Sate Kajang Hj. Samuri @ Kajang

While I was in Kajang, I was directed by the locals to Sate Kajang Hj. Samuri at Jalan Kelab for a good satay in town.

There is a small display here which pretty much depicts the origin of the famous Hj. Samuri satay in Kajang.

The place is just like any other open air food court found in this country. When seated, someone will take the order and the customer must proceed to the cash counter after that to make the payment before food is served.

Coconut (RM 3.50) is pretty normal and pricey. I notice most of the other drink prices here are on the high side.

The Nasi Impit (1.30) comes with ketupat and cucumber. I was puzzled as to why onions was not served together here. However, they are pretty generous with the satay and chilli sauce.

 

I ordered rabbit (RM 2), mutton (RM 1.20), chicken (RM 0.60) and beef (RM 0.60) and I must say their satay is overrated. It tastes pretty average to me and I also wonder why their satay was so famous in the first place.

Another annoying thing is 6% government tax is imposed on the total bill. I wonder if this tax is appropriate since this is no fancy restaurant to begin with.

Siaw Kah Restaurant @ Kajang

Kajang is famous for 2 things; Hot soup and satay. Recently, I manage to dine at Siaw Kah Restaurant at Jalan Berjaya 9, Taman Berjaya, Sungai Chua in Kajang.

The restaurant is pretty big and capable of accommodating a large crowd at a time. The restaurant appearance already gives me the impression it has been commercialized and I had my concern about the quality of the food served here.

Hot soup (RM 10) is a must while in Kajang and it was served piping hot in claypot. One can opt for pork, chicken or pork's "spare parts" to make up the ingredients of the soup.

The hot soup here is decently nice and hot (lots of pepper goes into it). I really fall in love with hot soup after tasted one about a year ago. However, the one here is not the best around and I had taste better one from a small shop, also in Kajang.

Claypot "Hua Tiao" Chicken (RM10) is cooked with thick sweet sauce. I must say I was rather disappointed as there is nothing much in its taste that make it special. Again, I tasted better "Hua Tiao" chicken from other restaurant before.

Lettuce (RM 6) cooked with oyster sauce. Vegetable cooking style is pretty standard nowadays with nothing much too differentiate between other restaurants.

All these dishes goes well if taken with a bowl of rice (RM 1.20). Overall, Siew Kah restaurant is already been commercialized and unfortunately the food quality had been compromised.

Seri Melaka: Governor's Museum

Seri Melaka was office and official home for the Dutch Governors in the 17th century. It is located on St. Paul's Hill which was earlier known as Bukit Melaka (Melaka Hill). This was also the site of the palace of the Melaka Sultanate before the Portuguese.

Near Seri Melaka is the ruins of St. Paul's Church which was built during the Portuguese period. The function of Seri Melaka as the Governeor's Residence continued to the British period and until 1996 when a new office was built at Ayer Keroh for the Governor.

According to the Munshi Abdullah, this building was known as Raja's House. On 31st August 1957, the name changed to Seri Melaka as the title of the Governor was changed to Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

 

This Daimler car bought in 1974 by the Malacca State Government for His Excellency Tun Hj. Abdul Aziz bin Hj. Abdul Majid, the 3rd Governor, His Excellency Tun Syed Zahiruddin bin Syed Hassan, the 4th Governor and Tun Syed Ahmad Al-Haj bin Syed Mahmud Shahabudin, the 5th Governor. This car was decommissioned in 1986 and was given to the Malacca Museums Corporation in 1995

This is the Governor office where the Governor manage matter in relation to development, administration and the people (August 1957-September 1996)

The Dining Hall where Tun and Toh Puan entertain local and foreign dignitaries. The Tun and Toh Puan also fete friends and government officers after performing the friday prayers.

The official attire and medals of the TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Melaka

The family area is where the Tun and his family spend their quality time together. Despite his tight schedule, the Tun and Toh Puan made it a point to spend some time with their family.

The inspiration room is where the Tun spends his free time and relaxing. Turning to his hobbies such as playing musical instrument, painting and reading while listening his favourite traditional songs.

Some of the TYT's collection on display in the museum

Geographer Cafe @ Malacca

Geographer Cafe is located at Jonker Walk in the pre-war shophouse. The cafe promotes the non usage of MSG in their food and I was intrigued by such cooking method.

The restaurant has a nice setting and ambience. However, it felt very hot inside, no matter how many fans were on that evening.

The cafe has quite a collection on Titanic and this includes the general plan of the ship

One thing I like about the place is the cafe provides windows with a "Living Museum" as they keep an exciting look out for the bustling activities that pulse through the many narrow streets nearby.

Tempeh Cube (RM 2.90) which I ordered as an appetizer and snack before our main dishes arrived. Tempeh is a nutritious fermented cooked soy beans deep fried with curry powder and leaves.

Shirley Temple (RM 7.50) and cold Carlsberg draught (RM 10.50). I was actually expecting more beer options here.

Asam Pedas is the signature dish of the Malacca state and I had opt to try the Geographer's Asam Pedas (RM 13.80). It is served with rice and a little bit of tempeh.

The Asam Pedas here is hot with mild sour fish curry. It tastes pretty delicious and goes well with the rice.

Ramen Soup (RM 8.90) is equally tasty. It might not look much on the outside but don't let the appearance fool you. Its broth is simply good and that is the secret of preparing a delicious ramen. The sun dried noodle from organic flour  probably also infuse the noodle with the additional taste.

If my memory serves me correctly, I think the cafe has expanded to Puchong in IOI Boulevard recently. I am sure going to check out their other outlet to try the other menu I unable to try while in Malacca last time around.

St. Paul's Church @ Malacca

St. Paul's Church is probably the oldest church in Malacca. Located at the St. Paul's Hill, it is definitely one of a must see attraction in Malacca.

This church was originally a small chapel built by a Portuguese Captain called Duarto Coelho in 1521 and called "Nosa Senhora - Our Lady of the Hill". The chapel was handed over to the "Society of Jesus" in 1548 and enlarged in 1556 with the addition of a second storey and renamed "Annuciation". A tower was added in 1590.

When the Dutch took over Malacca from the Portuguese, they changed its name to St. Paul's Church and used it for 112 years until they own church, the Christ Church was completed in 1753.

St. Paul's Church lost its tower when the British took over but had one new feature added to it - the lighthouse at the front. The British however did not use the church as a place for worship, instead as a storage place for gunpowder. They also erected a tall flagpole and renamed the hill on which the church is sited to Flagstaff Hill (Bukit Bendera). The name did not last. The flagpole was later taken down and the church abandoned.

Old tombstones found inside the ruins bear silent testimony to the final resting place of several Dutch and Potuguese nationals.

The renowed Spanish born Jesus missionary, St. Francis Xavier was a regular visitor to this church from 1545 to 1552 and when he died, his body was interred here for 9 months before being exhumed and taken to his final resting place in Goa, India.

A statue of St. Francis Xavier was built in 1952 to commemorate his passing and internment here.

The view from the top of St. Paul's Hill is breathtaking. The Taming Sari tower and the town itself are visible from this vantage point.