Pages

Waitress Diaries: My Biggest Pet Peeves

Since I started waitressing, I have learned more about people than I have my entire life.  I can assure you there is still true love, there are couples who stay together and LIKE each other, men are usually better tippers and some people really stink.  Literally and figuratively.

The biggest lesson has been that a good tip goes a long way.  It truly does.  Nothing drives me more crazy than a table raving about my service and personality and leaving me 15%.  Or less.

I remember eating out, prior to being a server, and tipping around 20%.  I even left tips more towards 15%.  I know I did.

Then I became a waitress, and my hourly wage is several dollars below minimum wage.  I know how heavy hot plates are, how tough it is to get salad dressings straight on a table of 10 and how disgusting it is to clean smushed food.

I also met fellow servers who are single parents.  And college students.  I work with dads, moms and twenty-something kids who are trying to start their lives.  We love our job, but it isn't easy.  And we make our money off the tip you leave on the table.

If I'm good at my job I'd love another dollar towards tomorrow's Frappuccino.  Truly I would.

After raving customers who tip poorly, my next pet peeve would have to be tables that run up checks well into the hundreds and tip poorly.  It's almost as if they think $20 is a good tip no matter how high the check is.

While we love $20, we watch your bill like we watch our kids swimming in the ocean.  And we move that decimal one place to the left, multiply it by two and hope for that number.  We do this no matter how big your check is.  Part of the reason we do this is because if we have to pool our tips, we appreciate servers who carry their weight.  "Weight" being handing in at least 20% of gross sales to the pool.

My last pet peeve?  Please, please, please remember we do not make your food.  We serve it.  We fill your glasses and we get you napkins.  We also return your food to kitchen and have to face the chef on your behalf.

Sometimes facing the chef is just about as fun as sticking needles in our eyes.

If you have bad service, by all means tip less.  But before you leave that bad tip, look around and try to understand why the service wasn't superb.  Was the server overloaded with tables?  Did the table next to you send back three meals?  I can speak for every server I know when I say we get flustered.  And we try our best. 

If we give you our best, give us your best.  And remember that your best is buying back to school clothes and paying electric bills.  You help us pay for little league and gymnastics leotards.

And for that, we thank you.

If you tip well, know that it is very much appreciated.  And if you stick to 15% no matter what the service, be pleasant customers.  We love pleasant customers almost as much as we love 20%.

Almost.

For everyone who tips well, know that we appreciate you.  We know who you are, and we smile when we open that billfold.

You make our job worth doing.  And we welcome you back with open arms, whenever you need a good meal.

Happy Tuesday everyone.  Tip your server!
Since I started waitressing, I have learned more about people than I have my entire life.  I can assure you there is still true love, there are couples who stay together and LIKE each other, men are usually better tippers and some people really stink.  Literally and figuratively.

The biggest lesson has been that a good tip goes a long way.  It truly does.  Nothing drives me more crazy than a table raving about my service and personality and leaving me 15%.  Or less.

I remember eating out, prior to being a server, and tipping around 20%.  I even left tips more towards 15%.  I know I did.

Then I became a waitress, and my hourly wage is several dollars below minimum wage.  I know how heavy hot plates are, how tough it is to get salad dressings straight on a table of 10 and how disgusting it is to clean smushed food.

I also met fellow servers who are single parents.  And college students.  I work with dads, moms and twenty-something kids who are trying to start their lives.  We love our job, but it isn't easy.  And we make our money off the tip you leave on the table.

If I'm good at my job I'd love another dollar towards tomorrow's Frappuccino.  Truly I would.

After raving customers who tip poorly, my next pet peeve would have to be tables that run up checks well into the hundreds and tip poorly.  It's almost as if they think $20 is a good tip no matter how high the check is.

While we love $20, we watch your bill like we watch our kids swimming in the ocean.  And we move that decimal one place to the left, multiply it by two and hope for that number.  We do this no matter how big your check is.  Part of the reason we do this is because if we have to pool our tips, we appreciate servers who carry their weight.  "Weight" being handing in at least 20% of gross sales to the pool.

My last pet peeve?  Please, please, please remember we do not make your food.  We serve it.  We fill your glasses and we get you napkins.  We also return your food to kitchen and have to face the chef on your behalf.

Sometimes facing the chef is just about as fun as sticking needles in our eyes.

If you have bad service, by all means tip less.  But before you leave that bad tip, look around and try to understand why the service wasn't superb.  Was the server overloaded with tables?  Did the table next to you send back three meals?  I can speak for every server I know when I say we get flustered.  And we try our best. 

If we give you our best, give us your best.  And remember that your best is buying back to school clothes and paying electric bills.  You help us pay for little league and gymnastics leotards.

And for that, we thank you.

If you tip well, know that it is very much appreciated.  And if you stick to 15% no matter what the service, be pleasant customers.  We love pleasant customers almost as much as we love 20%.

Almost.

For everyone who tips well, know that we appreciate you.  We know who you are, and we smile when we open that billfold.

You make our job worth doing.  And we welcome you back with open arms, whenever you need a good meal.

Happy Tuesday everyone.  Tip your server!
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Sin Katong Rice Dumpling 新加东肉粽 in Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

We stumbled upon Sin Katong Rice Dumpling 新加东肉粽 in Taman Johor Jaya while looking for a quick breakfast.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

The freshly made rice dumplings were enticingly displayed out in front.

I noted at least seven varieties available, namely, traditional pork, plain (kosong), sambal prawns, mung beans, "Extra" with salted eggs, kidney beans, and nonya. Chatting with the workers, I was told that their "Extra" and nonya dumplings are the hottest sellers.

The rice dumplings are for take away only, so there are no dining facilities at the shop.

This is not really a problem as most coffee shops do not mind us eating our dumplings in their shop as long as we buy something (e.g. drinks) from them.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

We tried a traditional pork dumpling. It was good. Not too salty, just a right balance of sweet and saltiness. The glutinous rice was cooked just right, it felt dense yet tender.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

The nonya rice dumpling was excellent. The glutinous rice was tender yet firm and the filling was packed with flavourful spiced, tender meat.

Sin Katong's rice dumplings are made right there at the shop.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

A small mountain of stir fried glutinous rice.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

The ingredients that go into a traditional pork rice dumpling 肉粽 are black mushrooms, chestnuts, and belly pork.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

The golden salted egg yokes that go into Sin Katong's signature "Extra" dumplings.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

Hand wrapping the glutinous rice and ingredients with bamboo leaves.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

Tying the rice dumplings. I noticed that different types of dumpling are tied with different coloured raffle strings.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

In the final step, the bundles of dumplings are boiled in large pots of hot water till the glutinous rice is cooked and soft.

If you are looking for good rice dumplings freshly made at the shop, Sin Katong Rice Dumpling 新加东肉粽 in Taman Johor Jaya could be what you are looking for.


Rice Dumpling 肉粽

Restaurant name: Sin Katong Rice Dumpling 新加东肉粽
Address: 12, Jalan Dedap 19, Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/2c6yX
GPS: 1.541118,103.801649
Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Non Halal

Date visited: 25 July 2012
Rice Dumpling 肉粽

We stumbled upon Sin Katong Rice Dumpling 新加东肉粽 in Taman Johor Jaya while looking for a quick breakfast.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

The freshly made rice dumplings were enticingly displayed out in front.

I noted at least seven varieties available, namely, traditional pork, plain (kosong), sambal prawns, mung beans, "Extra" with salted eggs, kidney beans, and nonya. Chatting with the workers, I was told that their "Extra" and nonya dumplings are the hottest sellers.

The rice dumplings are for take away only, so there are no dining facilities at the shop.

This is not really a problem as most coffee shops do not mind us eating our dumplings in their shop as long as we buy something (e.g. drinks) from them.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

We tried a traditional pork dumpling. It was good. Not too salty, just a right balance of sweet and saltiness. The glutinous rice was cooked just right, it felt dense yet tender.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

The nonya rice dumpling was excellent. The glutinous rice was tender yet firm and the filling was packed with flavourful spiced, tender meat.

Sin Katong's rice dumplings are made right there at the shop.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

A small mountain of stir fried glutinous rice.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

The ingredients that go into a traditional pork rice dumpling 肉粽 are black mushrooms, chestnuts, and belly pork.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

The golden salted egg yokes that go into Sin Katong's signature "Extra" dumplings.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

Hand wrapping the glutinous rice and ingredients with bamboo leaves.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

Tying the rice dumplings. I noticed that different types of dumpling are tied with different coloured raffle strings.

Rice Dumpling 肉粽

In the final step, the bundles of dumplings are boiled in large pots of hot water till the glutinous rice is cooked and soft.

If you are looking for good rice dumplings freshly made at the shop, Sin Katong Rice Dumpling 新加东肉粽 in Taman Johor Jaya could be what you are looking for.


Rice Dumpling 肉粽

Restaurant name: Sin Katong Rice Dumpling 新加东肉粽
Address: 12, Jalan Dedap 19, Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/2c6yX
GPS: 1.541118,103.801649
Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Non Halal

Date visited: 25 July 2012
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

A Birthday in Pictures


Over the weekend, we celebrated Moopa's 3rd birthday.  Three is a special age, because birthdays become magical.  Christmas becomes magical.  All of a sudden there is excitement and understanding regarding special events.

When kids turn three they become little people, absorbing everything around them. 

It's miraculous to witness.

And over the weekend, the birthday excitement was contagious.  Kids truly keep you young, constantly believing in magic and appreciating everything down to the flowers on the cake.



Happy Monday everyone.  Hope you have a magical week!

Over the weekend, we celebrated Moopa's 3rd birthday.  Three is a special age, because birthdays become magical.  Christmas becomes magical.  All of a sudden there is excitement and understanding regarding special events.

When kids turn three they become little people, absorbing everything around them. 

It's miraculous to witness.

And over the weekend, the birthday excitement was contagious.  Kids truly keep you young, constantly believing in magic and appreciating everything down to the flowers on the cake.



Happy Monday everyone.  Hope you have a magical week!
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Seng Steam Fish Restaurant 成蒸鱼与肉骨茶 in Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru


The famous Seng Steam Fish Restaurant 成蒸鱼与肉骨茶 come highly recommended in the mainstream media as well as in blogosphere.

Seng Steam Fish is located near the dead end of Jalan Keris in Taman Sri Tebrau that only fans and locals know where.


Despite its somewhat secluded location, popular Seng Steam Fish is always overflowing with customers during lunch hour. Actually, I found its quiet location a plus point as free of charge roadside parking is a breeze even during peak hours :) Free parking is a privilege not to be taken for granted in JB nowadays.

In case, anyone ever wondered how an anonymous food blogger is received at restaurants, Seng Steam Fish is one of those places where I got quizzical looks from the boss. Fortunately, I got sufficient shots for this post before I got waved away by the boss J.


This is Seng Steam Fish's signature deep fried boneless fish.


The fish is cut and deboned using a trade secret method that opens up the flesh like a cauliflower.


The fish is fried in hot oil till it is crispy outside.


This fried fish is clearly Seng's most popular dish as I saw it on nearly every table. And justifiably so, as the fish was a finely balanced blend of natural sweetness from the chunky fish meat and the sweet, sour, tangy, spicy Thai style sauce poured over the fried fish.

The drizzle of dark coloured sauce added a touch of savouriness. The dribble of sweet and smooth mayonnaise zig zagged across the ball of fried fish meat bloomed like a cauliflower, gave Seng's fish a fusion flavour.


Couple the interesting blend of flavours from the sauces with the crispy yet tender fish meat, and we have a delectable, innovative fish dish. Kudos to Seng Steam Fish.


We were recommended the braised pork with braised tofu and preserved vegetables. Everything was tender, nicely sweet and not too salty, though perhaps it was overshadowed by my excitement over the signature fried fish which got all my attention.

I shall definitely be back at Seng Steam Fish a few more times and next time I shall have their other signature steamed fish, the popular Teochew style fried pumpkin and bitter gourd fried with salted eggs.




Restaurant name: Seng Steam Fish Restaurant 成蒸鱼与肉骨茶
Address: 100, Jalan Kris, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/IPzqR
GPS: 1.487916,103.774656
Hours: 8:00am to 3:00pm (closed on Monday)
Non Halal

Date visited: 25 July 2012

The famous Seng Steam Fish Restaurant 成蒸鱼与肉骨茶 come highly recommended in the mainstream media as well as in blogosphere.

Seng Steam Fish is located near the dead end of Jalan Keris in Taman Sri Tebrau that only fans and locals know where.


Despite its somewhat secluded location, popular Seng Steam Fish is always overflowing with customers during lunch hour. Actually, I found its quiet location a plus point as free of charge roadside parking is a breeze even during peak hours :) Free parking is a privilege not to be taken for granted in JB nowadays.

In case, anyone ever wondered how an anonymous food blogger is received at restaurants, Seng Steam Fish is one of those places where I got quizzical looks from the boss. Fortunately, I got sufficient shots for this post before I got waved away by the boss J.


This is Seng Steam Fish's signature deep fried boneless fish.


The fish is cut and deboned using a trade secret method that opens up the flesh like a cauliflower.


The fish is fried in hot oil till it is crispy outside.


This fried fish is clearly Seng's most popular dish as I saw it on nearly every table. And justifiably so, as the fish was a finely balanced blend of natural sweetness from the chunky fish meat and the sweet, sour, tangy, spicy Thai style sauce poured over the fried fish.

The drizzle of dark coloured sauce added a touch of savouriness. The dribble of sweet and smooth mayonnaise zig zagged across the ball of fried fish meat bloomed like a cauliflower, gave Seng's fish a fusion flavour.


Couple the interesting blend of flavours from the sauces with the crispy yet tender fish meat, and we have a delectable, innovative fish dish. Kudos to Seng Steam Fish.


We were recommended the braised pork with braised tofu and preserved vegetables. Everything was tender, nicely sweet and not too salty, though perhaps it was overshadowed by my excitement over the signature fried fish which got all my attention.

I shall definitely be back at Seng Steam Fish a few more times and next time I shall have their other signature steamed fish, the popular Teochew style fried pumpkin and bitter gourd fried with salted eggs.




Restaurant name: Seng Steam Fish Restaurant 成蒸鱼与肉骨茶
Address: 100, Jalan Kris, Taman Sri Tebrau, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/IPzqR
GPS: 1.487916,103.774656
Hours: 8:00am to 3:00pm (closed on Monday)
Non Halal

Date visited: 25 July 2012
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Wanton Noodles @ Poh Kee 葆记云吞面 in Desa Tebrau and Kampung Pandan in Johor Bahru


Since I started johorkaki blog, I have eaten a lot of wanton noodles. I heard about Poh Kee 葆记云吞面 a long time ago but didn't have the urge to track it down.


Today, I happened to be in Taman Desa Tebrau and decided to swing to the back row of shop houses to check out the famous Poh Kee 葆记 wanton noodles.

I wasn't sure what is special about Poh Kee. The noodles and wantons were good, but good wanton noodles and wantons are not hard to find in Johor Bahru.

Why then am I so eager to blog about Poh Kee? It's the story - I am fascinated by Poh Kee's story. I learnt from Poh Kee's Director Khai Ling, that Poh Kee started as a small stall in Kampung Pandan and grew to the modern, well appointed shop today. Well, it is always heartwarming to hear such success stories but I've heard quite a few of such inspiring stories in Johor.

Then, Khai Ling told me that the original 40-year old stall is still in operation in Kampung Pandan, still run by the family matriarch. Now, that got my attention and got me to sit up. This is living history.

I must visit this heritage stall and see this grand lady at her stall. And, there I was at the famous Pandan wanton noodles 葆记云吞面 the very next morning.


The grand lady was very friendly and I enjoyed a nice conversation with her.

A standard bowl of Poh Kee wanton noodles at the Desa Tebrau branch.

A bowl of Poh Kee wanton noodles at the original stall in Kampung Pandan.

All the noodles, sauces, and ingredients are taken every morning from this old stall to the shop in Desa Tebrau. So this humble stall is really the headquarters and the swanky shop is just a branch, an outpost.

So how was the food?


The fresh eggy noodles were firm and springy, tending towards being slightly stringy. The sauce was mainly made with dark soy sauce with oyster sauce and sesame oil. There was just sufficient sauce to coat the noodles with a thin film. Lots of people love this flavour and texture, as the crowd and the success of Poh Kee testifies. Poh Kee's noodles and sauce were excellent and flavourful though I am biased towards slurpy, slippery noodles in a more drippy sauce. Its just a personal preference.


Oh, I later realised that we can ask for the spicy hot version and the lady will add in a dollop of this fiery looking sambal chili. I shall make sure I remember this for my next visit :D


The wantons were soft and smooth.


The best fried wantons that I have ever tasted.

I love Poh Kee's super crispy, freshly fried wantons. They were dry, had no oil on them, and were like tasty, flavoured biscuits.


These fresh green chilies in vinegar were crunchy, hot, tangy and sweet. They were so good, you can eat it on its own as a pickle if you can take the spiciness.




At the original stall in Kampung Pandan, I also had the freshly made and fried yong tau foo pieces. They were delicious and complemented the noodles and wantons well.


I didn't notice these fried tofu skin until it was time to leave after our meal. Apparently, the tofu skin is Poh Kee's signature side dish. I'll make sure, I have the tofu skin at my next visit.


Restaurant name (original stall): Poh Kee 葆记云吞面
Address: Jalan Loo Hong Joon. Once you enter the side street from Tebrau Highway, the stall is about 500 metres inside. As you enter, you will see old shop houses/ coffee shops on both sides. Pass the MCA branch on the right and the small row of food stalls is on your left.

Map: http://goo.gl/maps/KgeP
GPS: 1.525996,103.767483
Hours: 6:00am to 1:00pm (closed on Tuesday)

Date visited: 26 Jul 2012


Restaurant name (branch): Poh Kee 葆记云吞面
Address: 52, Jalan Harmonium 23/13, Taman Desa Tebrau, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/Tu8OY
GPS: 1.554251,103.796076
Hours: 6:00am to 6:00pm (closed on Tuesday)

Date visited: 25 Jul 2012

Since I started johorkaki blog, I have eaten a lot of wanton noodles. I heard about Poh Kee 葆记云吞面 a long time ago but didn't have the urge to track it down.


Today, I happened to be in Taman Desa Tebrau and decided to swing to the back row of shop houses to check out the famous Poh Kee 葆记 wanton noodles.

I wasn't sure what is special about Poh Kee. The noodles and wantons were good, but good wanton noodles and wantons are not hard to find in Johor Bahru.

Why then am I so eager to blog about Poh Kee? It's the story - I am fascinated by Poh Kee's story. I learnt from Poh Kee's Director Khai Ling, that Poh Kee started as a small stall in Kampung Pandan and grew to the modern, well appointed shop today. Well, it is always heartwarming to hear such success stories but I've heard quite a few of such inspiring stories in Johor.

Then, Khai Ling told me that the original 40-year old stall is still in operation in Kampung Pandan, still run by the family matriarch. Now, that got my attention and got me to sit up. This is living history.

I must visit this heritage stall and see this grand lady at her stall. And, there I was at the famous Pandan wanton noodles 葆记云吞面 the very next morning.


The grand lady was very friendly and I enjoyed a nice conversation with her.

A standard bowl of Poh Kee wanton noodles at the Desa Tebrau branch.

A bowl of Poh Kee wanton noodles at the original stall in Kampung Pandan.

All the noodles, sauces, and ingredients are taken every morning from this old stall to the shop in Desa Tebrau. So this humble stall is really the headquarters and the swanky shop is just a branch, an outpost.

So how was the food?


The fresh eggy noodles were firm and springy, tending towards being slightly stringy. The sauce was mainly made with dark soy sauce with oyster sauce and sesame oil. There was just sufficient sauce to coat the noodles with a thin film. Lots of people love this flavour and texture, as the crowd and the success of Poh Kee testifies. Poh Kee's noodles and sauce were excellent and flavourful though I am biased towards slurpy, slippery noodles in a more drippy sauce. Its just a personal preference.


Oh, I later realised that we can ask for the spicy hot version and the lady will add in a dollop of this fiery looking sambal chili. I shall make sure I remember this for my next visit :D


The wantons were soft and smooth.


The best fried wantons that I have ever tasted.

I love Poh Kee's super crispy, freshly fried wantons. They were dry, had no oil on them, and were like tasty, flavoured biscuits.


These fresh green chilies in vinegar were crunchy, hot, tangy and sweet. They were so good, you can eat it on its own as a pickle if you can take the spiciness.




At the original stall in Kampung Pandan, I also had the freshly made and fried yong tau foo pieces. They were delicious and complemented the noodles and wantons well.


I didn't notice these fried tofu skin until it was time to leave after our meal. Apparently, the tofu skin is Poh Kee's signature side dish. I'll make sure, I have the tofu skin at my next visit.


Restaurant name (original stall): Poh Kee 葆记云吞面
Address: Jalan Loo Hong Joon. Once you enter the side street from Tebrau Highway, the stall is about 500 metres inside. As you enter, you will see old shop houses/ coffee shops on both sides. Pass the MCA branch on the right and the small row of food stalls is on your left.

Map: http://goo.gl/maps/KgeP
GPS: 1.525996,103.767483
Hours: 6:00am to 1:00pm (closed on Tuesday)

Date visited: 26 Jul 2012


Restaurant name (branch): Poh Kee 葆记云吞面
Address: 52, Jalan Harmonium 23/13, Taman Desa Tebrau, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/Tu8OY
GPS: 1.554251,103.796076
Hours: 6:00am to 6:00pm (closed on Tuesday)

Date visited: 25 Jul 2012
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

A 3rd Birthday


This weekend, our baby turns three.  For me, every birthday in our home is bittersweet.  There is always new milestones to celebrate and excitement for the year ahead.  What will they do?  How much will they accomplish?  What will they shock us with this year?

But a birthday will always mean my munchkins are a year older.  Always.

Our Moopa at age three has had a more eventful life than our other children did.  We've been through eye surgery, visited many doctors and completed countless therapy sessions.  Our baby girl has had more struggles than our other children; she has had to work harder to accomplish the same tasks as they did.

She still does.

But on the playground, she holds her own.  At home she thinks she is the boss.  She is a typical toddler who pushes the limits and hits when she gets angry.  She loves "the princesses" and Strawberry Shortcake.  She eats oatmeal one day and hates it the next, and she somehow knows every word to every song on Hits 1. 

Her brain truly is a sponge, absorbing everything around her.  In this house, that can be frightening.

This year I'm happy to celebrate Moopa starting preschool, and watching her continue to blossom and learn.  She amazes me every day with her wit and constant humor.  And while I mourn the end of that "new baby smell," I look forward to sharing in her journey as she continues to grow and become who she was meant to be.

Happy Birthday to my baby girl, which I will forever call you.  And I know very well it will drive you crazy one day.

To me you will always be my little Moopa who totes around her pink "Lovey."  Always.

This weekend, our baby turns three.  For me, every birthday in our home is bittersweet.  There is always new milestones to celebrate and excitement for the year ahead.  What will they do?  How much will they accomplish?  What will they shock us with this year?

But a birthday will always mean my munchkins are a year older.  Always.

Our Moopa at age three has had a more eventful life than our other children did.  We've been through eye surgery, visited many doctors and completed countless therapy sessions.  Our baby girl has had more struggles than our other children; she has had to work harder to accomplish the same tasks as they did.

She still does.

But on the playground, she holds her own.  At home she thinks she is the boss.  She is a typical toddler who pushes the limits and hits when she gets angry.  She loves "the princesses" and Strawberry Shortcake.  She eats oatmeal one day and hates it the next, and she somehow knows every word to every song on Hits 1. 

Her brain truly is a sponge, absorbing everything around her.  In this house, that can be frightening.

This year I'm happy to celebrate Moopa starting preschool, and watching her continue to blossom and learn.  She amazes me every day with her wit and constant humor.  And while I mourn the end of that "new baby smell," I look forward to sharing in her journey as she continues to grow and become who she was meant to be.

Happy Birthday to my baby girl, which I will forever call you.  And I know very well it will drive you crazy one day.

To me you will always be my little Moopa who totes around her pink "Lovey."  Always.
reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Kway Teow Kia @ Solid Cafeteria 祖传果条仔 in Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru, Malaysia


I have a long backlog of good food stalls in Johor that I have visited and liked, but have not yet blogged about. Once in a while, there comes a stall I liked so much that it jumps to the front of my blogging queue. Solid Cafeteria kway teow kia 祖传果条仔 is one such outstanding stall.

Solid Cafeteria's pork offal were very well prepared. They were all very well cleaned, braised till tender yet still al dente, while retaining the pork's natural sweetness.


Just one example. Look at the braised pork skin. It was curled into a springy coil because the skin was braised just right.


But the same can be said of the pork offal of many of Johor's best kway teow kia stalls.

The thing that really sets Solid Cafeteria 祖传果条仔 well apart from the rest is their special gravy. 


At Solid Cafeteria, the pork offal were drenched with a dark, gooey, syrupy herbal gravy instead of the usual light herbal broth found elsewhere.


Solid Cafeteria's gooey gravy is silky smooth, delicately herbal and with pleasant sweet notes. It is easy to fall in love with (or is it get addicted to?) Solid Cafeteria's flavourful, savoury herbal gravy. The distinctive flavour and taste came from brewing many blended herbs together with lots of large stock bones for hours.


The owner MR Ong said the traditional recipe came from his mother which he later modified and improved upon.

Solid Cafeteria's signature gravy is so good, I am sure I would be perfectly happy to eat at least a bowl or two of plain white rice with just the gravy alone, and nothing else. I fact, I found myself slurping up all the gravy after cleaning my plate of pork offal. It was that good.



Solid Cafeteria is also famous for their signature braised duck. The slices of tender and naturally sweet braised duck meat were flooded with generous amounts of the same signature herbal gravy, that overflowed over the sides of the shallow plate.


The clean tasting kway teow noodles were smooth and complemented the pork offal and braising sauce very well. 


The chili sauce was excellent too. Fresh, tangy, spicy hot and sweet.


I must remember to order these fried bean curd skin during my next visit. They look perfect for soaking up Solid Cafeteria's unique herbal gravy.

Will definitely revisit J



Restaurant name: Solid Cafeteria Kway Teow Kia 祖传果条仔
Address: 137 & 139, Jalan Bakawali 50, Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/Uaika
GPS: 1.542512,103.793131
Hours: 12:00noon to 9:30pm (closed on Monday)
Non Halal

Date visited: 25 July 2012

I have a long backlog of good food stalls in Johor that I have visited and liked, but have not yet blogged about. Once in a while, there comes a stall I liked so much that it jumps to the front of my blogging queue. Solid Cafeteria kway teow kia 祖传果条仔 is one such outstanding stall.

Solid Cafeteria's pork offal were very well prepared. They were all very well cleaned, braised till tender yet still al dente, while retaining the pork's natural sweetness.


Just one example. Look at the braised pork skin. It was curled into a springy coil because the skin was braised just right.


But the same can be said of the pork offal of many of Johor's best kway teow kia stalls.

The thing that really sets Solid Cafeteria 祖传果条仔 well apart from the rest is their special gravy. 


At Solid Cafeteria, the pork offal were drenched with a dark, gooey, syrupy herbal gravy instead of the usual light herbal broth found elsewhere.


Solid Cafeteria's gooey gravy is silky smooth, delicately herbal and with pleasant sweet notes. It is easy to fall in love with (or is it get addicted to?) Solid Cafeteria's flavourful, savoury herbal gravy. The distinctive flavour and taste came from brewing many blended herbs together with lots of large stock bones for hours.


The owner MR Ong said the traditional recipe came from his mother which he later modified and improved upon.

Solid Cafeteria's signature gravy is so good, I am sure I would be perfectly happy to eat at least a bowl or two of plain white rice with just the gravy alone, and nothing else. I fact, I found myself slurping up all the gravy after cleaning my plate of pork offal. It was that good.



Solid Cafeteria is also famous for their signature braised duck. The slices of tender and naturally sweet braised duck meat were flooded with generous amounts of the same signature herbal gravy, that overflowed over the sides of the shallow plate.


The clean tasting kway teow noodles were smooth and complemented the pork offal and braising sauce very well. 


The chili sauce was excellent too. Fresh, tangy, spicy hot and sweet.


I must remember to order these fried bean curd skin during my next visit. They look perfect for soaking up Solid Cafeteria's unique herbal gravy.

Will definitely revisit J



Restaurant name: Solid Cafeteria Kway Teow Kia 祖传果条仔
Address: 137 & 139, Jalan Bakawali 50, Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/Uaika
GPS: 1.542512,103.793131
Hours: 12:00noon to 9:30pm (closed on Monday)
Non Halal

Date visited: 25 July 2012
reade more... Résuméabuiyad