KACANG POOL HAJI REVISITED AFTER TWO DAYS

I was at Kacang Pool Haji Restaurant two days ago [READ HERE] and I was again this evening with Mr. Syazwan Shavarein, an ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti. He, who is now residing and working in Kuala Lumpur, must have missed the Johor version of Kacang Pool very much.

I, on the other hand, chose to have Lontong Goreng this time. It was like Fried Rice except the rice came in the form of compressed small cubes.

It was just a short chat session over early supper but it was good to get ourselves updates with all the recent happenings. He will be in town more frequently soon for work related matters and that could mean frequent meetings could happen.

THERE IS ALWAYS A FIRST TIME AT SS9 FOOD COURT

   26th AUGUST 2026    ~ I was at Plaza Pelangi and I was about to leave, I saw an ex-colleague [of SMK Dato' Jaafar], Mr. Amirulhakim and his son. So I went back into the computer shop again with them and eventually, we decided to get supper right after.

The nearest and most accessible venue was SS9 Food Court which was just beside the mall. This was our first time here. I had been driving past this place but never had the chance to visit and see what was available there.

The supper was a heavy one - a plate of chicken and beef sate for the three of us.

The first impression of SS9 food court was positive. Now we know where to take our friends to eat when they come visiting.

THE IMPROMPTU EARLY SUPPER WITH AN EX-STUDENT

I was notified by Mr. Radin Mohd. Hafiz at about 8:15 p.m. that he was at the mosque nearby. I quickly decided to meet him over early supper at a Mamak restaurant which was a stone's throw away from home.

He is an alumni of SMK Taman Universiti [SPM batch 2002, I think] and now working and residing in Ipoh. He is back in Johor Bahru, visiting his family during the long weekends.

The last time we met was in June last year [READ HERE]. It was kind of him to still contact me although at the eleventh hour and it was a pleasure to meet him again after a long time.

OF A SUPPER DATE AND AN UNEXPECTED REUNION

   10TH JULY 2026    ~ Originally it was a supper date with Mr. Firdaos, an ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti. The place to meet was Ariffin Maju, a Mamak Restaurant located at Bukit Impian, somewhere in Taman Impian Emas.

As we were enjoying our Chapati, someone came to our table and he introduced himself as my ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti too. An unexpected reunion took place and it was a pleasure to be greeted by someone whom you used to know many years ago.

Thanks to Mr. Shahrizal who approached me and thanks also for paying for our supper. Happiness is when someone introduces himself/herself as an ex-student even though I might not be able to recall his/her name.

THERE IS ALWAYS A FIRST TIME AT TEBING BANDAR DATO' ONN

Mr. Syazwan Shavarein [an ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti] was in town. We decided to meet up for supper at place called Tebing in Bandar Dato' Onn, the first time for both of us. Mr. Syazwan was home to take care of his father who was warded in the hospital nearby.

We just bought drinks from the food court there and Mr. Syazwan had the snacks packed for us.

We then walked around the place where there were food stalls and people enjoying their food in the open. There were still a lot of people at 10:00 p.m. even though it would be a working day the next day.

We bade "goodbye" to each other after that as Mr. Syazwan needed to get back to his father. Hoping to see him again some other time when he is back in JB.

THE SUPPER SESSION THAT TOOK PLACE AT KFC STULANG LUAT

   23rd APRIL 2026    ~  The main reason why we wanted to have supper at this particular KFC restaurant in Stulang Laut was because of its strategic location. It was situated right by the sea, Selat Tebrau [TRANSLATE: straits] to be exact. I myself, a local of the city, had never set foot at this eating place. When Mr. Norazman who was here [from Kuala Lumpur] for work wanted to go there, I agreed without any hesitation.

The indoor eating area was spacious and the were two levels. Diners also had the option to enjoy the food outside. Originally we wanted to stay outdoor as this would be a unique experience.

EXPECTATION: it would be a memorable date, sitting and enjoying the food, while admiring the scenic view of the lights from Singapore in the background with the sound of the waves running to the beach.

REALITY: There was this unpleasant smell that could be caused by the stagnant water which would make eating outdoor impossible. Nevertheless, we could still see people staying in the dining area outside despite the terrible odour.

We quickly ran inside with our food and enjoyed our supper in an air-conditioned dining area which was much more comfortable.

By now, we already knew what to expect if we were to go there again some other time in the future. At least, we don't have to compete with other people find empty seats outside.

THE SUPPER SESSION AT KALCER

   22ND APRIL 2026   ~ The initial plan was to eat Laksa Johor in Kampung Melayu. Unfortunately, the place was about to close when we arrived after 10:00 p.m. as everything was already sold out. Plan B was to just go to another place just beside it called Kalcer.

There were many people dining in when we arrived and more were still arriving when we were about to enjoy our supper.

We ordered pizza to complement our coffee. The pizza was delicious and I now know of a new place where to get good food. For one thing, I seemed to be the eldest person around at that time. Guess the place catered the needs and taste of the young ones.

That was my very first time at Kalcer in Kampung Melayu and it all happened without prior plan with a friend from Kuala Lumpur who was in town for work, Mr. Norazman.

MY HOMETOWN GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE: DINNER/SUPPER AT McD

  

A dinner/supper date was set with Mr. Norazman before going back to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow. The most convenient venue was McDonald's restaurant at Stulang Laut, which was near to his homestay. I could not remember when was the last time I ate in a McD restaurant.

The last time I ate at this particular outlet was 6 years ago, with a good friend who had passed away [READ HERE].

This McD outlet should be a popular one as the dining area was full and finding a parking spot could be a challenge. One even had to pay a parking fee to get into the place.

Thanks to Mr. Norazman for his time and company. Hope to see him again when he is back in town for work or when I travel up north to Kuala Lumpur.