Strawberry View Steamboat - Kea Farm, Cameron Highlands

There's a photo of Chef Wan , at the main entrance of this restaurant. Judging from the sweater that he's wearing , it must have been ages ago and while the place is rather worn and tired, who cares, it IS cold in Cameron Highlands...so let's huddle round and eat !

At RM $18 per head , the portions here are sooooo much more cheaper compared to what we get in Penang ( oh yes, lotsa Penang plates to be found up here ) . Needless to mention, the other thing that sets it apart, is the farm fresh produce. However, since it's super peak season, one is left with no other choice but the set menu. No changing or swapping one ingredient for something else.

Which makes it imperative for you to know the basics of enjoying steamboat. On how each individual vegetable tastes, whether neutral or heavier in flavour, else you'll end up destroying the very wholesome experience.

Of the 3 soups available, I chose the plain chicken soup base.

First to be tipped in. See the watercress at the bottom of the platter ? Make sure the soup is boiling beforehand or it will end up tasting bitter. Once it starts getting limp you can pour in the chicken meat, fishballs, fried fishballs ( save the large prawns for later)  ....

...followed by these luscious Oyster mushrooms...omg...never had better.... so thick, soooooo fresh and sooooooo creamy ! Save the other vegies for later. Make sure you don't overcook the cut fish paste sheets. 

Same goes for fish meat and brown squid. The white elangoted thingys at the back, you can cook as long as you want. Again save the bayam( spinach ) for later.

The tofu, can go into the pot too as long as you take care not to break it up while scooping out the ingredients . Save the egg and noodles for last. Mind you, the vermicelli has a rather pungent smell to it ( more suitable for frying ) so test a little first before deciding if you wanna plunge it in.

As it turns out, the family running this outlet, bear the same surname as my goodself. But really, if you must know, I just didn't feel like going up to them and asking if we do share the same bloodtie.

The area is still a beautiful place, but only if you can look past the massive farming activities and development.

Location : Kea Farm, Cameron Highlands