Costa Coffee Malaysia is bringing back its limited edition Bandung Oat Bandung, which is the perfect cool drink for buka puasa. Bandung Oat Bandung is best served cold and comes topped with crushed rose petals too. This special drink is available from 3 April 2022 to 15 May 2022.
Gong Cha Malaysia is offering a unique combination of Maggi Pedas Giler (Ayam Bakar) with Gong Cha’s Signature Milk foam. The instant noodle also comes with the spicy Daebak Pearls.
This Pearl-das combination is said to be the most “unique and spiciest collaboration of the year.” The Pearl-dos combination is available in-stores and on delivery platforms.
We have seen Tealive launching milk tea instant noodle with Mamee as a standalone limited edition offering in the past. The latest Gong Cha x Maggi collaboration is easier to execute and is also a way to guage consumer response to the pairing of milk tea with spicy instant noodles. Perhaps Gong Cha would be tempted to include instant noodle as part of its in-store menu item in the future.
Enjoy a lavish Ramadan buffet spread at Lesung. Serving delectable local sweets and savoury favourites, as well as a fascinating array of tempting delicacies from local delights to international selections specially prepared by the culinary team.
Lesung brought in an abundant of traditional Malaysia and Western cuisines like masak lemak, biryani, satay, kuih-muih, various type of kerabu, lamb shoulder barbecued and more.
The name Lesung (Malay for pestle and mortar) is inspired by one of the instrumental kitchen tools in traditional Malay cooking, used for grinding spices and pounding condiments. The name Lesung may have creative potentials for concept and stylem highlighting the overall authentic cooking style which are the undertones of Executive Chef Daneh’s creations of freshness, original and uniqueness.
Early bird: RM 110 nett (adult only)
Normal price:
RM 138 nett (adult)
RM 69 (senior citizen 65 years and above/children between 6-12 years old)
Timing: 7 pm to 10 pm
Availability: 3 April to 2 May 2022
Faceboo: https://www.facebook.com/fairfieldkl/
Green practices for a better future
In conjunction with Earth Day which falls on 22nd April 2022, letâs work hand-in-hand to nurture Mother Earth the way she nurtures us, in line with this yearâs âInvest in Our Planetâ theme.
Back in 2012, the United Nations introduced a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the objective of addressing environmental, political and economic world challenges. With climate change on the rise, our generation is more conscious than ever to continuously reduce carbon footprint and adopt a greener living, with some stepping up to even become eco-warriors.
Today, the world is constantly abuzz with words such as sustainability, zero-waste, eco-friendly, low-impact â and the list goes on. We see it, we hear about it, and we (sometimes) practise it. But what does it actually mean and how can we play our part to help?
As a whole, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. There are many facets of being sustainable â whether in business, construction, fashion, economics or even right in our own homes.
In Malaysia, we see an uptrend of both sustainable and plant-based products and produce. Simply put, many are beginning to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle or minimal waste approach â not only in food consumption but also in the products used.
For starters, here are some quick and easy ways of going green:
With the implementation of the âNo Plastic Bagâ campaign in line with the Malaysia Roadmap towards Zero Disposable Plastic 2018-2030, we have seen a positive uptake from Malaysians flaunting different designs of reusable bags. Carrying one is not only a fad, itâs now regarded as being environmentally-friendly and cool, which pairs well with your overall (grocery shopping OR in general) #OOTD look!
This goes without saying! Many brands are going package-less or have started using sustainable packaging to lessen landfill waste. For instance, brands are packaging their products in reusable aluminium, recycled cardboard, biodegradable or compostable packaging made from plants, as well as recycled paper boxes and packaging which can be repurposed into a bookshelf or pet house!
Even when shopping for groceries at the market, pick out produce which is not sealed with plastic or styrofoam.
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery pieces, which has become a popular practice today. The common reasons for not repairing a broken item are attributed to having no tools, space or knowledge. At present, there are many DIY or repair resources and communities available to learn from. Repairs prolong an itemâs lifespan and prevent them from going to waste.
Whereas upcycling can be a fun activity done with loved ones, such as turning an old shirt or a pair of jeans into something new such as a functional bag.
Meanwhile, recycling has been a long-ingrained habit and segregating recyclables correctly can save a lot of time and energy for landfill workers.
In an effort to significantly reduce single-use plastic and waste, bring your own personal food container or cup when taking away your favourite bites and thirst-quenchers!
While not everyone’s palate is the same, consuming food with lower carbon impact does have its advantages such as lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Apart from leaving a lower foodprint, switching to a better-for-you alternative keeps your health and wellbeing in check, while still consuming a deliciously nutritious and wholesome meal. There has been a sprout of plant-based, vegan, and vegetarian eateries in Malaysia over the past few years which happen to be very Instagrammable too! Alternatively, we can do our bit by advocating for schools or workplaces to serve plant-based meals once or twice a week as a means of giving back to Mother Earth.
Fashion is a big part of our lives. What we wear acts as a statement and represents our personality. With fashion brands putting a stop to fast fashion, the global fashion industry is reorienting its practices toward sustainable practices in sourcing, production, distribution, marketing and consumption. The best way to go about this as consumers is to educate yourself about sustainable clothing, buy less and shop for quality over quantity, choose natural materials such as organic cotton, linen or hemp, and purchase from brands that are ethical and practice transparency and sustainability.
A relaxing pastime can be in the form of growing your own vegetables, herbs or even plants at home. Nothing beats watching your literal fruits of labour! Surrounding yourself in greenery at home can be therapeutic, teaching us a thing or two such as slowing down amidst the daily bustle. Plants not only add to the aesthetics of homes or living spaces, but also boost positive energy.
Some beginner-friendly herbs or plants you can try a hand at growing are cilantro, mint, lemongrass, pandan, chilli, rosemary, curry leaves, kaffir lime, aloe vera and basil â all of which can jazz up your home cooking!
Itâs easy to overlook this bit. Products such as pesticides can cause acute and adverse health effects when used extensively. Natural, organic, plant-based isnât necessarily limited to just food, as brands have introduced natural and organic everyday products.
Take Plantonic for example. Itâs the worldâs first 4-in-1 organic fertiliser essence of its kind from Singapore, available in Malaysia and the region, made completely from plant-based ingredients. This makes the product environmentally-friendly, non-toxic, and safe for children and pets â true to its slogan to âTreat Nature With Natureâ.
Apart from houseplants, Plantonic can be used on fruit trees and vegetables, and is safe for immediate harvesting. Plantonic acts as a fertiliser and soil revitaliser, pest repellent and prevents plant fungus and diseases. As an all-natural plant-based product, Plantonic comprises ingredients such as shilajit, seaweed, ginseng root, fruit peel, seed extract and tea leaves for its signature tonic.
More details on Plantonic can be found at www.plantonic.sg. The product is also available on Shopee, Lazada, Jocom, and AEON outlets nationwide.
At the end of the day, many have their own take on what is sustainable, and what constitutes to a greener living. But with each small step taken, it will eventually yield a big and positive impact â the keyword is to begin.
Without the intention to shift our mindset and habits, nothing will change the situation we are in to make our environment a better place to live in. Together, we can work towards making the earth a greener place for generations to come. So, letâs take this opportunity to get rid of unpleasant habits and do our best to protect Mother Earth. After all, itâs the only home we have to live in.
About Plantonic
Plantonic specialises in creating revolutionary household products that are crafted from natural and non-toxic ingredients. Founded in 2019, the Singapore-based brandâs mission is to âTreat Nature, With Natureâ, with its products taking inspiration from nature itself. Plantonic aims to offer consumers in the Asian region greater choice in environmentally-friendly products that are both safe and sustainable. Its signature product, also dubbed Plantonic, is a 4-in-1 plant-based fertiliser that nourishes plants while preventing common pests and diseases â the worldâs first product of its kind. Plantonic is a registered trademark under Plantonic Singapore Pte Ltd, a Singaporean organisation that develops, markets, and sells horticulture and personal care products across the Asian region. To find out more about Plantonicâs healing approach to nature, go to www.plantonic.sg
Chatime Malaysia is offering a fruity Ramadan special with pineapple as the star ingredient. The Fruitea Festive comprises 2 drinks:
Pineapple Strawberry
This sweet citrusy combination will make your mouth drooling as the Pineapple Strawberry fusion refreshes your mouth, while the fresh Fruits, Basil Seeds and Aloe Vera give it that extra POP of flavor
Pineapple Lychee
This cooling and citrusy combination is sure to satisfy your desires for something chilly as the Pineapple Lychee fusion cools the heat, while the fresh Fruits and Grass Jelly gives you that crunch and mouthfeel you always wanted
Fruitea Festive is only available for a limited time only.
ZUS Coffee in Malaysia has launched Blossoming Raya 2022 limited series comprising 4 special drinks featuring local flavours like pandan, coconut and mango as well as rose.
Hot Pandan Rose Latte –Â Combining the grassy vanilla of pandan, a hint of coconut, and the calming musk of a rose
Iced Pandan Rose Latte – Fragrant, cooling and thirst-quenching
Sparkling Strawberry Rose Coffee – A combination of floral rose, fruity strawberries and robust coffee
Pandan Coconut Cream with Mango Bits – Sweetness of mangoes, creamy goodness of coconut and grassy vanilla fragrance of pandan
Indonesian coffee chain Kopi Kenangan has launched 99% Orange Juice made from oranges sourced from Sao Paolo, Brazil. The juice is free from added sugar and preservatives. It is lower in calorie at 60 calories per 150ml.
We have seen many coffee chains as well as foodservice operators launching their own RTD beverages. Kopi Kenangan can further capitalise on its brand name to launch more healthy RTD beverages for the retail channel. The coffee chain has earlier rolled out Kopi Kenangan Hanya Untukmu, a range of RTD milk-based coffee drinks in January 2022.
Kuala Lumpur, 14 April 2022Â â As Malaysia enters its transitional phase towards an endemic status, about 800 local bazaar merchants have opted to digitalise their business operations with Boost, the fintech arm of Axiata, for better convenience and safety this month of Ramadan.
Local legends and Ramadan favourites, such as Mat Rock Ayam Goreng Kunyit, Air Balang Laksamana, Syakiya Nasi Lemak Kukus, Murtabak Muslim KL, and many others, are amongst the hundreds of bazaar merchants that have embraced Boost as their preferred cashless payment solution this year.
One of the local bazaar merchants on-ground, Mohd Ridzuan bin Kihi, owner of Mat Rock Ayam Goreng Kunyit, said: âWe are thrilled that Ramadan bazaars can operate in full swing again after about 2 years of restrictions due to COVID-19. Our team is very excited to be able to connect with our supportive customers and cook their favourite dishes onsite at the Bazaar. As a community, we are doing all that we can to keep both our customers and staff safe by providing contactless alternatives for daily transactions, like Boost. Letâs continue protecting each other so that our economy can remain open and recover.â
Joe Qamarul Bin Abdul Razak, owner of Air Balang Laksamana, a refreshment drink stall that has been operating at Pandan Indahâs bazaar for the past 15 years, stated that small businesses, such as his, rely on festive seasons as their primary source of income to cover cost and stay afloat throughout the year. He added that he is thankful to Boost for making cashless payments more accessible to everyone, which helps minimise business disruptions during Ramadan, enabling him to continue earning a living as the sole breadwinner of his family.
In addition to empowering micro-small-and-medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) by providing an extra layer of protection through its easy-to-use and seamless fintech solutions, Boost has also injected incentives for shoppers to support merchants and businesses.
Every Friday at 12PM to 4PM from now until the end of April 2022, Malaysians can redeem RM10 Duit Raya credit on their Boost app as part of Boostâs âKongsikan KeberkaTEN Ramadanâ campaign, in support of local merchants*.
âAfter 2 years of subdued Ramadan bazaars, itâs heartening to see the rakyat becoming more comfortable to resume daily life with footfall and sales in bazaars reaching nearly pre-pandemic levels. This is in no small part due to the support provided by Boost, which has helped us to attract more customers with its attractive offers and smooth digital payments,â said Kak Long, owner of Syakiya Nasi Lemak Kukus.
Malaysians can be on the lookout for their favourite buka-puasa delicacies in preparation for iftar this Ramadan season and enjoy massive rewards from âBoost-edâ bazaar merchants at these locations:
Eric Chong, Chief Executive Officer of Boost Biz, said: âIt is encouraging to see hundreds of bazaar merchants nationwide adopting Boost as their preferred cashless payment platform this Ramadan season. This reflects our continuous effort to make digital solutions more accessible to MSMEs by empowering them with the necessary tools and support to eliminate customer pain points and accelerate their business growth in an increasingly mobile-first market. With half a million merchant touchpoints nationwide, we stand ready to help our community of merchants and MSMEs. This aims to help them continue their business aspirations through our ecosystem of innovative technology that also offers financing application through the merchant app, along with a seamless offline-to-online retail experience, as Malaysia transitions towards the endemic phase.â
Ungku Norliza Syazwan Ungku Halmie, Chief Executive Officer of Boost Life, added that: âAs we observe the holy month of Ramadan with renewed hope and some semblance of normalcy, we have ramped up our offerings to delight our large base of nearly 10 million customers with our amazing âKongsikan KeberkaTEN Ramadanâ rewards. From simplifying bill payments, online transactions, e-donations, contactless payments, and more, Malaysians can continue to rely on Boost as their one-stop lifestyle companion for their everyday needs, especially during this Ramadan season, to enjoy a seamless bazaar shopping experience with attractive incentives and discounts.â
Bazaar merchants at any of the âBoost-edâ locations above can sign up as a participating Boost seller and offer greater convenience and safety for their staff and customers by registering here:Â https://bit.ly/boostbizramadan
For smart shoppers seeking to maximise their savings through the Boost app, please visit https://bit.ly/BoostKeberkaTENRamadan
For local entrepreneurs who are in need of a Shariah-compliant micro-financing, please visit https://bit.ly/KongsikanKeberkaTEN
The Perfect Anytime Snack That Packs a Punch
KUALA LUMPUR, 14 April 2022 â Are you ready to be Embracing Grapeness? The harvest season from Australia is here again and we hope you are ready to celebrate yet another season of Taste Australiaâs juicy table grapes.
Australian grapes are available in more than 40 varieties and are renowned for their flavour, plumpness, and taste. Table grapes from Australia are categorized into seeded and seedless varieties which are either red, black, or green in colour. The four most popular are Thompson Seedless, Menindee Seedless, Crimson Seedless and Red Globe. While these public varieties are still very popular in domestic and export markets, there is a growing number of innovative and unique varieties developed by commercial breeders such as Adora, Cotton Candy, Golden Globe, Sweet Sapphire, Alison & Midnight Beauty.Â
Malaysians love grapes and these eye-catching bright coloured superfoods are the perfect anytime snack and adding them to your daily diet will give you a much-needed antioxidant boost. Made from approximately 80 percent water and containing high amounts of fibre, not only do they hydrate, cleanse, and detoxify active bodies but they help keep your gut healthy.
Not only are they sweet and crunchy but they sure do pack a punch too. Rich in phytonutrients, such as resveratrol, quercetin, anthocyanin and catechin, these jam-packed precious fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and Vitamin B6 that helps prevent heart diseases by inhibiting the build-up of plaque in coronary arteries, as well as inhibiting the growth of some cancers. But thatâs not all! With a low glycaemic index (GI) and being both fat and cholesterol free, grapes are also a great source of long-lasting energy and a perfect pick-me-up when you are peckish.
The benefits do not just end there. Grapes are also known for being great for the eyes. New research has revealed that eating grapes helps protect healthy retinal cells from damage and helps stabilise blood glucose levels after a meal, making them ideal for elderly parents or grandparents.Â
Taste Australia trade efforts are being delivered through Australiaâs grower-owned Research and Development Corporation, Hort Innovation, with AUSTRADE. Hort Innovation Head of Trade Brei Montgomery said Australian grapes have a remarkable history and legacy dating back to more than a century ago. âWith the Embracing Grapeness campaign, we wanted to highlight the wide range, freshness, and quality of our Australian table grapes. With warm, dry summers and deep, rich soils, Australia provides an excellent environment for growers to produce world-class table grapes. The warm sunny days and cool nights result in high-colour, sweeter and tastier grapes that are available from November through to May, with the peak export period extended from January to May.â
These superfruits are produced in the premier grape growing region of Sunraysia (Mildura and Robinvale) in Victoria, and throughout South-Eastern Queensland. Other growing regions include Carnarvon and the Swan Valley in Western Australia, the Riverina district in Central New South Wales, the South Australian Riverland, and central Northern Territory.Â
âThe Australian table grapes have the highest fresh fruit horticultural export. Currently, our grapes are exported to 42 countries around the world. Over the years, our exports to Malaysia have remained steady, with last year witnessing an increase by 28 percent. This value continues to grow, hence we look forward to supplying more to the Malaysian market in the months to come,â said Melanie Harris, Trade and Investment Commissioner of Malaysia and Brunei.
When selecting grapes, an important indication of freshness can be seen from the green stem and the presence of powdery white on the skin called bloom. Grapes which have bloom are generally picked more recently and had very little contact with moisture, which means it was transported through efficient cold chain. Another top tip when selecting green grapes is to choose a bunch with a golden tint, as this means they are sweeter in flavour.  Â
At the recent launch of the Embracing Grapeness campaign, Chef Annette of TCH Foodworks spoke about pairing food with table grapes, and said the flavour profiles of grapes go well with poultry and lamb. âGrapes are so versatile and pairs well with a large variety of specialty cheeses such as brie, blue cheese, ricotta as well as nuts. They can be the perfect addition to a sweet or savoury recipe for a refreshing twist. You can even cut them in half, freeze, and use them instead of ice as a natural way to chill and sweeten drinks. Grapes also fits well for childrenâs meals as they are bite sized, easy to pack and incredibly sweet.â
To get your hands on this much-loved Australian fruit, head down to participating supermarkets including AEON, Jaya Grocer, Village Grocer, Giant, TMC, Cold Storage & Mercato to enjoy their perfectly fresh and sweet taste.
ABOUT TASTE AUSTRALIA
Taste Australia is the whole-of-horticulture Australian brand used by industry and Hort Innovation to help increase the profile, sales and consumption of premium horticulture products in key export markets. For more information, visit Taste Australiaâs website, www.tasteaustralia.net.au, or social media pages at Facebook: facebook.com/TasteAustraliaMalaysia/ or Instagram: @tasteaustraliamyÂ
Interesting facts on Australian grapes
The different table grape varietiesÂ
Nutritional value
The perfect way to select and store grapes at home
HEINEKEN Malaysia calls for consumers, business partners and employees to take a stand against drink-driving
KUALA LUMPUR, 11 April 2022 â As a responsible and committed brewer, Heineken Malaysia Berhad (HEINEKEN Malaysia) launches the When You Drive, Never Drink (WYDND) campaign. The campaign reinforces the companyâs commitment to advocating against harmful consumption and behaviours through a series of initiatives to encourage consumers, business partners as well as employees to take a stand against drink-driving. Â
The WYDND campaignâs aim is encourage consumers to be the hero who drives sober by taking the leap to pledge to never drink when they drive. It also serves to inspire consumers to adopt healthy habits towards drinking to protect their health, family and society and to turn peer pressure into peer support. Through the campaign, the company reiterates that there is no better way to get home safely after drinking than supporting your friends and reminding them, when they drive, they should never drink.Â
Take a Stand Against Drink Driving and Be Rewarded!
The HeinekenÂź brand leads the way by launching the WYDND Pledge, encouraging consumers to pledge against drink-driving. Consumers can visit the WYDND pledge website and fill in their details to affirm their commitment to never drink when they drive. Consumers who pledge to drive sober will receive a RM10 Grab Ride voucher. The brewer aims to collect over 10,000 pledges, with RM100,000 worth of vouchers up for grabs.
âAs a responsible and progressive brewer, we promote the enjoyment of our products in moderation for a balanced lifestyle. When you drive, never drink is a message that we are passionate about. We strive to change the narrative, calling for consumers in Malaysia to be the hero who drives sober by pledging to say no when getting behind the wheel, even if it is just one drink,â says Pablo Chabot, Marketing Director for HEINEKEN Malaysia.
Walking the talk, 10% of the HeinekenÂź brand media spend annually is committed to promoting responsible consumption campaigns. Leveraging the appeal and reach of the HeinekenÂź brand, these campaigns will effectively raise awareness of responsible consumption amongst consumers. The brand aims to make moderation socially desirable by celebrating the heroes who stay in control when driving and in turn bring about attitude and behavioural change amongst consumers in Malaysia.
HEINEKEN Malaysia Responsible Consumption Industry PledgeÂ
In conjunction with the WYDND campaign, HEINEKEN Malaysia also calls for its valued business partners including restaurants, coffee shops, bars, hotels and retailers as well as relevant trade associations to sign the HEINEKEN Malaysia Responsible Consumption Industry Pledge and be an âEnjoy Responsiblyâ ambassador. Through the pledge, HEINEKEN Malaysia aims to inspire its business partners to join forces as part of a responsible and progressive industry in Malaysia. The pledge includes commitments towards:
âAt HEINEKEN Malaysia, our priority has always been the safety, health and wellbeing of our consumers. In doing so, we want to give a chance to our partners to be a part of an exclusive network, working together to reduce harmful consumption and behaviours among consumers. Through these collaborations, we can strive to make a change in Malaysia by advocating against drink-driving together,â says Renuka Indrarajah, HEINEKEN Malaysiaâs Corporate Affairs and Legal Director.Â
To join the pledge and be an official âEnjoy Responsiblyâ ambassador, partners can visit the
HEINEKEN Malaysia Responsible Consumption Industry Pledge website and fill in their details to affirm their commitment. HEINEKEN Malaysia will then present a pledge certificate to be displayed at the partnerâs business premises.
Responsible Consumption Starts with Every HEINEKEN Malaysia EmployeeÂ
HEINEKEN Malaysia believes that the right attitude and behaviour on responsible consumption must start with its employees. In conjunction with the WYDND campaign, the brewer launched a series of challenges that aim to reinforce awareness and responsible behaviours among its employees. One of the challenges includes a call for all HEINEKEN Malaysia employees to complete an e-Learning course on responsible consumption, entailing the importance of responsible consumption, the health effects of alcohol, and ways to enjoy alcohol responsibly.
Through the WYDND campaign, HEINEKEN Malaysia stays true to its purpose in brewing the joy of true togetherness to inspire a better world. Individual consumers are encouraged to take WYDND pledge by visiting the WYDND pledge website while HEINEKEN Malaysiaâs business partners can take the Responsible Consumption pledge by visiting the HEINEKEN Malaysia Responsible Consumption Industry Pledge website.
For more information on HEINEKEN Malaysia and the companyâs initiatives, please visit www.heinekenmalaysia.com.Â
