Day Two in Malaysia and Brunch With the Prime Minister's Wife
On day two of our stay in Kuala Lumpur, we arose to a dawn that was clear and beautiful, however, it was 103 degrees! Our party was taken to breakfast at a wonderful restaurant called Nagas in Brickfields, where we enjoyed delicious South Indian cuisine. This satisfying and tasty meal, ended at 8:30AM, and then we were off to the Prime Minister of Malaysia's home for a meeting with his wife, the Honorable Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor. After a very pleasant reception, we were invited to yet another memorable meal. We learned quickly that in Malaysia, it is common to eat frequently and well. When we said our good-byes, we set off to explore the fascinating state of Melaka. More tomorrow!
1 The skyscape from our traveling van in early morning - a 103-degree clear dawn!
2 There is a lot of construction in Kuala Lumpur and many cranes punctuate the landscape.
3 We had scheduled breakfast at a wonderful restaurant called Nagas in Brickfields. http://www.nagas.com.my/
4 The restaurant was very very clean and pleasant.
5 One of the chefs ready to prepare our meal
6 The tandoor ovens were on and added a bit of heat to the already hot atmosphere - I really must get a tandoor oven.
7 There is much fried food in Indian restaurants - this donut-like bread is called vada.
8 The chef was making rava dosa, a flaky lacy griddle bread.
9 Idly are steamed pods made from fermented rice and lentil flour, thus the slightly sour taste. It's the same batter as used in dosa.
10 This is the rava dosa cooked - my personal favorite dipped in brown sugar and sambar.
11 Najib - our guide, Mohd Adly Rizal - founder of Fried Chillies food blog - http://www.friedchillies.com/, and Memrie enjoying our 'Little India' breakfast at Nagas.
12 Memrie drinking a coconut water and our bodyguard Ismail - he organized breakfast that morning.
13 The menu is listed on a giant carte on the wall.
14 Teh tarik - pulled tea and milk - pouring the liquids from cup to cup mixes and cools them and causes foam to occur, which is a handmade way to a cappuccino-like drink.
15 Sophie enjoying her pulled tea
16 I checked my emails, of course, and tweeted from Nagas.
17 Upma was served on segmented trays like this - a typical South Indian breakfast made from sooji (farina), and mixed veggies and spices - served with sambar curry and brown sugar.
18 Plain dosa with masala potatoes and sambar
19 Tenggiri fish curry in a curry sauce - very very good
20 Paratha roti canai was another bread choice for breakfast. We tried quite a few different offerings.
21 Gulab jamun is a fried custard ball served in a rose water syrup - unusual and delicious!
22 Driving to the Prime Minister's residence, we were amused by these questions painted along the highway supports.
23 With so much to ponder, we wondered why there are not more car accidents.
24 We passed the now defunct city jail, which is scheduled for demolition. It is one square block in size and actually a historic landmark, once housing petty criminals of Kuala Lumpur.
25 A tiny traditional colonial house amidst the tall skyscrapers - most of these houses have been torn down, but a few good examples do exist, such as this one.
26 Sophie found this sign amusing.
27 And these lady figures equally amusing
28 We thought we could skip this joint.
29 The Big Mac is everywhere and exceedingly popular.
30 The roof of the Malaysia National Library is shingled to emulate the weaving of the songket, a traditional Malaysian fabric.
31 This is the front hall of the Prime Minister's residence - amazing flower arrangements are either real or artificial - it's hard to tell which without touching.
32 We met with Honorable Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, the outspoken and active wife of the Prime Minister. She was most interesting and informative.
33 Her house was very beautifully decorated in the new Malaysian style. We sat on large sofas and talked for almost an hour.
34 A mother of four, Rosmah is beautifully dressed and coiffed and energetic.
35 Our party listened with great interest about her programs for educating and caring for the young people of Malaysia.
36 Our portrait - barefoot is common in all Malay homes - just like my house in Bedford!
37 We had cameras everywhere, photographing our traveling party on behalf of Tourism Malaysia, which sponsored our trip.
38 We then entered a formal dining room, which was set for brunch. We had just eaten our Indian breakfast, but in Malaysia, it is common to eat frequently and well.
39 We first were served laksa soup.
40 This was the homemade version of the popular Southeast Asian soup. I loved Rosmah's food - homemade, fresh, and very tasty.
41 Rosmah and I being served banana leaf-wrapped steamed rice, egg, and meat called nasi lemak - so very delicious!
42 The nasi lemak - when the banana leaf was opened, it served as a plate for the condiments, all of which were colorful and good.
43 These are jellies made from layered tapioca - so flavorful and fresh.
44 The curtains in the dining room were embellished with elaborate gilded passmenterie.
45 We had a brief gift exchanging ceremony before leaving our gracious hostess.
46 I was given a wonderful songket shawl.
47 Memrie, Sophie, and Jori also received shawls. I gave my books as gifts.
48 More great flower arrangements embellished the porches.
49 After leaving the Prime Minister's residence we went to Melaka, passing through the city and seeing more wonderful buildings, like this mosque.
50 The blue dome was striking against the sky.
51 The city is surrounded by a very efficient monorail.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
WELCOME HOME! You must be glad to be back! We missed you. I would have been a puddle in 103 degree heat. What a fun and exciting trip!
Thanks for the inside view!
http://www.meandmartha.net
Dan Viger
Hollis Center Maine
Posted by: Daniel Viger | June 1st, 2010 at 1:17 am
Interesting trip and photos. Delicious food. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | June 1st, 2010 at 2:23 am
Hi Martha,
In Malaysia,the pic no. 42 we called it "Nasi Lemak".All Malaysians like to eat Nasi Lemak.Hope u enjoyed your trip in Malaysia last week.Peace~~
Posted by: Mohd Alif Shahril | June 1st, 2010 at 2:41 am
These photos are so wonderful. Do you always try everything that is offered Martha? I probably wouldn't have tried the mackeral curry being so early in the morning but maybe I should try more things in the future.
The Prime Minister's residence was beautiful. I am surprised that Memrie was allowed to wear the visor indoors. What gifts did you exchange?
Posted by: Pru | June 1st, 2010 at 3:53 am
Martha, It's 4:07 a.m. here, and I couldn't sleep so I thought I would check the Martha Blog. These are quite detailed and comprehensive photos. I will look forward to tomorrow's blog. Thanks so much for sharing with us you are too kind. The food looks so different and interesting. I am very glad you and your team had a safe journey back. Take care.
Posted by: KLBrown | June 1st, 2010 at 5:07 am
Breakfast at Nagas was especially fascinating. The architectural style of the restaurant looked like a design for cool shade in that 103 degree heat. Even the mackerel in curry looked appetizing. Amazing to nibble that! for breakfast, but why not, that's one of the joys of travel, to explore and be adventurous. The gift shawls were beautiful. Wouldn't the shawls even be gorgeous on a side table beneath a bouquet of flowers. Your Asian trips have been fascinating. Thank you for sharing these delightful photos and interesting experiences.
Posted by: Penny | June 1st, 2010 at 7:38 am
Hi Martha,
Yes, welcome home but you are off again to the D conference. I don't know how you do it! I love these pictures of Malaysia and seeing all the different foods. I'm impressed with the names of the dishes and the fact that you could spell them or maybe you got the names off the carte. I can't pronounce some of the words myself but you always do a great job with your picture captions. I hope you make some of those dishes on the show.
~
Wow, the weather over there is something else! We might get that with the humidity involved but not very often. The city is beautiful and so is the Prime Minister’s residence. Thanks for taking pictures of it and for showing us your exquisite shawls. Malaysia is very nice! Trish
Posted by: Trish | June 1st, 2010 at 7:42 am
Martha,
I meant to post the link below which is an article from The Straits Times by Huang Lijie. It is titled "Martha in the House" and might be the one you mentioned on Twitter. It's a great read so I thought you might want to share it here! Trish
http://www.divaasia.com/article/9304
Posted by: Trish | June 1st, 2010 at 8:07 am
Hi Martha!
This is the first time leaving a comment here. I love love love you! In Thailand they show older episodes of the The Martha Stewart Show, I watched them every day!
Great pictures from Malaysia! looks like you had a wonderful trip! The food looks yummy ! !
Posted by: Jah | June 1st, 2010 at 9:33 am
Some have said that Memorial Day is to thank our veterans and it is. There might be less strife in the world if all could learn the culture, beliefs, and cuisine of others and accept them. Doesn't hurt to get a tandoor oven, as well. Thanks.
Posted by: ann | June 1st, 2010 at 10:03 am
Thanks for sharing your travels Martha! It is fun seeing them. Is it hard to get used to cameras everywhere?
Posted by: Wendy | June 1st, 2010 at 11:48 am
Martha, the dishes in picture 40 are so beautiful. How could you not want to take some like them home with you?
I'm wondering how people know when you're leaving the country and when you get back? I have no way of knowing what is going on with you except through this blog of yours. I don't get but one channel on my TV and as I said, your Blog is the only way I know anything, but it seems you're already there before I know it and home before I know it.
Keep sharing...I enjoy your trips, even though I couldn't eat all those foods you try.
Gloria!!
Posted by: Gloria | June 1st, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Hi Martha.. . .How did you manage to eat so many times and be polite.
Pictures were breathtaking. . . .
thank you again for sharing. .
your friend nina
Posted by: nina zeumer | June 1st, 2010 at 8:28 pm
If only I had known you were going to Nagas for breakfast I would have camped there over night!I love thosai and the sweet appam.Will organise a tandoor oven for you!
Posted by: Kartini Illias | June 1st, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Our Hon.Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor wearing a hand drawn Malaysian batik "baju kurung" modern.
Posted by: Kartini Illias | June 1st, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Hi Martha, So glad you got home safely and now you are at the Digital Conference in California. My dear friend, you sure do get around!! It is so much fun to look at these great photos of your 2nd day in Malaysia. My, how hot it is there! I'm not sure I could eat as often as they seem to do everyday, but their food does look interesting. I love all of the buildings that you showed us. My favorite was her Honor's beautiful home. What a nice, special person she must be. I love photo #36 with you barefoot and #46 with the songket shawl. The flowers were also beautiful. Did you ride the monorail to go to Big Mac?! LOL! Did you get a tandoor oven? What an interesting and unusual oven.Thanks for taking us on this great tour! Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | June 1st, 2010 at 10:53 pm
dear Martha
Yes. Our fave past-time can be considered eating. Especially among our Chinese friends.
We have delicions Malay, Chinese and Indian foods besides world cuisine which are considered cheap.
You know we have a 24-hour restaurants called Mamak (South Indian Muslims) where we can eat and watch cable TV. For the coming World Cup, our kids will choose to watch at these shops rather tnan in the comforts of home. It's more fun.
Our Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonalds outlets too operate 24 hours to cater for our ever hungry stomachs.
Posted by: Idzan, Kuala lumpur | June 2nd, 2010 at 7:16 am
Dear Martha,
My husband and I are your No.1 fan and we love you so much. We miss your interview on the local morning talk show and we only saw the snippets of your conversation much much later on NTV7 news. Anyway, will you be promoting Malaysia in your show, apart from this fabulous blog of yours? I hope you could share your experience in You Tube or any other accessible channels to Malaysians. You know, as a proud Malaysian, I am always looking forward for a mere mention of Kuala Lumpur or Malaysia by you, you are and have been an ambassador of good living. If you do visit Malaysia on a personal capacity; please visit the areas, the people and the country's unique rich culture, the food and cuisines that even Tourism Malaysia officials have not shown and covered. Believe me, you'd be amazed further as Malaysia is truly Asia where it is the melting pot of the different people, cultures & cuisines blend like a perfect meal like you have never had. Cheers, Martha!
Posted by: Fatimi | June 2nd, 2010 at 11:53 pm
Pic 32 is a stunning example of lovely interior design by the Honorable Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor. I do believe it is a mistake to tear down all of the small houses as rep. in pic 25. The small houses are very pretty and make for an interesting city tour. Thanks Martha!
Posted by: http://twitter.com/Geotravel | June 3rd, 2010 at 6:15 pm
I agree, you should get a tandoor oven. The pic is great. Very close to me there is a great T oven. It retains most of its heat but yes it gives off a certain amount into the room to raise temperature. I'd like to see you throw the dough to the side of the oven. Would it fall or stick to the oven side 'cause of the intense heat. Thanks
Posted by: http://twitter.com/Geotravel | June 3rd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
OMG...that was extremely heavy breakfast, even by our Malaysian standard & in a society of "chain- eater". Did you eat them all? I couldnt imagine after the breakfast you need to "struggle" with another meals at the Prime Minister's house...anyway great pictures & commentaries Martha. Thanks
Posted by: durio uno | June 8th, 2010 at 10:46 am
LOL to "With so much to ponder, we wondered why there are not more car accidents" Haha!!
Those questions on the pillars were funny, weren't they? : D
Gosh! That's really a lot of food! We Malaysians do love to eat!! But I try not to eat too much - have to watch my waistline! Haha!
Posted by: foongpc | June 8th, 2010 at 2:30 pm