MEETING AN EX-CLASSMATE/SCHOOLMATE IN GELANG PATAH

My ex-classmate/schoolmate of Budiman class, SMS Muar, informed me in the Whatsapp group in the morning that he would be in town. A dinner date was promptly made and we decided to meet at Alsafa Restaurant in Gelang Patah.

This was my second time visiting this Mamak restaurant and the first one took place last month [READ HERE].

 

Fried Rice

Fried Maggi Noodles

Chicken and Beef Sate

We bade our goodbyes for now at about 10:15 p.m. and God willing, we will see each other again. Thanks to Mr. Abdul Razak Sapian for always contacting me when he is back in Johor Bahru. He is one of the few school friends that I frequently see up until now.

THE FAREWELL LUNCH WITH UPM TESL FRIENDS

   24TH SEPTEMBER 2026    ~ It was only a short staycation trip for ladies of UPM TESL Class of 1993 in Johor Bahru. They stayed only for one night and before going home, we all met again one more time for lunch. The venue this time was Chamek Kopitiam in Taman Universiti.

Fried Rice

Mee Bandung

I had Mee Bandung this time and even though the gravy was not that thick as it should be, the taste was still good. There was not too much food ordered as the girls were still full from their buffet breakfast at the hotel earlier.

Mushroom Soup

Fried Sweet Potato

I met three ex-colleagues of SMK Taman Universiti who were having lunch there before leaving.

Two people were taking the train back to Kuala Lumpur while the other lady took a flight to Ipoh right after. Parting is such sweet sorrow. Nevertheless, it was a pleasant reunion session cum gastronomic adventure in Johor Bahru. Hoping they would stay longer if they decide to visit the city again next time.

MY BANDAR PENAWAR GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE - PART 4

  17TH SEPTEMBER 2026   ~ The short staycation in Pengerang had come to an end and we decided to get lunch before leaving. This time it was another restaurant in Bandar Penawar that was featured on TikTok.

We were already outside Kaffelbait a few minutes before 1:00 p.m. We officiated the opening of the restaurant on that day and were the earliest diners checking in for lunch.

We had Fried Rice and Char Kuew Tiau that afternoon and some fancy drinks. I just realized I did not have a photo of myself or a selfie because the friendly chef came out of the kitchen and chatted with us.

THE REVIEW: The food was good and the portion was big. You could also opt for western food for your meal. Now I know of a good eating place if I am to get to Bandar Penawar after this.

MY BANDAR PENAWAR GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE - PART 2

   16th SEPTEMBER 2026   ~ We had to drive more than 20km for dinner to Dapur Kembar. I had bought a hotel in room in Pengerang and the original plan was actually to stay in Desaru. My gastronomic adventure buddy discovered this place on TikTok so we wanted to give it a try.

When we arrived at about 8:00 p.m. all the tables were taken. We had to wait for quite some time and at one point, we decided to make a move and find another eating place. Then only, people started leaving and we managed to be seated for our meal. Guess people came at that same time for dinner that evening.

The foods ordered were Sate, Fried Rice and Fried Noodles. The portion was big and the food was quite spicy but that was alright for me.

Based on the crowd we met at the restaurant, this could be a popular place among the locals. One place you would consider for a decent dinner in Bandar Penawar.

IF YOU CANNOT GO TO TANJUNG PIAI, TANJUNG PIAI WILL COME TO YOU

The popular original branch of Kopi Tenggek was in Tanjung Piai, Pontian. Nevertheless, one doesn't have to travel far to get the food and drinks from that place as there was a branch located in Larkin.

I visited the one in Tanjung Piai in May 2024 but it was for breakfast. [READ HERE]

My friend and I were there for our late lunch at about 2:45 p.m. and only a few tables were taken.

The place was spacious and it had an open concept as diners would not be confined by the four walls.

I had this rice which was like Nasi Arab while my gastronomic adventure buddy opted for fried rice. For one thing, the portion was big and the fried chicken was also bigger than the regular one sold in restaurants.

Guess I have to come back to this place to try the other items on its menu soon.

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.