STOPPING BY IN MERSING FOR LUNCH

    29TH JULY 2026     ~ After checking out from our accommodation in Pantai Mawar in Endau, we stopped by in Mersing on the way back to Johor Bahru.

My friend wanted to have lunch here at this shop called Manis-Manis, located in a food court in the town centre after seeing the video on TikTok. We were actually expecting a proper dessert shop but it turned up something different. We still decided to just get lunch as it was getting late.

There were many people at the food court, mostly school students, teachers and office workers. They were also having late lunch like we did.

Keropok Lekor

Fried Rice #1

Fried Rice #2

That should be the concluding gastronomic adventure for our short vacation in Endau. However, that was definitely the last eating out session with my regular gastronome.

THE GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE AT PANTAI PENYABONG

     29th JUNE 2026     ~ During our stay at Pantai Mawar, we had to drive a bit to Pantai Penyabong to get breakfast. There was this food court with a few stalls but only a few were operating in the morning. We were too lazy to hunt for food somewhere else and the beach was the easiest spot.

There were many people that Monday morning who looked like locals. I wonder if they were all not working that day.

I had a plate of Nasi Dagang which I would rate as an average grade.

My friend ordered Mee Soto but unfortunately it tasted more like Mee Soup. There was no taste of Soto spices in the bowl.

The Pulut Panggang [sticky rice in banana leaf with spicy shredded coconut filling] was delicious as it was grilled on the spot.

We had to leave as it was time to do some exploring at Pantai Mawar right after, before it got too hot.

THE GATSRONOMIC ADVENTURE AT PANTAI MAWAR

    28th JUNE 2026    ~ We stayed at Pantai Mawar Chalet for our staycation [READ HERE] and was delighted to find out there was an eating place nearby, about 400 metres away. I was actually informed by the owner of the stall much earlier. That meant we did not have to drive further to Endau town to hunt for dinner.

The place which was called Qaseh Bonda Corner was quite popular based on the number of diners I saw coming and going when I was there.

Food was good and I had nothing to complain. except I forgot to take a photo of my friend and I there like I used to do. We must have been very hungry at that time.

THERE IS ALWAYS A FIRST TIME AT TASTY CHAPATHI

6TH JULY 2026 ~ Before going back to Johor Bahru, there was this last gastronomic adventure gathering with Mr. Ridwan Wahid [and his wife] and Puan Adila Ahmad, two friends of UPM TESL Class of 1993.

The chosen restaurant was Tasty Chapathi located at The Curve Shopping Mall. We went Indian at this restaurant, trying for the first time its Northern Indian meal. I actually had the same meal the day before with other ex-schoolmates but at a different place [READ HERE].

for future reference

The food was good and it was worth coming back for more. We could not stay for long as I had a train to catch at 3:00 p.m. Thanks to Mr. Ridwan for the treat. Hope to see all of them again soon when I am back in Kuala Lumpur next month.

ATTENDING THE WEDDING RECEPTION OF MR MUHD FAIZ YUSOF

    18th JULY 2026    ~ Right after the event in Sanglang, Pontian [READ HERE], I drove homebound to attend another wedding reception in the Community Hall at Taman Pulai Utama. It was the wedding of an ex-student's, Mr. Muhd. Faiz Yusof.

I arrived at about 2:30 p.m. expecting to be one of the latecomers but there were still many guests in the hall.

The food was still aplenty. I was still full from the feast from the previous event, so I just went for the "kuih", cakes and dessert.

Pn. Zakiah, an ex-colleague

There were some ex-students who were also present and I met one ex-colleague with her husband.

Thanks Mr. Faiz for your kind thought of inviting me to your reception. Wishing you both a lifetime filled with love, laughter, happiness and countless beautiful memories. May your journey together be blessed every step of the way.