Mikaku Ramen

Our next MakanVenture took us to Mikaku Ramen in 1 Shamelin Shopping Mall, where we were treated to a delightful spread of ramen, rolls and rice from the Land of the Rising Sun.

Mikaku Ramen, 1 Shamelin Shopping Mall

And what a treat we were up for! Packed into the cosy venue, 10 lucky OpenRicers got a chance to dig into 6 different types of ramen, 3 hot stone bowl dishes and a variety of Japanese snacks.

As our guests began to arrive, our resident MakanVenture specialist, Kar Kien, got them registered and seated comfortably. OpenRicers were also asked to pick from a bag of sweets (and refrain from eating their sweet!) for the ice-breaking session later.

Kar Kien ushering guests and getting them registered.

As seen in previous MakanVentures, our members are not a shy lot. Their shared love for food immediately got them mingling! Among the guests that day were active OpenRicers such as Cindy Tong and Wendy Lee.

Active user Wendy Lee posing with her official OpenRice fan.

Wendy Lee, who works in Management Information Systems, told us that she, like many of our other OpenRicers, lives to eat.

“However, what really attracts me is the engagement between people and food,” she said. “And of course, the friendly OpenRice staff!”

To get to know each other better, our emcee for the day, Amy, began proceedings with wonderful welcome note, followed by a session of ice-breaking games in which OpenRicers were asked questions based on the sweets they had earlier picked.

Amy asking OpenRicer Calvin Phoon a few questions during the ice-breaking session.

Calvin Phoon, who is a compliance officer, told us this is the second MakanVenture he has been to since joining as a member about 2 months ago. He enjoyed the opportunity to mingle with other OpenRicers, Calvin said.

“I especially love meeting fellow food lovers and the exchange of ideas that goes along with it,” he said.

After a round of fun and games, proceedings turned to the main reason everyone had gathered – the food! The sumptuous aromas that filled the air when the first of the ramen dishes were served not only whet people's appetites but also brought out their cameras! As is the case with most “foodies,” OpenRicers could not let the opportunity for a good shot pass, even if it meant letting their tummies grumble for a while longer.

OpenRicers Wendy Lee and Cindy Tong unable to resist the opportunity for a good shot.

However, flashes were soon traded for forks, as the food came in thick and fast. But our OpenRicers were up to the task and took it all in their stride with a smile.

Mikaku's signature Shoyu Ramen.

Among the dishes that were enjoyed by the crowd was Mikaku's signature Shoyu Ramen, which was served with roasted pork, boiled egg and vegetables. OpenRicers were also treated to a variety of ramen such as Miso Ramen, Shio Ramen, Gekikara Ramen as well as a variety of other dishes including Mikaku's best-selling Jikasei Gyoza. Our chef was always at hand to explain the intricacies of each particular dish to our curious “foodies.”

Our chef for the evening answering all our OpenRicers’ questions.

As people's appetites were assuaged, our wonderful chef for the day began his food demonstration by showing users how to make their very own Temaki Handroll. OpenRicers looked on in curiosity and excitement as he expertly demonstrated the art of making a Japanese roll. While there were a few bumps along the way, the enthusiastic crowd was soon whipping up a feast of rolls, much to the delight of their more-than-able teacher.

Under the watchful eye of our chef, OpenRicers cooked up a storm!

To keep the action going, Amy began a quick-fire question and answer (Q & A) session, which gave our OpenRicers the chance to walk away with an official OpenRice fan for those hot and humid Kuala Lumpur afternoons. Winners also got a chance to take a picture with our dashing chef, who was more than willing to smile for the cameras.

Q & A winner and OpenRicer Samantha and our chef smiling for the cameras.

As the charm of the evening eventually gave way to the sights and sounds of the night, the group posed for a final group photo before going their separate ways. It was a day filled with great food and greater company – all in all, a great day for a MakanVenture. Stay tuned for our next gastronomical adventure here

One last group shot before we part and await our next adventure.