Johor Chicken Rice at 源记鸡饭 in Taman Ungku Tun Aminah

I passed by 源记 chicken rice stall several times during past food hunts and noticed that it was always crowded during lunch. Every time, I was either too full or on my way to somewhere else, and so I have never tried 源记 till today.



Today, I made a special trip to 源记 to find out why their chicken is so popular.



When I arrived and looked at the glass case, I was a little disappointed that it was almost all deep fried chickens. (The boss took out that white poached chicken after I asked if they served it.) So far, I found deep fried chickens at most chicken rice stalls quite uniformly bland in taste, and thus am not a big fan of it.



But, since I already came all the way from downtown JB to TUTA, I ordered a drumstick and rice (RM4 per set) just to try.

One bite and I realised that 源记's delicious chicken rice is a blog worthy stall. And, wondered what took me so long :P

The golden brown chicken skin and the flesh are tender and sweeter than what I tasted at other stalls. The moist chicken flesh has a nice mouth feel of bouncy juicy meat.



源记's rice was good too. Just nicely fragrant and not overly greasy. The long grain rice were of good quality with firm yet tender grains that separate easily.

The small bowl of chicken soup was sweet with tastes of cabbage.



The chili was watery, salty, tangy and mildly spicy. I prefer my chicken rice chili to be pure ground chili peppers. In the end, I hardly used the chili dip as I like 源记's chicken just by itself, to savour it's lovely flavours.



After my meal, I asked the friendly lady boss Mrs Kang how come 源记's deep fried chicken tastes different from others. Mrs Yang shared that 源记's chicken is charcoal grilled first and then deep fried.

(Note: Most average chicken stalls poach their chicken, air dry it and then deep fry.)



Mr Kang, the boss, said they use chicken of an optimum size when the meat is sweetest and has nicer texture - not too young nor too old. Mr Kang shared that 源记鸡饭 has been in business for 20 years.



源记 also serves poached chicken though their top draw is their deep fried chicken. Still, this plump poached chicken looks invitingly yummy and should be worth a try at my next visit.

I like 源记's grilled-then-fried chicken a lot.

If I am in the mood for a lot of chicken, I would be going to 源记 to indulge my craving wholeheartedly without wasting calories and cholesterol. 源记 also sells their whole deep fried chicken at RM25 each. It would be an excellent idea to buy and eat at home :D




Restaurant name: 源记鸡饭 chicken rice stall in Kedai Kopi Yee Chia Ler
Address: Jalan Temanggong 11, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Skudai. Johor
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/yzXhA
GPS: 1.509252,103.652329
Hours: 9:00am to 2:00pm (usually sold out earlier) (Closed on Monday)
Non Halal

Date visited: 13 Nov 2013

I passed by 源记 chicken rice stall several times during past food hunts and noticed that it was always crowded during lunch. Every time, I was either too full or on my way to somewhere else, and so I have never tried 源记 till today.



Today, I made a special trip to 源记 to find out why their chicken is so popular.



When I arrived and looked at the glass case, I was a little disappointed that it was almost all deep fried chickens. (The boss took out that white poached chicken after I asked if they served it.) So far, I found deep fried chickens at most chicken rice stalls quite uniformly bland in taste, and thus am not a big fan of it.



But, since I already came all the way from downtown JB to TUTA, I ordered a drumstick and rice (RM4 per set) just to try.

One bite and I realised that 源记's delicious chicken rice is a blog worthy stall. And, wondered what took me so long :P

The golden brown chicken skin and the flesh are tender and sweeter than what I tasted at other stalls. The moist chicken flesh has a nice mouth feel of bouncy juicy meat.



源记's rice was good too. Just nicely fragrant and not overly greasy. The long grain rice were of good quality with firm yet tender grains that separate easily.

The small bowl of chicken soup was sweet with tastes of cabbage.



The chili was watery, salty, tangy and mildly spicy. I prefer my chicken rice chili to be pure ground chili peppers. In the end, I hardly used the chili dip as I like 源记's chicken just by itself, to savour it's lovely flavours.



After my meal, I asked the friendly lady boss Mrs Kang how come 源记's deep fried chicken tastes different from others. Mrs Yang shared that 源记's chicken is charcoal grilled first and then deep fried.

(Note: Most average chicken stalls poach their chicken, air dry it and then deep fry.)



Mr Kang, the boss, said they use chicken of an optimum size when the meat is sweetest and has nicer texture - not too young nor too old. Mr Kang shared that 源记鸡饭 has been in business for 20 years.



源记 also serves poached chicken though their top draw is their deep fried chicken. Still, this plump poached chicken looks invitingly yummy and should be worth a try at my next visit.

I like 源记's grilled-then-fried chicken a lot.

If I am in the mood for a lot of chicken, I would be going to 源记 to indulge my craving wholeheartedly without wasting calories and cholesterol. 源记 also sells their whole deep fried chicken at RM25 each. It would be an excellent idea to buy and eat at home :D




Restaurant name: 源记鸡饭 chicken rice stall in Kedai Kopi Yee Chia Ler
Address: Jalan Temanggong 11, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Skudai. Johor
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/yzXhA
GPS: 1.509252,103.652329
Hours: 9:00am to 2:00pm (usually sold out earlier) (Closed on Monday)
Non Halal

Date visited: 13 Nov 2013

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Ramadan Bazaar at Taman Universiti, Skudai, Johor

Many readers suggested that I must go to the Ramadan bazaar at Taman Universiti, and so there I was yesterday. The bazaar at Jalan Kemuliaan 4 was huge! I estimated that there must be nearly 100 stalls at this bazaar. 



The stall holders were very warm and friendly. There was much spontaneous laughter. A few stall holders and even passers-by offered me food for tasting like a guest at their home. The bazaar was packed but parking was easy and plentiful. There were even MPJBT (city council) officers helping to guide and marshal traffic :) I really enjoyed myself at this Ramadan bazaar.

Come with me for a quick tour of Taman Universiti's Ramadan bazaar.



I love ayam golek stalls :) I will always walk around and zero in on the ayam golek stand. I just love the sight of poles of succulent chicken, rotating over a large charcoal pit. The ayam golek stall is easy to spot - just look out for the biggest cloud of greasy white smoke bellowing from the stall.




Kacang pool is an Egyptian dish that has caught on in Johor. The thick chunky buttered bread is eaten with a thick gravy made with minced beef and broad beans topped with a soft cooked sunny side up.



There are several Ikan Bakar stalls - a popular spicy choice for breaking fast.



Catfish! I am a big fan of catfish :) Nicely seared outside, while inside, the sweet white meat is tender and juicy.



Roti Jala or net bread eaten with curry.



Makcik packing fragrant Nasi Kerabu, a Terengganu speciality of rice with herbs.





This Ramadan bazaar has the most number of roti canai and murtabak masters together in one place that I have seen so far - see how big they spread that dough.



Sup kambing stall.



BBQ chicken.



Ayam Percik, a Kelantanese favourite.





Satay :))



Roti John, the favourite food of many - found only in Malaysia and Singapore.



There is even chicken mandi here - Arabian style grilled chicken rice. 



This nasi biryani looks great :)



Siham (cockles)!



Kupang or mussels.



There are lots more that you have to come down to see for yourself :)

I love Ramadan bazaars because everyone is so happy here and people from every community and all walks of life enjoy food together. It is also a convenient, one-stop place to enjoy many traditional local food made and served hot at very reasonable prices. Most of the stalls are ready to serve at 5:00pm.

There are many places to experience Ramadan bazaars in Johor Bahru:

1. Bandar Baru Uda
2. Bukit Indah (AEON Jusco)
3. Kampung Melayu
4. Pandan (S'mart, Map: http://goo.gl/maps/rWX0O, GPS: 1.533739,103.783121)
5. Seri Alam
6. Stadium Larkin
7. Taman Perling (Perling Mall)
8. Taman Universiti (Jalan Kemuliaan 4, Map: http://goo.gl/maps/uuWjl GPS: 1.529897,103.620249)
9. Taman Dahlia
10. Taman Johor
11. Taman Suria (near Giant)
12. Taman Ungku Tun Aminah (near Caltex petrol station)
13. Taman Rinting (Jalan Sena)
14. Taman Sri Pulai
15. Tampoi (Plaza Angsana)

We wish our Muslim readers Selamat Berpuasa.

Many readers suggested that I must go to the Ramadan bazaar at Taman Universiti, and so there I was yesterday. The bazaar at Jalan Kemuliaan 4 was huge! I estimated that there must be nearly 100 stalls at this bazaar. 



The stall holders were very warm and friendly. There was much spontaneous laughter. A few stall holders and even passers-by offered me food for tasting like a guest at their home. The bazaar was packed but parking was easy and plentiful. There were even MPJBT (city council) officers helping to guide and marshal traffic :) I really enjoyed myself at this Ramadan bazaar.

Come with me for a quick tour of Taman Universiti's Ramadan bazaar.



I love ayam golek stalls :) I will always walk around and zero in on the ayam golek stand. I just love the sight of poles of succulent chicken, rotating over a large charcoal pit. The ayam golek stall is easy to spot - just look out for the biggest cloud of greasy white smoke bellowing from the stall.




Kacang pool is an Egyptian dish that has caught on in Johor. The thick chunky buttered bread is eaten with a thick gravy made with minced beef and broad beans topped with a soft cooked sunny side up.



There are several Ikan Bakar stalls - a popular spicy choice for breaking fast.



Catfish! I am a big fan of catfish :) Nicely seared outside, while inside, the sweet white meat is tender and juicy.



Roti Jala or net bread eaten with curry.



Makcik packing fragrant Nasi Kerabu, a Terengganu speciality of rice with herbs.





This Ramadan bazaar has the most number of roti canai and murtabak masters together in one place that I have seen so far - see how big they spread that dough.



Sup kambing stall.



BBQ chicken.



Ayam Percik, a Kelantanese favourite.





Satay :))



Roti John, the favourite food of many - found only in Malaysia and Singapore.



There is even chicken mandi here - Arabian style grilled chicken rice. 



This nasi biryani looks great :)



Siham (cockles)!



Kupang or mussels.



There are lots more that you have to come down to see for yourself :)

I love Ramadan bazaars because everyone is so happy here and people from every community and all walks of life enjoy food together. It is also a convenient, one-stop place to enjoy many traditional local food made and served hot at very reasonable prices. Most of the stalls are ready to serve at 5:00pm.

There are many places to experience Ramadan bazaars in Johor Bahru:

1. Bandar Baru Uda
2. Bukit Indah (AEON Jusco)
3. Kampung Melayu
4. Pandan (S'mart, Map: http://goo.gl/maps/rWX0O, GPS: 1.533739,103.783121)
5. Seri Alam
6. Stadium Larkin
7. Taman Perling (Perling Mall)
8. Taman Universiti (Jalan Kemuliaan 4, Map: http://goo.gl/maps/uuWjl GPS: 1.529897,103.620249)
9. Taman Dahlia
10. Taman Johor
11. Taman Suria (near Giant)
12. Taman Ungku Tun Aminah (near Caltex petrol station)
13. Taman Rinting (Jalan Sena)
14. Taman Sri Pulai
15. Tampoi (Plaza Angsana)

We wish our Muslim readers Selamat Berpuasa.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Lamb Mandi at Restoran Parsia in Taman Universiti, Skudai, Johor

I am a big fan of lamb. I especially love lamb that has rich smokey gamey flavours, tender bite and smooth mouth feel.

Couple the moist flavourful lamb with a bed of fragrant fluffy yet non starchy saffron perfumed Basmati rice and eating it with tangy, refreshing herbs and juices - this is a lovely meal that takes me to food paradise like a magic carpet from Arabia.

Fortunately, in Johor Bahru, we don't have to pay a King's ransom to enjoy a wondrous meal like this. In Restoran Parsia, we can have it for under RM20 with a drink thrown in :)

In case you are wondering - this is no short cut, mass produced meal but an authentic Iranian classic. Lamb mandi or grilled lamb prepared the tedious traditional way with a large old style tandoor - the only one there is in Johor Bahru. Come to think of it, I haven't seen anything like this tandoor anywhere else in Malaysia or Singapore :P



Amin, a hands on boss, personally putting the final touches in preparing the Iranian lamb mandi using the large tandoor.





The fluffy, airy, non starchy, non greasy, saffron perfumed Basmati rice is also made with this large tandoor for that authentic, almost sensual aroma.

Was it worth all that trouble just to cook rice? Well, this picture speaks for itself :)

Amin the boss, and Jahangir the Chief Chef of Restoran Parsia

 

Amin who hails from the Shiraz district of Iran, set up Restoran Parsia to serve authentic Iranian comfort food for the Iranian community here in Johor Bahru. For example, Restoran Parsia serves Dizi which is the iconic Iranian everyday staple. As a large part of the Iranian community in JB are students at UTM (Universiti Technlogi Malaysia), Amin prices Restoran Parsia's food with their budget in mind.
 

Restoran Parsia is tucked away in Taman Universiti, and it's interior decor is simple and basic but the Iranian and Arabian food served here is delicious. The portions are large and satisfying, and reasonably priced.

Restoran Parsia is a place we return to regularly for our Iranian and Arabian food craving fix. 

Restaurant name: Parsia Restaurant (Iranian and Arabian cuisine)
Address: 63-01, 64-01, Jalan Pendidikan 4, Taman Universiti, Skudai, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/dwA8d
GPS: 1.545076,103.629237
Hours: 11:00am to 11:00pm
Halal

Dates visited: 16 Dec 2012, 16 May 2013

I am a big fan of lamb. I especially love lamb that has rich smokey gamey flavours, tender bite and smooth mouth feel.

Couple the moist flavourful lamb with a bed of fragrant fluffy yet non starchy saffron perfumed Basmati rice and eating it with tangy, refreshing herbs and juices - this is a lovely meal that takes me to food paradise like a magic carpet from Arabia.

Fortunately, in Johor Bahru, we don't have to pay a King's ransom to enjoy a wondrous meal like this. In Restoran Parsia, we can have it for under RM20 with a drink thrown in :)

In case you are wondering - this is no short cut, mass produced meal but an authentic Iranian classic. Lamb mandi or grilled lamb prepared the tedious traditional way with a large old style tandoor - the only one there is in Johor Bahru. Come to think of it, I haven't seen anything like this tandoor anywhere else in Malaysia or Singapore :P



Amin, a hands on boss, personally putting the final touches in preparing the Iranian lamb mandi using the large tandoor.





The fluffy, airy, non starchy, non greasy, saffron perfumed Basmati rice is also made with this large tandoor for that authentic, almost sensual aroma.

Was it worth all that trouble just to cook rice? Well, this picture speaks for itself :)

Amin the boss, and Jahangir the Chief Chef of Restoran Parsia

 

Amin who hails from the Shiraz district of Iran, set up Restoran Parsia to serve authentic Iranian comfort food for the Iranian community here in Johor Bahru. For example, Restoran Parsia serves Dizi which is the iconic Iranian everyday staple. As a large part of the Iranian community in JB are students at UTM (Universiti Technlogi Malaysia), Amin prices Restoran Parsia's food with their budget in mind.
 

Restoran Parsia is tucked away in Taman Universiti, and it's interior decor is simple and basic but the Iranian and Arabian food served here is delicious. The portions are large and satisfying, and reasonably priced.

Restoran Parsia is a place we return to regularly for our Iranian and Arabian food craving fix. 

Restaurant name: Parsia Restaurant (Iranian and Arabian cuisine)
Address: 63-01, 64-01, Jalan Pendidikan 4, Taman Universiti, Skudai, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/dwA8d
GPS: 1.545076,103.629237
Hours: 11:00am to 11:00pm
Halal

Dates visited: 16 Dec 2012, 16 May 2013

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Dizi - A Traditional Iranian Dish at Parsia Restaurant in Taman Universiti, Johor Bahru

One of the greatest joys of food hunting for Johor Kaki blog is to stumble upon unique dishes that I would have otherwise never have a chance to try. Today, I want to share with you, Dizi - a unique traditional Iranian staple available at Parsia Restaurant in Taman Universiti in Skudai, Johor.

Dizi also known as Ābgusht (Persian: آبگوشت‎) which literally means "water meat", is a traditional Persian/ Mesopotamian mutton stew eaten with flat bread (naan). Dizi is served at Parsia Restaurant at RM12.

Amin, the boss of Parsia Restaurant, told me that this dish is commonly called Dizi, which means "stone" because it is traditionally made and served in crocks made of hollowed out rocks.



Nowadays, Dizi is served in much simpler aluminium pot, and pestle and mortar set.



Dizi stew is made with mutton, chickpeas, kidney beans, onions, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, turmeric, and spices. The streaky meat and vegetable ingredients are cooked together for hours until it becomes an oily stew.



Amin showed me how Dizi is enjoyed. Amin demonstrated how the broth is strained from the meat and vegetables. The broth is drained into the aluminium saucer using the cap as the strainer. 


 
Dizi is then eaten by dunking pieces of the freshly baked flat bread in the rich sweet and savoury broth.

 

The tender meat and vegetable solids are then mashed in the small aluminium container using the aluminium pestle. The meat and vegetable are pressed into a paste.



The meat and vegetable paste is spread on a piece of Iranian flat bread before eating. I found Dizi a delicious and interesting dish.



The freshly baked flat bread at Parsia Restaurant is one the best that I have tasted so far.



The flat bread is freshly made right there at the restaurant.



The flat bread is baked using a clay oven or tandoor.



Dizi is a delicious traditional high calorie, high cholesterol staple to provide the needed energy for the heavy physical activity in the Iranian crop fields.

Give it a try. It's delicious and a fascinating Iranian dish.



Restaurant name: Parsia Restaurant
Address: 63-01, 64-01, Jalan Pendidikan 4, Taman Universiti, Skudai, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/dwA8d
GPS: 1.545076,103.629237
Hours: 11:00am to 11:00pm
Halal

Dates visited: 16 Dec 2012, 16 May 2013

One of the greatest joys of food hunting for Johor Kaki blog is to stumble upon unique dishes that I would have otherwise never have a chance to try. Today, I want to share with you, Dizi - a unique traditional Iranian staple available at Parsia Restaurant in Taman Universiti in Skudai, Johor.

Dizi also known as Ābgusht (Persian: آبگوشت‎) which literally means "water meat", is a traditional Persian/ Mesopotamian mutton stew eaten with flat bread (naan). Dizi is served at Parsia Restaurant at RM12.

Amin, the boss of Parsia Restaurant, told me that this dish is commonly called Dizi, which means "stone" because it is traditionally made and served in crocks made of hollowed out rocks.



Nowadays, Dizi is served in much simpler aluminium pot, and pestle and mortar set.



Dizi stew is made with mutton, chickpeas, kidney beans, onions, garlic, potatoes, tomatoes, turmeric, and spices. The streaky meat and vegetable ingredients are cooked together for hours until it becomes an oily stew.



Amin showed me how Dizi is enjoyed. Amin demonstrated how the broth is strained from the meat and vegetables. The broth is drained into the aluminium saucer using the cap as the strainer. 


 
Dizi is then eaten by dunking pieces of the freshly baked flat bread in the rich sweet and savoury broth.

 

The tender meat and vegetable solids are then mashed in the small aluminium container using the aluminium pestle. The meat and vegetable are pressed into a paste.



The meat and vegetable paste is spread on a piece of Iranian flat bread before eating. I found Dizi a delicious and interesting dish.



The freshly baked flat bread at Parsia Restaurant is one the best that I have tasted so far.



The flat bread is freshly made right there at the restaurant.



The flat bread is baked using a clay oven or tandoor.



Dizi is a delicious traditional high calorie, high cholesterol staple to provide the needed energy for the heavy physical activity in the Iranian crop fields.

Give it a try. It's delicious and a fascinating Iranian dish.



Restaurant name: Parsia Restaurant
Address: 63-01, 64-01, Jalan Pendidikan 4, Taman Universiti, Skudai, Johor Bahru
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/dwA8d
GPS: 1.545076,103.629237
Hours: 11:00am to 11:00pm
Halal

Dates visited: 16 Dec 2012, 16 May 2013

reade more... Résuméabuiyad