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.

 

THE HOMETOWN GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE SERIES: LUNCH AT RAMADA MERIDIN

   15TH FEBRUARY 2026    ~ As I had had lunch twice at Ramada Meridin, I really had to get my gastronomic adventure buddy, Mr. Redzuan, to come to this place. It was a huge relief that he agreed and we we at the Cafe at about 3:00 p.m.

Fried Kuew Tiaw for me while Mr. Redzuan had Seafood Fried Rice. The combo came with mushroom soup, fruit platters and drinks - and believe it or not, everything only cost RM29.90.

It was the last day of the promotion. Hoping there will be other similar package at the restaurant after the fasting month.

This time, we managed to squeeze in for a short coffee session at Zus Coffee located in Setia Eco Garden.

This was the biggest Zus outlet I had been to and would be a suitable place for people to hang out and chat longer. We now know a new place to go to, just in case we need a place to sit and enjoy the air-conditioned dining hall. 

This could be our last outing before the arrival of Ramadan, or could it be the second last?

MY FIRST RAMADHAN GIFT ARRIVED THIS EVENING

It used to be a gift for Eid. This time, however, the hamper package arrived before Ramadhan, the fasting month.

Thanks to my Chinese ex-colleagues of SMK Mutiara Rini for the kind thought. I really appreciate the kind gesture, not only now but every year.

SPOT THE ERROR 224

HINT #1: the error is in sentence 4 in the list.

HINT #2: spelling error

 

TWO WEDDING RECEPTIONS AT THE NEIGHBOURS' HOUSES IN ONE AFTERNOON

There were two wedding receptions that needed to be attended at neighbours' houses this afternoon.

WEDDING #1

The first one was of the neighbour opposite my house. Guess I had no reason not to attend despite the fact that we were notified only last night.

Thank God there were Surau [small community mosque] goer friends who were also attending the event.

WEDDING #2

The next reception happened four houses away from mine, right beside the Surau.

I just took the kuih [traditional dessert] and watermelon as I didn't think I could eat more. I actually had an upset stomach after that for eating too much.

This should be the very last wedding receptions before fasting starts next Thursday. What a relief!