hustle's cafe, setapak | review

I have not done a food review in the longest time so I thought this would be a good chance to do so :)

A couple of weeks ago, one of my long-time school friend, Efa came back for a short break and the gang decided to try a new cafe near our house recommended by Fatin K. Opened by one of her friends, she told us that the food at Hustle's Cafe is super yummy with a really good price point. 

It's located in Setapak in front of PV18 where you can find an array of restaurants and cafes. Basically a one-stop place for all things food. Hustle's Cafe opened its doors to food enthusiasts early January and so far the review has been good. All the more reasons to try it out, right? :D

We were full with gluttony so we ordered a bunch of food more than we could eat. So bad but the food was so good *cries while eating* Each of us took different items from the menu. Oh wait, let me tell you the prices for the food. It is amazingly super affordable. The priciest of them was probably RM11! 

During our gastronomical adventure, we ordered, Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng (so good!), Aglio Olio (super spicy as requested by Fatin S), Beef Burger, Chicken on a Plate, Salted Caramel Brownies, White Chococlate Raspberry Cake, Churros, and Banana Kaya toast. 

First one up is the Salted Caramel Brownies. The brownie was soft, fudgy and chocolatey with a nice hint of caramel. I do wish it would taste more of the saltiness but maybe I should give this another go. Otherwise, good for those with high-blood pressure since you can't eat too salty stuff right? :p

The cakes were all well displayed next to the payment counter so after you order the appetisers and main course, just swiftly make you way to the counter and choose you preferred dessert of choice. Better yet, just dash through to the dessert section. Fatin S and I decided to try the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake. 

Honestly, I am NOT a big fan, wait, no. I am NOT a fan of cheese at all. I can hardly take in or smell the super cheese ones and the pure cheese at any cheese store. There was a back story where I almost puke at a cheese store in Amsterdam just because it just smelled too cheezy! 

Most of you would probably say I'm missing out but I simply can't take it. It was the only store that I had that terrible experience. I tried to enter other cheese store and it was fine. So back to the cheesecake, this does not taste cheesy at all. The cake layer was a soft sponge cake but not too airy. The raspberry layer was equally distributed so you have a clean taste of the cake and the jam. I am not a fan of this but those who loves raspberry might give a huge hug ;)

Fatin K wanted to try the Chicken on a Plate and taste as identical if not very close to Kenny Roger's roasted chicken. I know this 'cause I just had the 1/4 chicken few days before we tried the food at Hustle's Cafe. 

The coleslaw was packed with yummy mayonnaise and the black-pepper sauce was seasoned to the right bit. Accompanying the meal was grilled corn on cob and mashed potato. If you are a fan of roasted chicken, try this. If you are on a budget, this is the perfect meal for you.

One of my friends told me to try their churros as it is one of their star (okay I'm probably making this up but it should be) item in their menu. And it was bomb dot com! I have not tasted a lot of churros to me a churros expert but I've tasted bad ones too. This is had made it to the top list of my favourite churros.

Only at RM8, you get eight cinnamon sugared churros and you have the option to have the chocolate or caramel dip. I'd say just go for both. It is crunchy outside and soft inside. The owner told us that they have tried to improvise the recipe after receiving many feedbacks from their customers and I guess they have found the right one. Kudos to this. Yikes, now I feel like getting some.

Since I have been eating rice and pasta for that week, I opted for the Beef Burger. Those you can't consume beef, they also have the Chicken Burger. Win-win for everyone, yeay! If I were craving for a burger and I don't want to spend much, I'd definitely go for this.

Now, don't compare this to Chili's and high end places cause it is on a different scale but it tastes just as good as the normal restaurants. The burger comes with cheesy wedges on the side (yes I notice the cheese part, I ended up giving to my friends) topped with some herbs.

The patty of the beef is juicy enough and delightfully tasty. You can taste the way it is homemade and not a machined beef patty just grilled on a pan. A heads up for those who eats little, the burger will absolutely take 80% of your stomach space. So eat wisely! :D

One of the things that cafes like these rarely have is some Malay dishes but at Hustle's, you can order their Nasi Lemak if you're up for it! Efa ordered their Nasi Lemak with Ayam Goreng and it was flavourful with a huge portion.

At first when it arrived on the plate, I thought it was just a normal portion but Efa had to struggle a little to finish of her meal as it was quite hefty. The sambal is not too spicy and the chicken is fried just nice. You also get to choose to have fried chicken or sambal sotong to go along with your nasi lemak.

One not pictured here is the Banana Kaya Toast (if I'm not mistaken). Oh my God, it tastes like my favourite Domino's Banana Kaya Dessert! Except it's on a toast. Seriously, it think it was inspired by Domino's and I think I could try to make this my own too. Two bread toasted and in between was the banana and kaya spread and they might just fry it with cheese on top and topped it off with some caramel drizzling. So yummmmmmmm *drools*

The service was fast so no long waits for your food and enduring grumbling tummy when you come to Hustle's Cafe. Except for the Beef Burger. One of the co-founder of the cafe told us that the beef patty is slightly thick hence it needed a slow fire to make sure the patty cooks through. I didn't really mind the wait since I've got my appetiser sorted to fill in the time but just a note to you guys who are first timers there :)

Here is us showing you the interior of the cafe. Apparently they do have outdoor seating as well and correct me if I'm wrong, a shisha service as well.

Okay, another side pulak. Very the industrialised setting. You would love the main entrance too. Pretty tiles where you can snap and hashtag #ihavethisthingwithfloors . Giving ideas to you ;)

At the back there is where the drinks are made and where you go and pay happily cause it's so affordable!

I snapchatted this while I was there so follow me on SnapChat for more good food try-outs at @izzahkhalil :D

Hustle's Cafe is situated at 52, Plaza Crystal Ville, Jalan Danau Niaga 1, Off Jalan Genting Klang, Setapak, 55300, Kuala Lumpur.

Opening times:

12PM - 12AM Tuesdays - Sundays
Close on Mondays

Facebook: Hustle's Cafe
Instagram: @hustlescafe

*This post is not sponsored. All meals were paid by us. Just so you know lah. Hehe*

brush egg dupe

Have you seen Instagram accounts selling en egg-shaped brush cleanser thingy? They come in pastel colours and costs from RM20 - RM30? 

Well, let me save you some cash and suggest you a cheaper version of the brush egg. Introducing you, the laundry scrubbing board by Daiso. I was in Daiso a few weeks back and I was just browsing around when I stumbled upon a weird looking rubber-ish egg. It looks exactly like the ones I've been seeing on those Instagram accounts.

Yessssss, have your mouths open wider 'til I can see your throat! Just kidding kayssss.

Doesn't it look identical? It's like meeting your twin but they work the same! I believe the original Brush Egg has a rubber texture and this is created equally the same. Mind that I don't have the original one but based on the reviews I've read before it sounds exactly the same. The whole brush egg has soft elevated dots and lines that it feels gentle towards your brushes. It just helps you to get into the nook and crannies of your brushes' bristles.

Anyone who does not know what Daiso is, it is basically a RM5 (RM5.30 with GST) shop in Malaysia that sells Japanese made products. They have anything and everything from food to stationary to glass plates and ceramics. Go if you have not and I guarantee that you will have trouble exiting the shop. Just warning ya.

What are you waiting for you makeup lovers and junkies? Go get 'em now!

I'll write soon. Toodles!

*This post is not sponsored

soap & glory haul

I love it when I watch haul videos. The feeling of getting new products to be tested out is pure bliss. At least for a soon-to-be makeup junkie. I get so excited to see people doing swatches and their first impressions. Especially their facial expressions haha

So last December during the Black Friday sale, I've managed to score a couple of Soap & Glory's makeup stuff from Boots.com (things our local Sephora does not carry. Booooo) and as my order was more than £15, I received a free (keyword there haha) Soap & Glory's 'The Best things in life are 3' set. No, you can't buy it if you're wondering.

All thanks to my friends who were still in the UK, I get my babies picked up in-store and one of my friends brought it back for me. Woohoo!

The first item I bought and I have been dying to try is the Supercat Carbon Black Extreme Eyeliner Pen (£6 at Boots.com). It's a really black eyeliner and since I have never tried any pen liners before, I thought I should give it a go. I still have not worn it yet but I will do soon and give a review on it.

Can I just keep the packaging?

Getting it all black baby

The tip is not as thin as I'd like it to be (say hello to hooded Asian lids) but I may find a way to make it work. We'll see how it looks like on me hehe

The second purchase, which is the reason why I even made the order was this beautiful bronzer and highlighter duo, the Solar Powder (£11 on Boots.com). Seriously, it's too pretty in real life with all the pink sheen on the logo.

Love the packaging and the old school vibe

Can you see the pink sheen there? It's not glitter.

I am beyond excited to try this bronzer because I have been trying the Sephora Bronzing Powder and Catrice's Sun Glow and I am not that impressed by it. Both went a little to reddish for me and I realised my skin needs more of an ashy tone bronzer. The Solar Powder seems more of the shade that turns towards the ashy side.

The highlighter that comes with it looks so yummy as well. Not too bright and not to glittery. Can't wait to try it!

And now, for the free gift. Since I purchased it last December, I had completely forgotten the detailed description. So to my surprise, I've got all three full-sized items. Like whaaaaaaaaaaa????

Yes, I was that shocked to discover my gift pack contains items worth more than what I've purchased. Let's go through them shall we darlings? *insert British accent*

So cute!

What's a gift without a ribbon eh?

I even love their tissue paper!

Welcome to Malaysia dear makeup darlings. Let me show you around the hot and humid country and see if you can last.

Introducing the first of the lot, Thick & Fast High-Definition Collagen-Coat Mascara, retailing at £10.50. The description says that the 7-Sided Fan Flare-180 brush with a V-groove helps to create volume and intensity by combing and curling the lashes. It also claims to be a no-flake mascara and contains collagen. Sounds promising for my lashes.

The brush somewhat look a little like Maybelline's Lash Sensational but with natural bristles. Let's hope it works!

Next up, the Love at First Blush Multi-Shade Blushing Powder, that values at £11. I just love the look of this blusher! And again, look at the packaging. It's just too adorable. I have high expectation for this blush just because it looks lovely. It also claims that it's a more rosy-radiance shimmer powder.

The colour wheel looks very much like some of the eyeshadows from Urban Decay's Naked 2 palette that is geared towards a more rosy look.

Last but not least, the Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in Berry Gorgeous (sounds like you're about to curse when you say it out loud but you're not) and costs only £3.50 a pop. It is a hydrating lip crayon that has a rich colour to it. In short, I'm guessing it is a coloured lip balm. I don't usually wear these sort of dark colours but since it is sort of a tint, it would be nice for a change.

The packaging reminds me of Clinique's Chubby Stick, petite and full.

There is a hint of gold sheen to it that I predict would help in making the lips look fuller and plumped when used. I'm so so excited to try all of them. I might do a review once I've used them enough. I just hope I don't love them too much or else I'll have to find a way to ship it to Malaysia. Yikes!

Just to recap, I've bought 2 products worth slightly more than £15 and I've got a gift pack worth £25. SOOOOOO WORTH IT! Why don't Malaysia have these kinds of offer? I would have been more crazy buying all of them. Dear Sephora, please bring in all of Soap & Glory's products, especially the makeup. From your little fan.

Right then, hope you enjoyed the haul. Write soon. Toodles!

three degrees

I still cannot believe how my sister does it. I mean, she's definitely the academic superhero in our household fer sure (spelling is intended, not a typo). My petite big sister has officially graduated her degree in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, in short MBBS!

Pulling it further, this is her second and third degree after graduating in Bachelor in Biomedicine. Like hello, where did you get your brains from? So so so proud of my big sister!

Seeing her walking up the stage to retrieve her degree scroll is such an amazing feeling. I wonder what she was feeling up there. She might just feel hungry and wants the ceremony to end quick so she can eat.

Excuse the shaky image. Mama's hands are always shaking. No, she doesn't have Parkinson.

CONGRATULATIONS DR. NURUL JANNAH!

Are you sure you're a doctor now?

Go see her if you're feeling unwell. I'll let you know where you can stalk her haha

FYI: Makeup by me :D

rumah manis rumah

I'm BACKKK!!!!!!!

Yes, yes, back in sunny Malaysia! 

*do the happy dance*

(credits to: Reader of Fiction)

Well in fact, I have been back for almost three months after leaving Malaysia at exactly one year and 2 days. I have sooooo many stories to share, majority of them being my travelling stories.

I had a 3-week trip to the places I've been wanting to go before taking the flight off to KL. 

Athens, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Rome, Italy

Florence, Italy,

Venice, Italy

Seville, Spain

London, UK

and the best of all

.

.

.

.

ICELAND!

Woohoo! I could not have been more proud of myself for being able to reach to the top destination in my bucket list. Typing this out makes it even more surreal! 

Of course, I've been to other places apart from the three-week trip that I have been meaning to share but the blogger side in me has been super busy eating all the food Malaysia could offer. (Seriously, I gained 4kgs and I expected worse). Teehee!

But.... I'm off to another country in few days and I'm scouting for other spots I haven't reached (I've been to this country countless of time but I rarely explore it :/). Let's hope this time I'll manage to cover a lot more.

Speak soon!

#salamperantauan from cardiff

They say we celebrate Raya for a month right, so Selamat Hari Raya from Cardiff! I apologise if there's anything that I did that might have hurt you directly or indirectly. May our deeds in Ramadhan are accepted by the Almighty and we'll have a blessed Ramadhan.

If I were back in Malaysia, I would wake up, shower and get ready to visit Nenek's grave and head to Eid'ul Fitri's morning prayers. After prayers I would change and get ready to entertain our guests until everyone's left.

This year, it's different. Although I'm away from my family and always at the edge of bursting into tears, I am thankful I have friends to celebrate it with. One of my friends, M, invited me to stay at her house pre-Raya and have a cooking session. 

Our last meal for Ramadhan

I also took the opportunity to cook nasi impit (compressed rice) with kuah kacang (peanut sauce) all with the help of mama over the phone (thank you technology!).

Kuah Kacang turned out a little bit salty but nothing that cannot be fixed

My pot was too small so I had to split these nasi impits up

M and I made carrot cake, roti jala, chicken curry, beef rendang, and peanut sauce then went off to bed at 2AM. Woke up the next morning at 7AM to get ready for Eid'ul Fitri's prayers organised by the Malaysian Cardiff Community (MCC) at Cathays Community Centre.

Oh we also almost didn't make it since most taxi drivers were off in the morning for the prayers as well (or at least that was our theory). We managed to get a taxi at the last minute and arrived just in time :D

Apart from that, I also accidentally cut my fingers from trying to unlock the bathroom door. It was so hard to open it that I exerted extra force. Unknowingly, my right thumb was cut during that process and I only noticed it when I was in my room trying to open the door. Out of all days.

Wearing Bella Ammara's sequin jubah and satin silk Duck Scarves in Peppercorn (I think).

My doctor E. Gah! Can't wait to see you again

I was surprised to meet my best friend, E there too! We were supposed to meet few days before to catch up on things but I had to help my aunt and cousin pack their things before they move out hence the cancellation. But Alhamdulillah we managed to meet before her graduation ceremony! So good to see you E.

I was FaceTime-ing and texting my family the whole morning too. Had to hold my tears back when I saw Atok on my phone screen. That feeling when you want to just reach out your hands to your family but you can't is one of the most frustrating feeling ever. 

My handsome Atok

Atok saw me wearing the head scarf while we were talking on FaceTime and he blurted out,

" Keep that on! You look good with that"

:|

Inshaa Allah Atok. Will do once I'm ready :p

M and I head back home to catch some sleep before we take the train to Treforest for Raya celebration with the Malaysian community and students from University of South Wales. Then it was picture time! 

Baju Raya from my favourite online store, FashionValet! Purchased on Wednesday morning, got it on Friday afternoon. Even faster than Poslaju okay. Free shipping to UK for orders over RM200. Go shop there now!

Most beautiful packaging of all!

Outfit from MalaquexFV

Selamat Hari Raya from South Wales. I'm enjoying all the #salamperantauan hashtags on Instagram I had to post one too. Once in a lifetime rightttttt.

One with M! Thank you for being such kind soul. May Allah bless you with all things wonderful :*

When I was feeling all happy, then my family decided to send a picture of them. Ish, now I'm about to cry again T_T

We had another invitation by Kak Faizah, a lady I often place my order from if I'm craving any Malaysian food. Had Assam Laksa and it was SO GOOD! Thank you Kak Faizah for inviting. 

Another thing I love about Raya is that you get to meet people that you have not met for months or years. I finally met Kak Laila who turned out to be my grand-aunt's colleague. We planned to meet earlier on but something came up and it just didn't happen. But lo and behold, I met her at Kak Faizah's house :D

All in all, I'd say it's not too bad having Raya here. It is first time being away from my family but when you have friends around, they sort of make up the missing members you always have back home. I'm so going to miss all these experiences. For now, shall we enjoy our last moments here.

#SalamPerantauan from Izzah at Cardiff, representing Cardiff University in Wales, UK.

Update: Two months til I head back home. Can't wait! :D