KOMA

KOMA is a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar which offers a modern interpretation of Japanese cuisine. This has been a place I have been wanting to visit since last year. Reservations need to be be made at least three weeks in advance. For my birthday this year, my friends managed to make a reservation a month in advance, hence here we are for an advance birthday celebration. Finally a tick off the bucket list of must visit food places, of which KOMA is one of them. Prices are bit on the expensive side, but avoid ordering drinks and if one is selective with the sharing dishes, you can have a decent meal at KOMA.

Pat and Peichin

Peichin, Pat and KC

Crispy chicken - found this ordinary - like popcorn chicken

Salmon pillow (salmon sashimi on filo pastry) - when I was reading the menu, I was wondering how this dish will look like. Perhaps I was dreaming on Golden Pillow or rather a big pillow ala rice with salmon on it. My perceived picture of salmon pillow was totally opposite of what was presented. 

Crispy Tokyo gyoza (chicken gyoza)

Truffle unagi maki

The maki is a must try and good plate for sharing among the three of us.

Shrimp tempura maki

Miso marinated black cod

Each of us has a slice of cod. At first I thought it was a big piece of cod where we have to cut and share. Thankfully, it was portioned into three pieces.

The birthday gal gets a complimentary cake - mango and passion fruit cake

I was intrigued by the Bonsai (molten dark chocolate in crunchy praline) - beautifully curated and must order.

Lemon yuzu (yuzu jam in lemon mousse)

Feels as though I have been transported to Japan  (Dream harder)

Thanks KC and PC for the dinner treat and the years of friendship

Happy Pat, 'dreaming' that she is in Japan

 Thank you for the memories. 

Jia Tong Heng (Chiangmai)

Stewed Duck

For our trip to Chiangmai, I was recommended to try Jia Tong Heng, a restaurant in the 2023 Michelin Guide Thailand serving Teochew food.  We ended up at One Nimman mall and chanced upon the branch there. The food was really delicious - must try if you are there. 

Fishball soup

Mixed Berry Drink

Stewed Vegetables

Cod Fish

 

Wat Phra Singh (ChiangMai)

Chiang Mai's most revered temple, Wat Phra Singh, is also one of the most attractive temples. Located inside the old walled city center of Chiang Mai, the main entrance is at the end of Ratchadamnoen road.

The history of Wat Phra Singh dates back to the 14th century and is one example of classic Lanna style temple architecture in Northern Thailand.

At Wat Phra Singh you will see gilded rooftops and golden chedis peering above the whitewashed walls that enclose the complex.

 

Maison Maison (Chiangmai)

Upon reaching ChiangMai on 20 January 2024, after checking into our hotel, our first stop was lunch. We chanced upon Maison Maison Cafe -  located inside the west boundary of the old city not very far from the south-west corner of Wat Phra Singh.

Iced Milk Tea - a must in Thailand

Breakfast menu for Anthony

Fruits and waffles for the birthday girl

 Lunch time - Food and service was good.

Herbs and Flowers Afternoon Tea at Lobby Lounge

After ushering the new year 2024 by catching up on sleep, Jan 2, 2024 we were up and about. 

Here we are at lobby lounge at Capitol Kempinski Hotel having the herbs and flowers afternoon tea. A rare occasion on a weekday. 

We had three different tea pairings for this afternoon tea. First tea - Bi Luo Green Tea with French Rose

Herb smoked duck breast, shrimp, charred beetroot and grilled nasu eggplant

Impressive presentation

2nd tea Earl Grey with Lemon. Black Angus Beef, Butternut Squash Custard, Pork Skin Crackling, Ham and Oregano Scone and Saffron Mud Crab Quiche  

Frozen Lemon Verbena, Sparkling Wine, Apple Mint Chocolate Hazlenut Pudding 

Platter of sweet desserts - chamomile mousse, butterfly pea flower panna cotta, dark chocolate cake, ginger lily pear tart and french rose tea pound cake

Third Tea - Redolent Natural Osmanthus 

 We had an enjoyable afternoon tea and great service from the staff.