Sama Sama Cuisine Y Space

Our food journey in Johor Bahru led us to a striking white colonial-style building that instantly caught our attention and admittedly, gave us a moment of pause. We couldn’t help but wonder: Was this going to be one of those places where the ambience costs as much as the meal?

But stepping into Sama Sama Cuisine quickly put those doubts to rest. Celebrating the diverse flavors of Malaysia, every dish here is a heartfelt tribute to the nation's rich culinary heritage a beautiful reflection of its culture, taste, and warmth.

Sama Sama

Thankfully, Sama Sama Cuisine proved otherwise. This No Pork, No Lard eatery celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Malaysia, with every dish serving as a heartfelt tribute to the nation’s culinary heritage.

And just recently, on 13 March 2025, all Sama Sama Cuisine outlets received certification from iMesra, affirming their commitment to using halal and Shariah-compliant ingredients in every dish. A reassuring stamp of trust for diners seeking authenticity, quality, and peace of mind.

No Pork No Lard

Inside, Sama Sama Cuisine is just as inviting as its grand exterior. The space is bright and airy, with high ceilings, arched windows, and plenty of natural light. White walls and wooden accents give it a clean, classic feel, while touches of Malaysian culture, like rattan furniture, add warmth and character.

Dining Area

The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, whether you're seated indoors or out on the verandah. It feels like dining in a charming heritage home, with just the right mix of tradition and modern comfort.

Funishing

To beat the heat, we started with some refreshing drinks, the Passion Aloe Vera Fruit Tea was a vibrant and cooling choice, bursting with tropical flavors and a hint of natural sweetness.

Passion Aloe Vera Fruit Tea - RM 14

For the curious bunch that we are, we couldn’t resist trying the drink that shares the restaurant’s name, the Sama Sama Fruit Tea. Naturally, we assumed it had to be something special.

Sama Sama Fruit Tea - RM 14

The Pineapple Paradise was another standout served with a playful touch, a stick of juicy pineapple chunks laid neatly across the glass, making it as fun to look at as it was to drink.

Pineapple Paradise - RM14

The honey lemon aloe vera didn’t quite steal the spotlight, but it was still refreshingly good, light, zesty, and pleasant on a warm day.

Honey Lemon Aloe Vera - RM 14

That Salted Caramel Coffee Cream Chip sounds absolutely delicious! The combination of rich coffee cream with the sweet caramel and a subtle salty touch is such a winning flavor profile. And the mousse cream on top with caramel drizzle and chocolate rice must add great texture and visual appeal too.

Salted Caramel Coffee Cream Chip - RM 16

The Dark Mocha with a zig zag chocolate drizzle sounds super elegant and tempting! That kind of presentation really elevates the whole experience, makes it feel like a little work of art before you even take a sip.

Dark Mocha - RM 12

The coffee is adorned with a delicate stencil of the restaurant’s name on the creamy top layer, adding a personalized and artistic touch that elevates the coffee experience. This thoughtful design makes every sip feel special, blending rich aroma and taste with visual charm.

Kopi Xsama - RM14

Nyonya Laksa Hotpot brings the heart of Peranakan comfort to the table with a steamy, aromatic bowl of Nyonya laksa soup, creamy, spicy, and full of depth. This hotpot is generously loaded with tiger prawn, tender fish fillet, and sotong rings, delivering a burst of seafood umami in every bite. Complemented by fresh carrot, enoki mushrooms, cabbage, long beans, taupok (tofu puff), and seafood bean curd, it’s a medley of textures and flavours. We had the base of Bee Hoon to soak up that rich, flavorful broth.

Nyonya Laksa Hotpot - RM36

The Crispy Squid Lemak Rice is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that hits all the right notes. This hearty dish features fluffy nasi kukus (steamed rice) as the perfect base, topped with golden, crispy squid that adds a satisfying crunch. Complemented by Chef Mama’s spicy sambal, tender baby crab, a hard-boiled egg, refreshing cucumber, sweet pineapple, and crunchy tempeh with belacan and peanuts, every bite delivers a harmonious balance of savory, spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors. It’s a vibrant plate that offers a truly satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Crispy Squid Lemak Rice - RM28

The Chef’s Mama Rojak is a bold celebration of textures and tropical flavours. This vibrant salad features a medley of kangkung, sengkuang (jicama), jackfruit, pineapple, and guava, each bringing its own crunch and sweetness. Earthy elements like tofu puffs (tau pok) and crispy tempeh add substance, while a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts ties everything together with a satisfying crunch. Dressed in a tangy-sweet, spicy rojak sauce, it’s a nostalgic dish with a modern twist, a true Malaysian soul food reimagined with finesse.

Tropical Harmony Rojak - RM18

Mamak Goreng Pasta was a truly Malaysian experience reimagined with a twist. Served with al dente spaghetti, this vibrant dish was generously topped with tiger prawns, sotong rings, and squid flower, adding both texture and seafood depth. Crispy tofu, bean sprouts, and egg were stir-fried together in a rich, aromatic mamak-style paste, capturing the essence of street-side wok hei. The dish was beautifully finished with cucumber slices, crushed peanuts for crunch, and a fresh calamansi wedge to brighten up the flavors.

Mamak Goreng Pasta - RM 23

This hearty plate features House’s Cut Fish Fillets, golden and crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, served with a wedge of lemon to brighten the flavors. On the side, you’ll find a generous helping of French fries, a refreshing mix of lettuce and cherry tomatoes, and two classic dips: Xsama tartar sauce for a creamy tang, and chili sauce for that sweet-heat kick. Simple, satisfying, and comforting.

The Fisherman Plate - RM33

Fish & Chicken Bolognese is where surf meets turf with a twist. Al dente spaghetti is coated in a rich, savory Bolognese paste made from chicken mince, sautéed with fragrant garlic and shallots, and sweetened with bursts of cherry tomato. The dish is crowned with a crispy, golden fried tilapia fillet, adding a flaky, seafood contrast to the hearty sauce. Finished with a dollop of Xsama tartar sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s a fusion of familiar comforts in every bite.

Fish & Chicken Bolognese - RM26

Aglio Olio XSama is a bold fusion of Italian tradition with a contemporary twist. This dish features perfectly tossed spaghetti in fragrant Italian Aglio e Olio paste, sautéed with golden garlic and shallots. Plump tiger prawns and smoky slices of duck elevate the richness, while enoki and shiitake mushrooms bring earthy undertones. Topped with toasted almond slices for a delicate crunch, every bite is layered with flavor, umami, and just the right hint of heat.

Aglio Olio XSama - RM24

Nanyang Chicken Chop is where local flair meets Western comfort. The signature chicken chop is pan-seared to golden perfection, juicy on the inside with a crisp, flavorful crust. It’s served alongside French fries, a refreshing mix of lettuce and cherry tomatoes, and a wedge of lemon for that extra zest. What sets this dish apart is the bold, aromatic Nanyang sauce, a house specialty that brings a uniquely Southeast Asian punch, perfectly balanced by a side of classic chili sauce.

Nanyang Chicken Chop - RM 25

Topping up the meal with a refreshing side salad! A crisp bowl of curly green lettuce and juicy cherry tomatoes, served with a zesty house-made vinaigrette. Light, vibrant, and the perfect palate cleanser to balance out the richer mains. Simple yet satisfying!

Topping Up Salad

Sama Sama Cuisine offers a heartfelt journey through flavors that bridge tradition and creativity. With its vibrant blend of local Malaysian favorites and inventive fusion dishes, the restaurant captures the warmth of home-style cooking while adding a refreshing modern twist. From soul-soothing hotpots to playful pasta creations and crisp, satisfying salads, each dish reflects a thoughtful balance of taste, texture, and heritage. Whether you're here for comfort, discovery, or simply good food, Sama Sama Cuisine invites you to sit back, savour, and feel right at home, true to its name, “sama-sama”, meaning you’re most welcome.

Sama Sama Cuisine Y Space
Location: 2, Jalan Yahya Awal, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Kedai Kopi Pak Hock Famous Chicken Rice

 Finally, we made it to New Pak Hock for Penang’s famous chicken rice! On our last trip, we saw the long queue and knew we had to try it. Luckily, this time, there was no queue at all!

New Pak Hock 新柏福

The interior was simple and minimalist.

Interior

The service was friendly and welcoming. We ordered a mix of poached and roasted chicken with innards. The dish was beautifully plated with cucumber slices, drizzled with fragrant seasoning, and complemented by beansprouts and spring onions.

Chicken & Innards

The presentation was fairly standard, with chili and soup served on the side. The chicken rice was delicious. The rice was fragrant, fluffy, and perfectly cooked, while the chicken was tender and juicy. The flavors were enhanced by the rich soy sauce and seasoning.

Chicken Rice with Soup & Chilli

At the start of our meal, the lady offered us their preserved vegetables, and we agreed to try them. I had never had this combination before! The dish, made with pork and preserved vegetables, had a comforting, homely feel.

Preserved Vegetables

Instead of being salty, it leaned towards a sweet and sour profile, making it incredibly appetizing. A closer look at the ingredients revealed a surprise with pineapple included! Wow!

Pineapple

I'm delighted that our simple meal turned out to be both satisfying and delicious, made even better by the warm service. The glowing reviews are truly well-deserved! For anyone visiting Penang, I highly recommend trying their chicken rice.

Kedai Kopi Pak Hock Famous Chicken Rice
Location: 167, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

The FOUNDERS Hutton

Our Penang ride led us here for a short tea break, and I was surprised, this café felt similar to the founder's café in Mount Austin, with a familiar vibe. I then realized that the Penang outlet is actually their HQ, making the resemblance to the Mount Austin café even more understandable!

The Founders

Among the cakes, I chose their best—the Pandan Gula Melaka Cake. With fragrant pandan layers and the rich sweetness of gula melaka, it felt like enjoying ondeh ondeh in cake form. The cake was yummy and the best selection for a tea break.

Pandan Gula Melaka Cake - RM 15.90

The Ice Matcha Latte with whipped cream was pleasantly creamy without being too sweet, while the hot cappuccino made for a perfect pairing with our cakes.

Iced Matcha Latte - RM 17.50 & Cappucino - RM13.50

Even though it's on the upper level near the toilet area, the vibe is exactly like the place I visited before.

Upper Level

I wouldn't mind returning to this headquarters if I'm in Georgetown again.

The FOUNDERS Hutton
Location: 17, Jalan Hutton, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website

Tim Choi Sum 甜在心

 After dinner, we decided to take a stroll, but the heat along the street was quite intense. Craving something refreshing, I suggested heading somewhere for a cooling dessert, so here we are!

Tim Choi Sum

The dessert place had a unique theme centered around cameras, creating a nostalgic and visually intriguing atmosphere. The walls were adorned with various camera posters, showcasing vintage and modern models, while actual cameras were also part of the décor. 

Camera Poster

The setup gave the place a distinctive character, making it not just a spot for desserts but also a mini haven for photography enthusiasts. It added an extra layer of charm to the dining experience, making it more memorable beyond just the food.

Decor

The Penang-famous chendul came in a metal bowl, generously topped with plump red kidney beans and vibrant green coconut jelly strips. However, the taste fell short of expectations, making it quite a disappointing experience.

Penang Famous Chendul - RM 9.90

The mango sago was beautifully presented, with a scoop of mango sorbet taking center stage, surrounded by luscious mango cubes and chewy sago pearls, all drenched in creamy coconut milk. While it looked promising, the taste didn’t quite hit the mark.

Mango Sago - RM 9.90

It lacked the depth of flavor and richness I was expecting. The balance between sweetness and creaminess was slightly off, leaving me reminiscing about the more indulgent and flavorful Hong Kong-style mango desserts I had had before. Those versions often had a silkier consistency, bolder mango flavors, and a more satisfying overall experience.

A scoop of it

Overall, I found their desserts to be decent, with good presentation and a unique ambiance. However, they lacked the depth of flavors I was hoping for. While the ingredients were fresh, the taste didn’t quite hit the mark, leaving me craving the richer, more well-balanced flavors I’ve enjoyed elsewhere, especially the Hong Kong-style desserts I miss.

Tim Choi Sum 甜在心 
Location: 14, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Woody Cafe

While strolling along one of George Town’s bustling tourist streets, we decided to escape the scorching heat and take a break in a charming woody café. Its pandan-green facade was simple yet inviting, offering a cool respite from the sun.

Woody

The interior featured a minimalist design, with a large ordering counter greeting us as we stepped through the main door. 

Interior

The café kept its menu simple, offering a selection of toasts, desserts, and beverages.

Nice Lighting

Both drinks we ordered looked aesthetically pleasing, served in clear glasses, showcasing their distinct layers. The Strawberry Matcha Latte featured a vibrant green matcha base topped with a fluffy pink strawberry layer, while the Pandan Coconut Latte had a smooth, creamy appearance with hints of caramelized sweetness. Perfect for a refreshing break from the heat!

Strawberry Matcha & Pandan Coconut Latte - RM 18 & RM 17

Woody Cafe
Location: 5, Lbh Armenian, George Town, 11020 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Canton Route 廣東道

Canton Route is conveniently located near Grocer Jaya, which we visited during one of our trips to Johor.

Canton Route

Canton Route offers a variety of Dim Sum and Cantonese dishes, including claypot rice and Chee Cheong Fun. Join us to experience authentic Cantonese flavours!

Canton Route

The Crispy Tofu at Canton Route comes in a plate of five, with a little red flag signaling that it's a must-try dish. At first, the fried dried chili in the presentation made me think the dish would be very spicy, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn’t spicy at all. The tofu itself was crispy on the outside, adding a nice crunch.

Crispy Tofu 金牌脆皮豆腐 - RM 9.90

The Stir-Fried Turnip Cake with Garlic and Chili at Canton Route was served in cubes, each coated with garlic and chili. I found it quite fragrant and unique in style—definitely another must-try dish. The balance of garlic and chili really enhanced the turnip cake, making it a flavorful treat!

Stir-Fried Turnip Cake with Garlic and Chili 避风塘炒萝卜糕 - RM 13.90

The Steamed Spare Ribs at Canton Route looked visually appealing, but I personally wished the ribs had a bit more meat on them. That said, the dish was complemented perfectly by the well-balanced Black Bean sauce, which added depth and flavor to the overall experience.

Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce 豉汁蒸鲜排骨 - RM 7.90

Those Signature Portuguese Egg Tarts sound amazing! The combination of flaky layers and caramelized, fragrant fillings is irresistible.

Signature Portuguese Egg Tart - RM 8.90

Surprised by the sweeter twist to the meat sauce. The sauce generously coated the springy thin yellow noodles, giving the dish a unique flavor. Though the sweetness was unexpected, I found myself comparing it to the non-sweet versions I'm more accustomed to.

Cantonese Meat Sauce Noodles 炸酱面 - RM 12.90

We tried their popular traditional Guangzhou Siu Mai, made with premium pork, fresh shrimp, and secret seasonings. The thin skin encases rich, juicy fillings, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

Traditional Guangzhou Siu Mai 廣州鲜肉烧卖 - RM 6.90

The plump and juicy oil dumplings looked incredibly tempting. Their taste seemed catered and localized, as they weren't overwhelmingly oily. The vinaigrette paired perfectly with the sweet fillings, making each bite irresistibly addictive.

Sichuan Red Oil Dumplings 红油鲜味水饺 - RM13.90

The Guangdong Prosperity Chicken was addictive! Tender shredded drunken chicken mixed with roasted peanuts, vinaigrette, red onions, coriander, and a sprinkle of sesame made for a flavorful and refreshing dish.

Guangdong Prosperity Drunken Chicken 廣东道风生水起捞鸡 - RM 15.90

The luminous orange crust on the crispy polo bun was alluring. Flaky and crusty as the knife sliced through it.

God of Cookery Crispy Pineapple Bun 黯然销魂脆皮菠罗包 - RM6.90

With the fluffy bun and balanced sweetness of the filling, it was a delightful treat without being overly sweet.

Fillings of the Buns

The Smiling Char Siu Bun was soft and pillowy, with the pau perfectly cradling the juicy, sweet Char Siu meat.

Smiling Char Siu Bun (2 pieces) 笑口常开叉烧包 - RM 10.90

 I really appreciate this style as it gives you a nice textural bite from the filling—way better than the minced versions you often find at other pau places.

Char Siu Fillings

The Claypot Rice with juicy chicken thigh at Canton Route was surprisingly good! It had a fragrant aroma that stood out, and the style was different from the usual Singaporean version, offering a refreshing twist.

Claypot Rice with Juicy Chicken Thigh 鸡腿肉煲仔饭 - RM15.90

The Tofu Pudding at Canton Route had a flawless texture, which was impressive on its own. But what really elevated the dessert was the Red Bean Pearl. 

Red Bean Pearl Tofu Pudding 红豆爆珠豆腐花 - RM 7.90

The red bean had a unique coating, and when you bit into it, it would bubble burst in your mouth, adding an extra layer of fun and flavour to the dish.

Tofu Pudding

Thanks pal for the arrangement and for extending the invitation

Our Orders

Considering the quality and variety of dishes at Canton Route, I find that it’s more than enough to satisfy our cravings. The spread offers something for everyone, and each dish brings something special to the table.

Canton Route 廣東道
Location: Austin International Convention Centre - AICC
                2, Jalan Austin Heights 8/7, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru,
                Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia