13. Restoran 1001

 Here I am once again on another foodie adventure in my hometown of Kluang, Johor. Although it is a small town, Kluang has many hidden gems when it comes to food. One such place was introduced by my uncle today and this restaurant serves good Malay food.

Tadaaaa!! Unveiling Restoran 1001, owned by Ms. Norita (better known as Che Ta).

Che Ta and my uncle were classmates in the same secondary school. He told me that her food packs a whole lot of punch as the food preparation methods are very traditional. I obviously jumped at the chance to treat my palate to some delicious Malay dishes.

Being the glutton that I am, I decided to order quite a number of dishes touted as specialties by the owner herself.

Her grilled seafood is one which patrons return to time and again. I had to restrain myself from just choosing two which were Pari Bakar (grilled stingray, RM12) and Sotong Bakar (grilled squid, RM9). The sambal (chili paste) was both sweet and spicy at the same time. Restoran 1001 also specializes in Kerang Bakar and Kerang Rebus (cockles either grilled or steamed, served with spicy soy sauce or tamarind sauce). I intend on paying a second visit just to savor these savory shellfish.

Moving on to the Ayam Goreng Kunyit (Fried Turmeric Chicken, RM6). The chicken was crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, redolent of turmeric and lemongrass. Tossed along with fried onions, chillies, long beans and carrots, the dish was lip-smackingly good till the last bit. I could even devour a plate all on its own!

As a lover of spicy and sour foods, I always head for a decadent bowl of tom yam (hot and sour soup). Restoran 1001's soup was definitely not a disappointment. The Tom Yam Campur (mixed hot and sour soup, RM7) was marvelous! I slurped every last drop! Not being too spicy as to overpower the ingredients, it was balanced in its piquancy and umami tones. Generous helpings of seafood and chicken were added to the soup, making it worth your buck. 

The star of the show was the Nasi Goreng Kampung (roughly translated as village-style fried rice, RM6). The rice was nice and dry, each grain separated. Sometimes, fried rice can be so wrong in many levels when the rice is soggy but you won't find this here. Given a hidden spicy kick of pounded birds eye chillies and a salty edge from lashings of anchovies, this fried rice left me awestruck. For those of you who love fried rice, you should come over here and order a plate of utter goodness.

For drinks, we had the house specialty, fresh pineapple juice (RM4 per glass). The unique thing here in Restoran 1001 is that their juice has 100% NO SUGAR OR WATER ADDED! You get 100% PURE pineapple juice. The restaurant uses the MD2 pineapple strain. Medium-sized, these pineapples have natural sugars that dissipate into the juice, making sugar redundant to sweeten it. The pineapples are specially sourced from FIMA Ayer Hitam daily. 

At first, I didn't quite believe there were no additions to the juice, but I was invited by Che Ta herself to join her as she made the juice. Freshly squeezed and with just ice for a chill, the juice was so refreshing. It takes 1 pineapple for a glass of juice. Restoran 1001 also sells bottles of their freshly squeezed juice made to order (RM5). If you are in the Kluang area, they have COD as well! 

With a total bill of RM49 for 3 pax, I have to say that prices of the dishes were reasonable and food was equally tasty. For your fix of Malay food, do drop by Restoran 1001, and don't forget to ask for the sweet and friendly owner, Che Ta, who is ever-happy to have a chat with her customers. The restaurant is located along the same road as the Gurdwara Sahib and is difficult to miss.

Tel.: 019 - 744 7020 (Che Ta)

12. Ali's Bar - Part 2

Hey dear foodies! Remember my last post on Ali's Bar? I'm back once again to sing praises on their 2-day old menu addition: STEAMBOAT!!!! 

Look at that spread!!!! I dined out with my mum and uncle so I decided to get two varying sets for sharing. One was the Chicken Set and another the Lamb Set.

Both sets came with platters of fresh vegetables, a stuffed chili (yong tau foo, chili stuffed with fish paste) and slices of silken tofu.

The chicken and lamb were sliced into thin slivers which were perfect to swish it in the hot broth and consume, like how you would in shabu-shabu. 

All the ingredients were truly fresh. The lamb had a sweetish taste which indicated that the cut was from a younger animal. Even the chicken was fork-tender.

There are a few choices of soup available for your picking. Being a spice lover myself, I chose Tom Yam (hot and sour Thailand soup) and Szechuan mala (a piquant soup consisting of Szechuan peppercorns, chillies and chilli oil). Both broths were really concentrated and flavorful. Every sip was truly a sensation on the palate. The mala, though numbing, had a stage of its own in the meal and went really well with the lamb slices. 

For mains, a few choices are provided which are on the house mainly rice vermicelli, egg noodles, glass noodles, instant noodles. I chose rice vermicelli and glass noodles so as not to interfere with the taste of the soup or ingredients. 

Prices are pretty reasonable and the food was quite good for a shop that doesn't specialize in hotpot-based meals. You can check it out for yourself below.

If you still need more ingredients for your hotpot, ala carte choices are available for the vegetables and meat options. 

Before it's too late, I hope you guys can hop on over to Ali's Bar for a memorable hotpot meal. Stay tuned for more foodie adventures!

11. Stesen Makan Makan

Seafood lovers rejoice! There is an eatery in Kluang that will gratify the shellfish eater or the pescitarian. Where you ask? Jom ke Stesen Makan Makan! There were two dishes I tried out, that completely fried my brains out, they were that good!!!

First, let's look into Stesen Makan Makan. This restaurant is still a 9-month old baby on the F&B scene. However, young as they are, they are dishing up platefuls of goodness. Their specialties include their miang pla pao, daging harimau menangis, ikan bakar (grilled seafood) and shellout. Me and my family tried out two out of their four signature dishes.

For drinks, we took a sirap tower (RM18). The beverage's sweetness was balanced and sufficiently chilled without watering it down.

The first dish that arrived was the Shellout Kari Berapi (Fiery Curry Shellout, RM37). This could serve 2-3pax. The mixture of gravy, prawns, mussels, oysters, squid, corn and crab was truly magnificent. The fun part was you don't get served on a plate, the seafood goes directly onto the table which is covered with plastic beforehand. What's left is for you to dig in, no cutleries allowed! As the gravy drips down your fingers, your tongue automatically laps the gravy, redolent of curry leaves and spices. Savory and sweet at the same time, the freshness of the seafood wasn't masked by the gravy. Even my mother licked the gravy clean from her portion of the table, haha!

The next dish to be served up was the Miang Pla Pao (RM35) which also serves 2-3 pax. This Thai dish consisted of a piquant Thai sauce, vegetables, glass noodles, fried prawns and squid as well as grilled sea bass. The fish was so flaky that it disintegrated on my fingertips. Wrapping some glass noodles and fish in lettuce (sorry it's not shown in the photo, lettuce was grabbed before I remembered to take a good photo), I dipped it into the sauce before popping the self-made fish roll into my mouth. The combo of flavours that mingled on my tongue were unexplainable. The natural sweetness of the sea bass, freshness of the vegetables and sharp tang from the sauce kept me rolling and popping.

These two dishes we accompanied with 2 bowls of white rice (RM1.50 per bowl). The rice was good for soaking up the shellout curry gravy. 

I'd definitely make a repeat visit to Stesen Makan Makan for it's lovely seafood. Even the staff are truly sweet and attentive. I called the restaurant beforehand to enquire on its opening hours as I wanted to bring my cousin over for a birthday dinner. The staff even reserved a table and put up birthday buntings and even a neon sign which said Happy Birthday. Their gesture was really touching. 

The food was truly satisfying for a total bill of RM93. They even have set packages that serve 10-15 pax, so big groups can equally enjoy Stesen Makan Makan's Seafood Bounty. Do drop by and feast your heart out!

10. Ram 95 Curry House

Indian food has a long history, redolent with spices and rich in flavours and textures. In the small town of Kluang, Johor, the people can still find Indian food, mostly in the Little India area at Jalan Station. However, there is a hidden gem in Taman Puteri that promises a full belly and satisfied groans.

Ram 95 Curry House is a 2-month old baby in the food business. Recently, they went through an upheaval for their kitchen crew. Now, the chef who helms the kitchen, Mr. Visvanathan, prepares the most delectable cuisine, ranging from spicy Indian food to Malay dishes like Pari Asam Pedas (Stingray in Hot and Sour Gravy) and Udang Masak Lemak Cili Api (Prawns Cooked in Spicy Coconut Milk Gravy).

Everyunday, Ram 95 holds a Biryani Festival and, yes, it is truly a festival for the senses. They have mutton biryani (RM12) and chicken biryani (RM10). On the day I visited, the chef prepared a special biryani tray for me, my uncle and my mother.

The tray consisted of biryani rice, mutton curry, papodom, boiled eggs, ayam masak merah (chicken cooked in sweet and spicy gravy) as well as ayam goreng berempah (fried chicken with spices). 

The rice had a lovely yellow hue, fragrant and the grains were nice and long. The mutton curry used chops and was tender to the bone. It wasn't spicy but rich and flavourful. The ayam masak merah was lightly spicy and tangy with chicken that falls off the bone. The star of the show was the fried chicken. Marinated overnight in spices and then deep fried with curry leaves and onions, it was juicy and moreish.

The biryani side dishes consisted of a curd relish, a cucumber relish, more lashings of mutton gravy and ayam masak merah sauce. The relishes gave a refreshing tinge to every bite. Simply wonderful....

To wrap it all up, we had payasam (sweet sago porridge) and masala tea. The payasam was thick and unctious, making every slurp a sensual experience. The masala tea, a special brew by none other than the chef himself, will make you sweat rivulets and get your digestion moving. Spicy and fragrant, the tea is lovely on a rainy day.

This was the condition of our plates, licked clean. Our stomachs were beyond bursting and we groaned in both satisfaction and lack of breathing space. 

If you want to get a biryani fix that is worth your buck, do come over to Ram 95 Curry House at Taman Puteri, Kluang, Johor. The chef will make you cry tears of joy and satisfaction, making you yearn for the taste of India in Malaysia itself.

9. Ali's Bar

Johoreans love our food and where better than to find local delicacies, especially wonderful dishes from the Malay Archipelago. In a back lane, in the quaint town of Kluang, sits Ali's Bar. Don't fret associating a Muslim name with something less than halal. This cafe is fully halal and serves food will leave you craving second helpings.

The short and sweet menu holds treasures waiting to be uncovered by the discerning diner. Prices are also reasonable.

The menu at Ali's Bar.

I had Soto Noodles (RM6.50), a Johorean dish that can warm the cockles of your heart. Just like the Western chicken soup to nourish an individual, the Soto is the one locals hunt down to slurp. The soup was not too oily and had a rich savoriness that gets imprinted on the tastebuds. A spicy soy sauce was served alongside that added extra kick to this soupy delicacy.

Soto Noodles (RM6.50)

The next dish I tried was Nasi Ayam Penyet (RM9.90). This rice dish, which has its roots in Indonesia, is very famous in Malaysia. A piece of smashed fried chicken thigh is served alongside nasi uduk (coconut milk rice), fried tofu strips, cucumber and a really mean sambal. 

Normally the fried chicken for this dish is brittle as a bone. This chicken was crisp on the outside yet juicy on the inside, a revelation among the many versions of nasi ayam penyet. The sambal was another highlight of the dish, piquant and tangy, flavours dancing on the tongue. I enjoyed every last lick of it.

Nasi Ayam Penyet (RM9.90)

Even the drinks were good, the Teh Ais especially sweet and creamy on the palate. The experience dining semi al-fresco with such good food created a memorable dining memory that will last in the heart of this Kluang-ite. Drop by for a taste of hearty Malay cooking.

Address: 15, Jalan Ismail, Kampung Masjid Lama, 86000 Kluang, Johor

8. Mummy's Asam Pedas Power

Asam pedas is a spicy and sour fish dish known widely in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. It is part of the culinary heritage of both Minangkabau and also Malay traditions. Johor is no exception as it is one of the renown local dishes most sought after. Due to Johor's Javanese influence, asam pedas is a local delicacy that should never be passed over when you are in this vibrant and historical city.

My personal go-to comfort food is this piquant gravy as I love tangy foods. As I was browsing through Facebook Marketplace, I came across a vendor by the name of Mummy's Asam Pedas Power. I must say, hands-down, this is one of the best asam pedas I have devoured in a long while. So far, I have ordered twice from this restaurant for delivery and I have been thoroughly satisfied with the food. 

Asam pedas with the flesh of red snapper

Ayam goreng kunyit which had some onions, carrots and long beans in it too.

Rice is packaged in brown paper like nasi lemak.

Mummy's Asam Pedas sell their meals in the form of sets that include 1 choice of main course, white rice, salted egg and sambal belacan. My 1st order with them was obviously the dish the restaurant was named after asam pedas isi ikan merah which was RM18 for a set (hot and sour gravy with red snapper flesh) and ayam goreng kunyit which was RM10 for a set(chicken fried with turmeric powder). Their packaging was very professional in plastic containers and the servings were quite ample.

The asam pedas gravy was thick, sour and spicy and redolent of daun kesum (Vietnamese coriander). Every spoonful poured on rice, mixed with fingers and savored brought me one step closer to food paradise. It was balanced without being overly hot or sour. It ticked off all the right boxes and it tasted like the asam pedas I used to have in Parit Jawa, a tiny fishing village located in Johor.

The ayam goreng kunyit was delicious as well. The vegetables in the dish were also pre-fried giving a texture complexity to the dish. However, it could have been better if there was extra turmeric in the dish. The turmeric flavors were quite faint in the dish and the color was also not that yellow.

Ayam lemak cili api, and yes, I requested for some asam pedas gravy (couldn't resist the call of the hot and sour delicacy).

If food's good, repeat orders are on the charts and I made my second order just a week after my first. This time I tried ayam lemak cili padi which was RM10 a set (chicken cooked in spicy coconut gravy) and sotong bakar sambal which was RM22 a set (grilled squid in chilli paste). The ayam lemak cili padi was certainly a showstopper. Redolent of fresh herbs (I'm guessing lengkuas, cili padi, serai and definitely turmeric hence the color), the gravy was thick and unctuous, every last drop leaving you wanting more. The chicken was moist and toothsome. The sotong bakar sambal was really good as well. It had the smokiness from grilling on an open fire and a chilli paste that complemented the squid instead of pulling away by being too spicy. I found the price reasonable as I received a whole squid which was pretty large and juicy without being tough.. 

The proprietor is a jolly man who is very proud of his dishes and is always happy to serve you, be it through delivery or at his restaurant. He has even personally invited me to his shop to dine-in which I'm definitely not going to miss out on! For Johoreans looking for a good asam pedas, tourists looking to taste what Johor has to offer in terms of cuisine or basically a foodie at heart, Mummy's Asam Pedas is the place to drop by. Stay tuned for more updates from a born food enthusiast! 

Jalan Merdeka, Kampung Melayu Majidee, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor.

Tel: +6011-2580 8636

7. Merah Kitchen & Bar

Hello foodies! I'm back after a lengthy absence. Not that I haven't been eating, I have been scoffing down food and reminiscing wonderful tastes but certain commitments had me tied down. From here onwards, I have vowed to myself to be more in track of my food blog to document my culinary adventures and share them with fellow diners out there too.

I seriously miss dining out especially during this MCO period so I'm going to relieve my experience of dining in one of Johor Bahru's top dining spots, Merah Kitchen & Bar. This restaurant located at Jalan Ibrahim looks unassuming at first. Your first impression would be of a tuck shop during colonial times with old biscuit tins and wooden structures. Flashy neon bulbs sign out the restaurant's name.

A flight of wooden stairs leads you to the dining area upstairs which has again retained a sense of antiquity. Wooden beams, exposed brick walls, mismatched loungers and rattan chairs with some neon lighting in strategic places reminds you of the comfort homes in years gone by. Even the tables are mahjong-themed with glass-enclosed mahjong tiles in them. The decor and atmosphere is quirky and adds to the charm of dining in Merah. 

Let's hop into the food now! They have Japanese- and Korean-inspired dishes along with some local Malaysian delicacies. I was a bit apprehensive at first as normally an extensive menu meant a lack in quality and most often, taste. But I have to say, I'm left speechless by their exceptional food and very good customer service. 

For starters, we ordered O.M.G Fried Oyster Mushrooms and Fried Mozzarella Sticks. The mushrooms were large and truly made me gasp, oh my god! Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, a dip in mayonnaise was all it needed to transform a humble vegetable into a decadent starter. My personal favorite was the Fried Mozzarella Sticks. Thick mozzarella sticks are coated with herb mashed potatoes than crumbed before frying into a golden crisp. Served with a cheesy sauce, it was a moreish comfort food that made my eyes twinkle.

O.M.G. Fried Oyster Mushrooms

Fried Mozzarella Sticks

For main courses, we ordered Spicy Karaage, Fish Asam Pedas set and Chicken Rendang. We ordered three dishes to share among three people, but the generous portions made us pack some of the food back home at the end of the meal because we didn't want to waste such delicious food.

Spicy Karaage are bite-size chicken pieces which are batter-coated and fried. Then, it is tossed in spicy Korean gochujang paste (Korean red pepper paste) and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The taste was like eating fried chicken from one of those specialty Korean fried chicken establishments. 

Next is the Chicken Rendang which was simply adored by my mother. Her favorite dish has always been rendang and it is very hard to satisfy her palate when it comes to this traditional Malay dish. This dish left a lasting impression on her palate meaning that it's given the thumbs up! Redolent of herbs like lemongrass and turmeric leaves, the spicy and thick gravy coating each piece of chicken was heaven in every bite. 

My choice was the Fish Asam Pedas. My love affair with this dish started when I was a teen and I have certain expectations when it comes to this Johorean dish. My late dad used to bring me to Parit Jawa just to eat this dish as the area is famed for asam pedas. Eating asam pedas in Merah opened a floodbank of memories as the flavours were exactly the same as the asam pedas of Parit Jawa. The sour and spicy gravy was slightly thick with a thick slice of fresh red snapper. Served alongside this dish was a plate of rice with fried egg and lettuce. I didn't leave a drop of gravy in the bowl and ended up drinking the gravy once the last grain of rice on my plate was long gone😂.

From top left: Chicken Rendang, Spicy Karaage, and Fish Asam Pedas Set. Bottom: Raspberry Tea.

For drinks, I chose Raspberry Tea. Stop right there if you think it's a teabag in your glass. Freshly brewed raspberry tea is given a fruity twist in this refreshing cooler. 

Dessert is a must after a meal so we shared a slice of Pandan Gula Melaka cake as by that time our stomachs were straining to pop out of our clothes. Soft spongy pandan cake layered with gula melaka buttercream and frosted with more gula melaka buttercream, it was a nice ending to a hefty meal. It was not too sweet so the flavor profile is more prominent.

All in all my dining experience was really memorable with the food definitely encouraging me to repeat orders in future. During this MCO period, Merah Kitchen & Bar is available on GalaEats for delivery. Without missing a beat, I ordered delivery from them on the 12th of May 2020 and was not left disappointed. Flavors were consistent and the same as when I dined in. Some special bento sets and combos are available for delivery during this MCO period so do give them a try. 

Full-flavored food, generous portions and reasonable prices are what will make you clamor for Merah Kitchen & Bar's food. If you get a chance after the MCO, do dine-in for a rich experience and unforgettable memories.