Happy New Year and welcome back to work peeps. To kick start 2015 with zest and enthusiasm, this round we pay homage to our annual appreciation of food. As much as we love our cars, gatherings and drives, often our excursions are also centered around searching for good eats. Especially in Malaysia where food culture is just as vibrant as the motoring scene, this results in a rich selection of gastronomy delights, served big or small.

So here are some eats we have "met" along our journeys that have made an impression on our tongue in 2014. It does not have to be expensive or exclusive but for the simple fact that it provided joy and satisfaction to the soul along our journey. Just like a welcome drink at the lobby after a long transit, if it closes that book, we are happy campers. Some are non halal so viewer's discretion is advised. In no particular order.

Curry Laksa in SS2. Looks unassuming until you discover thick coconut cream lurking beneath the surface...

Tandoori, Dhall and Naan @ Taman Tun. Consistent, Moist & Healthy too.

Sang Har Loh Mee @ Sepang. The soup's broth is infused with the prawn head...

Fried Tofu @ Kelana Jaya. It should not be this tasty...

Ruthub, Yemeni Soft Bread @ Solaris. Hints of char on this moist "prata" like bread, unique flavour.

Durian puff @ Karak. The king of fruit, reimagined in a crispy puff pastry vessel. The warm musang king inside is just as potent as the original fruit itself.

Char Siew @ Glenmarie. Crystal pork belly with few nutrients but ample in flavour. Your best friend will be a doctor.

Kampung Ikan Bakar @ Subang. Fresh fish traditionally prepared. Simple but very satisfying, the only way to eat Mackerel.

Eggplant Stir-fry @ Kuchai Lama. Veges should not be tastier than meats all the time.

Strawberry and tomato chiled soup with prawn @ Lucern, Switzerland. Executed very well, fruits and vege shine again. Although overseas, it was a drive event. So this counts.

French Oysters @ Bukit Bintang. Fresh and the nice ambience helped. Again, good seafood away from the ocean.

Fried chicken mixed rice @ SS15. Crispy, tasty, big portions and a 20 meter waiting line.

Roast duck @ Seapark. Only 200 birds cooked per day, served to you steaming and sweating in its own juices. Another wait in line dining experience.

Pepper Soup @ SS2. The perfect amount of heat infused with crustacean and meats broth. Enough broth to bring on a soar throat.

Pork Liver Steak @ Oberfell, Germany. Revelation, Discovery. Crispy onion rings over grilled thick-cuts drowned in brown sauce. Even elders consume it daily. Should be healthy then...

Surf and Turf @ Sultan Ismail. Fresh produce and cooked with respect, in the city.

Sotong Sambal Nasi Lemak @ Port Klang. No one makes it better than a friendly Nenek with her Cucu helping. Insane and does not leave the mind. Not enough Sambal.

Sarawak Mee Kolok with Siew Yuk @ KLIA. The most potent Siew Yuk consumed till date. Crispy, Crunchy, Savoury, Tender, Few proteins, Melts in your mouth, Swallow, Sinful, Repeat. Doctors are your best friend again.

Steamed fish head @ Glenmarie. Taste assault from all angles and big on portion. The stomach will be filled and happy. Need more rice.

Salt Baked Haruan @ Puchong. On the opposite end of the taste spectrum. Naturally sweet and firm from live quality produce.

So these are a few of the highlights from 2014. Maybe you have been to some or even all. Heres to a better 2015 and our continued adventures on the road and tabletops. Best Wishes to our partners, customers, friends and to all a Happy New Year!

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