Cover Photo: @waiskandar/Instagram
Photo: @waiskandar/Instagram
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Simple but effective date night ideas, from milkshakes to midnight drives, courtesy of the Malaysian bassist and streamer
Since 2015, Wan Arif Iskandar has been making music with his bandmates as part of Insomniacks, first in the world of punk rock covers before venturing into making music of their own in 2017. A bass player and avid gamer, Iskandar is never not up for a trip to the mamak or even a juicy steak.
See also: 10 Restaurants In The Klang Valley To Visit When You Need A Good Steak
Above Insomniacks (from left): Danial Lee Hashim, Syed Mir Iqbal, Gavin Wong & Wan Arif Iskandar (Photo: Universal Music Malaysia)
Insomniacks (from left): Danial Lee Hashim, Syed Mir Iqbal, Gavin Wong & Wan Arif Iskandar (Photo: Universal Music Malaysia)
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In between songwriting, prepping for his band's latest single release Sempurna, and late nights of streaming, you'd find Iskandar indulging in some of his favourite local treats, slices of pizza, and his girlfriend's cooking. Though his band may stick to a genre, Iskandar's food preferences span a wide range of cuisines.
"Food is the main constant in all the relationships in my life. It is what gives me a semblance of stability," jokes Iskandar. "As Malaysians, we all know and understand the importance of food within our culture and how it brings together all of us, despite our different backgrounds. I always find that food is a good common ground with any new people I meet; we can always have a good conversation about food!"
See also: 5 Foodie Finds: Malaysian Singer-Songwriter Bihzhu's Favourite Takeouts
Above Iskandar and Julia Duclos (Photo: Wan Arif Iskandar)
Iskandar and Julia Duclos (Photo: Wan Arif Iskandar)
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Iskandar and his girlfriend, singer-songwriter Julia Duclos, love exploring Malaysia's food scene as a couple. Having been together for just over three years, the couple has racked up quite the portfolio of date night ideas and foodie spots to hit up when spending time together. Iskandar gives his five favourite date night ideas.
1. Budget: Restoran Sederhana
"When we’re on a budget, my girlfriend and I love to eat at padang (Minangkabau cuisine) restaurants like Restoran Sederhana in PJ's Seksyen 8. You always get your money’s worth in portions. Not to mention, you'll leave full and satisfied after the meal!"
2. Splurge: Rock Salt
"When we feel like spending a bit on good food, we love to go to Rock Salt in Plaza Damas and have its steak with the delicious sides. The family that owns the restaurant is very friendly, and they maintain the restaurant to a very high standard."
See also: Valentine's Day 2022: Guide to the Best Hotel Dining
3. Last Minute: Snacks
"We love to drive out and buy snacks from random places. One of our favourite quick and easy dates is to get some milkshakes from Baskin Robbins. We get to spend some time together while enjoying some classic favourites."
See also: Valentine's Day 2022: 6 Foolproof Gift Ideas For Your Significant Other
4. Stay In: Homecooked Food
Above Roast chicken by Julia (Photo: Iskandar Adnan)
Roast chicken by Julia (Photo: Iskandar Adnan)
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"Some of our best date nights have been those where we spent them at home, relaxing, talking and watching Netflix. The peace of mind and comfort you get when chilling at home is unmatched. At home, Julia tends to cook a lot of comfort food and fusion dishes. She likes mixing Western and Asian dishes like a pot roast with sambal tumis udang. She also tries out random recipes from time to time and takes my requests as well so that’s a plus for me!"
See also: Valentine’s Day 2022: The Most Romantic Movies to Watch on Netflix
5. Adventure: Beaches
"My girlfriend and I love the beach, and thankfully Malaysia has plenty within driving distance. Whenever we get the chance, we like to drive out to Port Dickson, which less than an hour away, or to Penang.
When in Penang, we love this place called Wheeler’s along Love Lane. The pastas are really good, but the big highlight for us is their panna cotta. Its a two-storey restaurant but we enjoy sitting downstairs as we get to people watch a bit. We also pair any meal we have there with its iced coffee—they are really good!"
Amanda is a KL-born and raised third culture kid, who lives to eat. If not found reading, writing for Tatler Dining, or snacking, she is most likely playing with her dog, Katsu, sourcing new Birkenstocks, or looking for a new restaurant to venture to.
Follow her on Instagram at @feedingamanda.
