Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by CoffeeDude

My low carb dinner 😁

CoffeeDude — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 19:58:45 +0800

The word “economy” in economy rice

CoffeeDude — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 10:42:35 +0800

Is ‘economy rice’ still the economical choice? How mixed rice/nasi campur sellers are navigating current challenges

The word “economy” in economy rice once had a straightforward meaning.

Known to many as geng zai fan — Cantonese for economy rice — the mixed-rice staple built its reputation on affordability, allowing diners to choose according to their budget.

Today, however, both customers and operators say the term has taken on a different meaning.

Prices have risen, margins have narrowed and competition has intensified, transforming economy rice from one of Malaysia’s cheapest meals into a category increasingly defined by value, variety and quality.

“You can’t call it economy rice anymore in today’s economic climate, although yes, there are still some pockets of eateries that are trying to keep up with the concept,” said Ah Fatt, a staff member at Restoran 10 Mixed Rice 10 in Wangsa Maju.

“As I recall, when this mixed-rice business started, the name of the restaurant had already acknowledged the reality that it is quite impossible to keep prices as low as before.

“So we’re known as a specialty mixed-rice store instead of using the term economy rice.”

The restaurant’s branding reflects a wider shift in how mixed-rice outlets are perceived.

Once associated primarily with affordability, many customers today judge outlets based on the variety of dishes available, food quality, cleanliness and overall dining experience.

At Restoran 10 Mixed Rice 10, dishes are individually priced and clearly labelled, allowing customers to make informed choices before reaching the cashier.

Ah Fatt said maintaining affordability depends on volume rather than frequent price hikes.

“We serve up to 100 dishes daily and rotate the menu regularly.

“So long as we maintain a good turnover of customers, we’re able to sustain.”

He described the business as a constant balancing act between price, taste, variety and hygiene — across all of its 20 outlets.

“It’s competition of taste, price and variety of dishes — not forgetting hygiene of the restaurant.

“We change our dishes every day to keep up with customer demands, but we have been keeping our prices low, understanding that our customers are mostly middle- to low-income earners.”

The challenges extend beyond Chinese mixed-rice stalls

Across the country’s diverse dining landscape, Malay nasi campur operators and Minang restaurants are grappling with many of the same pressures: rising ingredient costs, increasingly discerning customers and limited room to raise prices.

At Patin Pasu, manager Jannah said the restaurant has not raised prices despite mounting cost pressures and supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.

She said expenditure that previously sustained operations for five days now lasts only three.

Yet cutting corners is not an option.

As one of the cooks behind the restaurant’s signature tempoyak patin and smoked meat dishes, Jannah said certain ingredients cannot be substituted without compromising flavour and texture.

“We kept our prices from before, but cooking ingredients keep going up.

“As one of the cooks at the restaurant, I understand that some ingredients simply cannot be replaced.

“If things don’t improve, we may have to adjust our prices, but we hope it doesn’t come to that.”

One nasi campur operator at a food court in Taman Maluri, Cheras said ingredient prices have become increasingly unpredictable, forcing her to alter the dishes she prepares.

“Spinach has become pricey, so sometimes I change the dishes to include bean sprouts instead.

“Buying ingredients for a nasi campur spread is no longer straightforward. I have to source from five different hypermarkets or markets in search of the most cost-efficient ingredients,” said the operator, who declined to be named.

At a Minang restaurant in Gombak, owner Husni said she has reduced the quantity of ingredients she orders from suppliers as costs continue to rise.

“What’s most expensive here is beef and seafood, so I had no choice but to increase these dishes from RM7 to RM8,” she said.

Even then, the increase was carefully considered to avoid driving away regular customers.

The comments highlight a common dilemma faced by restaurant owners regardless of cuisine.

Still a popular choice

Despite higher prices, mixed-rice outlets continue attracting diners because they offer something difficult to replicate at home: a wide variety of dishes available in a single meal.

From chai boey (mustard greens stew), steamed egg and vinegar pork knuckle to fish or mutton curry, customers can enjoy food that would otherwise require significant time and effort to prepare.

“I have seen the transition from when it was called economy rice to what it is today — not-so-economy rice — and I still prefer this over an à la carte meal,” said engineer Desmond Lee C.H., 35.

“In a way, mixed-rice outlets make dining exciting because of the variety they offer, dishes that are too troublesome for home cooking like sweet and sour pork, lemon chicken, mixed vegetable curry or mushroom chicken stew.

Lee said prices have nearly doubled over the years.

“My colleagues and I no longer frequent our regular mixed-rice outlet. It just became too expensive.

“We used to pay about RM7 or RM8 for a meal. Now it’s RM12 to RM15, at the outlet that we no longer go to they charge more than RM15,” he said.

Chen Chien, 40, who works in Kuala Lumpur city centre, said prices vary depending on location and the type of dishes served.

“In general prices have increased.

“I pay a minimum of RM9.50 for one serving of meat and two servings of vegetables. Some days it could go up to RM14 if I take an additional omelette or meat dish.

“Back then I could get a meal for RM6.50.”

For marketing executive Nor Alia Samad, 37, an Indian mixed-rice stall along Jalan Akar in Kampung Attap remains a regular lunch destination despite higher prices.

“I come here often. It’s comfort food for me.

“Plus, they have kept their prices affordable for the last four years.

“If you take fish, it goes up to about RM15, but that’s actually standard in today’s meal pricing.”

Graphics designer Ilyana Mohd, 38, said she still pays less than RM10 for a mixed-rice meal in her Ampang neighbourhood consisting of rice, fried egg, begedil and ayam masak lemak.

“About 10 years ago we paid about RM6 for rice and a side of one meat dish.

“I think what I’m paying today is fair.”

No matter the price, she said the stall remains a source of comfort and familiarity, having been part of her teenage years.

If geng zai fan and nasi campur once referred to one of the cheapest meals a person could buy, today it has come to mean something else.

For diners, value is no longer measured solely by price, but by the balance of variety, convenience, familiarity and quality.

Economy rice may no longer be as economical as its name suggests, but judging by the lunchtime crowds, many Malaysians still believe it offers something increasingly difficult to find: value for money.

The most common complaint from EV owners

CoffeeDude — Sat, 23 May 2026 19:08:08 +0800

LOL 😆

4-day long holiday at the end of this month

CoffeeDude — Mon, 18 May 2026 09:08:46 +0800

This follows the clash of two public holidays that fall consecutively, namely Wesak Day and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday, on May 31 and June 1, respectively.

MALAYSIANS will enjoy four consecutive days of public holidays at the end of this month.

This follows the clash of two public holidays that fall consecutively, namely Wesak Day and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday, on May 31 and June 1, respectively.

https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/1228...d-of-this-month

Got conned by Lao Gan Mah

CoffeeDude — Fri, 15 May 2026 09:55:38 +0800

I tried it, totally not spicy at all.
So flat!!!

Looks so red and spicy, but not at all.
Kena conned.

Ozempic Butt is the new Ozempic discovery

CoffeeDude — Mon, 11 May 2026 20:34:49 +0800

How to avoid 'Ozempic Butt' as GLP-1 users complain about uncomfortable side effect

The drug can be very helpful in losing weight, and like most medications it does have some side effects

A doctor has issued some advice after one person using GLP-1 drugs claimed an unexpected side effect meant 'their butt was killing them' after sitting down for long periods.

Initially licensed for the treatment of diabetes, GLP-1 drugs also create a feeling of fullness, which when combined with diet and exercise can be very helpful in weight loss.

However, losing weight rapidly can have some side effects on the body that someone may not have anticipated.

"Ever since I lost all the weight thanks to Ozempic, I have no fat on my butt. By the time I get through most of the day at the office, my butt is killing me."

https://www.unilad.com/news/health/glp-1-we...587046-20260511

If both parents passed away, do you go back hometo

CoffeeDude — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:14:02 +0800

As a Chinese, I go back hometown during CNY for reunion dinner gathering with family members.

That's the time when brothers and sisters and parents meet

What happens when both parents no longer around?

JPJ drones spot 2,384 offences in Raya crackdown

CoffeeDude — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:44:03 +0800

PETALING JAYA: A total of 2,384 offences were recorded using road transport department (JPJ) drones during the first three days of a Hari Raya Aidilfitri traffic operation which began on Monday.
Four main offences were identified — overtaking on double lanes (715 cases), ignoring traffic lights (627 cases), overtaking on the left (539 cases) and using the emergency lane (503 cases).

JPJ enforcement senior director Kifli Ma Hassan said the drone footage will be used as evidence against the offenders, Bernama reported.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/...-raya-crackdown

Pearly Tan's Amazing Ass

CoffeeDude — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:47:04 +0800

Can reverse on the floor on her ass!!!

Unbelievable!! 😲👍🏼

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1MrnomaLTH/

There is hope for certain ktards

CoffeeDude — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:03:00 +0800

While many think of retirement as complete rest, Japanese man Shigeo Tokuda decided to start a new chapter… in the adult film industry!

He was born in 1934 in Japan and lived an ordinary life working at a travel agency until he retired.

At 70 years old he decided to try his luck in the industry, and what seemed like something temporary ended up becoming a career of more than 20 years.

He took part in hundreds of productions and in 2017, at 82 years old, he was still filming, earning himself the title of the oldest actor in that field.

His secret? Staying active, good nutrition… and eating eggs frequently for energy.
Beyond how controversial or curious it may be, his story sparked debate about age,

stereotypes, and the idea that “it’s already too late” to start something new.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C8qNCoV74/

😂🤭

Only 1 Working Charger

CoffeeDude — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 13:23:35 +0800

https://www.dsf.my/2026/02/ev-users-face-ta...orking-charger/

EV Users Face Tangkak Bottleneck With Only 1 Working Charger

WTA about taking train from Woodlands to JB

CoffeeDude — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:32:19 +0800

Want to ask if anyone has done this before?
Take train from WOODLANDS CIQ at 8:30am
Arrive JB SENTRAL at 8:35am to catch the ETS train to KL at 8:40am
Is this doable?

WOODLANDS CIQ to JB SENTRAL
08:30 to 08:35

JB SENTRAL to KL SENTRAL
08:40 to 13:00

Xiaomi EV

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 07:30:00 +0800

Xiaomi EV

CoffeeDude — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:42:16 +0800

Do you eat cornflakes?

CoffeeDude — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:04:58 +0800

Your Corn Flakes Aren't Made Out Of Sweet Corn — Here's What Makes Up The Cereal

You've probably had corn flakes at some point in your life, and perhaps even cooked with them, especially if you live in the Midwest. It's true that corn flakes have a rather sordid history, but they remain a breakfast staple throughout the United States. The lightly sweet cereal has earthy notes similar to those of creamed corn or corn on the cob, so you might assume that they have the same base component. Surprisingly, they don't. The latter dishes use something called sweet corn, which you've probably also heard of. However, corn flakes are made of something else entirely.

When making the perfect bowl of corn flakes, the cereal's journey starts with what's known as field corn. While both sweet corn and field corn are major crops in the Midwest, sweet corn is picked young while it's still juicy and tender. It's then used in frozen veggie bags, high-end cuisine, and canned pantry essentials. Field corn, on the other hand, is allowed to mature and then dried before being used for animal feed, ethanol, and even corn flakes. This may seem like an odd choice for cereal, but it's the go-to ingredient for a few very good reasons.

Field corn just works better for crunchy cereal

Handmadepictures/Getty Images
Keep in mind that most of the corn produced in the U.S. is field corn, and the vast majority of that will never show up on your plate. When harvested, field corn isn't immediately ready for human consumption. This massive crop tends to be used as feed for pigs, cows, and other livestock, because it's incredibly hard and keeps for a long time. That also makes it great for grinding into a powder.

Traditionally, to make corn flakes, the field corn was ground into a coarse meal called corn grits. The grits were then soaked, cooked, and dried out. They were mixed with other ingredients, pressed flat, and toasted into the crunchy, crispy bits of cereal you find on grocery store shelves. These days, the process is done with machines called extruders and industrial dryers, but the principle remains the same. Although the flakes do use a few sweeteners and nutritional enhancers, the number one ingredient is still milled corn.

While corn flakes likely won't rank as one of the best-tasting healthy cereals, that doesn't mean it can't be a flavorful ingredient. Field corn, because it's lost a lot of its juiciness, brings a certain toasty versatility that makes corn flakes work well as breadcrumbs, a casserole topping, or even in a sweet dessert. If you want to keep them as a straightforward cereal, you can dress them up with sliced bananas, a dollop of yogurt, blueberries, or a drizzle of honey. So, even though there's not a bit of sweet corn in your corn flakes, you can still enjoy them as a sweet first meal of the day.

Read More: https://www.thetakeout.com/2002075/what-typ...-flakes-cereal/

Enough

CoffeeDude — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 23:08:39 +0800

[YOUTUBE]i-C6B5waaBs?si=WPX414eMhqZtd1Jx[/YOUTUBE]

electricians and plumbers jobs in high demand

CoffeeDude — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:03:10 +0800

Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang says electricians and plumbers will be needed by the hundreds of thousands in the new working world

Gen Z keeps being told their chances of landing a job are slim as AI threatens entry-level jobs. But in reality, Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang says, there are thousands of jobs for young people, thanks to an accelerating boom in data centers. They just have to be willing to go to trade school.

“If you’re an electrician, you’re a plumber, a carpenter—we’re going to need hundreds of thousands of them to build all of these factories,” Huang told Channel 4 News in the U.K.

“The skilled craft segment of every economy is going to see a boom. You’ve going to have to be doubling and doubling and doubling every single year.”

And Huang is not just talking about the need—he’s backing it up with cash.

Trade jobs are hot right now: Construction workers can earn more than $100K without a college degree.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nvidia-ceo-j...-145838012.html

Roast pork stall behind Menara Genesis

CoffeeDude — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:29:57 +0800

Is the Roast pork stall behind Menara Genesis still operating?

I haven't been to that place in years.

KBT merchandise 😄

CoffeeDude — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 15:09:43 +0800

Wha Malaysia got number plate flipping!? Really?

CoffeeDude — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:30:47 +0800

Illegal plate-flipping devices sold online in Malaysia, aid rogue motorists in evading law

Summary

Number plate flippers, sold online for RM150-RM350, allow drivers in Malaysia to conceal or change their plates instantly, raising security concerns.

Using these devices is illegal under Malaysia's Road Transport Act, punishable by fines, jail, and vehicle impoundment; enforcement will intensify.

Experts urge online platforms to ban sales, citing risks to traffic enforcement, increased crime, and compromised public safety and emergency responses.

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/i...-in-evading-law