08-09.06.2013 | Muar Food Hunt

DESTINATION : MUAR, JOHOR

Travel period : 08-09.06.2013

we were in Muar for a short break to reminisce his childhood days. my first impression of Muar- it is a relatively quiet and peaceful town. but don't get surprised by de numbers of foreigners in town due to de advancement of furniture industry they claimed (sorry I admit I did). retailing sector seems to lack behind. there are no tall buildings nor shopping complexes, and not even a hypermarket is seen. nonetheless, it doesn't mean that Muar is nothing worth to explore. I'm actually excited because Muar is also known to be a place famous for its local delicacies. food always make people (me) happy.

Muar's most tourist-liked place: Clock Tower.

we noticed there was a grumpy security (not in uniform) "living" in de tower. you're not allowed to step on de not-so healthy grown grass. he would tell you not to unless you're a cuckoo pigeon.. haha. thought of taking a relaxing stroll along de scenery riverside but seriously, de numbers of foreigner sort of freaks me out.

although Muar's development is not as apparent as Malacca, we are still able to find some hidden gems nested here.

i) Bentayan Food Court.

we arrived at Muar near late evening. for our first meal in Muar, we chose to have it in Bentayan Food Court.

CLOCKWISE:

#1   Otak-otak

#2   Six Flavours Soup 六味

#3   Fried Meat Roll in Beancurd Skin 五香

#4   Pork satay

#5   Mee Pok

#6   Fried noodles

and yes I do agree de amount we ordered was way too much for two persons... haha. anyway, food in Bentayan is only a tip of de iceberg. food wasn't bad, but they were not very delicious either.

ii) Glutton Street (贪吃街).

Glutton Street is located just within walking distance to de place we stayed- Streetview Hotel. as depicted by its name, it is definitely a place shall not be missed for gluttons in searching for Muar's local delicacies. you can find a lot of hawker stalls across de road. it is less hectic and less congested if compared to Jonker Street. Glutton Street is more towards kampung style and less commercialized.

de Blue Street.

rows of buildings were painted in different colours representing colour coded streets. they have Yellow and Pink Streets too. Glutton Street is located at de meeting point of yellow and pink area. 

SANSAN Coffeeshop 三山茶餐厅- 

Char Siew Perng (Red Roasted Meat Rice).

do take note of their distinctive trademark red char siew which is often seen in Muar. I personally prefer de honey roasted type char siew without red colouring. texture wise, red char siew is more dry and hard (hence less fat). it is worth giving this popular choice a try =)

发发 Mee Pok.

a lil mixing is required before eating. Mee Pok is a staple commonly offered in hawker stalls in Muar.

Ojien.

(fried oyster omelette)

this is a wet and softer version of Ojien without crust. love it to go with de chilli sauce as it compliments de Ojien nicely.

Otak-otak.

(grilled spicy fish paste wrapped in banana leaf)

otak-otak is another famous local delicacies in Muar. unlike Saam, I'm not really a fan of otak-otak. however, I prefer otak-otak in Glutton Street when compared to Bentayan because I find it much more tasty. choice of fish, fish and shrimps are available. 

Pork Satay.

okay we have to eat more of this as it is something precious that cannot be found back home.

顺记 Duck Rice - recommended by Ho Chak.

de stall is operated by an old chinese couple. I'm not sure whether it was de herbs they used because I find de duck meat tasted slightly peculiar (or was it de chopping board?). sorry to say I only find de duck rice so-so. in fact, I was more tempted to try de roasted duck stall beside but too bad my tummy was already at its limit.. haha.

Wanton Mee.

they are popular for their tasty fresh shrimp wantons.

iii) 434 Sai Kee Kopitiam (opposite Bentayan Express Bus Station). 

this is an interesting place to cure de cravings for coffee. “434” was actually a three digit telephone number used during 1960s.

items for display purpose only- not for sale.

Sai Kee Signature Coffee.

Elephant Coffee.

brewed from Elephant Bean, this is nothing similar to Luwak's Coffee. it is named as such simply because de coffee bean is huge. love at first sip- very aromatic.

de coffee shop closes at 430pm. so make sure you won't be late for your precious coffee moment.

till then, goodbye Muar! 

END