Shopping in Kuala Lumpur {2/2}

Check out part 1 here.

Many eager shoppers are aware of Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Singapore, but Kuala Lumpur is another contender for those seeking to spend their shopping money overseas. Kuala Lumpur benefits enormously from reasonable accommodation costs when compared to the more expensive Hong Kong and Singapore – thus freeing funds for purchases. 

Pavilion's elegant entrace all lit up

The inner suburb of Bukit Bintang bordered by Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Imbi is home to many malls that remain open until 10pm every night. This area, filled with malls of differing quality and size and restaurants serving a variety of cuisine, has much to tempt the visitor. 

The spacious Pavilion is the newest mall in Bukit Bintang. With a huge food court in the lowest level, the upper floors are filled with designer brands that cater to the refined shopper who does not mind paying a premium. Another similarly priced option is the massive Berjaya Times Square. Home to a staggering 1000 outlets, these include a myriad of retail and service options, but also cinemas and an indoor amusement park. 

Older malls such as BB Plaza and the adjoining Sungei Wang Plaza house smaller shops within narrower and crowded corridors, but they provide a significantly cheaper range of items. Bargain hunters or those not loyal to specific labels or brands are likely to head here. 

S&M Shopping Arcade (Photo byJoanne Lane)

Plaza Low Yat is one of the best-value malls in Asia dedicated to electronic items – including photographic, telecommunication and computer products spread over seven lively floors. Shoppers here can be confident in finding genuine products and not less reliable copies. 

If traveling to Kuala Lumpur, ensure your suitcase is only party filled on arrival, for one can easily depart with luggage exceeding your free baggage allowance.

Happy shopping in KL, Malaysia! ;)

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur {1/2}

Hello everyone! Our entries have dwindled since the start of December because we are currently on vacation. Eyecandy and I are in the Philippines for the holidays while Shoegarfreeruby and Sampaguita Pride are very busy with work and their families. You have to forgive us for the lack of posts until the first week of January. However, we'll sneak in once in a while to publish articles because hey, The Pink Tarha thrives on! ;)

For now, we're publishing entries from Tourism Malaysia. We all know how popular Malaysia is as a tourist destination for Saudis. As for Southeast Asians like us, Malaysia is also very accessible from our home country so it is one of the first countries we visit when we want to go out of the Philippines for shopping and leisure (something new!). So, here's more of the shopping-scape in Malaysia... (Travel + Shopping = Happy Pink Tarha ladies!)

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur can be very rewarding. You’ll find a mall, market, or night market (pasar malam) in practically every corner of the Malaysian capital, almost all of them accessible by monorail or LRT. The KL shopping scene is such a big draw, the government sponsors a three-month sale season from June to September. In this article, we’ll show you what you can buy in Kuala Lumpur, and where you can find what you’re looking for. 

What To Buy

Kuala Lumpur is the crossroads for practically everything made in Malaysia – pottery, wood carvings, food products, and traditional fabrics from far-flung Malaysian states can all be found here. Closer to the city, the adjoining state of Selangor is also known for its high-quality pewter craft, which can be purchased at almost any market stall, or right at the factory itself. 

If you’re in the market for unique Malaysian fabrics, look for shops that sell kain songket: silk or cotton woven cloth brocaded with gold or silver threads. The metallic threads create a shimmering pattern against the non-reflective fabric, and the patterns created by the master weavers are very Malaysian in character. Normal people wear songket fabric only on special occasions; rich garments made from songket are more frequently worn by Malaysian royalty. 

Kain songket fabric and clothes come in many textures, colors, and styles; simple designs are cheap and readily found almost anywhere, but more intricate songket weaves may cost thousands of Malaysian ringgit per yard, reflecting the effort and thought that goes into their manufacture. To buy kain songket, go to Wisma Yakin in KL’s Masjid India. Wisma Yakin is known for its many tailors and fabric shops; Malay mothers typically go to Wisma Yakin to get clothes made for Eid ul-Fitr. 

The Malaysian state of Selangor has long been known for its fine pewter craft; pewter is a tin-based metal that finds common usage in drinking implements, tableware, and desk accessories. Selangor long prospered due to its tin mining industry, in fact Kuala Lumpur started out as a trading post serving tin miners. 

Today, the finest quality pewter is produced by Royal Selangor, Malaysia’s foremost pewterware maker. Royal Selangor creates pewterware fine enough for the Sultan of Selangor’s use, thus the “Royal” in the name. While their work can be found in most shopping malls around Kuala Lumpur, you can best explore the history and craft of pewterware at the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre in Setapak Jaya, around 8 km northeast of the city center. Closer to the city, you can visit Royal Selangor’s main outlet at level one of Suria KLCC. 

Kuala Lumpur’s Shopping Malls 

Of course, there’s far more to Kuala Lumpur than just pewter picture frames and beautiful fabrics. The many shopping malls in the city are filled to bursting with electronics, modern designer clothing, books, and perfumes. 

The Golden Triangle is ground zero for KL’s shopping scene: this is where you go to buy a wide range of merchandise from one of the many malls in the area. Suria KLCC, at the feet of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, is perhaps Kuala Lumpur’s most popular shopping stop, with trendy clothes, footwear, and accessories stores sharing space with the entrance to the Twin Towers tours. 

Bukit Bintang Plaza, one of the first shopping centers in the city, is still going strong with shops selling fashion accessories, sporting goods, footwear, and clothes. For electronics, visit Low Yat Plaza to get the lowest prices possible on laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices. The world’s finest shops – Dior, Kenzo, Valentino and more – can be found at Starhill Gallery next to the Marriott. Also not to be missed is the Times Square mall. 

Times Square Mall in Kuala Lumpur (Photo by Shane Dallas)

For a more traditional Malay shopping experience, go to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, whose many buildings dating back from before World War II represent some of Kuala Lumpur’s best-preserved historical structures. Among these buildings, you’ll find a wide array of shopping centers like the Sogo Department Store and Pertama Complex. 

Kuala Lumpur’s most famous night market occurs along this stretch – every Saturday evening, Lorong Tuanku Abdul Rahman is closed to traffic and becomes crowded with stalls and hawkers selling all sorts of goods, from local products to cheap tourist souvenirs to excellent halal street food. Near Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Masjid India – the city’s Indian enclave – sells Indian merchandise like bangles, silverware, gold jewelry, and saris. 

Indian bangles (Photo by Joan Lane)

Finally, Chinatown is your best place for cheap bazaar-style shopping. The iconic Petaling Street stretch, covered by a green awning, is lined with shops and hawkers selling all sorts of affordable goods, from fake branded items to delicious local cuisine. Bargaining is highly encouraged for shoppers visiting Petaling Street, if you want to get the best value out of your purchases in this area. Chinatown’s Pasar Seni, or Central Market, is a former wet market and currently a bazaar selling Malaysian products like kain songket, batik, and handicrafts.

It's refreshing to know how the shopping-scape in other countries are like. We can't wait to travel more and shop more! ;) ~ Sundrenched

The Roti Family Feud

A few months ago, Pappa Roti opened in Riyadh. Followed by Rotiboy. And finally, MammaRoti. (Actually, I'm quite not sure which came first... Pappa Roti or Rotiboy?!) We'd like to think it's one big happy family because they offer just one thing: roti buns. But it turns out, they're of different companies. Is there a family feud brewing? Who has the best roti bun? What makes them unique from one another? Which brand is The Pink Tarha's favorite? Which one is yours?

Let the taste test begin!

Before I give the verdict, let's define what a roti bun first. A roti bun is simply a 'coffee bun,' a round bun with melted butter inside and a crunchy coat of coffee-flavored sugar on top. When you take a bite, a trio of tastes burst in your mouth. Sweet, salty, bitter in one go! The combination of the three creates a perfect harmony once it hits your taste buds and soon enough, you'll be craving for more. You're hooked! 

Which is which?!
(From left clockwise: Pappa Roti, Mammaroti, Rotiboy)

The inevitable addiction to roti bun is the reason why roti bun shops are confident of selling just this one product. Imagine going to the shop and ordering just the roti bun. You come for the buns and nothing else. No more perusing the menu for a long list of items. You get confused with the drinks more than the food. Oh well, that's the magic pull of a roti bun. Riyadh is now addicted.

Rotiboy ("The Breadboy") was founded by Hiro Tan in Penang, Malaysia in 1998. The Rotiboy in Malaysia is known for its freshly-made cakes and high quality bread. Their Signature Rotiboy Bun, described as crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, brought them the popularity they are enjoying now. Apart from the original roti bun, Rotiboy has introduced Buttermilkboy, a bun with vanilla topping with a special buttermilk filling which is an alternative to those who are not into anything caffeine.

The oldest with the youngest name.

Golden brown with extra crispy edges

Fluffy, fluffy!

Pappa Roti ("The Father of All Buns") was established in Malaysia in 2003 and has flourished all over the world with branches in Malaysia, United Kingdom, Australia, Indonesia... and now, in the Middle East. Their signature bun starts with the creamy bun with a topping of concentric circles which becomes a glazed caramel-coating  after a quick stay in the oven.

Here comes papa.

Dark brown with extra edges

Flaky inside

MammaRoti ("The Bun Emperor"), or MammaBunz in Malaysia, started in 2004. This casual franchise serves authentic coffee-coated buns with a sweet buttery-rich taste named "Mexican bun." They describe their bun as crispy, soft, rich, and fluffy. And this catapulted them to branches all over Malaysia and franchises all over the Middle East.

The mother which is titled the 'emperor'?! Haha.

Pale brown with a smooth top

Fluffy and flaky.

Now, there's no need to list down the qualities and taste of each roti bun from each brand. They do taste the almost exactly the same. With just a few, almost unnoticeable, difference.

My favorite!

MammaRoti takes my vote for the best roti bun in Riyadh. Its bun, while not far from PappaRoti’s and Rotiboy’s in taste, has a consistency that I like. Fresh from the oven, the top coating is a little bit crunchy and the butter melts all around the inside lending its slight saltiness to the bun. The coffee flavor is there; almost milky in taste and the sweetness is tempered by a tinge of bitterness. Harmonious delight! Wait for a while and the bun, when bitten, becomes a little bit chewy making it irresistible to take one bite after another until the last morsel drops into an empty paper bag. When left at room temperature (do not refrigerate), the bun retains its flavor and texture; still perfect for a cup of milk tea or simply brewed coffee. 

The first brand I've tried is Pappa Roti. And while it smells good from a few meters away (Eyecandy said it smelled like adobo. Haha!), the buns lack flavor. It's less pronounced and not as tasty. I do love how they set up their cafes though. The aroma from their ovens envelops a part of Panorama Mall that you can't help but wonder and stay. For Rotiboy, it's the same crisp coating but the better wasn't well-rounded. I even like the buttermilk bun better with its melted chocolate chip cookies and sweet vanilla filling. I also like their iced milk tea. It's sweet and refreshing.

Now tell me, what is your favorite roti bun?

Whatever your choice is among the roti buns in Riyadh, we cannot deny its allure and how in a matter of days, it got the whole city hooked. While the price of SR11 per bun is quite expensive, it’s an indulgence that should be taken lightly. You wouldn’t want to get suya after a while, yes? Sometimes, waiting for another week or so to taste the coffee bun makes the wait worthwhile. You’ll find yourself ordering a bunch of it the next time and you’ll take bite after bite after bite. Don’t forget to share. To me. Haha. ~ Sundrenched

Pappa Roti

Branches: Panorama Mall | Tahlia Street

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Papparoti-KSA/

W: www.papparoti.com.my

Rotiboy

Food Court, Sahara Mall

FB: https://www.facebook.com/RotiboySA

W: http://rotiboyarabia.com

MammaRoti

Branches: Food Court, Kingdom Mall | Tahlia Street

W: www.mammabunz.com

The 2012 Expats Blog Awards

Hello dear readers! This is Sundrenched writing this article from our homeland, The Philippines. I'm home for the coming holidays and while I miss the cold, dry winter of Riyadh, I'm happy to visit Manila and my home provinces this month because I get to see my family and friends. I wish you're all having a good day there in the desert.

Here's some good news for The Pink Tarha! 

Recently, The Pink Tarha joined the Expat Blogs, a directory of blogs of expats all over the world. And right on time, they're having their Expats Blog Awards for this year. I'd like to take this opportunity to invite everyone who thinks and feels that we deserve to win to write us a comment in our page: http://www.expatsblog.com/blogs/1252/the-pink-tarha

We are joined there by other bloggers and blogs who are equally deserving of these awards. And we are happy with this opportunity to be nominated. The Pink Tarha has been online for almost four years now and we've been really blessed to have wonderful readers, likers, and fans. We didn't know how wide our influence has become until they tell us themselves. Our event series, The Pink Tarha Mornings, has given us the chance to meet and greet our readers and we've had a successful run since then. Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to enjoy blogging more. Be rest assured that we'll be here for you, expats and Saudis alike, and help you with your queries in living and working in Saudi Arabia.

Help us win in the 2012 Expats Blog Awards! Pretty please? Leave us a good comment here: http://www.expatsblog.com/blogs/1252/the-pink-tarha 

Announcement of winners is on December 7, 2012. Only 4 days to go! ;)

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

MUCH LOVE!!! ~ Sundrenched

What's In Whites {2/2}

We're back to the aisles of Whites Pharmacy, one of our favorite stores in Riyadh. If you're wondering why, you should go back and read our first entry on What's Inside Whites. 

Apart from beauty and wellness products, Whites carry a whole lot more of products that you didn't know you were looking for. You know that feeling when you're browsing for products and you just have to buy items that are not even on your shopping list? You'll feel that urge in Whites... a lot of times.

Back to Whites Pharmacy!

One of the main problems OFWs are encountering in Saudi Arabia is their vanishing hair. Hahah! My brother used to complain how harsh the water is in Riyadh that he's been losing hair faster than he can say 'shampoo!' If you're having the same problem as him, you should consider Seward Mediter hair products...

All the right products for your needs.

Got hair loss problems?

Weak, dry hair? Solutions here!

Helen Seward Hair Treatment products are popular for their effectivity. They use active principles from plants, flowers, and fruits to come up with well-researched solutions to your hair problems. They have the answer to everything from hair loss to colored, damaged hair to sensitive scalp and dandruff. You can find what suits you best in Whites. 

Protect your nails, hair, and skin!

But wait, what about for hair that you want to get rid of? Whites still has the answer! Look at this portable laser! Yesss! You can actually have your laser sessions at the comfort of your home. Amazing, yes? The price is more than SR3,000 but hey, who says remaining hair-less is cheap? You need to work on it, girl! Haha. 

For other hairy needs, haha!

And here's one nifty product you shouldn't miss when you have wet underarms...

Stay dry!

We gave the participants of our first Pink Tarha Mornings a sample of this one and I'm pretty sure they were weirded out at first but eventually found this product useful for them or for their family members. ;P Seriously, what a genius product! It's not easy to get rid of underarms that get wet immediately from all the tasks and errands of the day. Some even require medical procedures for it. With this 1-2 Dry underarm pads, you'll have an instant solution!

The most-sought teeth strips!

We've had several inquiries over the years where to find Crest 3D White Whitestrips. If only we've known that they available in Whites Pharmacy earlier on, we could've answered the soonest! But no worries since it's here and you're free to snatch them in the shelves... and pay them on the counter! Here's to pearly white teeth! ;)

Protect yourself from the sandstorm!

Looking for a mask can be very difficult when a sandstorm hits and you;re stuck in your car. Well, Whites have them too and the good thing about their mask and tissues? 100% cotton! They're so soft and strong that no matter how much to tug and pull, they're still intact. 

Hey, see what we found just below this rack...

For those saying no to sanitary pads

There are women who favor tampons over the usual, regular sanitary pads. Whites is where you can get them. (You noticed those circle stickers of Whites? If a product has those, it means the products are exclusive to Whites and you won't find them anywhere else in Riyadh.)

Of course, Whites being a pharmacy, you can find here the usual medicines you'll be needing for your colds, cough, etc. One thing that caught our eyes is the wonderful packaging of Natural Patches of Vermont. They look like mint tins but they're actually patches for specific concerns on your body. I want to try the appetite suppressant. Hahaha!

Patch your worries and aches away!

Speaking of tins, Whites also carry some gift products that are made of tin. They're so cute they'll be perfect for those who are into retro-ish designs and decors.

Oldie but goodie!

How awesome are these tins? Store your cereals and knick-knacks in here and you'll lessen the clutter in your room and kitchen. And hey, have you seen metal cards? Yes, METAL greeting cards!

Unique greeting cards!

At least you'll be sure your cards won't be crumpled or bent on their way to your family or friend. ;) And what about adding in a thermometer set in this thin metal slabs? 

Bet you didn't expect to find these in a pharmacy!

Whites also carry some items which can serve as gifts. Take for example these well-designed candle shades. You just need tea lights and you'll have an instant mood lifter in your room. You can pick any design that fits your interiors or personality. You can even change them as often as you want. 

Which design will you be using next?

Whites Pharmacy even carries flip-flops! (I told you, they are more than your usual neighborhood pharmacy!) These brightly-colored slippers are so comfy! Perfect for your next summer getaway!

Pick your fave color!

Since Whites is all about health and wellness, it's not surprising to see a small kiosk of Diet Center inside their branch in Takhasussi. They have great selections of drinks, salads, and sandwiches. 

Snacking while browsing 

What will you be having today?

Browsing Whites Pharmacy is an experience in itself. For OC persons like me whose past time is reading labels, I can spend half a day inside WHites Pharmacy and never be bored. There's just so many things that are available and products that I didn't know actually exist to help me with my concerns. 

Next time you go to Whites, take your time in browsing their aisles. I'm sure you'll find something worthy of your hard-earned fulos. Splurge in products that are of high quality and doesn't scrimp on effective ingredients! ~ Sundrenched

Whites Pharmacy Mecca Road, Takhasussi (near Panda) For more branches, click here. E: customercare@whites.net T: +966 1 288-6877 / 489-5994/ 489-7750/ 489-7751