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Days since my last post: 19 

It's been 3 weeks, my little space! I've been meaning to write in you for a while now but I tend to note my thoughts and pieces in my phone at midnight, and then wake up and forget about them again. Maybe...just maybe I should start extracting them for you!

But before all of that is going to happen, this is happening:

Happy 2nd Anniversary, my other half! 

It's actually 11:11AM as I write this now, and nothing gives me better satisfaction than knowing that. I remember waking up 2 years ago on this day in KL thinking about how the day would go on, and how we'd also turn imperfect things perfect. Because that's what a marriage is all about. Turning the bad into alright, and the okays to great just as long as we're together on this. 

To my other half who has brought us on this adventure abroad, I hope you know that I'll always have your back through every decision you make. From our midnight rubbish talks to our random life discussions, I'm really glad I decided to say yes to you. We're not sure what lies ahead of us here in Europe but come what may and we'll just trek on through! 

I hope we'll always remember having bak kut teh in our little studio on the day before our anniversary in 2019. Here's to more soups on cold nights, mountains of sharks in our bed, and freezing feet under the covers. 

And thank you, for everything.
Days since my last post: 5 

As I'm writing this blog post, a part of me is craving to fly back to Malaysia just to have another serving of Gin Rik Sha's Paneer Piccata with their specialty gin cocktails. Tucked in the heart of Bukit Damansara, Gin Rik Sha is a restaurant whose name set me in circles because I first thought they were either Korean or Japanese. As it turns out, Gin Rik Sha was neither - and it gave my friend Tania quite a bit of laugh at how I had no idea about this place.

Just the right setting for a night out 

Whether it's for large crowds

Or for several friends, Gin Rik Sha is set to serve

In fact Gin Rik Sha, ladies and gentlemen, serves the best Indian cuisine I've ever tried. While their dishes are originally portioned to share, it's easy to see why some guests may not want to do this while visiting Gin Rik Sha.

Gin Rik Sha's Mango Chicken Pappodom (RM 20)

Gin Rik Sha's Pop Corn Tempura (RM 14)

For starters, Gin Rik Sha's Mango Chicken Pappodom takes a twist on everyone's favourite pappodom snack by turning it into a bowl and it in sits a fresh fusion of Indian flavours ala mango salsa with tandoori chicken. What surprised me the most with this dish was the fact that I actually liked it despite the highly distinctive onion profile in every bite, and everyone around me knows I despise onions. It's recommended that you eat this immediately as it dishes out however, because the pappodom may turn soft as it soaks up the juices from the mango salsa. 

Separately, the Pop Corn Tempura (A fun word play here to the fact that it's actually sweet corn) is what I would really urge that you order if you're out for a night of drinks with your friends or family at Gin Rik Sha. Lightly covered in tempura batter and Indian spices, this sweet corn appetizer was one of my favourite dishes of the night because I couldn't stop popping it in my mouth. I'd note that it would taste slightly salty on its own, so it's best paired with a drink in hand. 

Gin Rik Sha's Paneer Piccata (RM 22) 

Ah! The very star of my evening that would be the VERY reason I want to re-visit Gin Rik Sha! This is the Paneer Piccata or Gin Rik Sha's take on fresh curd served with capers and onions. At first look, I had imaged the taste to be either overwhelmingly heavy or fall really flat but boy was I more wrong. The paneer piccata was actually really fragrant and had a light bite to it, while the capers and onions gave it a taste profile so indescribable, I could only say you have to actually try it for yourself.

Gin Rik Sha's Chicken Briyani and Pomegranate Yogurt (RM 30)

Gin Rik Sha's Bombay Masala Salmon served with Couscous (RM 38)

Onwards to the heavier side of our meal, we had the Chicken Briyani that came with a housemade pomegranate yogurt. The combination sounded rather weird to me in the beginning, but trust me when I say it absolutely works. The pomegranate yogurt actually made the dish so light and inviting that I couldn't stop myself from going for second and third helpings even when I was supposed to share the dish with Tania and Isabel. It is best recommended that you do share this dish out too, because how else would you enjoy the rest of the food that Gin Rik Sha has to offer?

The Bombay Masala Salmon on the other hand was served with couscous, and while it was tasty - I thought it didn't surprise my taste buds as much as the other food of the evening did. Perhaps it was just my dislike for fish, but I approached the dish rather cautiously and can proudly say the salmon was fresh and didn't come with the actual "fishy" aroma you'd expect.

Gin Rik Sha's Kulfi with Caramalized Bananas (RM 22) 

Gin Rik Sha's Baked Yogurt Pudding (RM 20)

And after all that food, it's almost a sin not to top everything off with desserts! Gin Rik Sha's special Kulfi with Caramalized Bananas actually set the 3 of us bananas as we tried really hard to figure out what indeed was the "kulfi" ice cream. We never actually got the answer but we thought it had a mix of Horlicks with a spice of some sort. If you ever try it and found out what it is - do let me know! 

Unfortunately after trying out the Kulfi, Gin Rik Sha's Baked Yogurt Pudding that was served with a berry coulis and almond bits fell rather short to our expectations. It was pretty good, don't get me wrong but the flavours were nothing to shout about especially after the bar was set really high by the Kulfi. The baked yogurt was light and almost souffle-like, but I'd assume it could appeal to guests who aren't looking for something that's overly sweet. 

Gin Rik Sha's bartender serving up a unique concoction

On the left: Keralan Southside (RM 33) / On the right: Laal Adrak (RM 48)

As mentioned earlier, Gin Rik Sha also serves a good array of gin cocktails created and well tested by their resident bartender. That evening, we tried the Gin Rik Sha Keralan Southside which was a mix of gin with kaffir leaf, mint leaf, and lemon juice as well as the Laal Adrak that featured a sweet and sour profile of gin, raspberry puree, ginger syrup, lemon juice, and apple juice. I personally really enjoyed the Laal Adrak because it wasn't just sweet to taste but featured a comfortable balance of sour that made me want to have even more food after drinking it. 
 
If you're unsure of what you'd like from the extensive cocktail menu, do speak to the bartender who would happily give you a list of drink suggestions according to your preference. If you're lucky, you may even end up with an off-menu item that's perfectly handcrafted to your enjoyment! 

A pleasing take

So would I return? Absolutely! In fact, I wish they'd open up a branch here in Amsterdam just so it's easier for me to reach for that Paneer Piccata and Laal Adrak! For all you hungry people out there, Gin Rik Sha is located at Plaza Damansara and opens Mondays to Saturdays, from 430PM to 12AM. For exclusive promotions and ongoing specials, do check out their Facebook page here!

*This meal was sponsored for review purposes, however this has not affected my thoughts on the dishes in any way.
Days since my last post: 28 

So after lots of talking, lots of packing, and a slew of goodbyes...

The big move happened. 

It's actually my first official day here, having landed yesterday and running around to get the essentials ready. From getting my shampoos to my skincare and unpacking my ridiculously overweight luggage - I can now say I've made it.

I also got back to the arms of my other half. 

When 2019 first started, I don't think either of us expected to make such a huge decision in our life. We've discussed about moving aboard, that's for sure but we didn't put Europe into our list at all. Perhaps Singapore or maybe Hong Kong because they were close enough to our family and friends, but it looks like fate had other ideas for us. And now here we are. We made it. We made it to surviving the long distance relationship, we made it to a little studio we now both rent and will call home, and we're making it to living together for good this time. It's not just another holiday, this is going to be us now. 

The ones I left behind. 

So am I excited? Definitely. Am I happy? Absolutely. But am I sad to have left my old ones behind while I venture into the unknown? Obviously. I think having been the most sheltered and protected at home after 27 years, the feeling of saying goodbye to my parents became the toughest to bear throughout the move. Of course, it hurt leaving my friends behind but there were the people who were there through thick and thin. Through the times I cried, through the times I was happy, and still stuck around through the times I made them angry. These were my old ones and if anything - I'd love for them to someday come over to the other side of the world to be with me. Just because. 

But onward to new adventures. Onward to greener pastures. Onward to the things that fate has in store for me. And onward...to the Asian in Amsterdam.
Days since my last post: 10

What's up Malaysia? The haze is back, and it's back with a vengeance so it's no wonder you'll see a whole lot of people with donning face masks to help with our respiratory system. Or at least I am!

I mean seriously, who could breathe in this haze?

But while you're caring for your body on the inside - who's going to figure out how to help your skin on the outside? With common air pollutants from vehicles, power plants, and open fires as well of other little barrages like secondhand smoke, it's almost impossible for any of us to escape air pollution! In fact, research has shown that any Particulate Matter (PM) with a diameter of 10 microns or less can penetrate through the skin and the skin's biggest enemy is within the range of PM2.5.

A PSA from our friends at Neutrogena® on what's PM2.5!

Being 20 times smaller than human pores, PM2.5 can penetrate easily through the deepest layers of the skin - causing problems such as dryness, dullness, aggravation of acne symptoms, pigmentation and dark spots, premature lines and wrinkles, and other terrible skin problems! So how can you minimize the impact of all these air pollution to retain clearer skin?

Enter your face's new best friend!

That's right - the very trick is to clean your face twice a day with a cleanser that can help take away all these pollutants in the air, while retaining the natural moisture of your skin. That's why Neutrogena now has the Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser, the 1st pure glycerin-based foaming cleanser that is clinically-proven to remove 99.99% of dirt and impurities from deep within your skin. Featuring a non-drying oil control formula, the Neutrogena Deep Clean Foaming Cleanser creates a rich and ultra-creamy lather that reaches deep into our pores.  

Look at how dense that foam is!

This results in a clearer, fresher, and healthier complexion while giving you that natural glow that you deserve. Having used the Neutrogena® Deep Clean® Foaming Cleanser for the past week, I've even noticed how it has a very gently pleasant scent and my skin is left soft and supple after every wash! What's more, Neutrogena® Deep Clean® Foaming Cleanser is also non-comedogenic, is oil- free, and is dermatologist tested so everyone can keep air pollution off their faces! 

PM2.5 begone with the all new Neutrogena® Deep Clean® Foaming Cleanser!

Neutrogena® Deep Clean® Foaming Cleanser is available at leading pharmacies nationwide, or you could also get it off the Johnson & Johnson official store on Lazada and Shopee. For more information, you can also visit the official Neutrogena® website here. Now you can go forth and combat the dirt inside and out for a healthier you all around! Until then, don't forget to wear your face masks!

*While the product was sent for review purposes, this has not affected my thoughts on the product in any way.
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