Mango Garden Restaurant, Rumah Terbalik, Tamparuli

Alright, let’s talk about food this time!

There’s this question when everyone asked me, even tourists from overseas asked me, “Chloe, where can I find local food in Kota Kinabalu (KK)?” Oh how I wish I could answer them “Try out Hinava, Tuhau, Sayur campur, Paku Pakis …". You will know what I am talking about if you are a Sabahan but if you don’t, Hinava is actually a raw fish which normally is the Tenggiri Fish mixed with lime juices and all and Tuhau is the Wild Ginger stem. Sayur campur (mixed vegetables) is always my favourite one because I learnt to cook this special dish at Walai Tokou Homestay during my pageant few years back. Paku Pakis is the Wild Fern.

In January 2013, here comes the miracle, finally. Remember the last year when I wrote something about an Upside Down House in Borneo in several magazines here in Borneo? It’s a blast! Once again, the owners of Rumah Terbalik contacted and asked me if I am able to make a review for his new restaurant.

A beautifully structured building mainly designed with glass panel windows (I like this kind of buiding, it makes me think of Europe again), the new restaurant is situated alongside of Rumah Terbalik. I was told that it was an old Mango farm that transformed to a Mango Garden Restaurant.

Carefully planned, visitors no need to pay for the parking and entrance. Unless your main reason is to visit the interior of Rumah Terbalik, then you need to pay the entrance fee. Seriously, if any of the local or international travellers who would like to try local native food, you might need to travel all the way to other district of Sabah which is far from Kota Kinabalu town itself. Now, you can enjoy local native food here in Tamparuli (30 mins drive from Kota Kinabalu, if the traffic is good).

Firstly, Mango Smoothies and Mint Tea
Both are great but the Mint Tea is special. For your info, Mint Tea is not on the menu so you may need to have a special request on that. (Both rating: 5/5)

2. Sayur Kailan Masak Dua Rasa

If you are able to remember, there was a restaurant called the Penang Restaurant in 1Borneo Hypermall which no longer operate that served the same dish. That was the first time ever that I tried deep fried kalian and I get couldn't get it from other restaurants here in Kota Kinabalu. I did mention and interesting story about this dish just came to us that it was the same chef who made this special dish! Well, what a small world. The Kailan is served in two styles of preparation, deep fried and stir-fried with seafood, topped with crispy anchovies. It is a fusion dish between the Bajau Semporna tribe and Chinese method's of cooking. (Rating: 4/5)

3. Hinava Sada *Highly recommended

OMG. Out of all the native cuisine, I love Hinava the most. It is actually raw fish, mixed with lime juices, chilli, and other things that depends on the chef; but most importantly is the lime. The Hinava in Mango Garden Restaurant is fresh and I love the sourly taste that is just right; freshly selected fish fillet marinated in lime juice, shallots, ginger, sliced chili and grated Badu (wild mango seeds). This is a must try dish, very popular in Sabah and originated from the Kadazan Dusun Tribes. (Rating: 5/5)

4. Nonsoom Bambanggan

I'm not sure if you are a fan of the Bambangan but definitely not me. For visitors, it is good to try out because it is one of the most well-known dishes in Sabah that everybody loves. Homemade preserved sweet, sour and salty bambangan fruit (wild mango) with bird's eye chili. This is my first try out; it is milky and sour! (Rating: 4/5)

5. Ayam Goreng Berempah *Highly recommended

It may not look good but it is delicious! Deep fried chicken marinated in local herbs and spices, cooked until it become crispy and golden brown. (Rating: 5/5)

6. Ikan Goreng Kerabu Mangga

Crispy fried fillet off fish topped with our home made signature kerabu mango dressing and crushed roasted dried shrimps. For me, hmm... we can get this dish elsewhere too. Nothing special about it but the taste are fine. This is a must try fusion dish is prepared with locally grown herbs with a twist of Malay and Chinese ingredients. (Rating: 3/5)

7. Tuhau Miampai Daging Salai *Highly recommended

Something special about this dish is that the tastes are perfectly blended in. Not many people like the smell of the Tuhau but I find it okay and we normally eat with chili at home; so. Char-grilled sliced beef marinated with Tuhau (Local Ginger Stem pickles), chili, lime, lemongrass and herbs. The meat is juicy and tender. This dish is taken during drinking session known as Pamusas (titbits) but it’s also delicious if taken with rice. (Rating: 5/5)

8. Manuk Tinapah *Highly recommended

You will never get to try something like this in the town. Boneless chicken back quarter marinated with selected herbs and spices, rolled and barbequed to perfection, topped with delicious and thick coconut milk gravy. A fusion dish originated from the east coast of Sabah which is usually served during the breaking of fast in the holy month of Ramadan. (Rating: 5/5)

Mango Garden Restaurant are able to cater for about 150 pax in and out of the restaurant. While you are on your way to Kundasang or Ranau, why not just stop by and say hi? Apart from hunting for Tamparuli mee in Tamparuli town, now you can hunt for special local native foods which I highly recommended!

Bon appetit!

My Article on Rumah Terbalik

I have written an article about Rumah Terbalik, the Upside Down House of Borneo, months ago. Well, it’s actually last month. It was in Breeze Magazine February Issue. On the same month, I have been featured on the front cover of Breeze Magazine as the Sabah Young Tourism Ambassador. Will show you guys soon for that, slowly.

Here, I would love to share my articles about the Rumah Terbalik, located at Tamparuli. Well, you can always view it from my Facebook.

Just to share my experience on that day.

I really drove myself and my friends there just to write about this piece of art. I did write my experience of how I drove there all the way from town. It was fun and exciting, because this is the first Rumah Terbalik / Upside Down House in Borneo. I love the extraordinary idea of creating this attraction as we are creating more in promoting tourism in our country.

Anyway, I can’t believe the owner of the Rumah Terbalik told everyone that my article actually helps him to launch Rumah Terbalik. It’s a blessed that I am able to help. I’m honoured.

"This was the first article ever on Rumah Terbalik and it single handedly launched RT and told the rest of Sabah that an upside down house existed. Thank you very much ;)"

I will update some of their pictures soon on my next post about Rumah Terbalik / Upside Down House in Borneo! Don't forget to follow me on my Facebook for more info on Sabah destinations and attractions ;)

The Official Opening of Rumah Terbalik

Just came back from Rumah Terbalik (The Upside Down House in Borneo) for their launching. Well, if you want to know what and where is Rumah Terbalik, you gonna check on my Facebook site at http://www.facebook.com/ChloeTiffanyLee .

Let’s talk about the launching just now.

Well, we were late due to the traffic jam and it was raining heavily. Plus, my eye sight is bad during the night. So it’s a triple problem to me and I have two friends following my car. I need to be careful while driving.

Lucky enough, we managed to reach there in time to catch the session whereby Token of Appreciations was given to the Guest of Honours and VIPs.

Same rules, we can’t take pictures of the interior building. At least we can take pictures outside. Indeed, visiting the Rumah Terbalik at night portrays a different view than the one in the morning. At night, the ambience made us feel warm and welcomed. Of course, both are beautiful. Well, you just have to visit and see for yourself to find out the different environment.

Accompanied by Jazz Music, I can’t believe I met Rene, Asif, my lil brother Kevin, and Appy. Well, funny thing about Appy. We met before, but we kinda forgot. When I start a conversation with him by saying “I think we met before” and he said “You look familiar”. Then it goes...

“Have you sang in Shamrock before”

“Yes...”
“Have you sang with a girl before there?”

“Yeaaa...”

“Did you sing Quando Quando Quando with that girl before?”

“YES!”

“I think that’s me.”

And memories came back, we burst out laughing. Nice to meet you again Appy!

I ended up talking with lots of people and I am glad to know a few new friends too! Anyway, I get a chance to get away from work, having some drinks while enjoying the jazz music. Bliss! Great night and thanks to the organizers who invited us!