THE BRUNCH SESSION IN KUANTAN WITH TESL FRIENDS

 

   26TH JANUARY 2026    ~ When we were in Kuantan attending a TESL friend's daughter's reception [READ HERE], Puan Aunillah Hilmi was kind enough to invite us to her lovely house in Bandar Indera Mahkota for brunch the next day.

Puan Aunillah, her husband and daughter were ready to entertain us when we arrived at about 9:30 a.m. The dining table was already filled with all kind of delicious food, waiting for us.

Nasi Dagang

the star of the house

We even had a piano recital performance after eating.

Marvellous food, great company, endless chatting session. We could only leave after the Zohor prayer time as we had other excursion activity right after.

I got to thank Puan Aunillah Hilmi and her family one more time for having us at her home for brunch. It was indeed another memorable TESL gathering in Kuantan.

THE CHINESE NEW YEAR LUNCH DATE AT A MAMAK RESTAURANT

Masala Tea

   17TH FEBRUARY 2026    ~ I wanted to pass the CNY cookies to Miss Grace Choo, and she suggested we met up for lunch instead. The chosen venue was Q Bistro at Taman Mutiara Mas, a Mamak that I wanted to go as this was one of two branches in Johor Bahru. Before this, I got to eat at three outlets in Kuala Lumpur/Selangor.

Fried Noodles

Miss Grace Choo was the person who had been giving me a lot of assistance when I was still teaching in SMK Taman Universiti. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, especially when dealing with issues involving Chinese students and parents. It was good to have the chance to sit and chat longer as it used to be a "hi" and "bye" kind of thing before this.

I met another students' father who was also eating at the restaurant with his grandson, Dr. Mohd. Fua'ad Rahmat. I taught four of his children when they were in school. He was also one of the Chairman of the school's Parents Teacher Association once.

THE VERY LAST GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF RAMADHAN THIS YEAR

Just one day before fasting starts in the month of Ramadhan, the plan to go on the very last gastronomic adventure was successfully executed.

Someone wanted to go to this cafe called Aturan located in Taman Universiti so badly. We went there actually a fortnight ago but it was closed. Fortunately, it was operating when we arrived today.

We were there at about 3:00 p.m. for lunch. There was just one group of diners who seemed to be the owner's friends or relatives.

Buttermilk Chicken Rice

Buttermilk Salted Egg Chicken Rice

THE VERDICT: Food was tasty but the portion of the rice was quite small. We had to wait quite long for the orders to be served despite the fact that there were no other customers around. This could surely be improved in the future unless the cook really needs the time to prepare the food so as to make it delicious.

Thanks to Mr. Redzuan, my regular gastronomic adventure buddy for the one last eating out trip before the fasting month. Hopefully we could still meet for breaking fast in Ramadhan.

THE ANNUAL CNY GET TOGETHER WITH MR NG CHING KAI

   16th FEBRUARY 2026    ~ Chinese New Year is here again and it is customary to have a meeting with an ex-student of SMK Taman Universiti, Mr. Ng Ching Kai. He who is currently working in Kuala Lumpur is back home to celebrate the festival with his family.

The chosen place was Seven Oaks Bakey Cafe located in Taman Pelangi. Initially we wanted to go to another cafe nearby but it was closed at 4:00 p.m. on that day.

It was great to get to see Mr. Ng again after one year. I really appreciate what he has been doing all this while, to see me every year without fail. I need to thank him for the time and company, the gift and the treat as well. Hope to see him again next year, and many more years to come.