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Monday, October 20, 2025

PPT Kopitiam

Rinse and shine! We finally made our way into Johor Bahru, kicking off the day with a hearty local breakfast at PPT Kopitiam. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling breakfast fare immediately set the tone for a day of exploring this vibrant city.

Ppt Kopitiam

Menu

Kopitiam

Their Mee Siam comes with several variations, and one of us opted for it with Ayam Goreng Berempah. The Mee Siam itself was served with cucumbers, lime, roasted peanuts, boiled egg, and chili as the baseline. Visually, the Berempah chicken looked a bit dry, but it still added a flavorful punch to the dish.

Mee Siam Ayam Goreng Berempah 米暹马来香料炸鸡 - RM15.90

We also tried the Mee Siam Otak-Otak. The photo on the menu looked quite promising, but the actual dish turned out rather different, just two small pieces of otah sitting beisde the noodles.

Mee Siam Otak-Otak 米暹乌达 - RM13.90

he Almond Polo Bun looked irresistible with a thick slice of butter sandwiched in between. Its crusty, golden top was especially appealing, made even more inviting by the almond flakes clinging all over the bun.

Almond Polo Bun 

For the dry noodles, I went with the braised chicken. The meat was evenly braised, though nothing particularly outstanding. The noodles were nicely tossed in seasoning, giving a simple yet satisfying flavor.

Braised Chicken Dry Noodle 香卤鸡肉干捞面 - RM15.90

One of us ordered the Chicken Chop with Mala Dry Noodle. The chicken appeared slightly on the dry side, though the seasoning leaned towards a bold mala flavour that might appeal to those who enjoy a numbing and spicy kick in their meal. The noodles were tossed evenly in the mala sauce, giving each bite a consistent heat and aroma.

Mala Chicken Chop Dry Noodle 麻辣炸鸡扒捞面 - RM 14.90

When it comes to the Chicken Chop with Nasi Lemak, the rice was fragrant and carried a luminous yellow hue. Its presentation resembled a Mee Siam style, served on a banana leaf base and accompanied by classic sides like peanuts, ikan bilis, sambal chilli, cucumber slices, egg, and a generous slab of chicken chop. The combination offered a familiar local comfort with a slightly creative twist.

Nasi Lemak Fried Chicken Chop 椰浆饭炸鸡扒 - RM14.90

For those who prefer rice instead of Mee Siam with their Ayam Goreng Berempah, this makes a good alternative.

Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah 椰浆饭马来香料炸鸡 - RM15.90

While others kickstart their morning with coffee, I went for something different, a chilled cup of Cincau Longan, or Grass Jelly with Longan.

Cincau Longon 仙草龙眼 - RM5.20

If you’re thinking about toast, eggs, nasi lemak, or mee siam for your next meal, PPt Kopitiam is the place to visit.

PPT Kopitiam
Location:
 41, Jalan Jaya Putra 7/6, Bandar Jaya Putra, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia

Sunday, October 19, 2025

Market Bistro + Elixir Coffee Stand

Market Bistro, located in the heart of Marina Bay, is a Wall Street-inspired eatery redefining quick yet satisfying meals for the fast-paced financial crowd.

Market Bistro

For sharing, we had the Prawn Al Ajillo. These juicy prawns were served with smoked paprika, creamy hummus, and aromatic garlic oil, making it rich and flavourful.

Prawn Al Ajillo - $16

The Umami Mid-joint Wings were perfect for sharing, infused with fish sauce, lime, and parsley. Loved how they were halved for easy, satisfying bites

Umami Mid-Joint Wings

The Burrata was fresh and creamy, paired beautifully with marinated tomatoes, balsamic caviar, and a touch of mint for a refreshing balance.

Burrata - $20

The Berry Kale Salad was refreshing and appetizing, featuring a wholesome mix of kale, power seeds, walnuts, blueberries, and strawberries.

Berry Kale Salad - $18

To pair with our meal, we had iced tea and a zesty yuzu drink. Both are refreshing complements to the flavorful dishes.

Beverages

For pasta, we had the Crab & Seafood Bisque, rigatoni cooked to al dente perfection, soaked in creamy seafood bisque with chunks of fresh crab claw meat.

Crab & Seafood Bisque - $28

The 36° South grass-fed ribeye came beautifully plated with chimichurri, shoestring fries, and a fresh salad. Cooked to our requested medium, the steak was uniformly tender with a glossy brown sear, each bite rich, juicy, and full of flavor.

36° South Grass Fed Ribeye - $36

Medium Doneness

The Irish Duck Leg Confit caught our eye on the menu and we were glad we did not skip it! Served with creamy mashed potato, earthy mushrooms, and rich chicken jus, every bite was absolutely delicious.

Irish Duck Leg Confit - $28

Opted for the Nipponham Angus Flat Iron this time, tenderer than the ribeye, yet just as flavorful. Served with chimichurri, shoestring fries, and a fresh salad, it hit all the right notes.

Nipponham Angus Flat Iron

Hard to say goodbye to this Tiramisu! Appearance might be a little collapsed, but don’t mind, made with BlackList Coffee Roasters espresso, not 3-in-1, it’s perfectly balanced and utterly delicious. Totally love it!

Tiramisu - $14

I don’t mind dining at Market Bistro, especially after office hours, the place gives off such a relaxing vibe compared to the usual hustle and bustle.

Market Bistro + Elixir Coffee Stand
Location:
Marina Bay Link Mall, 12 Marina Boulevard #01-03, Tower 3 Marina Bay Financial Centre, Singapore 018982

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Craftsmen Coffee (Jelita Mall)

Coffee lovers would likely have heard of Craftsmen Coffee, a well-loved café brand with several outlets across the island. This time, we gathered at their outlet on the 2nd level of Jelita Mall, ready for some good coffee, food and conversation.

Craftsmen Coffee

Kicking off with the bites, we had the Sesame Chicken Wings, available in portions of 5 or 10 pieces. The wings were well-marinated and fried to a beautiful golden brown, then sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds for extra aroma. They were served with a side of kombu mayo, which added a savory umami touch to each bite.

Sesame Chicken Wings - $13 (5 Pcs)

We also had the Chicken Pops, served in a basket alongside the same kombu mayo dip. These bite-sized pieces were crispy on the outside and tender within an easy, addictive snack to share over coffee.

Chicken Pops - $12

The Cheesy Salmon Fries gave me a whole new perspective on fries. I never knew that smoked salmon, shoestring fries, mixed cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard could come together so well, a surprisingly tasty and satisfying combination.

Cheesy Salmon Fries - $13

The Messy Burger truly lived up to its name, it looked like a glorious mess, but it tasted absolutely fantastic. The juicy Angus beef patty was slathered with a generous amount of Bolognese sauce that spilled over the sides, giving it that perfectly “untidy” charm. The burger came loaded with sweet relish, gherkins, cheddar, and chipotle mayo, all tucked between a soft brioche bun, and served with a side of shoestring fries.

Messy Beef Burger - $22

The presentation of the Creamy Vodka Tiger Prawns was a pleasant surprise, the entire dish was blanketed with a generous layer of Parmesan shavings.

Creamy Vodka Tiger Prawns - $24

We had to gently dig in with our forks to unveil the creamy linguine hidden beneath. The dish featured a rich blend of vodka, tomato paste, fresh basil, Parmesan, cream, and linguine, creating a luscious and flavorful combination.

Yums!

This Breakfast Baked Eggs instantly reminded me of a hearty shakshuka. The dish came bubbling in a small casserole, featuring a rich housemade tomato base loaded with bacon, pork bratwurst, baked beans, and wild mushrooms. Crowned with a perfectly done sous-vide egg, it offered a comforting mix of smoky, savoury, and tangy notes. 

Breakfast Baked Eggs - $21

The side of toasted sourdough was just right for soaking up the luscious sauce, making every bite satisfyingly wholesome.

Let's dip it!

The Happy Breakfast truly lives up to its name, a perfect and complete meal that fills the tummy to the brim. Our plate came loaded with hearty favourites: crispy bacon, juicy pork bratwurst, golden hashbrown, roasted baby potatoes, wild mushrooms, and a refreshing side salad. We went with scrambled eggs and a muffin on the side, completing this wholesome and satisfying breakfast feast.

Happy Breakfast - $25

The Steak & Eggs breakfast was a real treat, hearty and indulgent in every bite. It featured tender slices of ribeye steak served alongside two perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs and roasted baby potatoes. Diners can choose between chimichurri or creamy mushroom peppercorn sauce; we went with the chimichurri, which added a bright, herby kick that paired beautifully with the juicy ribeye. A satisfying start for anyone who loves a meaty morning plate.

Steak & Eggs - $28

The Fish & Fries looked absolutely appetising with its golden battered sea bass resting on a bed of crispy shoestring fries. A quick squeeze of lemon brightened up the flavours, while the creamy tartar sauce made each bite even more enjoyable. Simple yet satisfying. a classic done right.

Fish & Fries - $24

The House Rosti was an interesting and delightful dish, served with a dollop of sour cream and a choice of eggs. What made it even better was the option to pair it with smoked salmon, pork bratwurst & bacon, or smoked duck and naturally, we went for the smoked duck. The crisp golden rosti, creamy sour cream, and tender slices of duck came together beautifully for a satisfying breakfast twist.

House Rosti with Smoked Duck - $22

Besides the usual coffee and tea selections, the café offers an intriguing range of Specialty Drinks and a Cloud Series, available hot or iced. The Cinnamon Bun Latte ($8) truly stood out, it tasted just like a cinnamon bun, layered with maple sea salt cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For something adventurous, the Salted Cola Coffee ($7) combined espresso and cola with a touch of sea salt, creating a fizzy yet bold fusion. The Cloud Series featured drinks like Matcha Cloud ($10), Taro Cloud ($10), and Orange Cloud ($10). Each topped with the café’s signature maple sea salt cream, giving every sip a velvety, slightly savoury finish.

We tried quite a few, Orange Cloud, Salted Cola Coffee, Roasted Almond ($7), Matcha Cloud, Taro Cloud, Acai Smoothie ($10), and Cinnamon Bun Latte. Each had its own charm, but all shared a common theme of creativity and balance, making this café’s beverage lineup a refreshing standout.

Our Beverages

Signing off with desserts, we had the Apple Compote, a delightful French toast creation topped with apple cream cheese, almond slices, and a dusting of cinnamon powder. Drizzled generously with maple syrup and crowned with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, it was the perfect sweet ending, warm, creamy, and comforting in every bite.

Apple Compote - $16

The Berry Bang Waffle was a vibrant and indulgent treat, a crisp buttermilk waffle topped with a colourful mix of fresh berries, roasted nuts, and coconut flakes. Drizzled with gula melaka for that local touch and crowned with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream, it struck a lovely balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and creaminess in every bite.

Berry Bang Waffle - $19

The café itself was quite cosy and peaceful, a great spot for those seeking a quiet place to relax or catch up over brunch without the usual crowd and noise. However, one downside was the carpark, which can be quite expensive, so it’s worth taking note if you’re driving there.

Craftsmen Coffee (Jelita Mall)
Location: 
293 Holland Rd, #02-04, Singapore 278628
Website

Thursday, October 16, 2025

九毛 Sarawak Kolo Mee

Jiu Mao Sarawak Kolo Mee stall sits just a few stalls away from Queenstown Lontong. Since Kolo Mee is rare to find, I finally decided to give it a try this round.

Sarawak Kolo Mee

I have always enjoyed Mi Tai Mak for its distinct texture and petite noodle size. This bowl was well tossed in its savoury seasoning, each strand coated just right. It came topped with juicy marinated minced meat, tender slices of char siew, and a sprinkle of fresh spring onions to complete the dish.

Dry Kolo Mi Tai Mak - $4.50

The meal was sweet and tasty, and the char siew was tender and not too tough. Overall, it made a satisfying lunch.

Char Siew

九毛 Sarawak Kolo Mee
Location:
 Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, 38A Margaret Dr, #01-29 Singapore 142038

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Chinchilla Trading

It had been a while since we heard about the chinchilla café in Johor, so we decided to make a spontaneous trip to check it out. The space was admittedly quite limited, but honestly, it was cozy enough for the experience.

Chinchilla Trading

One side of the café was dedicated to the adorable chinchillas, housed in clean, well-kept cages — and yes, they’re even available for purchase if you’re tempted to bring one home!

Meerkat

What made the visit more interactive was the option to feed the chinchillas with special feed available for purchase. It was such a unique and delightful way to spend some time up close with these fluffy little creatures.

Display

It feels oddly therapeutic being surrounded by posters and little Totoro figurines, a cozy touch that warms the space

Display
Posters Display

That’s so cute! They’ve even got the little Soot Sprites (Susuwatari) on display, such a whimsical Ghibli touch.

Soot Sprites

They have Totoro Plush too.

Totoro

We made our order next door at Chinchilla Fruit, where there were a few cakes in the chiller display.

Cake Order

Chinchilla Trading and Chinchilla Fruit

When your buzzer rings, you can head over to pick up the order.

Ordering Buzzer

They also have a transparent cage with air holes that doubles up as a dining table, allowing diners to feed the chinchilla while enjoying their meal.

Chinchilla

Looking at this cute little chinchilla, a fluffy ball of fur while dining feels surprisingly therapeutic.

Fluffy Ball of Fur

Over at the back of the café, there are numerous breeds of chinchillas waiting for someone to take them home. For those interested, the café can even arrange delivery and purchase to Singapore with all the necessary documents.

How Adorable?

Do you want to take them home?

Cutely illustrated and thoughtfully presented in a carton box with faux newspaper, the Tiramisu Totoro was a feast for the eyes. Though visually delightful, it was a little firmer than the usual tiramisu I’ve had.
Tiramisu Totoro - RM 23

The Oreo mousse caught my eye too. Even though I’m not exactly a fan of Oreo-based desserts, I have to admit it looked irresistibly cute!

Oreo Mousse 慕丝奥宝- RM 23

To pair with the desserts, we had some watermelon beverages, light, refreshing, and just perfect for beating the heat on such a warm day.

Watermelon Jasmine Tea Smoothie - RM 13

And of course, for chinchilla lovers, I think you should definitely make a visit here. Watching those fluffy little ones while dining adds such a charming and therapeutic touch to the whole experience.

Chinchilla Trading
Location:
 37, Jalan Bendahara 9, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia