Hua Mui Coffee Shop 华美茶餐室 (Malaysia, Johor Bahru)

Hua Mui Coffee Shop 华美茶餐室 is a popular two storey Hainanese coffee shop (aka Kopitiam) located near the causeway. To be exact, it is a 15 minutes walk away from City Square! This coffee shop has been operating since 1946, serving both both Chinese and Western cuisine (do note they have been certified halal). I first read about this place through Johor Kaki Blog and had shortlisted this as a place to try one day. That one day came 2 years later!

When we arrived on a weekday morning, the ground level of the restaurant was full. We headed up to the 2nd level. Do be careful, as the steps are quite steep at the upper half.

The 2nd level had more seating capacity compared to the first. It was well ventilated. It was a pleasant surprised when I found out that my mobile phone was able to detect Singapore's M1 service at the 2nd level! =)

Menu Cover

The menu cover.

Menu

Menu

Menu

The extensive menu which offers a variety of western, rice, noodle, meat, sides, soup, sandwiches, bread, prata, beverages and even desserts.

Condiments

The condiments on every table. There's also the green chilli which was not on this table.

Tea RM1.60 , Coffee RM1.60

I drank the Coffee RM1.60. It was really just so-so. It was thick, but not aromatic and was too sweet for me. Most people patronise Hua Mui for its coffee. Maybe its just me (who do not like the coffee).  

Butter and Kaya Toast RM1.60

The charcoal grilled Butter and Kaya Toast RM1.60 was also just averaged.

Mee Hua Mui RM6

I saw most people ordering the Singapore Style Bee Boon. But coming from Singapore, I refused to ordered this dish and decided to try the Mee Hua Mui (did not see anyone ordering this) instead. It was a stupid decision, I should have followed the crowd.

The Mee Hua Mui RM6 was just average with nothing much to shout about. The gravy was a disappointment as it was flavourful enough and it was not well mixed; some parts were just too gooey with lumps.

Hainanese Chicken Chop RM12

Just when I thought that it was a mistake coming here, the Hainanese Chicken Chop saved the day!

Hainanese Chicken Chop RM12

The Hainanese Chicken Chop RM12 (signature dish) served with green peas, tomatoes, potatoes with light brown mushroom sauce was superbly executed. On the exterior the batter was thin while both the batter and skin was fried till it was so crispy! The interior was amazingly succulent. The light brown mushroom sauce was light yet tasty. The only complain I had was that the sauce was cold.

This coffee shop still uses the traditional way of delivering food to the 2nd level.

To keep the authenticity of the outlet, they have retained the traditional pulley system! As you can see in the above photo, the food for customers at the 2nd level are placed on the tray linked to the pulley system. Then one of the staff at the 2nd level would use the pull system to pull up the tray of food.

The Hainanese Chicken Chop is a must try at Hua Mui Coffee Shop! If I come again, I will also want to try the Singapore Style Bee Hoon. If you have tried it before, do let me know!

Hua Mui Coffee Shop 华美茶餐室 (Malaysia, Johor Bahru)

No 131, Jalan Trus
80000 Johor Bahru
Tel: 07 224 7364
Opening Hours: daily 730am to 930pm

No 50, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/4
Tmn Sutera Utama, 81300Skudai, Johor

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Han's Cafe (Suntec City)

Editor Note: Han's Cafe at Suntec City will be cease operation from 27th Feb 2013. 

Han's Cafe has been a household name since the 70s. I still remember when I was a kid, we frequently patronise Han's for their cakes. Back then they sold only cakes were considered cheap and good! Over the years, Han's Cafe has commercialised and is now a F&B chain  restaurant serving not just cakes and pasty but also a wide variety of food such as sandwiches, western cuisines (e.g. Fish & Chips, Chicken Chop, Pork Chop, Steak, Spaghetti), chinese cuisine (.e.g Hor Fun, Fried Rice). In 2007, they have converted some of their outlets to Hanis which serves food that are Halal certified. 

Han's Cafe at Suntec was relatively empty on a Saturday evening. It was easy finding a seat and ordering, a contrast to the other neighbouring restaurants such as Sakae Sushi which was packed.

After ordering, customers are required to collect some of their orders such as drinks, soup, bread and cakes (if they have ordered such items) at the end of the counter. In addition, customers will be required to collect the utensils themselves. The mains which require more time to cook will be served. This has been the concept of Han's Cafe for since a long long time ago.

We ordered the Grill Dory Fish ($9.80) and Chicken Chop with Mushroom Sauce ($11.80) All Day Set Meal which was available from 1130am to 930pm. The Sets was served with Soup of the Day, Main Course, Coffee / Tea / Ice Lemon Tea / Orange Juice and Dessert. 

Soup Of The Day: Cream of Mushroom Soup

The Soup Of The Day was the Cream of Mushroom Soup. Although the thickness of the soup was just right, there was barely an hint of mushroom flavour in it. 

Bread, Dessert and Orange Juice

The bread was the typical Han's Cafe Garlic Bread which has not changed for years as far as I can recall. Unlike other restaurants which uses French Loaf Bread, Han's Cafe uses normal bread with a layer of garlic spread on it. I quite like this soft version although it was cold as it I normally dip them into the soup.

Orange juice was average and seemed to be made from syrup. As for the dessert, despite its appearance, it was the nicest item in this meal! 

Grilled Fish Dory Set $9.80

The wife ordered the Grilled Fish Dory which I felt disappointing. It was lacking in taste. 

Chicken Chop with Mushroom Sauce Set $11.80

The Chicken Chop with Mushroom Sauce was average.  The carrots were blanched and boiled in water. The potato wedges were decent. The chicken chop was well cooked and the mushroom sauce helped enhance the taste of the meat which I suspect did not went through much marination (if any). Although there was nothing much to shout about, there was also nothing to fault.

I wonder if I am the only one.. the standard and quality of food at Han's Cafe seems to be deteriorating. They are better off concentrating on what they are good at, which are the cakes. Branching out to serving western and chinese cuisines and not doing it well may generate more revenue for them, but it will also erode the brand name that they have built up over the years.

Han's Cafe (Suntec City)

3 Temasek Boulevard

#01-187A Suntec City

Tel: 6339 3143

Opening Hours: Daily 7am to 10pm 

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Dulcet & Studio (Liang Court)

Earlier this year, the operators of Tampopo Group opened a new Japanese lifestyle concept restaurant with western cuisine called Dulcet & Studio at Liang Court. With this, Tampopo Group now operates three F&B restaurants in Liang Court; Tampopo Restaurant, Tampopo Deli and Dulcet & Studio. Tampopo Group also operates the Tarafuku Japanese Buffet at Somerset 313, 

Dulcet & Studio serves a fusion of japanese and western cuisines such as salad, soup and pasta using Japanese ingredients. For example, Black Pig is used in their Bolognese Fettuccine Pasta. Another interesting  consideration is that they also serves Tampopo's signature desserts such as the Scoop Cake as well as the Matcha Chiffon!  

Wide varieties of cakes and puddings to choose from. Spot the Scoop Cakes and Matcha Chiffons?

Besides dishing out food for customers, the inner half of the dining space is actually a cooking studio where culinary classes can be held . Hence, the name 'studio' in Dulcet & Studio. 

Dulcet & Studio is marketed as a self-service restaurant. Customers place their order at the counter and make the payment. Next, customers are supposed to collect their order and cutlery and sauces from cutlery station. After finishing the meal, customers are supposed to clear their tables. Well, for the record, the food was served by the waitress and while I was enjoying my dessert to arrive, the table was cleared. =)

Cutlery station

The cutlery station where the utensils and sauces are. 

After placing my order, I went back to my table as I was given a queue number. (so much for collecting the orders ourselves)

While waiting for the food to arrive, customers can peek into the kitchen through the glass windows. 

Mushroom Cappuccion $5.50

The Mushroom Cappuccino was served with a piece of bread. The bread was impressive. So ordinary looking, it was served warm and was so soft and fluffy on the inside. I wish that I could have more of this bread. 

Mushroom Cappuccion $5.50

Mushroom Cappuccion $5.50

The Mushroom Cappuccino was unique. It was served in a cup instead of a bowl. In addition, had a layer of foam on top. The soup was full of mushrooms chunks and mushroom essence. 

Bacon & Mushroom Cream Tagliolini Pasta $12

The Bacon & Mushroom Cream Tagliolini Pasta was consisted of pasta with 2 long slices of bacon and lots of fragrant mushroom. It was a pity the bacon was too dry and salty as the pasta and the mushrooms when mix well was delicious.

Fresh Chicken Leg Confit $11

Fresh Chicken Leg Confit $11

The chicken on the Fresh Chicken Leg Confit was on the oily end. It was saved by, the moist and tender meat on inside while its skin was crispy. Best to polish this off immediately before the skin soak up the oil and becomes soggy. The fries served at the side had the hallmark of a good fries. Crispy and solid while soft and fluffy on the inside. It was a pity that we both agreed that it was too salty.

Tea Time Cake $2

Besides food, the desserts here are a must try. After all they are by Tampopo's Deli! You will be spoilt for choice as there is a wide variety of cakes or puddings. We decided to try the Tea Time Cake as we had not tried it before. It was a Hokkaido Chiffon Cake hence costed $2; reasonably priced. Still personally preferred the Scoop Cake as well as the Matcha Chiffon. 

Dulcet & Studio (Liang Court)

177 River Valley Road

#01-41/42 Liang Court

Tel: 6338 9248

Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 10pm

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Rasa Sayang Western Food 啦莎沙央西餐 (Ang Mo Kio)

Rasa Sayang Western Food 啦莎沙央西餐 is a Western food stall located at the S11 at Ang Mo Kio Central (next to Jubilee). This western stall is one of the most popular stall in the hawker centre due to its  quality, generous portions and affordable prices. It has been around for a long time, since I was studying in junior college, that was at least 10 years ago!

It has been at least 2 years since I stepped into the S11 again. With this visit, I knew I had to try the western food. It was good to know that the stall still exists. There was a short queue; customers waiting to order. 

Menu

Once you have ordered, (remember to take note of your table number) you can go back to your seat and order a drink while waiting for the food to arrive. 

Chicken Chop with Black Pepper Sauce $5.80

Despite the many orders in front of me, I got my food within 15 minutes, which was fast! I thought that I would need to wait for at least half an hour.

The Chicken Chop with Black Pepper Sauce was served with Garlic Bread, Fries, Baked Beans and  Coleslaw. A big, thick, juicy chunk of chicken chop was given. I do vaguely remember the chicken chop given was much bigger last time. But well, I can't complain much as this was still bigger than those served elsewhere at other western stalls. The chicken chop was well-marinated and grilled. I thought that the black pepper sauce was just nice. Not too salty and not overly pepperish.

As for the fries and baked beans, they were normal. The coleslaw deserve a mention, it was fresh and crunchy. Moreover, there was no artificial taste to it. *thumbs up*

Not mind blowing, just an average Chicken Chop with Black Pepper Sauce. The ingredients given were fresh and generous. It used to be better (in taste and portion) last time. Nevertheless, this is still value for money!

Rasa Sayang Western Food 啦莎沙央西餐 (Ang Mo Kio)

Blk 711 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8

#01-07 S11 Food Centre

Opening Hours: Daily 1130am to 1230am

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Yilmaz Western (Ang Mo Kio) - CLOSED

Edited: Closed. If you know where the owner has setup his shop can you pl let me know via foodiefc@gmail.com. 

Yilmaz Western is a stall specialising in western cuisine located in Coffee City Coffee Shop at Ang Mo Kio Ave 6. Normally, when I am in the area, I would order herbal soup from Xu Yang Tonic Soup. However, during my last visit, Yilmaz Western caught my attention.

Yilmaz Western serves some of its western dishes on hotplates (not every western stall in a coffee shop does that). On that specific occasion as I was enjoying my herbal soup, I heard a loud sizzling sound. Turning around, I saw a man carrying the sizzling hotplate with ingredients piled high up to a customer on the table next to me. Well, from that point in time, I knew that I had to try this the next time I am in the area. 

Yilmaz Western is essentially a 'one man show' (quoting the owner). Everything; from taking orders, marinating, preparing, defrosting, cooking, serving and collecting payment are all done by the owner himself (how does he cope? I am equally puzzled!). I ordered the Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop and was expecting to wait for a long time as it was peak period. To my surprised I just waited less than 15 minutes. An amazing feat considering that there were a few other customers in front of me.

Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop $6

The Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop was served sizzling hot! I had to wait a few seconds for the sizzling and smoke to lessen before taking the photos. The grilled chicken chop was stacked on top of a whole lot of fries, with mashed potato and steamed vegetables (broccoli, cherry tomato and corn) at the side. With the exception of the steamed vegetables, the ingredients were all drenched in a special sauce. 

Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop $6

A very generous amount of ingredients were given in addition, 3 sides were served; vegetable, mashed potato and fries. Mind you, its not bake beans, not coleslaw! Take a look at how much fries was given and how thick a cut the chicken chop was. The mashed potato was basically hidden behind these.

The sauce made a big difference. The more I dig into it, the more I love it. It seemed to be a kind of fusion of BBQ and Mushroom Sauce with herbal fragrant. Not too sweet, not too salty, the sauce was perfect; incredibly tasty and addictive.

As for the grilled chicken chop, it was well-marinated and had lots of pepper corns spread over it. With the sauce, it provided a refreshing flavour to the tender chicken chop unlike the norm; black pepper/mushroom sauce.

The fries were hard and seems to have been fried a second time (for those not covered in the sauce). But for the fries that were drenched in the sauce, there was a difference in texture. Crispy yet soft, tasty experience. (do give the fries at the bottom some 'stirring' as the hotplate might cause some of the fries to be charred) The mashed potato was normal, but again with the sauce, complemented it perfectly.

Hotplate Grilled Chicken Chop $6

I like the fact that the the vegetables were steamed and were very fresh. Moreover serving corn, cherry tomato and broccoli was unique. A nice change from what other western stall normal gives; coleslaw.

Overall, I was very impressed by this one man show! Fresh vegetables, well-marinated meat, generous serving and incredible sauce! The sauce stole the show. You will either love or hate it as the sauce is spread over all the ingredients. In addition, it is so value for money. Highly recommended. You won't know what you are missing till you give this a try!

Yilmaz Western is a hidden gem. Watch this stall, it has great potential to be the best western stall! I hope that this one man show can survive as it is no mean feat managing one stall alone. Can't wait to try it again!

*Edited: Went a second time on a Friday evening for dinner. This time waited for nearly half an hour as he had high volume of orders. Food-wise, it was still as good! 

Yilmaz Western (Ang Mo Kio)

Blk 728 Ang Mo Kio Ave 6

Coffee City Coffee Shop

Tel: 9144 8248

Opening Hours: Daily 1230pm to 1030pm
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Beaver's Pub & Grill (Liang Seah)

Beaver's Pub & Grill is a pub located in Liang Seah (opposite Bugis Junction), specialising in offering American cuisine and beer. 

This place gets crowded as the sun set. Noticed most diners chill out over here, ordering beer to go along with their main course and snacks. 

Free Soup that comes with Main Course

A free bowl of soup was served for every main course ordered. The soup was a very small bowl of mushroom soup. The soup was diluted, salty with no mushroom in it. 

Beaver's Buffalo Wings (4pcs) $9.90

Ordered some finger food to go along with our main course.

The Buffalo Wings arrived piping hot. Well marinated and seasoned, it was juicy and tender on the inside. Fried chicken wings are always so addictive. If only it was less oily.

Deep Fried Button Mushroom $8.90

Although the Deep Fried Button Mushroom was crispy, it was on the oily end. Still it was delightfully addictive.

Chunky Fries (Spicy Original) $4.90

The Chunky Fries was not oily or salty. It was soft and fluffy on the inside. However, lack the crispiness on the outside. 

Beavers Special Chicken Chop with Bacon & Cheese $8.90

The Beavers Special Chicken Chop with Bacon & Cheese did not wow me. A forgettable dish. The only thing I remember is that it was on the oily end.

Beaver's Pub & Grill (Liang Seah)

33 Liang Seah Street

#01-01/02

Tel: 6338 4595

Opening Hours: Daily 12pm to 1am

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