Arabic-Yemeni Food @ Seri Kembangan Round 1

I'm back with more Arabic Yemeni food. Yeahhh... we went to look for Habibi. This was, in fact, before Half Moon. So that particular day, we decided to go to Seri Kembangan, that was the day we found out that Half Moon is closed on Fridays. It turns out as a super good coincidence.

The lighting was good, looks quite premium-ish but let's take a bet to try this. There were many diners there, mostly Arabs and that's a pretty good sign.

Welcome to Al Saraya restaurant. 

Quite a good selection of dishes there, with pictures here and there. Good for people like me who's kinda noob haha.

We were first greeted by these two little cute bowl of soup. Not sure what you call this but yeah, it was good!

Of course, the lamb haneeth. OMG, this is so good! I loved it. Now that I can compare with the other restaurant, this is SO good.

This was all we could order. It was just the two of us and it's limited on what we can order. The stone pot with prawns is supposed to eat with the gigantic bread. That one bread can be shared with 4 people, definitely too much for 2. But, it's sooo goood! 

It might not be at your typical Klang Valley, but it isn't THAT far off. Overall dining experience there has been fantastic. I would return a second time, but with a bigger crowd this time. The location is good too, as it is along the main road and there was ample place to park. People there were all friendly, bubbly and helpful that can recommend food for us. We went home happily! A happy stomach is a happy person. Agree? A pre-weekend celebration for whatever reason there is. If there's none, we find one. Of course, we can't eat this every single day as we are not used to such heavy flavor in our daily lives. But, this is a place to consider if you ever crave for Yemeni food.

It is for sure, recommended! Now I know where to go if I miss Arab food! haha.

Yemeni-Arabic Food

Hello y'all. It has been a long long time. This time round, at least, we are almost there, back to normalcy. But, what exactly is normalcy in today's term? Wear your masks, sanitize, social distancing. That's the definition. You know that boring stuff? Yeah, but it is what it is. Glad that I was born in the 80s, I did not have to grow up with masks as my best friend. The worst isn't the masks (sometimes it can get hard too), but it's the check ins and outs (I forget all the time). Prior to the pandemic, I love wearing masks LOL.

Of course, like others, I have removed myself from being a hermit. I have started going out with real people, not just meeting random people on the street while walking my dog.

Moving on to the actual purpose of this post, on off throughout the years, I have gone for Arabic food. I'm not well-versed with the dishes, just that handful that I know. These days, it's so easy, go with a friend who used to be in Dubai. That's the solution haha. We went for Yemeni food, Yay!

Disclaimer, this is based on my personal taste and experience.

Part 3: Seattle, Washington

Voila. Since I've been to Pike Place a few times within that one month I was there, here are more pictures.

I don't get this kind of privilege back home due to the hot and humid weather all year round. This was summer in Seattle, probably not the peak yet. But, it was a pleasant weather. Since US is well-known for their great parks, Seattle has this. Look at how people enjoy the sun here. If I live there, I would too. haha.

We went over to the Seattle aquarium. Fishes, snakes, sharks and many other animals. We purchased the city pass in which aquarium is included in it. That's 79 USD that includes 5 attractions.

I was back at Pike Place Market. There are states that had legalized a small amount of marijuana. Seattle is one of them under certain conditions. Overlooking the highway/freeway hehe.

 There comes the Spider-Man! haha

While waiting for the rest of the family members, here for Starbucks. This isn't the first ever Starbucks. Only here I am able to find a place.

We did the cruise, the Argosy Cruises Harbor Tour. It's at Pier 56. Enjoy the live-narrated tour while overlooking the breath taking beauty of the Washington state.

The weather was really good. This looks like the Columbia Center, skyscraper standing at 295m, the tallest building in Seattle. They have regulations that do not permit any buildings taller than a certain measurement.

We had our dinner here at Rainier Restaurant, a Vietnamese cuisine where Anthony Bourdain visited. haha!

Remember the city pass? The observation deck to the Space Needle is included. Woohoo!

Then, the other side of the city.

Day 3: Siem Reap July 6th, 2015

LOL. It has been 2 years. It has been quiet. So many things had changed for the past 2 years. Some good, some bad, and some whatever. I'm sure whatever that happened, happened for a reason. No complaints. And, whatever that may come, will come. I've aged 2 years. haha... damn.


Since Ratha, my Cambodian friend had to work, the same driver took us around. Continue with the temple hunting since the ticket to Angkor Wat has been paid. It was a long journey, so I learned some Cambodian along the way. haha. Of course by now, I have forgotten everything.

As expected, I can't remember much from the trip. It has been 2 years! ahhaa. This is Banteay Srei. The sand has a different color, it's special!

This is Kbal Spean. Some hiking to do. This supposed to have water. But, it was the dry season when I went. It was hot until I turned black when I came home. And, I am not even exaggerating.

Finally, the night market.


After 2 years, that's the wrap up of my Cambodian trip. After this trip, I had quite a few trips. But, judging from my never-ending procrastination, I am not even sure if I should start it. Gosh, dilemma.

Day 2 (Part1): Siem Reap July 5th, 2015

After such a long hiatus, it's about time the Siem Reap's photos should be up.

So, after yesterday's circus, which was still very fresh in my mind when I woke up, we had to go to the next itinerary. It's the sun rise in Angkor Wat. I mean, that's the whole purpose we were there right.

How can you not love this place? It's such a beauty.

So, everyone else did the same. Woke up at 4 ish to wait for the sun rise. Not cool. But anyways. haha. I don't even get up this early to work.

Tadaaa the egg yolk has finally showed itself. It is around mid March to end up March, the sun is aligned right above the Angkor Wat. But, that's also the reason why during that time, everyone would be there for the same reason. Siem Reap will be packed.

Finally, the sun is shining up above us. It's time to go home, not. It's time to get into Angkor Wat. The main temple. Get ready for lots and lots of walking to do under the hot sun.

Things are so much easier when you have a local friend to bring you around. Trust me, it's way easier. Just that, didn't think that we'll be meeting in Siem Reap. haha.

See, the Angkor Wat and the temples around there has been there for eons. There was no concrete evidence on the history. It's all based on beliefs. Probably, it's time to make a trip there before all their stones fall, like the picture above. One by one, it's falling.

That's actually a pool during the olden days. Before us, there was a photoshoot session. OMG seriously you people.

Day 1 (Part2): Siem Reap July 4th, 2015

Right after dinner, we had to leave hotel to go for Phare Circus.

From our hotel, it was more than 2 KM to the place. 5 USD 2 ways we got. In fact, it's supposed to be 6 USD.

A typical circus, you will think of animals doing stunts and making the audience burst into laughter. This isn't like that. There's a add on value service in any trips. If you know a local friend, or a friend who's residing there, it's gonna help you experience your holiday even better.

This isn't that typical circus you know. It's a theater, music, dance, modern circus and acrobats where performers used this aspects to tell Cambodian stories. I can't exactly remember the price. Depending on what you take, it varies. I think, mine was $18 USD.

The show was perfect. I was glad I went for it. It's THAT amazing. They tell their story through their performances. Each day you go, they tell a different story. The highlight of my whole trip, has got to be this.

These performers come from struggling families, poverty, and some are orphanage. They attend the school to learn the art and later on, turn professional. This is a good cause. Show your support and watch their show. If you happen to be in Siem Reap, this is something you have to do. Do not miss this and have this Phare experience, you will not regret it. At the same time, give hope to our human counterpart in Siem Reap.

Day 1: Siem Reap July 4th, 2015

In 2014, someone booked 3 tickets to Cambodia. It ended up as a 2 person holiday, which is totally fine with us. We are happy as it is. Haha. From the airport, it wasn't that long before we reached to our hotel. All I can say, it was burning hot. It was so hot we almost died from weather shock. The temperature was at 40s and that's not even the humidity yet.

We stayed in a hotel called Royal Crown hotel. The moment we walked in, it was so cozy and nice. Oh most importantly, it was cooling. They served us cold towel and a tea. Nice! I like their hospitality.

That's our room. Omg, it was so nice. I love to sleep :D

The view from our block. It looks relatively good from the outside too.

Before we left, of course, hi. haha.

We don't stay in the hotel even though that's the most comfortable thing to do, right? It's time to discover the beauty of Siem Reap. We walked around and there we found out, it was very close by to the town area. They call it as the Old Market street and it was so strategic! Everything is there, and in particular, what we need - food. Oh, we were so excited to see Tuk Tuks. haha.

There's a culture shock again. We didn't know how to cross the road. The zebra crossing is useless. People couldn't care. There were tuk tuks, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trucks and everything else.

After exploring for only half an hour, we found this street that's good for our stomach. Since I was just sick the day before, I had to opt for Coke. Like, Coke okay! It's okay, patience.

Day 7: Dubai City Tour, UAE

It was a long break since the last post. This has got to be the last entry already. I had the morning city tour around Dubai that day. It's the only thing I can do left before my flight in the evening that day.

That's Za'abeel Palace or it is also known as Zabeel Palace. You can see many peacocks around here. They walk wherever they want, ignoring vehicles and the humans. Do not knock them or kill them. Consequence is severe.

That's the mosque.

It's weird to have a beach area in a desert, right? Of course, it's man-made. See the Burj Al-Arab there? Great view for sure, but for people like me, I guess, it's better to see it from afar instead of staying there haha.

Next, we went to Atlantis. It's a palm area and it's far from the city. I'm not rich to be traveling with a cab everyday and everywhere.

What else ... it's Dubai's trademark, Burj Khalifa. Just like KL, you can go up, and that's with an entrance fee. I'm not exactly sure how much but it's not cheap.

Quite a shock to me. Before that, I think buildings are just buildings. How far off can a building go? I was wrong. This, is the only country I have seen that has the weirdest buildings. They are very futuristic and I can't figure out what did they build. Just wonder.

Then, went to the airport only to find out, my flight has been delayed. That's no fun.

If one asks, will I return to Dubai? Probably not. Things there are too expensive. Places like that, once is enough. In the first place, Dubai was never my intended vacation. Or, anywhere in the Middle East. It's an eye opener in terms of their cultures and all, and Dubai is already one of the modern developed ones, so I just don't think I'll be going back.

Day 6: Al-Habab Desert Safari, UAE

Right. Procrastination kicks in. It's not a surprise. We were picked up by the driver late noon to go to the Al-Habab Desert Safari, quite a distance from our hotel. There were few other guys in the jeep.

Yeap, all the 4WD. That's the beginning of the dune bashing. It's an experience. A wonderful one. Something very different from other holidays. If there is a highlight of my Dubai trip, it's the dune bashing. The driver I must say, is damn skillful. Knocked my head few times, and I am still mentally okay.

Then, we stopped at wherever we were to take pictures.

You get 4WD stuck in the sand. It's very common. There's this rope in every of their 4WD to help the others. Awesomeness.

After we bash around, we arrived. Tadaaa. That's the Arabian night. Food were served. Had nice food. We did henna. Before the place was packed with tourists like us haha.

That's the camel. My first encounter with a camel. OMG SO CUTE!

There were dancing too! I don't know what's the first dance called. The guy were spinning spinning and spinning at the same spot for like half an hour. He must be really damn that fit. It's insane.

Then, there comes the belly dancing. Probably, I have seen better ones, so I am not that impressed. It's good, I enjoyed it, but not impressed. I watch the belly dancing girls from the other studio every year. Probably that's the reason.

Day 6: JBR Beach, Dubai

I had a great sleep on Day 5. Day 6, there was no plan in the morning and tadaaa.... it was an impromptu again.

SK picked me from Internet City. Then, went to JBR Beach. Ever wonder why there's a beach in a desert? Haha, of course it's man-made.

It's Jumeirah Beach Residence or commonly known as JBR. I love the sand.

This is a very nicely developed place. They have restaurants, hotels, shopping mall, residents, cinema and etc built here. This is a very popular area for Al Fresco dining. On the night of weekends, it's a place where locals flash their sports cars!

It's not a big beach or anything like that. Just 1.7 KM long.

Oh my sunnies. Some may have seen the video or read the article about Starbucks spelling your name incorrectly. It's a way of marketing. This, is the most unique way they have ever written. Ever.

Then, it's time to get back to SP's place. SK dropped me at Internet City then it's about time to prepare for the desert safari tour! Yay!