3-4 months and keep on changing or finding a suitable body care or skincare to suit your need... It's getting cold and the air is getting dryer. Not to mention that your skin will getting dryer indoor due to heater...

Now I'm changing my beauty regime to extra moisturising type and creamy texture skincare. Without further a due, I present to you my Autumn-Winter favourite!

From top left clockwise: Lancome Teint Miracle (04), Lancome Advanced Genefique, Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser, L'occitane Repairing Oil & Mist and Clarins Extra Comfort Cleansing Cream.

Me and MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Logo Top Zip Tote - Love in Paris

Image from Michael Kors website

I'm a fan of Michael Kors Jet Set tote and Hamilton but a little bit sceptical about the non-zip / open tote design - safety reasons. The tote was made from PVC; in my opinion, MK is an over price bag. But never the less, I couldn't help on getting one.... Naughty!

I bought MK Jet Set Logo Top Zip Tote at La Vallee Village Designer Outlet, Paris last summer. I can't remember the outlet price but I paid around €100 (after 10% VIP member). Retail price €200++. I couldn't be more happier. Then, I swapped my Le Pliage to this new bag and paraded it around Paris.

My review...
This tote has an excellent design with additional two winged pockets and the famous MK gold medallion - appropriately put. I'm comfortable with the size; not too big yet not small either. It quite light; maybe because of the materials used (not a real leather). Inside the bag; It has four inside open pockets and one zipped pocket - again intelligently designed. The lining made from thick quality satin with MK monogram.

Note: I bought the outlet version; some of the bag features have been 'downgraded' to meet the 'outlet price'. The most notable difference are the handle / shoulder strap and the satin lining.

I once used it during rain, and I was soaked wet. When I got home, I wiped it with a dry cloth and the bag is still in a good shape. Hooray for PVC???

Looking at the design, it is a well designed bag but looking at the price, hurm I'm not sure... But again, heart wants what the heart wants...

Don't throw your coins away, save them...

I didn't knw before... I don't even care and annoyed with this small coins of 1, 2, 5 pence that laying around my house. Too heavy to carry around, too little value to spend it... Boy! I was wrong. I found a solution... COINSTAR.

COINSTAR is a 'service' that change your coin to money that you can spend or donate. The machine is like a vending machine situated in most supermarket like Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrison and Tesco. You just pour your coins  in the machine and it will calculate the amount of it. Then, you can choose weather you would like to have a cash voucher or donate it to charity. Don't worry about euros or other foreign currency, the machine will automatically 'reject' those coins. If you choose cash, a voucher will be printed and you must redeem the cash at the supermarket's Customer Service on the same day. Easy right? Such a no brainier... 

Cath Kidston Laptop Sleeve

I bought this sleeve to protect my new MBP as I usually bring the laptop with my school bag(s) instead of the laptop bag. Although there are a few brands and designs out there, I couldn't forget this one. As an avid CK fan, definitely I was kept on comparing other sleeves with this one - especially the thickness of the padding. CK has the thickest and the outside material is water resistance...

I chose the Spot 13'' in Navy (£30). The first thing I noticed was it has matte finishing- new design. The padding quite thick. But even with my Speck MBP Case, it still perfectly fit. The zip is also very good in quality with double leather zip holders. So far, it has two designs (Dot and Garden Birds) with two sizes (11'' and 13''). But I'm sure, they will be more designs coming up soon as the change of season. 

I bought this sleeves online by using my UniDays discount - 10%. UniDays is a discount for university students. If you're buying the CK products in store, just show your valid student ID card at the till before payment. If you're buying through website, you have to register with UniDays to verify your eligibility. And then, you can use the verification for other website that offer student discount. As simple as that. To save on delivery charges, I chose to pick it up at the store option. They will send you a notification email. Easy breezy. A great option if you are busy and don't want to make unfruitful trip to the city but still don't want to miss your home delivery. 

Last but not least...

Review: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm

Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm is a lip treatment with sheer colour that relieves dry, cracked lips and provides immediate moisturisation. The unique pencil-style applicator provides easy to apply sheer soft lip colour and rolls up for ease of use - Clinique

Oh my! Where should I begin? It took me 3 months before I finally gave in and bought this product. Not that I don't trust the product or the brand but simply because of the price; £16. Furthermore, I was with my trusted lip balm Nivea Fruity Shine Lip Balm (Cherry) for 10 years. So, obviously it was difficult to change. But sadly (or actually a 'greenlight' to buy), this type of Nivea lip balm is not available in the UK...

People keep comparing the Chubby Stick with Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, but it is totally different things. Chubby Stick is more buttery in texture and moisturising.  It stayed (surprisingly) for a long time. It glides smoothly on the lip. This balm is highly rated by the fashion magazine and I once saw Nicole Scherzinger wear this balm in Peony Pink.

This chubby stick comes in 16 colours.  It weight 3 g - pretty decent amount of product. From my experience, it could last up to 3 months of usage (I used it 5-6 days per week). I'm not sure about other colours but from the swatch test at the counter, the colours are all sheer, not as strong as stated - again, it's not a lipstick. So, it will not have full coverage. I chose 07 Super Strawberry because I really into red lip. I can wear it alone or over-layer it with another lipstick for dramatic effect. I used this balm throughout winter and my lips did not get chapped even once!

The only con about this balm is the colour. I personally, strongly advise to not to buy it from on-line without testing it first. The colour / swatch is nothing like the shade shown in the picture. Totally different! I also read a lot of people got frustrated due to the colours’ effects on them. I strongly suggest you to drop by the counter and test it before you buy. After that, you can go ahead buying it on-line or just buy it from the counter.

I would like to recommend this product to you although I'm still not really satisfied with the price tag, yet I'm now using my second stick... I know Clinique is a luxury brand but for a lip balm? Hurm... Well, I just imagine that I am buying a Clinique's skin care. Nevertheless, it depends on you. For me, it serves its purpose; that is the most important thing. No wonder people preceded me are willing to pay £16 for a lip balm...

My verdict:

Price: 2/5

Colour: 4/5

Application: 4/5

Reliability: 5/5

Overall experience: 4/5

Muah!!!

Oriental Shop in Edinburgh - Matthew's Food

I would like to share about the largest oriental supermarket in Edinburgh; Matthew's Food. Coincidently and luckily, the store is just 10 minutes away from my house. So, coming from south east Asia (quite orient), I always go to this store to buy spices, sauces or even oriental vegetable - although the price obviously higher than UK's vegetables. 

Some might got confused while looking for this supermarket, only to see a Chinese restaurant, Imperial Palace Restaurant (with two big lion at the entrance) in between used car outlet. Afraid not, the supermarket is just below the  Imperial Palace Restaurant. Basically they are in the same building. Just people cannot properly see it from the road (below the road level). The restaurant serves dim sum and other Chinese dishes - tasty but expensive (more on that later). The restaurant is always full during weekend and Chinese New Year. There are ample parking spaces - up to 20 cars next to the supermarket, just enter though a small road next to used car outlet.

Picture from upper left: the small entrance from Inglis Garden Road (junction near to MKD Used Car), the view from car park. Lower pictures are the view inside the store.

Most of the products are imported from Thailand, Malaysia, China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, India, Singapore, Vietnam  and Philippines. It's like mini East Asian food galore under one roof. This include fresh vegetables, variety of tofu, fresh poultry, frozen seafood and exotic fish, frozen dumpling, frozen fruits (including the king of the fruit - durian!), spices, sauces, ketchup, chilli sauces, cooking sauces, instant noodles, fragrant Thai rice, sushi rice, vermicelli, noodles, exotic Asian beverages (in can and bottle) and Oriental junk food. They also sell oriental cooking utensils like chopstick, knife, wok and tableware. If you are planning to buy fresh vegetable and fish, I suggest that you go there by 11 am. After that, the chances of getting the fresh goodies are slim... The store is also packed during weekend. For Malaysian, they sell brand such as Brahim's (cooking sauce), Hablal (soy sauce), Adabi (cooking sauce), Maggi (instant noodles and chilli sauce), Yeo's and Knorr. The closet thing to home cook, right? :)

You can pay with cash, debit card and credit card. You have to pay 5 pence per plastic bag, so bring your own bag if you want to save 5 pence. Or you can buy Matthew's Food bag for GBP 1.99. There are also empty boxes (depend on availability) that you can use to pack your goodies - FOC! You might see that some students just bring their luggage when shopping here; to justify their action, they buy a lot, have to walk to the bus stop and take the bus home... 

Happy shopping and cooking (later)!

How to get there;
Address: 36, Inglis Green Garden, Edinburgh EH14 2ER
Bus service: 34 and 20 (bus stop: Longstone Inn or Inglis Green Garden. Longstone Inn is nearer)
TEL: 0131 443 8686 FAX: 0141 332 1688
Opening time: 9.30 am - 5.30 pm (7 days a week)

I leave you guys with the lion dance from 2013 CNY celebration (the fire alarm was triggered by the smoke from the firecracker).

, 

Edinburgh - Edisi Membeli-Belah Barangan Runcit Halal

Kat mana nak beli barang dapur dan daging halal di Edinburgh?

Ini lah antara soalan utama yang berlegar2 dalam kepala bila mula2 sampai sini. Senang ke? Mudah ke? Murah ke? Jawapannya mudah dan harganya berpatutan.

Paling utama adalah kedai runcit di kawasan Edinburgh Central Mosque. Basically, ada 3 kedai runcit utama; Maqbool, Bismillah and satu lagi lupa apa nama kedainya. Nampak sangat yang ketiga tu kurang impak di kalangan Malaysian sbb yang selalu disebut2 adalah Maqbool dan Bismillah. 

Bismillah ni kedai runcit bersebelahan dengan Kebab Mahal. Kedainya kecil tapi lengkaplah kalau nak beli daging ayam, lembu dan kambing. Tentang harga, tak sure nak cakap sbb harga ikut pasaran, tapi yang utamanya harganya lebih murah daripada harga ayam di pasaraya (harga pada 20 March 2013 - whole chicken leg £1.59 sekilo). Dan boleh beli daging dalam kuantiti yang banyak. Yang istimewanya, kat papan tanda kedai ni ada tulisan Bahasa Melayu 'Di sini ada menjual daging........' :)

Kedai Runcit Bismillah

Kalau nak pilihan barang runcit yang lebih banyak, boleh ke Maqbool. Maqbool ni terletak bersebelahan dengan Masjid (pintu utama). Kedainya lebih besar and of course barangan yang dijual lebih banyak. Personally, saya lebih suka ke sini. Kedainya besar and lebih bersih dan teratur berbanding daripada kedai runcit yang berdekatan. Kat sini, pilihan frozen foodnya lebih banyak. Kalau nak bayar pakai debit card, memerlukan pembelian more than GBP5. Kat Maqbool ni ada juga perkhidmatan Pay Point.

Rahman Halal Meat di Gorgie; berdekatan dengan Sainsbury's Murrayfield. Kedai ni baru dibuka sekitar 2012. Mula2 kedai ni dibuka, harga poultry mmg murah tapi lepas tu jadi mahal pulak. Ikan talapia freash ada dijual tapi mahal. Kawan2 Bangladesh pun kata kedai ni mahal. Tak seperti harga waktu mula2 dibuka dulu.. Maybe dulu promosi lah kot...

Najaf Halal Meat di Leith. Alamat: Elm Row, Leith EH7 4 AQ.

Kedai2 runcit ni menawarkan perkhidmatan memotong daging. Disebabkan language barrier, bila minta potong tu, cakap terang supaya butcher tu faham apa yang kita nak. Takut nanti, tak faham, ayam hancur pulak. Sbbnya, saya ada juga pernah 'menonton wayang free' pergaduhan mulut antara butcher dengan pelanggan sbb masing2 tak faham apa yang mereka nak/cuba sampaikan... Mmg diaorg ni kurang mesra sikit. Tapi kalau dah jadi pelanggan tetap tu, okay kot. Lagi satu, extra charge untuk perkhidmatan buang kulit ayam. 

Rempah2 masakan juga boleh dibeli di sini tapi banyaknya rempah India/Pakistan lah... Ada juga jual sirap, tapi rasanya pelik sikit. Ada juga chicken/beef cube brand Maggi (halal) dijual tapi ianya diimport daripada India. Agak masin sikit. Same goes with Maggi cream mushroom soup... Masinnya!!! 

Kalau part sayur pulak, banyaknya sayur untuk masakan ala2 India/Pakistan lah.. Harga sayur mahal. Lebih baik beli di pasaraya macam Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco dan Morrison. Lebih murah dan segar. Yang murah adalah harga cili padi dan cili merah. 

Untuk kami yang study di HWU, kebanyakkannya shopping barang dapur di Asda Chesser. Di Asda, ada section kecil di kawasan poultry untuk ayam dan kambing (lamb and mutton) halal. Halal - green packaging / plastic box. Tapi pilihannya tak banyak dan harganya agak mahal sedikit (double the price). Tapi saya suka, sbb bahagian ayamnya lebih besar dari kedai runcit :) Di kawasan frozen, ada juga sausage, burger patty and other frozen processed food. Ada yang lebih murah dari kedai runcit. Again, bergantunglah kepada kelapangan masing2 bila shopping. Kalau ada masa, boleh lah travel to city untuk ke kedai runcit. Tapi yang tak de masa tu, beli kat Asda pun okay.

Selamat Membeli-belah :)

Edinburgh - Kebabish Original Restaurant

Kebabish Original Restaurant (KO) is a restaurant of 'fine dining ambiance' with affordable prices. There have more than 20 restaurants across UK. KO serves wide ranges of food from across the Mediterranean, Central Asia and Indian subcontinent. The restaurant is designed to be fusion of what is contemporary  stylish and well designed whilst retaining the welcoming warmth, comfort and atmosphere where friends can meet and have a great time enjoying the outstanding food in relaxing environment.

The food is mainly based on Indian and Pakistani dishes with some of alteration to suit local taste bud. This restaurant serves Halal meat. If some of you have doubt, you can contact them for further clarification. Nevertheless, this restaurant also cater for those who bringing their own liquor as stated in their BYOB policy - you can bring your own wine and beer as the corkage is free. There is also some T&C at the front of the menu on ordering/paying term i.e only one debit/credit card payer per table and additional charge of 50 pence for doggy bag. Make sure that you read it through and ask the waiter if you got any question.

It is advisable to book your table if you are having a group or would like to go during peak hour; dinner on Friday/Saturday night. For take-outs, there is special seating area for waiting. From the dining area, you can feast your eyes while waiting by watching 'live show' of the chef/cook preparing your food through the big glass partition.

What was my choice of food?
I love meat! Seriously! My choice of foods were lamb-chop and steak. I always ordered T-Bone Steak (£14.95); beefsteak served with salad, chips and sauce. You can choose peppercorn or chilli sauce - I recommend peppercorn. Its not that hot, but I guess peppercorn source is more suitable for the steak. I don't know whether it was the cook of the meat factor, sometimes I got really tender and juicy steak but 1-2 times I got a 'dry' steak... For bigger group or someone with big appetite, you guys can order the the mother of the menu - KO Ship (£32.95); consists of lamp chops, lamb tikka, sheek kebab, chicken tikka, chicken wings, reshmi kebab, half baby chicken and tiger king prawns.

 T-Bone Steak

Fish Kahari (fish cooked in a type of wok with freshly grounded spices, peppers, garlic and ginger) - my friend's favourite!

As for drinks, tap water is free (served in glass or pitcher depending on the number of patrons). Also you can choose wide array of lassi (traditional yoghurt based drink)- mango lassi is delicious! You have an option of glass and pitcher. I personally do not recommend you to order soft drink or juice (the juice is not purely squeezed, it's Rubicon!) and the glass (portion) is very small for the price of £1.95. If you got some more 'spaces', you can order falooda (cold and sweet milky drink serve with jelly, rose syrup and ice cream) and gulab jamun (cheese based desert that similar to dumpling)...

I always come here for celebration dinner. From my point of view, I love this restaurant simply because of the environment not entirely for the food. I can get a cheaper food elsewhere but I guess I'm paying more for the decorations, comfort and the services. Perfect on celebrating friend's success / birthday or just dining out in comfortable place. But I can say sometimes I got annoyed with the overly attentive waiter/waitress who always asking "how was food, miss?" and at the same time tried to push another order of side dishes and deserts, although they were very helpful on being the 'impromptu cameraman' :)


Hehehe... Enjoy!

How to get there;

The address: 128, Dalry Road, Edinburgh EH11 2EZ
Phone: 01313373371
Opening time: 3pm-11pm

There are free big parking spaces at the rear of the restaurant, just follow the signboard. For those who taking bus, you can take service(s) number 2, 3, 4, 25, 28, 33, 44, 44A. 

Bus stop: Celedonian Village from the city and Dalry towards the city. KO is next to Maplin Electronics.

*the price stated is right as February 2013

Edinburgh - Debenhams Cafe & Restaurant, Princes Street

I love going to Debenhams for shopping especially during a sale. I can get good quality of products and big brands with affordable prices. I love the Beauty Card; you can collect points from your purchasing and transfer it to 'money value' for your next purchasing. Now, you can get triple points and other perks like free samples and free makeover.

Sometimes, after spending hour(s) in the store, I felt tired and wanted to sit down (properly; not just slouching at the seat around shoe zone) and have a drink. Definitely it is wasting time to go out and to buy coffee only to return back to the store. Where got time to go elsewhere? That's the Debenham Cafe come to the rescue!

At Debenhams Princes St, there are 2 cafes situated at the 1st Floor and the 4th Floor. The 1st Floor cafe just serve simple dishes (mainly pastry) whereas the 4th floor is a restaurant with breakfast and lunch options. I always hanged out the 4th floor cafe/restaurant because of the menu option and I also be treated with Edinburgh Castle view -superb! Its more private than Starbucks Coffee nearby... Obviously its not as hip as Starbuck's or Costa's and filled with elderly peoples, but I guess money-wise, this place is spot on!

The View

My choice is always the pot of tea (1.79) and hot chocolate (2.49). I tried the blueberry muffin (forgot the price) and it was heaven! Same goes to Tray bake chocolate brownies (1.99). The restaurant serve breakfast (serve until 12 pm) with variety of options of English breakfast and porridge including vegetarian options (3.99-6.99). My choice is always the big 8 items breakfast (4.75). They also serve kid's menu microwave for heating the baby milk.

8 items breakfast (vegetarian option - vegetarian sausages) 

Well, maybe this restaurant is not the best 'proper restaurant' in Princes St. But to those who need a quick, comfortable, affordable, decent food and quick restroom facilities in the middle of shopping spree, this is the place that you could go.

P/S - Actually almost all Debenhams outlet has cafe.

The address: 109, Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 3AA

Enjoy!

Edinburgh - Shilla Korean Restaurant

I was introduced to this little gem last year. Apparently, this place is being 'obsessed' by most of my die-hard K-Pop friends :) simply because of the food authenticity and K-Pop background music. This place is not that far from Princes St. Just 10-15 minutes walk down the hill from Hanover St towards Dundas St. You can take Lothian bus number 23 and 27 and stop at New Town bus stop. The restaurant is across the street. But don't afraid if you can't see it because the restaurant is situated beneath Belinda Robertson boutique.

The restaurant (although situated at underground) is really beautiful with Korean decorations, oriental paintings and of course K-Pop music. This restaurant can accommodate approximately 70 peoples with 4 types of private rooms. The price of the menu could be considered as moderate. But strangely, the price of lunch and dinner is different in which the latter is more expensive although the menu is totally the same. And additional 10% service charge will be added for a company more than 6 patrons. Nevertheless, it still a cheap (around £10 per person - minus drink) option compared to another Korean restaurant in town. Even a take-away restaurant in Old Town is more expensive... After we ordered our food, we were served by 3 little appetizers (complimentary of the restaurant); stir-fried aubergine, sweet potatoes and seaweed. They tasted fantastic!!! You should try it!

My friend ordered Hoe Deop Bab (sliced raw fish and mixed vegetables served with boiled rice and chilli sauce) £7.90. The chilli sauce was served in separate bowl and must be poured and mixed before eating it. Although it was stated as raw fish but the fish was actually smoked; no worries there ;)

I ordered my favourite dish; Ccan Sho Saewoo (deep fried king prawns in hot and sweet sauce) £7.90. It was so delicious that I always wanted to order 2!!! (I did once)

I recommend Hae Mul Bokum Bab (seafood fried rice) and Jjam Bbong (spicy noodle soup) £7.90. I must warn you that Jjam Bbong is REALLY hot! All the dishes is clearly stated for hot and spicy taste and vegetarians options. For vegetarians, some of the dishes can be prepared according to your preferences.

Have fun!

The Address: 13B, Dundas St, EH3 6QG, Edinburgh

http://www.shilla-edinburgh.com/index.html 

Edinburgh - Edisi Jalan-Jalan Cari Makan Part 1

Di kalangan Malaysian, perkara utama kalau nak keluar or bercuti, adalah tempat makan. Especially pulak di luar negara, masing-masing takut kalau tak jumpa tempat makanan halal. Jangan risau kalau ke UK, banyak jer restoren halal - walaupun rata2nya menunya adalah berasaskan masakan Timur Tengah dan India/Pakistan...

Di Edinburgh, banyak tempat-tempat makan halal yang boleh korang cuba. Kebanyakannya terletak di kawasan Edinburgh Central Mosque (EH8 9BT) / Nicolson Sreet / Nicolson Square. Antaranya Kebab Mahal, Tikka Mahal, Mum's Kitchen, Marmaris, Baguette King, Palmyra Pizza and Mosque's Kitchen. Kebab Mahal ni pernah keluar majalah and terima anugerah Scottish Curry Award Winner 2009. Tetapi restoren ni sangat-sangat kecil. Berimpit2lah kalau nak makan. Tahun lepas, Kebab Mahal berjaya beli kedai sebelah untuk extend restoren ni. Tapi dining extension ni hanya dibuka untuk waktu puncak or ada tempahan meja untuk kumpulan yang besar. Harga makanan kat sini secara puratanya dalam 'tengah2' or moderate... tak murah and taklah mahal. Portionnya pulak sangatlah besar... Satu pinggan biryani tu boleh kongsi 2 orang. Kalau betul2 lapar, maybe boleh makan seorang sepinggan kot - But I'm doubt it :) Jangan risau, mereka ni tak kedekut nak bagi pinggan kosong sbb rata2nya pelanggan kat situ pun memang makan kongsi2. 

Palmyra Pizza pulak restoren yang menyediakan makanan Timur Tengah - so mesti banyak makanan panggang etc. Tapi yang seronoknya, restoren ni ada menjual western menu - pizza, burger and chips. Ada 10% student discount. Tapi kena tunjuk Student ID Card waktu order, sebabnya nanti diaorang terus nak masukkan discount dalam resit. Kalau tunjuk lepas waiter bagi resit, jawabnya mmg tiada potongan lah. Sbb alasannya, diaorg dah buka resit and diaorang tak boleh ubah. Macam-macam hal...

Kalau nak diikutkan harga makanan, harga kat Mosque's Kitchen (MK) ni lah yang paling murah di kawasan Edinburgh tetapi menunya agak terhad; pilau rice, chicken curry, lamb curry, mesh vegetables, shish kebab and tandoori. Lepas tu makanan pulak dihidangkan secara nasi campur - tapi penjual tu yang akan ambilkan/cedokkan untuk kita. Cuma cakap kombinasi nasi and kari apa yang kita nak. Food portion kat sini, agak sedikitlah kalau nak dibandingkan dengan Kebab Mahal. Seorang tu boleh habis sepinggan. Urusniaga dalam tunai sahaja. MK ni banyak dikunjungi oleh student2 uni dan jugak orang awam - terbuka untuk semua. 

Nak cerita pasal MK ni. Mulanya, MK ni terletak di dalam kawasan masjid tu sendiri. And then, diaorang pindah ke premis lain berdekatan dengan kawasan masjid jugak. Premis yang baru ni lebih selesa, ada heater, meja and kerusi yang selesa and ada kemudahan tandas / baby changing room. Premis lama yang kawasan diningnya terletak di luar - ala2 macam warung kat Malaysia. Tak de masalah nak makan kat luar, tapi bila cuaca sejuk tu, faham-faham ajerlah... Lepas tu ada company lain mula meniaga kat premis lama MK (dalam kawasan masjid) dan turut menggunakan nama yang sama - Mosque's Kitchen! A lot of people got confused with this and it created a stir in the community. Adalah cerita2nya kenapa begitu, and kenapa begini. But I'm not going to write on that; this entry is about food. Saya dah pernah cuba kedua2 tempat ni, masing-masing ada pros and cons. Harga pun lebih kurang sama, cuma MK2 baru ni lebih murah (dalam beberapa pence), tapi masa perniagaan diaorg terhad, dalam pukul 7-8 pm dah tutup. Personally saya lebih suka the original MK1 especially kalau saya bawa tetamu untuk makan di kawasan tu. 

Nak cerita jugak, semua minuman yang dijual kat restaurant ni adalah dalam bentuk tin atau botol. So, pandailah nak budget order minuman apa. Bukan apa, takut membazir. Air mineral kat UK ni mahal. Kadang2, lebih mahal daripada harga soft drink. Kalau nak murah beli lah air mineral dari supermarket or bawa bekal (jika boleh).








How to get there;
Public Transport - Lothian Bus 3, 5, 7, 8, 14, 29, 30, 31, 33, 37, 47, 49, 51, 52, 62

Car: EH 8 9BT
Kepada yang memandu, kawasan parking di kawasan ni agak terhad. Kalau nak rasa tenang, boleh parking di kawasan masjid - bayaran parking juga dikenakan tapi tak perlulah asyik nak tengok jam jer; takut2 nanti waktu parking dah habis. Additional info; bayaran saman parking lebih masa di kawasan Edinburgh adalah GBP60. Kalau dijelaskan dalam masa 14 hari, ada discount 50%...

Nearest bank: The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) and Clydesdale Bank. 

* I will add some more pictures later :)