Malaysia...Truly asia...our nearest neighbour and through the growing up years, most of the school holidays were spent stuck in the horrifying jams which could easily at least 2 hours and once insanely popular Ah Soon Bak Kut Teh in JB that the family adored to bits - the wait itself took yet another 2 hours...queueing or rather waiting for food started early for me! No wonder I have absolutely no qualms waiting for good food - training sure started young.
Johor Bahru // Kuala Lumpur // Pengerang // Malacca // Penang
Across the Causeway to Johor Bahru.
Bak Kut Teh is Malaysia's national dish
Ah Soon Bak Kut Teh - I grew up with this.
Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh - Bak Kut Teh and soy sauce chicken.
Soon Soon Heng - Near KSL Mall and packed with Singaporeans
Hwa Mei Bak Kut Teh / Again / Again - My idea of bestest claypot bkt
Kedai Bak Kut Teh Hin Hock - Steamed fish and bkt, be prepared to wait
Restoran How Win - Least favourite
Nasi Lemak Mania
Warong Pokok Ceri - Literally dining under a cherry tree, so sedap!
Warang Rasa-Rasa - Uh....sedap...not.
Desserts
The Sugar Pantry - Unwind with sugar and tea
Maco Vintage Cafe - All for their crepe cakes
Moonlight Cafe House - Cakes and sugar crafts
Squeeze in some stomach space for these...
D'Laska - Penang Assam Laksa in JB, a mouthwatering treat whilst shopping!
Mon Kee - Freshly baked pastries to nibble and take home.
Bali Coconut - Just for the novelty
Restoran Ho Seng Kee - Wanton mee in dress sizes - S,M,L,XL,XXL
Botak Assam Fish Head - That assam fish head.
Wah Cai Restoran - Durian fritters. SOLD.
Mat's Corner - Nasi Ambang, the equivalent of our nasi padang.
Seng Huat Fish Soup - Under a rambutan tree, this fresh fish soup gives some meaning to 'dining under a tree'.
Onn Kitchen - As national as roti prata is, this roti canai rocks!
Explore Jalan Dhoby, the equivalent of Haji Lane in JB!
Salahuddin Bakery - Old school bakery
Roost Juice+Bar - Chilling over juices is in vogue
Maco Vintage Cafe - All for their crepe cakes
It Roo Cafe - Chicken Chops best in town
Restoran Hua Mui - The chicken chop war continues
Restoran Kin Hua / Again - Butter coffee, nasi lemak, kaya toast and all things yummy
Hiap Joo Bakery - Banana cake. 'Nuff said.
Sulahuddin Bakery - Old school but not quite my piece of bread
If proper dining environment is a must...
Wan Li Restaurant - Durian prawns are a specialty on their halal certified menu!
Nijyumaru - Affordable japanese fare across the causeway.
Gianni's Trattoria - Cheap italian set lunches all week long
Chez Papa - Ranked tops on Tripadvisor for best French in JB
Bornga - Cheaper than SG!
Jang Won - Cheap, good and...great service!
Seafood Fanatics
TKK Seafood / Again / Again / Again - With a view to kill, the seafood's amazing
Restoran Todak - The other one with neverending crowds and well, seafood
Stayover!
Bliss Boutique Hotel - If you really must, this well located boutique hotel can be considered.
Rennaisance JB / Club Access / Cafe BLD / Wan Li Restaurant - Cushy hotel away from the fuss!
Themeparks
Legoland - The first in asia and...
Cafehopping
Antipodean / Again - Bangsar's an area worth gallivanting in.
Ben's - Their version of P.S. Cafe
Jaslyn Cakes - Worthy of an afternoon tea
Tous Les Jous - Those Castella cakes!
Coffeeshop Hopping
Lucky Garden - One helluva food gem
Places with a view
Gobo Upstairs and Grill - Located at Traders Hotel, the main selling point of Gobo is the twin towers view even at the 6th storey!
Nobu - Another one with a great view, Nobu in SEA!
Uniquely Malaysia...eat and live not to regret.
Madam Kwan's / Again - As authentic as our Bengawan Solo.
Old Town White Coffee - Originally Malaysia.
Restoran Kin Kin - Chilli Pan Mee at its finest
Bijan - Fine malaysian food
Cuisine Gourmet Studio by Nathalie's - Gourmet food by a self taught chef
Overseas Restaurant vs Meng Kee - Even char siew has its own war in KL
Mary Brown's - This trumps KFC somehow
Franchised but tastes so much better here!
Nando's - South African chicken!
Krispy Kreme - Cheaper has to be the buzzword for these donuts
Watering holes with a view
Sky Bar - Perched at 33 storeys and the majestic twin towers in sight - lovely!
Try, try LOR
Restoran Win Seng Hang - Many choices but, nothing spectacular
Durian Durian - Durian sponge cakes
Canton-I - Cute dimsum
Loong Kee Pastries
The Loaf Bakery - Word has it, it's opened by Dr Mahatir
CT Garden Nasi Lemak - Years ago it was so-so, years later lagi so-so
Where to stay!
Ramada Plaza Dua Sentral - Further than it looks
If a ferry's ride away interests you...follow me to Pengerang! There is not much to do in this little town except eat and then eat some more, well of course, buying back goodies would be another.
Jade Garden Seafood - Cheap seafood!
Melaka, Malacca...however I spell it, is a town that I visit every now and then to get my feel of peranakan food.
Stopover at Machap - The pee-refuel stop is so important when taking on hours of driving on the highway. Surprisingly decent eats!
Jonker Street
The streets come alive at night but by day it is a charming stretch, if only traffic does not get the better of it.
Cafe Sin Sing
Jonker 88
One Bite Durian Puff
Stayover
King's Green City Hotel - New and far off from the city center
Eat your fill of Peranakan
but remember this city abides strictly to their 12noon-230pm lunch hour, or till sell out, whichever is earlier!
Donald and Lily's - Every Malaccian I've spoken to seems to have visited this
Ole Sayang
Queue like never before
Baba Charlie - Their supposed best of, for kuehs
Keblang Coconut Shake - Famous all over but be prepared to queue!
Cafe Nadeje - Better than Lady M, methinks.
Fly up to Penang for street food in its finest!
Chulia Mansion - Central and close to everywhere!
You have never been to Penang without trying these
Tiger Char Koay Teow - The one with a mascot.
Famous Ah Leng Char Koay Teow - The priciest but tastiest.
Siam Road Char Koay Teow - The longest queue.
Famous Pinang Road Laksa - Just gravy and noodles, I am sold.
Xiao Xiao Niao Pancake - Apom made with a 15 year old recipe.
Restaurants under a big tree (Apparently, most of the restaurants are and the joke about it is someone could not remember the name and gave us directions with landmarks like "impossible to miss because it's under a big tree!")
Li Va Seafood - Cheap zichar.
Ka Bee Cafe - Seafood by the roadside!
Cafe Hop!
Coffee On The Table - 3D drink art.
Don't bother with these...
Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling Koay Teow Thng (Pitt Street Famous) - I never quite got fishball noodles in Malaysia, neither did I for these eel balls.
Les Macarons De Valerie - Unless you are a fan of buttercream fillings
Gurney Drive - Overpriced tourist trap.
Save some time for...
Street Art in Georgetown!
Worth lugging home...
Gartien Pineapple Tarts - As good as Sunnyhills
Ban Heang - Beh Teh Saw specialist.
Ghee Hiang - Another of their household names.
Johor Bahru // Kuala Lumpur // Pengerang // Malacca // Penang
Across the Causeway to Johor Bahru.
Bak Kut Teh is Malaysia's national dish
Ah Soon Bak Kut Teh - I grew up with this.
Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh - Bak Kut Teh and soy sauce chicken.
Soon Soon Heng - Near KSL Mall and packed with Singaporeans
Hwa Mei Bak Kut Teh / Again / Again - My idea of bestest claypot bkt
Kedai Bak Kut Teh Hin Hock - Steamed fish and bkt, be prepared to wait
Restoran How Win - Least favourite
Nasi Lemak Mania
Warong Pokok Ceri - Literally dining under a cherry tree, so sedap!
Warang Rasa-Rasa - Uh....sedap...not.
Desserts
The Sugar Pantry - Unwind with sugar and tea
Maco Vintage Cafe - All for their crepe cakes
Moonlight Cafe House - Cakes and sugar crafts
Squeeze in some stomach space for these...
D'Laska - Penang Assam Laksa in JB, a mouthwatering treat whilst shopping!
Mon Kee - Freshly baked pastries to nibble and take home.
Bali Coconut - Just for the novelty
Restoran Ho Seng Kee - Wanton mee in dress sizes - S,M,L,XL,XXL
Botak Assam Fish Head - That assam fish head.
Wah Cai Restoran - Durian fritters. SOLD.
Mat's Corner - Nasi Ambang, the equivalent of our nasi padang.
Seng Huat Fish Soup - Under a rambutan tree, this fresh fish soup gives some meaning to 'dining under a tree'.
Onn Kitchen - As national as roti prata is, this roti canai rocks!
Explore Jalan Dhoby, the equivalent of Haji Lane in JB!
Salahuddin Bakery - Old school bakery
Roost Juice+Bar - Chilling over juices is in vogue
Maco Vintage Cafe - All for their crepe cakes
It Roo Cafe - Chicken Chops best in town
Restoran Hua Mui - The chicken chop war continues
Restoran Kin Hua / Again - Butter coffee, nasi lemak, kaya toast and all things yummy
Hiap Joo Bakery - Banana cake. 'Nuff said.
Sulahuddin Bakery - Old school but not quite my piece of bread
If proper dining environment is a must...
Wan Li Restaurant - Durian prawns are a specialty on their halal certified menu!
Nijyumaru - Affordable japanese fare across the causeway.
Gianni's Trattoria - Cheap italian set lunches all week long
Chez Papa - Ranked tops on Tripadvisor for best French in JB
Bornga - Cheaper than SG!
Jang Won - Cheap, good and...great service!
Seafood Fanatics
TKK Seafood / Again / Again / Again - With a view to kill, the seafood's amazing
Restoran Todak - The other one with neverending crowds and well, seafood
Stayover!
Bliss Boutique Hotel - If you really must, this well located boutique hotel can be considered.
Rennaisance JB / Club Access / Cafe BLD / Wan Li Restaurant - Cushy hotel away from the fuss!
Themeparks
Legoland - The first in asia and...
Cafehopping
Antipodean / Again - Bangsar's an area worth gallivanting in.
Ben's - Their version of P.S. Cafe
Jaslyn Cakes - Worthy of an afternoon tea
Tous Les Jous - Those Castella cakes!
Coffeeshop Hopping
Lucky Garden - One helluva food gem
Places with a view
Gobo Upstairs and Grill - Located at Traders Hotel, the main selling point of Gobo is the twin towers view even at the 6th storey!
Nobu - Another one with a great view, Nobu in SEA!
Uniquely Malaysia...eat and live not to regret.
Madam Kwan's / Again - As authentic as our Bengawan Solo.
Old Town White Coffee - Originally Malaysia.
Restoran Kin Kin - Chilli Pan Mee at its finest
Bijan - Fine malaysian food
Cuisine Gourmet Studio by Nathalie's - Gourmet food by a self taught chef
Overseas Restaurant vs Meng Kee - Even char siew has its own war in KL
Mary Brown's - This trumps KFC somehow
Franchised but tastes so much better here!
Nando's - South African chicken!
Krispy Kreme - Cheaper has to be the buzzword for these donuts
Watering holes with a view
Sky Bar - Perched at 33 storeys and the majestic twin towers in sight - lovely!
Try, try LOR
Restoran Win Seng Hang - Many choices but, nothing spectacular
Durian Durian - Durian sponge cakes
Canton-I - Cute dimsum
Loong Kee Pastries
The Loaf Bakery - Word has it, it's opened by Dr Mahatir
CT Garden Nasi Lemak - Years ago it was so-so, years later lagi so-so
Where to stay!
Ramada Plaza Dua Sentral - Further than it looks
If a ferry's ride away interests you...follow me to Pengerang! There is not much to do in this little town except eat and then eat some more, well of course, buying back goodies would be another.
Jade Garden Seafood - Cheap seafood!
Melaka, Malacca...however I spell it, is a town that I visit every now and then to get my feel of peranakan food.
Stopover at Machap - The pee-refuel stop is so important when taking on hours of driving on the highway. Surprisingly decent eats!
Jonker Street
The streets come alive at night but by day it is a charming stretch, if only traffic does not get the better of it.
Cafe Sin Sing
Jonker 88
One Bite Durian Puff
Stayover
King's Green City Hotel - New and far off from the city center
Eat your fill of Peranakan
but remember this city abides strictly to their 12noon-230pm lunch hour, or till sell out, whichever is earlier!
Donald and Lily's - Every Malaccian I've spoken to seems to have visited this
Ole Sayang
Queue like never before
Baba Charlie - Their supposed best of, for kuehs
Keblang Coconut Shake - Famous all over but be prepared to queue!
Cafe Nadeje - Better than Lady M, methinks.
Fly up to Penang for street food in its finest!
Chulia Mansion - Central and close to everywhere!
You have never been to Penang without trying these
Tiger Char Koay Teow - The one with a mascot.
Famous Ah Leng Char Koay Teow - The priciest but tastiest.
Siam Road Char Koay Teow - The longest queue.
Famous Pinang Road Laksa - Just gravy and noodles, I am sold.
Xiao Xiao Niao Pancake - Apom made with a 15 year old recipe.
Restaurants under a big tree (Apparently, most of the restaurants are and the joke about it is someone could not remember the name and gave us directions with landmarks like "impossible to miss because it's under a big tree!")
Li Va Seafood - Cheap zichar.
Ka Bee Cafe - Seafood by the roadside!
Cafe Hop!
Coffee On The Table - 3D drink art.
Don't bother with these...
Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling Koay Teow Thng (Pitt Street Famous) - I never quite got fishball noodles in Malaysia, neither did I for these eel balls.
Les Macarons De Valerie - Unless you are a fan of buttercream fillings
Gurney Drive - Overpriced tourist trap.
Save some time for...
Street Art in Georgetown!
Worth lugging home...
Gartien Pineapple Tarts - As good as Sunnyhills
Ban Heang - Beh Teh Saw specialist.
Ghee Hiang - Another of their household names.