Food (Kuala Lumpa ~ Malaysia)

 20 October 2022

Given that we were only going to be in Kuala Lumper for a few days we opted for a nice, albeit a bit pricey, apartment - complete with access to an infinity pool on the 51st floor. Now while we were here there was some general maintenance going on (window washing etc). When you look over the edge of the infinity pool what you see is a trough (about 300m wide) for water and then a ledge, also about 300m wide. There were maintenance workwes walking along the ledge - one slip and it was a 51 floor drop. Fairly sure this was breaking one or two health and safety rules.

Primary reason for stopping over in KL was to eat and drink. Starting with two iconic Malaysian drinks - Iced Milo and Lime Juice (where the little back lump at the bottom of the glass being a dried, salted sour plum).

Followed by Kang Kong (aka morning glory aka water convolvulus) with Belacan (fermented shrimp and chilli paste) - there's nothing quite like it and XO sauce fried rice.

This one was a new dish on us Laksa Johor and quite different from the other regional laksas we have tried. The noodles, are covered with a rich, thick gravy made up of fresh fish, dried shrimps, coconut milk and curry powder, and aromatics like ginger, lemongrass, garlic and onions.

All topped with cucumber, bean sprouts, mint leaves, Thai basil, sambal belacan and lime.

V tasty and not super spicy.

We didn't spend every minute eating and lying by the pool (not for want of trying) and did have a bit of walk around the area where we staying - put not a huge amount as it was stinking hot. A short distance from where we were staying spotted an odd structure in the distance. 

On investigation found it was an ornate covered walkway called "Pintasan Saloma" and is the longest single span steel walkway in Malysia and it's design was inspired by Sihn Junjung (ornate flower arrangement) traditionally offered in ceremonies as symbol of Unity.

Not far from Pintasan Saloma was this tower block and I'm fairly sure that the vegetation growing on the outside was intentional (but not 100% sure as the jungle round here is quite invasive).

From here it's another 17 hours or so back to New Zealand - and then back to work - sigh.