Last Dine-In on First Day of Emergency : Hotpot 1

Drama or what? The Movement Control Order (MCO) was announced Monday to take effect on Wednesday (tomorrow) and today, our King the Yang di-Pertuan Agong proclaimed a state of emergency. Alamak.

I was already feeling a little bit down wondering if I can work during the MCO (announcement was made later today) and wondering how administrative matters (statutory deadlines etc) would be handled.

Well, I am relieved to note that yes, I can work and emergency or not, life goes on. And since dining-in is not allowed during the MCO, I went out for my last dine-in before the MCO kicks in.

I had my pre-MCO lunch at Hotpot 1 @ The Starling. 

This is something they call Swiss Chicken (RM16.00). I don't know what is Swiss about it. It was delicious though, something like ayam masak kicap (I hope I don't insult the chef).

I loved it but the portion size was a tad small (by my standards lah).

This meal comes with a free side dish (of my choice).

Two cute fishes fried until super crispy.

I have been to Hotpot 1 before this. Let me show you the menu.

With each hotpot set (rice+main dish+soup)  you get to choose one free side dish.

They also serve claypot noodles.

And soup rice. I suppose soup rice is porridge?

On my first visit, I had the Tofu Seafish (RM22.00).

It is basically fried fish in gingery bean paste and two slices of tofu.

It was all right, my mum's ginger taucheow fish tastes a lot better than this (Hi Ma! She reads my blog).

For the side dish, I chose Sambal Ikan Bilis which was not to my liking because this is Chinese style sambal. Malay sambal ikan bilis is the best (to me).

The soup is nothing to shout about as it is a light tasting clear soup with some bits of cabbage.

On my second visit I had the Chaipu Chicken (RM16.00). I have no idea what is chaipu but this dish was da bomb.

But first, the side dish. I had the yam cake. 

Ooohh! It was so good. Jam packed with yam and very tasty. 

As for the Chaipu Chicken, nyum! nyum! My favorite so far. It has lots of dried chilies and curry leaves. Very aromatic and delicious.

There is a flame under the hotpot and it lasted even after I finished my meal (resulting in the pot getting some burn marks).

I guess with eateries only allowed to sell takeaway, the hoptpot experience is lost. I could come tapau the food but I think I will wait until dining-in is allowed again before I return.

Happy MCO!