Atlas Coffee Embassy @ Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bharu

Atlas Coffee Embassy @ Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bharu

We surfed the net and knew that this "Atas" Coffee Embassy (oops, correction: it is "Atlas Coffee Embassy") serves decent whole day breakfast. It definitely does not look like a cafe from its exterior design, but rather a designer office? I like its simple yet modern design and the combination of black, white and grey.

Atlas Coffee Embassy is located at Mount Austin, the not-so-new residential area which is getting famous lately for lots of good foods. Atlas Coffee Embassy is highly recommended as one of the good place for American breakfast and their coffee. Honestly, we were attracted by the foods' photos posted by the netizens and visited this cafe without knowing the taste of the foods. 

Their menu is all written on a piece of Kraft paper- simple, low cost but practical, it is pretty true that no matter how good looking or expensive a menu is, it will end up in bad condition after flipping thru by the customers after certain period of time. I really like their idea.

How to place your order? If you opt for all-day breakfast, you can place your order by marking on the laminated white cardboard, with the choices of 3 items. 5 items or 7 items. Yeah, you can decide what is going to be on your plate.

Other than all-day breakfast, the cafe also serves salad, waffles, pancakes, soup and light snacks, which are all written on the Kraft paper.

This is the multiple-tasks station where you place your order and the baristas work. Also, the bottom part of the station has been designed and utilised to be a book rack, with some magazines.

The space organisation is very good, rendering the cafe looks spacious. Right in front of the entrance, is the L-shape tall table and chairs, then near to the wall, there are s stretch of bigger tables for 2 pax - 4 pax.

Going further, you could see the canteen style tables which could accommodate 6-8 people. 

Affogato  RM15.90
 Mixture of espresso with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Sorry for being "sua-gu", we ordered this because we have not had it before ;P 

It is special that there is no creamer or milk added, and the vanilla ice cream and caramel play their roles to sweeten the coffee. The coffee is further topped with some crunchy nuts, which provides different layers of texture. The drinking way is up to the creativity of the diner too? This is just my thought, perhaps you could stir the vanilla ice cream well with the coffee before drinking OR to taste the coffee and the ice cream separately. 

All Day Breakfast RM15.90 (3 items) / RM18.90 (5 items) /RM21.90 (7 items)

I opted for 5 items, which comprised of grilled mushrooms, bacon, sausage, harsh brown and scrambled eggs, all are my favourites! Every breakfast set will be served together with toasts and salad, to balance up the diet. 

I like their home-made harsh brown, with the golden brown and crispy outer layer, but soft and melt-in-the mouth texture inside. 

Butter & Syrup  RM12.90

Waffles with butter and maple syrup - the classic matches. Nothing much to shout about, but the batter is well mixed, hence it is crispy and not easily soggy. 

This is a great place which is highly recommended for breakfast or high tea. Even if you are alone, Atlas Coffee Embassy definitely has the good and quiet environment for you to have a decent coffee and spend an afternoon for a good book.

Address : Atlas Coffee Embassy

32 Jalan Austin Heights 8/7,

Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru

GPS :  N1 33.50 E103 46.43

FB : Atlas Coffee Embassy

Website : http://www.atlascoffeemy.com/

Business Hour : 8.30am - 11.00pm

Tel : 07-358 7546

Sushi Zanmai @ KOMTAR JBCC, Johor Bharu

Sushi Zanmai  @ KOMTAR JBCC, Johor Bharu

Sushi Zanmai, our all times favourite during university days back in Klang Valley, has finally came to Johor Bahru Town early this year, rooted in Johor Bahru City Centre a.k.a JBCC KOMTAR. It was a big crowded during our first visit here and we actually queued for half an hour to get seated.

Had the Edamame as snacks pending the rest of the dishes to be served.

Didn't really to put attention to the name of this maki dish, we were just too attracted by the lovely green colour fish roe and more importantly, it was on the promotion menu. The deep-fried soft shell crab are in the middle, provided different layers of biting texture. The mayonnaise, although are more for the purpose of garnishing, rendering it tasted refreshing. 

This is my favourite grilled squid, but turned out to be quite disappointed. Undeniably, it looks good with the even golden brown colour, perhaps it wasn't immediately served after cooked, it turned cold and becomes rubbery.

Hiyashi Chuka, it is colourful as usual, but not only nice to see, it was also delicious to eat too. The prawn and the scallop were fresh. I especially like cold noodles in Japanese restaurant, because different from the normal soup noodles, it is very refreshing hence I won't feel surfeited with having more. 

Salmon Avocado Maki with abundant of shredded radish is a very healthy and handy dish. I like it.

Yummy Japanese ice cream as our dessert, ordered two flavours, a yuzu (citrus) sorbet ice cream and a traditional black sesame ice cream. Both are good, but from different perspectives, yuzu sorbet ice cream is more to fruity flavour, the hidden shredded yuzu skin further stimulated the taste bud.

Black sesame ice cream is very creamy but smooth, marked a perfect end to our sumptuous dinner! 

Address : SUSHI ZANMAI (KOMTAR JBCC)

Lot 209, Level 2, KOMTAR JBCC,

Johor Bahru City Centre,

80000 Johor Bahru.

Business Hours: 10.00 am - 10.00 pm

FB : https://www.facebook.com/sushizanmai

Tel : 07 - 300 5035 / 012 348 3080

Carabao Authentic Thai Restaurant @ Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir , Johor Bharu

Carabao Authentic Thai Restaurant @ Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir , Johor Bharu

"The name CARABAO actually means ‘Buffalo’ in Tagolog, and the idea was conceived during an inspiring trip to Chengmai in year 2002. The founder Andi decided to name his business venture after his Harley Davidson Biker's friend who by incident is also the name of the famous Thai Rock Band with Folk Style Music - CARABAO.

Imagine a resort-style setting in the heart of the city complete with lush greenery and cool breeze ready to whet your appetite."

(Quoted from: http://www.carabaorestaurant.com/about.htm)

The restaurant is made entirely of wood, the overall environment sufficiently makes us immersed into the strong feel of nature, it is indeed a new experience for us to dine in at a place without a single brick and cement. The restaurant is also divided into two parts, one part is the main dining space with regular wooden tables and chairs, their part provides Chiang Mai "Kantoke" cubicle style seating. 

Tomyam Seafood Clear Soup 海鲜东炎清汤 RM18.90

Tom Yam soup is a MUST in Thai restaurant and we especially like clear soup version which we "deem" it to taste lighter (compared to red colour tom yam that normally comes with a layer of chili oil on top). Anyway, the clear soup version does not lose to red colour tom yam, in respect of its hotness and spiciness. With the fragrance of lime leaves and lemongrass, this boiling hot soup definitely opens up our appetite. 

Thai Sizzling Taufu  泰式铁板豆腐  RM14.90 

This is more to Chinese cuisine, not too bad as the ingredients used are very generous (prawn, squid, minced chicken and mushroom). However, the gravy is of a bit overly thick, so if you don't eat it fast, it will end up like glue.

Curry Leaf Prawn 咖哩叶虾  RM19.90

We hardly see the wet version of salted egg prawn in Johor Bahru, and so this dish in the menu (with the tempting picture) attracted our attention. Its name is curry leave prawn in the menu, but the gravy is mainly made from salted egg and butter with a hint of curry leave, not overly strong. This is very good to go with rice and we really like it.

This is another section of the restaurant, with Chiang Mai "Kantoke" cubicle style seating. The whole restaurant is open air without air-conditioning, and with all the ferns plants in the premises, it really makes us back to the nature.

Overall, the dining experience here was good. We find this place very suitable for gathering or small party, as it is very spacious and according to the owner, it can accommodate up to 200 people. Despite the good food, there is room for improvement on their service, the dishes were served slow and maybe short-handed, it is quite hard to get response from the waiters even after we waived our hands few times.

  

Address : Carabao Authentic Thai Restaurant

16, Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir

80250 Johor Bahru  

GPS : N1 28.751 E103 45.584

Business Hours : 12.00pm - 3.00pm / 6.00pm - 1.00am

Website : http://www.carabaorestaurant.com/contact.htm

Tel : 07-335 9333

Taman Tasek Kuey Tiao Kia 南滨园粿条仔 @ Jalan Tasek, Johor Bharu

Taman Tasek Kuey Tiao Kia 南滨园粿条仔 @ Jalan Tasek, Johor Bharu

There are few famous Kuey Teow Kia stalls in town, at different locations. Taman Tasek Keuy Teow Kia is open in the morning and close after lunch hour. This stall is a hidden gem in Taman Tasek, sitting quietly and harmoniously in a small food court, with two other Malay stalls. We actually spent sometime to look for this stall, although Taman Tasek is not that big. For your information, it is just situated at the back of Maybank Taman Tasek, but its appearance is not so obvious.

  

Deng! The herbal base of the Kuey Teow Kia is lighter in coulour (compared to Wen Qiang Kuey Teow Kia in Stulang) but surprisingly flavourful and goes well with the plain kuey teow.

Our selection of side dishes: Braised eggs, pork skin, preserved vegetable, intestines and pork belly. Thumbs up to the pork skin, it was cleaned properly and all the hairs are removed thoroughly. It is smooth but crunchy, rich of collagen! All the other dishes are not bad too, probably after long hours braising, every dish is fully absorbed with the herbal essence.

This is where the stall located. In fact, we just could not see it from outside and we made few rounds in the residential area without notifying this famous stall under the blessed big tree. 

P/S: This is not the only hidden gem in the same area, you just could not imagine that there is another famous homey style Tze-Char shop located in the second row shoplots, sitting between the workshops.

Address : Taman Tasek Kuey Tiao Kia 南滨园粿条仔

Jalan Tasek 

GPS : N 1 29.123 E 103 43.354

(Near Maybank branch, entrance to Taman Tasek)

Bussiness Hour : 7am - 2.30pm (Off Sunday & Monday)

Say Yes Hong Kong Dim Sum 思源香港点心 @ Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, Johor

Say Yes Hong Kong Dim Sum 思源香港点心 @ Taman Sutera Utama, Skudai, Johor

Say Yes was highly promoted by the facebook kakis when it first opened. With its quality dishes, it still maintains its reputation until today. Based on our observation during few visits to Say Yes, it is normally crowded during public holidays and weekends. It was once that we needed to queue up for half an hour before we got seated.  

The floor is laid with small floor tiles, I really like the nostalgic feel.  

Chilled Flower Jelly 桂花糕

We were always tempted by the chilled flower jelly in Hong Kong drama but it is rarely available in Johor Bahru. So, we were very excited seeing this dish in the menu, this is the first item that we say yes to. The texture is more to Agar-Agar in Malaysia, which is crispy. It is very refreshing with the slight fragrance from the flowers and the Chinese wolf berries. The sweetness is just right to our taste.

Chicken Feet 凤爪

The steamed chicken feet is also not too bad, cooked until fall-off-the-bone soft. The long hours cooking also render the chicken feet fully absorb the marinade.

BBQ Pork Bun 叉烧包

The char siew bun, comes in three pieces with their nicely bloom. The dough is very fluffy and the filling is moist .

Fresh Shrimp Dumpling  虾饺

And definitely we will not miss out their shrimp dumpling, it is so tempting with bright pink chunks of plump shrimp veiled in thin, translucent dough.

Shanghai Xiao Long Bao 小笼包

BBQ Pork Cheong-Fun 叉烧肠粉

This Cheong Fun is not so excellent, perhaps I do not like the overwhelmed smell of coriander which takes away the shine of the char siew.

Deep Fried Beancurd Roll with Shrimp 虾卷

Yum yum, the deep fried beancurd roll with shrimp. I like the whole prawn in the crispy and crunchy beancurd skin. The filling is with coriander too (maybe the owner is a lover to coriander?), but the portion is just appropriate.

Baked Mini Egg Tarts 迷你蛋塔

The mini egg tarts are take-away items, but it is really delicious when it is hot from the oven!

Pan Fried Carrot Cake with Preserved Meat 煎萝卜糕

Baked Bun with Honey Pork 雪领叉烧包

The baked version char siew bun has really surprised us. The texture of the dough is similar to butter cookies, but slightly softer than that. It is amazing and highly recommended.

Century Egg & Shredded Pork Porridge 皮蛋粥

Steamed Pork Dumpling Black Mushroom 烧卖

Steamed Custard Bun With Salted Egg 旋风金黄流沙飽

Their Salted Egg Custard Bun is dressed in whirlwind pattern, it is so cute and different, right? This will definitely attract kids' attention the most.

Address : Say Yes Hong Kong Dim Sum 思源香港点心

64 & 66, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/3,

Taman Sutera Utama,

81300 Johor Bharu

GPS : N 1 30.924  E 103 40.101

Bussiness Hour : 8am - 10pm

FB : 思源香港点心 Say Yes Hong Kong Dim Sum

Tel : 07-5622572

The Brazzo House @ Jalan Serampang, Johor Bharu

The Brazzo House @ Jalan Serampang, Johor Bharu

The Brazzon House is no longer strange to JB folks, as it has expanded its business from Jalan Serampang to Taman Ponderosa and Danga Bay. We went to the one in Jalan Serampang, being the first outlet in Johor Bahru. It operates from a bungalow lot, hence there are ample parking lots within the compound of the restaurant. 

Although located at a quiet residential area, The Brazzo House is extremely lively at night even on weekdays. You may need to wait to be seated if no prior reservation is made. The restaurant is divided into few sections, the outdoor seats for smoker, the area with the liquor bar and the indoor dining area.

Soft Shell Crab 软壳蟹 RM19.80

We ordered the soft shell crab as appetizer. I would say the portion is quite generous for the price, it is also crunchy but juicy. If you are here for happy hour, this dish will definitely be the perfect beer food.

Grilled Chicken Thigh  RM18.90

The grilled chicken thigh is served with french fries and salad. The sauce is very tasty with the fruity sweetness from raisin (or dried berry), matched well with the grilled chicken thigh. The salad is dressed with sesame sauce, complement the fresh vegetables perfectly. 

Germany Trio Sausage  RM39.80

The Germany Sausage is served on the "wooden chopping board", come together with salad and mashed potato. The texture of the sausage is good and not too soft, coated with the special sauce, very appetizing! 

Black Forest Cake 黑森林蛋糕  RM11

Ended our meal with Black Forest Cake, the dessert here is of average, nothing much to shout about.

The Brazzo House is open during lunch hour too and the spread of set lunch is similar sumptuous compared to the dishes offered during dinner time, and the best part is it is CHEAPER and more WORTHY! So, it is recommended to visit The Brazzo House during lunch hour.

Address : The Brazzo House

127, Jalan Serampang, 

Taman Sri Tebrau, 80050, JB

GPS : N 1 29.115 E 103 46.555

Business Hour : 12pm - 1am

FB : The Brazzo House

Tel : +607-3362650

Lemon Tree Restaurant @ Taman Melodies, Johor Bharu

Lemon Tree Restaurant @ Taman Melodies, Johor Bharu

Lemon Tree is a long-established cafe, nestled in the neighbourhood of Taman Melodies, a place where you hardly think of the existence of a lovely cafe. The cafe occupies 2 adjacent lots, one is of the open concept, the other one is closed and with more privacy.  

The low profile outer look of the cafe, but the interior set-up, although cannot beat some of the newly established modern cafe, has indeed surprised us. Curios about their interior design? Pay a visit to Lemon Tree to check it out!

Cream of Mushroom  RM5.50

We ordered a cream mushroom soup as starter. It is creamy and the taste is just right, not too salty.

Ham and Cheese Chicken Chop  RM12.80

It is sumptuous to have cheese, ham and chicken thigh on the same plate. The saltiness of the cheese and ham complements the chicken chop very well, rendering it flavourful without much seasoning.

Tropical Hawaiian Pizza  RM17.80

Pizza here is highly recommended. The portion of chess is generous, every bite is with the cheese melting in my mouth. Ham, capsicum, pineapples are the soul of Hawaiian Pizza and this pizza from Lemon Tree is definitely one of the best. 

Address : Lemon Tree Restaurant

18, Jalan Bedara,

Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bharu

GPS : N 1 29.505 E 103 45.721

Business Hour : 12pm - 11pm

FB : Lemon Tree