Mixed Grill @ Hala Restaurant, Istanbul

Oct 30, 2011 by Syahiera Farhana

I still cannot forget the taste of this dish, even after 2 weeks we left Istanbul. The most luxurious dish we ate so far. As the name implies, it is an assortment of grilled meats; chicken, beef, lamb and also shish kebab (meat threaded on skewer & grilled). Vegetables were included; sliced carrot & cucumber, tomatoes & grilled chillies. We ordered this dish, for two person. The price was Turkish Lira (TL)30 x 2 = TL60 (~RM102).

We enjoyed this dish on our final night in Istanbul. After I finished with my presentation, we strolled along Istiklal Cadessi, arms in arms. I needed to savor the final smell of Istanbul, especially at my favorite shopping street. Nevertheless, the prominent smell we encountered was cigarette smokes, from hundreds or thousands of people enjoying their weeknight there.

We stopped at Hala Restaurant for dinner. I must thank my friend, KD for suggesting this place. It is a local favorite, the place was full with local people as well as tourists. The food was delicious, the price was reasonable.

Note: Go to eat where locals eat, to ensure fair pricing.

If you happen to stay in Beyoglu neighborhood, don’t miss it. Hala restaurant is located on the left side of Istiklal Cadessi (pedestrian street), when you face away from Taksim Square.

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I’m bringing the whole house! ;-)

Oct 16, 2011 by Syahiera Farhana

I’m quite excited. My husband & I will be going to Istanbul tonight (at midnight).

We’re doing our final checklist:

1. International Passport / Visa

Checked. Passport should valid for at least 6 months from travel date. In case of Turkey, we do not need visa to enter the country.

2. Credit cards

We already called our banks informing that we’re going overseas on certain dates. So they won’t be alarmed to suddenly see transactions at thousand miles from Malaysia!

3. Mobile roaming

My Maxis roaming service has been activated before. So, no prob to use my mobile there (with roaming charges). For smartphone users, please turn off your Data connection (3G, GPRS, etc) as the data roaming charges are damn expensive!!

4. Medications

It’s a good idea to carry your own meds from home country.. You don’t know how far pharmacy shops would be from your hotel there. Different countries use different brand names for a particular drug. So, they may not be familiar with the brands you are asking.

5. Food & Drinks

I always bring instant hot drinks (Milo, etc). It’s so much cheaper to make your own drink at hotel room than buying a cup of hot chocolate from a fancy cafeteria near/at your hotel.

Besides that, we are also bringing some other food (packed biscuits & buns) to carry around later.

6. Universal adaptor

We bring 1 universal adaptor & 1 wire extension (with 4 or 5 ports) to recharge our phones, iPads, camera battery & laptop.

7. Moisturizers

For face: I’m bringing whatever I usually use (in mini size).

For lips: I love this Medicated Lip Balm and Tinted Lip Balm (in Pink Blossom) from Burt’s Bees.

For body: bringing Burt’s Bees. Hubby can also use this

8. Aircraft cabin LAG rules

LAG refers to liquid, aerosol & gels (including cosmetics) to be hand-carried into aircraft cabin. You have to put LAG into a clear container for easy inspection. Size for each item should not exceed 50g or 50ml.

9. Facial mist

I’m using Vichy Eau Thermale facial mist. It’s very useful to use during long flights, to freshen your face and avoid dehydration. Spray this to your face, and u’ll fell like u just stepped out of shower

10. Good walking shoes
U really need this!

And finally…

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Chic!

Sep 25, 2011 by Syahiera Farhana

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Black and White

Sep 10, 2011 by Syahiera Farhana

My latest collection. Square-ish shape. I lurve it!

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De Templer Restaurant (Chinese Muslim Cuisine)

Aug 9, 2011 by Syahiera Farhana

We rarely search for Chinese cuisine as we’re not sure of it’s Halal-ness. But since this restaurant is very near to our place, my husband and I gave it a try.

Fried Crispy Beef

I’m not a big fan of beef, but due to recommendation from other blogger, we ordered that. It tastes great! No regret.

Baby Kailan in Oyster Sauce

Szechuan Dumplings

Seaweed Roll Dumplings (set of 3)

I can never get enough of those dumplings!

Apple Asam Boi drink

I think, this drink is cheaper than many other places..without compromising the taste!

Our total order:
2 Rice (as per head) – RM3.00
1 Fried crispy beef – RM18.00
1 Baby kailan (S) – RM14.00
1 Crabmeat beancurd seafood soup (S) – RM20.00
1 set Seaweed roll dumpling – RM4.80
1 set Szechuan dupling – RM4.80
2 Apple assam boi drink – RM8.00
*5% service charge – RM3.65
TOTAL = RM76.25

P/S: They have their dish in two sizes; small (S) or large (L).
I wish they have 3 sizes for better estimation. For instance, the crabmeat beancurd seafood soup, the “Small” size is ridiculously abundance for the two of us. Imagine the size of tomyam kung from Secret Recipe. And, double that! (roughly).

As whole, the dishes are delicious! I love those dumplings. And the strong point, it’s halal. Not to forget, they provide separate washrooms for male and female, as well as prayer room.

De Templer Restaurant
No. 17G & 19G, Jalan Melati Utama 4, Melati Utama,
53100 Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: 03-41058000; Fax: 03-62768054
Email: detempler@yahoo.com

More pics available at their FB page!

View De Templer in a larger map

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