Revisited Chir Chir Malaysia @ Pavilion

 

The existence of Korean fried chicken has added twists to the traditional fried chicken options in our daily lives. While some flavours and tastes come together with memories from childhood and nostalgia, it is always good to know there are more places with fancier choice of fried chicken fix. Korean fried chicken houses in KL seemed to be going the way of Korean BBQ joints when it first bloomed alongside the Korean Pop Culture. Also, like the BBQ joints, newer Korean fried chicken temples are emphasising trendy catch with many cheese and many flavours to choose from, with more brands from Korea opening shop all the time.

 

While it’s always good to know there are more places to get your fried chicken fix but, in terms of consistency, that’s the hook with Chir Chir Malaysia, a straight-up fried chicken brand which launched in January last year but has already become a massive cult fave ever since.

 

The vibrant dining space, with pendant light and quirky decors adorning the walls in their Pavilion KL outlet houses freshly cooked upon order assortment of deliciously satisfying pieces of authentic Korean flavours with a twist. Having tasted a bite of several dishes during my first visit months ago, this recent visit has proven consistency no matter what portion serving- be is solo dining or group of companies.

 

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To begin, we tuck into the popular Honey Butter Chicken (RM 24.90 or RM 52.90 for double portion) and it taste exactly like how I remembered it. By any measure, the bird has no right to be as juicy as this. Wonderfully and perfectly cooked, the crispy boneless fried chicken chunks come together with potato wedges and rice cakes, and tossed with honey butter sauce and seasoning. And speaking of juicy bites, the Nest snow (RM 34.90 or RM 62.90 for double portion) is your Cajun Chicken tenders in rich cream sauce and sweet potato mash. And to add more moist to the entire dish in whole, there’s freshly whipped cream and grated cheese on it. I still think the whipped cream is not necessary at this second visit, but it seemed to worked real well for others.

 

 

Next is the Spicy BBQ roasted chicken (RM 32.90 or RM 59.90 for double portion)- the oven roasted chicken with spicy BBQ sauce, an egg, alongside baked potato and sour cream. Sticky, gooey, and if I must say this, a glorious mess on your fingers when eating with hands, and just the right kick of spicy BBQ, this is quite a crowd pleaser. But order the Mac and Cheese (RM 16.90 or RM 30.90 for double portion) to go with this spicy bite of BBQ chicken.

 

 

Chir Chir makes a solid case for sticking to a tried-and- tested formula on top of newly launched dishes. But the newly launched dishes absolutely earning quite a bit of spotlight from the regular favourites this time around. Chir Chir Curry Fried Chicken (RM 30.90 or RM 56.90 for double portion) and the Spicy Chi-bap (RM 33.90 or RM 60.90 for double portion), for some bursting sensation of flavourful bites. The first is a good marriage of chicken pieces deep fried in Chir Chir’s signature crispy batter and sprinkled with the much familiar taste of local flavours- the curry seasoning, to instantly elevate the otherwise usual chicken bites to its own wow factor. And for the love of Korean Kimbap, behold the revolutionary chi-bap. Spicy marinate of onion salsa and BBQ sauce coating each bite pairing with the crispy fries. A lovely enjoyment for anyone who loves spicy food.

 

 

And not forgetting the Rose Queen Chiqueen (RM 33.90 or RM 60.90 for double portion) with the lovely chicken tenders fried and chunky wedge of potatoes piled up onto a hot plate of creamy cheese fondue. This island of crispy chicken and potato on an ocean of cheesy goodness is served on perpetual heating atop the portable stove.

 

 

Basically, top service, ace authentic dishes and of course comfortable setting. Not forgetting the Grapefruit Yogurt and Pineapple smoothie (Glass at RM 14.90 or Jar at RM 30.90) for some refreshing sweetness and icy cool blend of tropical mix to cool of some of the heat from that spicy bites! Now don’t say I didn’t warn, some of the bites can be a little too hot and spicy to handle.

 

 

I have the snippets from my stories on Instagram in case anyone misses it, but the short clips doesn’t quite justify the quality servings.

 

 

Click HERE for more photos on flickr.

 

Chir Chir Malaysia is located at :
Lot 1.108.00 Level 1, Pavilion Elite
Pavilion KL
168, Bukit Bintang Street,
Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
GPS: 3.1487063,101.7131118
Tel: 60321104867
Open daily: 10am-10pm
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/ChirChirMY

 

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K-Pub (YG Republique) @ Trec KL

K Pub -YG Republique @ Trec KL

 

Korea’s biggest entertainment brand is happening here in Malaysia at one of the most happening location in Kuala Lumpur- Trec KL. Together with Samgeori Butcher’s BBQ grill restaurant and the upcoming K Ramen, there is also the K-Pub within a single restaurant complex. Fan of YG Republique can now spend some hip and cool dine and wine moments all under one roof whilst accompanied by some of the latest and trendiest K- tunes.

 

 

We’ve tasted the amazing premium meats at the Samgeori Butcher at the grand opening and now, we toast and drink our way through some colourful mix of alcohol and paired it with some comforting and delicious Korean snacks cum mains. That we are talking about the carbo loaded Korean Pancake (RM 25), the delicious Seasnail Salad with cold noodle (RM 70), the renowned K-Fried Chicken (RM 50) and the homemade sauce coated Red Chicken (RM 50). I’m personally not a fan of their pancake rendition maybe because I made mine with lesser oil? But the Sea snail salad totally nailed it, I was slurping my way through the noodle and chewing the snails away nonstop. Chicken aren’t the best of this top Korean native favourite snack but hey, it worked with the Malaysian palate – still juicy on the inside with generous crispy batter wrapping the bite sized chicken pieces.

 

 

And what’s the best on top of that? Soju bomb of course! But if snacking and drinking over a long night, please go easy with the booze cause they have a serious line up of fun mixes. Staff operates like clockwork and cocktails are taken so seriously with the flips, tapping, or the raise of a little pinky while grabbing on the shaker; and all that with the focused eye and a smile on the face. It’s nice to see the bartenders keeping things pro and fun at the same time and if you are lucky, he might even do a little magic trick to spice up the night. Such charisma was quite the perfect way to kick off proceedings especially when munching off with those Assorted Dried snacks (RM 60). Featuring the YG signature Cocktails at RM 30 each, the instant colour boost on the bar was a lovely sight. These colours are strong boozes – there’s Magarita, Singapore Sling, Korean Sojito, Pina Colada, and Martini.

 

 

Coolest Korean entertainment restaurant in town here would easily capture the heart of K-pop fans if not Korean food lover but most importantly, it’s about the booze pairing.

 

 

K Pub is located at YG Republique Malaysia at:
HG-01 & HG-02 Hive, TREC,
438, Jalan Tun Razak,
50400 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-2110 4104
Operation Hours: 6pm – 3am
http://www.ygrepublique.com.my/k-pub.html
GPS: 3.14075,101.72099

 

Click HERE for more photos on flickr.

 

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Chi Mac @Solaris Mont Kiara

 

Chi Mac at Solaris Mont Kiara is that perfect place for the night supper and Korean Fried chicken craving. Their best selling Ganjang chicken (RM 51) is quite a star when it comes to Korean fried chicken. This one is coated in sweet batter that is oozing with intense flavour. With fragrant seasoning and deliciously deep fried to perfection, this one is crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. The sweet tang tickles the taste buds and is delicious even when it’s cold. With their complimentary slaw salad, it could be even more enjoyable if the salad is not over dressed.

 

 

For a bit of spicy sweet and sour, with white meat being soft and tender to the bite; Yang Yum Chicken (RM 51) has that delish flavourful batter. It’s contradictory with clean diet but these devilish coats of addictive coating are to die for.

 

 

When ordering the Cheese Buldak (RM 55). We were being warned several times by the staff, as if signalling us to stay away from this one. Clearly, he has no idea how much we love our spicy chicken . Korean spicy is distinctively satisfying with the fiery hot finishing and this one is cleverly toned down with the blanket of melted mozarella cheese.

 

 

While frying up succulent pieces of tasty chicken bites, Chi Mac is clever to also serve the usual Korean favourite, except they didn’t do a very good job presenting the best of that authentic taste. Our Kim Chi Jiggae (RM 30) was a little diluted and lacking in flavour but the meal is still great accompanied by my favourite Makgeolli (RM 25).

 

 

Click HERE for Menu and for more photos on flickr.

 

Chi Mac is located at:

 

J-OG-15, SohoKL,
Jalan Solaris, Solaris Mont’ Kiara,
50480, Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +60326335088
GPS: 3.1752815,101.6605708
Business Hour: 11am-4 am daily
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chimacbistro/

 

 

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Chir Chir Korean Fried Chicken @ Pavilion Elite, KL

 

The very first Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory has landed in Malaysia with their first outlet already operating in Pavilion Elite KL. South Korea’s largest chain of the renowned “Chimaek” has arrived and serving nothing but freshly made to order chicken dishes, this one sure is one of the best chain Korean Fried Chicken place that I have sampled so far. With all their sauces and marination authentically from Seoul, this consistency leads to benefit Malaysians into being the opportunity to get a taste of the brand’s signature flavours and unique offerings in their funky and casual dining ambiance.

 

 

Signature dishes were all crispy and crazy tender with juicy meat bursting with flavours marinated for hours in the house seasoning before that delicious coat of deep fried crispy batter. The fried topokki was a texture sensation when I had the signature Honey Butter Chicken: the tender chicken pieces generously glazed with their very own honey butter sauce and then finished with butter seasoning powder, while the almond flakes went really well with the dried cranberries.

 

 

Speaking of topokki, Chir Chir have their own rendition of topokki in cheese! Chewy and soft texture combine with the aromatic melted cheese is probably a fantastic choice if one is a huge fan of cheese.

 

 

And whether it is fingers or those special mini tongs brought especially from Korea that you are using, these succulent pieces of chicken is simple yet outstanding at the same time and most importantly, it’s surely the perfect place for communal dining. I’ll go with the fingers.

 

 

Here in Chir Chir, these freshly prep and made to order chicken dishes ace not only with their fried dishes because their roasted chicken are equally tasty. There is a clever range of superb tender marination of different flavours, and they are all strangely accompanied with whole salt baked egg and baked potato with sour cream. Not forgetting the salsa to complete the dish but really, their chicken stole all the highlights anyway.

 

 

And how about their Nest Snow ? I am a sucker when it comes to cream sauce, not to mention the blanket of parmesan, Cheddar and mozzarella cheese atop some spicy chicken tenders sitting on a bed of sweet potato puree, olives and pepper, and finished with a swirl of whipped cream. That’s right; say good bye to diet and hello to additional 20 laps of swim the next day. A 20 laps I will willingly perform for this one, although the whipped cream is totally unnecessary. I’ll be sure to tell them to skip he cream on mine the next time I dine in. Go with a half and half if you can’t decide if crunchy or glazing coat is your thing. I know I am grateful to be able to taste both at one go.

 

 

Portions are large, but an additional order of salad is a good idea – it’s sweet, fresh and light spike of tang from the cheese, making a nice contrast with the chicken. Not to mention the addition of pine nuts-a rare offering in chain operations. I secretly wished they have leaf salad but grapes will do for now. Served with tortilla and complete with honey drizzle and a dose of minced garlic, this Sweet and Fresh Honey Grape Salad is created with bold aspiration.

 

 

An extensive beverage selection contains a range of cocktails and beers, so you definitely need not go elsewhere else for the perfect evening out because the pair of beverage with those chicken were heavenly. The Chir Cream beer is inspired by “latte kiss” in a hit Korean drama; oh but more exciting still, the current use of carlsberg in this will soon be replaced by Korean beer. There’s also some striking colours to zest up the dining experience with or without soju because their Tok Tok is too pretty and colourful to not put a smile across your face. Passion Yellow Tok! Tok! is our tropical passion fruit with the infusion fuzzed at the table side just before serving to double the fun factor at the meal and that sure is a good gimmick to draw some attention from the next table.

 

 

The choices are plenty with the pieces of chickens in all their dishes being impressively juicy and succulent. That probably will be the biggest draw factor on top of those delicious flavour assortments.

 

Chir Chir is located at:
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur,
168, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Bintang,
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: Daily 20am-10pm
Phone: 03 21104867
GPS: 3.1482925,101.7127689
https://www.facebook.com/ChirChirMY/

 

 

Click HERE for more photos on flickr.

 

 

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Go full Modern Korean @ Solaris Mont Kiara

Go full Modern Korean Fusion @ Solaris Mont Kiara

 

Solaris Mont Kiara is notoriously known to have bundled with plenty of Korean restaurants and cafes and with more interesting fusion dishes coming up, more contemporary Korean eatery are popping up and whether they sell with gimmick or not, it is always interesting to have fusion concept so long as they are delicious and not overpriced.

 

Go full in Solaris Mont Kiara is something I have in two minds whenever I passed by. At one point, they were almost dead and there were a period of time where a healthy crowd of patron is being spotted. There is only one way to find out what’s with the inconsistency so my friends and I visited to clear the doubts. The funky interiors themed with hippy menu are gaining pleasant impressions to begin with. There are interesting sandwiches, topokki, fried chicken, and aplenty with lots of cheese added to it. Clearly the cheese game is very strong here and it was all good right up till after we tasted our pick.

 

A bland and disappointed Sweet Potato Milkshake (RM 15.90) has very minimum aroma of sweet potato; almost nonexistent gave us a little skepticism to start off. Then the Go Full Korean Ham Sandwich with Fries (RM 22.90) with a thick patty of gourmet burger ham that was uninterestingly boring with no texture or tenderness but loaded with a thick scrap of melted cheese – probably the only selling point of the otherwise terribly composed sandwich.

 

 

More pulling factor to target cheese lover is their Korean Fried Rice and clearly, once again cheese maybe the only attractive take on this fusion fried rice. Korean Kimchi Fried Rice with Cheese (RM 21.90) was a total let down when it comes to the texture of their rice. The grains were soft and mushy, a little greasy and boring.

 

 

Go Full Honey Butter (RM 25.90) fried chicken managed to redeem their reputation with 8 pieces from the half chicken with quite a tasty crunch coating. But then again, Chicken House is not far away so if it’s fried chicken that I crave, I’ll walk a bit further for tastier and juicier bites.

 

 

We could have all ordered the wrong thing maybe, but if my two cents are worth anything, I’d say don’t bother with this one.

 

Click HERE for more photos on flickr or watch this appearing on my snap stories HERE

 

 

Go Full Korean Café is located at:
13, Jalan Solaris 2, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +60 11-1111 1638
Business hour: Daily 11am- 11pm
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gofull.my/
GPS: 3.1745374,101.66044

 

 

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Korean Chicken House @ Solaris Mont Kiara

 

Fried chicken has been a favourite among chicken lovers of all ages. Here at the Korean chicken house Mont Kiara, you will probably find the best Korean fried chicken within Klang Valley. Chicken is extra crispy and fried in such a way that the skin is extremely tasty with the batter coated beautifully to balance the soft white meat that is tender juicy to each bite. Also on the menu is a list of very delicious dishes that’s superb for any occasion.

 

To start off, Soy Sauce with Garlic whole chicken (RM 55), Chicken Ganjeong half chicken (RM 38) and Hot Chili Sauce Half Chicken (RM 38) are all pleasures. For one, there are no soggy bottoms. Then, there is a coating close to crunchy that’s not greasy at all. With close to a dozen of varieties on the menu, every piece of chicken bite is tantalising and finger licking good. The one time that I didn’t mind not leaving out the chicken skin and would not hesitate to repeat it is when I’m eating here.

 

 

Also notoriously known to be a little hefty on the price tag (with good reason when there are not only delicious local sourced fresh produce, but also imported ingredients like Korean spam that’s massively adored by the native), the army pots and stews are not to be overlooked. Especially on a chilly night when you have someone to share this dish with.

 

 

Budae jiggae here serves a hearty stew with the combo of your choice that’s beautifully prepared in a hot pan and cooked upon us to our delight. And with the trending cheese gimmick, I find myself being obliged to order cheese add on just so the cheese fans can be informed of these cheesy pull factor when scouting for their cheesy meal. By that, I don’t mean that the add on is a must because I truly think that it was lovelier without the added cheese.(RM 8) Call me old school but I like it as it is without the cheese.

 

A regular Budae jiggae, Pork Military Soup (RM 60) here started off with plenty of fresh looking ingredients and I’ve ordered additional Ramyeon noodle (RM 8). Watching the bubbles emerging as is boils was a joy and in no a couple of minutes, the ingredients quickly cooked in the Seafood Military Soup (RM 70 for regular size that is good for 2- 3pax).

 

 

Together with toasts of a few drinks, dinner becomes warmer than the pot thats boiling perpetually as we clink the glasses into the night. Recommended by the lady boss here, their best seller Mango Makgeolli will easily be the kryptonite of every mango lover.

 

Watch snippets of the meal on my snap stories here:

 

 

 

Chicken House is located at:
15, Jalan Solaris 4, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-6211 5928
Business Hour: Daily 12pm-12am
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Korea-Chicken-House-Solaris-Mont-Kiara
GPS: 3.1755049,101.65957

 

 

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Chicken Up @ Subang Jaya, SS 15

 

Fried chicken happened to not only be a cult fave in Korea but also one of my all time favourite. When Singapore’s leading chicken house (Chicken Up) made their debut in SS15 Subang Jaya, I never hesitated to visit them. Interior was very hipster and comfortable with vibrant colours and very friendly staffs.

 

 

Plus, they have this signature that is very close to stealing all the limelight from every other dish on their menu. That we are referring to the UFO Topokki, better known as the Snow Squid Topokki (RM 68). A quick glimpse of it and many would naturally relate this to Omaya, or any of those cheese ring bbq but this one here is better when it comes to variety. You get a hot plate with neat slots to separate all that is to go with their main – a crispy battered giant squid on a bed of Topokki and vegetable.

 

 

Best to share with 3pax at least, this hot UFO pan is served on portable stove for perpetual heat so the cheese sauce, egg, fried kimchi rice, and kimchi would cook continuously as you dig in. Be prepared to wash this super flavoursome dish off with lots of liquid and I’d say it would be alright pairing with beer instead of their Watermelon soju (RM 48) which happens to be on their top seller as well. The naturally refreshing watermelon fruit gives the tropical quench as the stove burns with heat before us. The soju is just doing what spirits does, making everything awesome.

 

 

The chicken wing here is served whole making it looking fabulously generous upon meeting it. Covered in a thin, close to crunchy if not crispy and salty soy sauce batter, the burst of flavour happens the very instant it touches the tongue. If there is any good to this would be the juicy meat retained within the thin batter coat. Never compare this to any of those stand alone Korean Fried Chicken house.

 

 

There menu is massive but made easy to pick with the featured top 12 item. These are all on their top seller list and I can see why the Bulgogi Fries (RM 26) made it to the list. Juicy beef with a light crunch from the onion complemented the texture and taste of the otherwise ordinary serving of Fries. These are packed with flavours; it was a clear winner for the day.

 

 

Next is the crispy golden onion, which weird enough made it to the top seller list but I am pretty sure this Yangpa Bomb (RM 18) here would have earned their spot on the top seller list with the huge portion serving and the rich batter mix coating on every single of the onion petals. Something their fan would definitely appreciate.

 

 

The owner is real generous to offer their best selling dessert- Melon Bingsu (RM 38), served inside a half honey melon with delicious shaved ice filling all the space within all the empty space of the half sphere. And topped with a large scoop of ice cream to go with honey drizzled melon balls, the combination is a sweetheart for dessert lover. I thought they could have omitted the honey and the melon itself would be just fine.

 

 

And here is the top 12 to help you decide. No need to thank me 

 

 

This dinner session is compiled on video for those who want to see the actual experience and I must also take this opportunity to thank the owner for treating us with such warm hospitality. Dinner was on the house so while it may not be my thing, I’m feeling very thankful and extra blessed to have the opportunity to enjoy the best of Singapore’s Korean Fried Chicken here in Subang Jaya.

 

 

Chicken Up is located at:
No.7, 7-1, 7-2 Jalan SS15/4E
57500 Subang Jaya, KL
(Opposite Texas Chicken)
Tel: 017-577 9377
GPS: 3.0771983,101.586661
Business hours: 11.30am – 12am (last order 11pm)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chickenup.sj/

 

 

Click HERE for more photos and MENU on flickr.

 

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Nanda Chicken (Korean Fried Chicken) @ Solaris Mont Kiara

 

Nanda Chicken is a new entry to the bloom of Korean restaurants in Solaris Mont Kiara. Serving mainly chickens, you can be rest assured their consistency and quality of the ingredients for sure. With chicken dishes of original or crispy, both are ultimately best when it comes to fulfilling any crave for fried chicken.

 

 

Crispy Soy Sauce Chicken (RM 24) for half chicken, (RM 44 for whole chicken) is fried with grain powder for a lovely crunch that is absolutely pleasant and non greasy, and at the same time succulently juicy and delicious beneath the crispy coating.

 

 

Pickled side dishes are cleverly paired to be quite addictive. The crunchy texture and acidity from those pickled vegetables are appetizing and easy to consume; as well as to wash the grease from the chicken (not that it’s any bit greasy at all). Finely grated cabbages were simple and good even more if they omit the chili sauce drizzling.

 

Settling on the just the chickens alone, the variety is amazing. Their new Boneless Crispy Hot Snow Cheese Chicken (RM 62) is definitely the rogue addition to the otherwise ordinary and imitable pieces of crunchy bites. Served on a hot plate with a bulky cheese spread waiting to be melted on one side and the other half filled with chicken bites covered with in a thin, chruncy and peppery batter. This one is the boneless spicy chicken but the swimming cheese soon creates a good combo to the chicken.

 

If by any chance that the cheese is way too heavy, then proceed to ordering their Boneless Carbonara Chicken (RM 52) instead. The humongous serving can be a little relenting but that sweet sauce and sweet batter is counter balanced with the generous topping of fresh onion. Take note this HUGE plate is the only portion available so I STRONGLY recommend a bigger dining group when patronizing this restaurant.

 

 

Thank goodness for the Green Salad(RM15) on the menu, is helps wash the oil and the thick creamy sauces in their fried chicken dishes. When it comes to value for money, I would say that we can totally afford to skip this. Instead, just stick to the complimentary side servings.

 

 

Apart from chicken, there are fried octopus, squids, wedges, and there is even the assorted fish cake soup. I thought the Odeng Tang (RM 39) might have been a little pricey but the portion sure is for sharing if you are a small eater. This side menu could be the odd one alongside other deep fried snacks but fish cake lover would surely appreciate this, otherwise I’d recommend skipping this and stick to the fried dishes.

 

 

If the idea of deep frying with crunchy coating sounds dry and challenging to be consumed, please order individual mugs of their Somaek (RM 8)- a combination of soju and maekju (beer) . Or order them separately, beer and soju each cost RM 23. This refreshing alcoholic beverage is the best pair to go with fried chicken; take my word for it.

 

 

This place is popular with moonlighters looking to cure their nighttime hunger pangs. And with them overcoming the short of helper issue, dining in at night is much breezier compared to when they just started their business. Portion is huge and each alacarte chicken serving are good for more than 2 person. Go for the staple fried chicken and ask salad without the chili sauce drizzle. They are perfectly satisfying. Check out their 3 pages menu.

 

 

Click HERE for more photos on flikr.

 

 

Nanda Chicken is located at-
11, Jalan Solaris 2, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Business Hour 3:30pm- 2am daily (Sunday 3:30pm – 12am)
GPS: 3.174515,101.660367
Tel: +60 16-580 7925
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nanda-Chicken/

 

 

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