 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kimchi, ayam penyet and more |
 |
 |
Share |
|
ELIZABETH LEONG
ELIZABETH LEONG lets on that there´s more to Ampang than its famous yong tau foo
1. Taman Lipur Ampang
Ampang Recreational Forest is a compact rectangle of greenery with flowing rivers on both sides. The upper stretches of the streams are clearer than the lower reaches and one part has been dammed. Roaming mischievous macaques add to the picnicking fun as they are capable of stealing slippers and what-nots if left unattended. Stalls selling drinks and tidbits are stationed before the entrance to the forest reserve. Getting there: Just drive along Jalan Ampang from the city centre. You will eventually reach the entrance.
2. Little Korea
"Little Korea" is the nickname for the commercial square One Ampang Avenue just opposite Ampang Point shopping complex. Lovers of kim chi and bulgogi are spoilt for choice with the many Korean restaurants here such as Restoran Korea Mu Jin Jang, Country Ko Ko, Kang Sa Ea BBQ and Han Woo R. Of course, Korean steamboat is a big draw. There are also several shops selling snacks, noodles and canned food from the "Land of the Morning Calm". Getting there: Travel from the city centre along Jalan Ampang. Turn right at the traffic light in front of De Palma Hotel.
3. Masjid Taman Kosas
An elegant pencil-like minaret - this is what Masjid Taman Kosas is noted for. The bullet-shaped copper cupola of the minaret complements the main dome of the building in terms of material and shape. Pierced symmetrical fretwork adorns the four sides of the minaret. Friezes on three sides of its front porch add an elegance to the structure. This charming mosque is located on Jalan Kosas 3/6, Taman Kosas.
4. Kau Ong Yah Temple
For nine days of the Chinese ninth lunar month (Oct 8-16), this temple comes alive with the Kau Ong Yah celebrations. Showcasing two pagodas beside its main structure, the temple is dedicated to nine brothers who rebelled against the Manchu emperor in China during the 17th Century. After they were caught and beheaded, they were deified as Nine Emperors God. The highlight event here is the fire-walking ceremony during which devotees walk on red-hot embers without any injury. Devotees also have to observe a vegetarian diet. The temple is at Jalan Lima (5-A) in Ampang Old Town.
5. Sri Raja Rajeswary Temple
Built in 1974 by K. Suppiah, this temple stands on the bank of a river. It is the only temple in Kuala Lumpur dedicated to Goddess Raja Rajeswari. The grounds of the temple are planted with neem, bael, champa and jamun trees. Two fountains and deities add movement and colour to the structure. A special feature of the temple is that its deities are made of sandalwood paste and sarees. The temple is along Jalan Ulu Kelang, near Flamingo Hotel.
6. Euro Moda Gulati´s Silk House
Comprising four levels, Gulati´s Silk House is one of the largest importers and retailers of silk in Malaysia, with the finest fabrics and garments from South Korea and India as well as the major fashion houses in Italy, France and Britain. Studded with sequins and beads, the fabrics have a strong following with business people and celebrities. Top brands such as Ungaro, Solstiss, Lorenzo Riva, Beanvillain, Renato Balestra and Alta Moda are some options. As clothes maketh a man, go to the fourth level to check out the top-end brands. Euro Moda Gulati´s Silk House is on Jalan Mamanda 2.
7. Wong Solo
Wong Solo´s signature Ayam Bakar has been dubbed the Indonesian version of Kentucky Fried Chicken. It was created by Puspo Wardoyo of Solo in Java. Listed on its laminated menu are 48 items, of which 24 are food dishes. Top favourites are empal sapi (lembu), daging lada hitam, sayap ayam goreng tepung, sotong goreng and balado udang. A few Chinese dishes spice up the variety such as cah cay (stir-fried mixed vegetables) and Ikan Asam Manis Tiga Rasa. Lunch-time economical meals include nasi goreng biasa and nasi goreng seafood while the interesting drinks are jus poligami and jus jagang sakinah. Wong Solo is at G18 & G19, Jalan Dagang B/3A, Taman Dagang.
8. Old Town Yong Tau Foo
Three restaurants vie for the uncrowned King of Yong Tau Foo. Basically, this fare comprises vegetables and tofu stuffed with fish paste. They are Ampang Homeland Yong Tau Foo, Restoran Orchard View Yong Tau Foo and Restoran Fong Fong - all located in Ampang village. They share one common factor: the items are either fried or cooked on the spot, which explains for their crispiness and freshness.
9. Nasi Ayam Penyet Ombakso
Ayam penyet restaurants are growing in popularity in Kuala Lumpur, but this is definitely one of the best. The ingredients are similar to that of other eateries, but the oomph lies in its sambal. The chicken is marinated with herbs and spices before it is deep-fried. It is served with fried beancurd, tempe, sliced cabbage, kangkong and fritter toppings. Apart from chicken, there are fish and beef options. Nasi Ayam Penyet Ombakso is at 45, Jalan AWF3, Ampang Waterfront.
10. Zoo Negara
With its official address on Jalan Hulu Kelang in Ampang, our national zoo certainly deserves inclusion here. It is home to more than 5,000 animals from close to 460 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. A multi-animal show featuring sea lions, macaques and macaws is held at 11am and 3pm daily (3.30pm on Fridays). Visitors can take a train ride for a quick overview of the animals. Other facilities include six restaurants, a bee museum selling honey products, and a souvenir shop.
Source : New Straits Times – 23 September 2010
