F and I frequent JB about once in month or two due to its proximity from our homes. We would go there in the late afternoon, catch a movie and have dinner near the checkpoint, then head back to Singapore late at night when the crowds are more manageable. As we enter JB via public transport, we would limit ourselves to just City Square and the immediate surroundings. Dinner would usually be at the back alleys along Jalan Meldrum / Jalan Wong Ah Fook, which offers excellent BBQ chicken wings and oyster omelette, by the way. However, it was getting a little boring and we were keen to explore other areas.
So when we went to JB again yesterday, we decided to try somewhere new. Upon a colleague's recommendation, we set off very much earlier in the day, and headed for a mini adventure at Taman Mount Austin.
After crossing the checkpoint, we flagged a cab at City Square (the taxi stand is located beside Levi's) to go to our destination. Traffic was relatively smooth except when we neared the town; the ride took about 30 mins and cost RM 27. The town is near Aeon Tebrau City, a mall frequented by Singaporeans.
First stop, lunch.
Our original plan was to eat at Dream Café, which I read was highly raved among patrons. But this had to be thwarted when we found out only upon reaching there that the business had ceased. Disappointment kicked in but this soon went away after we stumbled upon a gem in a restaurant a few doors away (thankfully!).
The place we decided to dine at turned out to serve utterly delicious oven-baked chicken. The chickens are supposedly organic and imported specially from Korea.
We ordered one serving of whole chicken in the store's signature original flavor, and it came with two small sides and two dips. Gloves are provided if you don't want to dirty their hands (although I think fried chicken tastes better when you eat them with your bare hands :D). The chicken was served fresh from the oven and very hot. Its skin was crispy and meat tender, perfectly done! We were really impressed as each bite was juicy. It was not oily at all as it was baked.
Prices are on the steep side though. Our meal of a whole chicken and two canned drinks cost RM 70. Note that their chickens are of a much smaller size than the regular ones you see served elsewhere such as Nando's; one whole chicken was definitely not enough for two of us. In fact, I think I could have polished it all by myself. Their menu consisted of mostly chicken in various flavours. There are limited options for other mains --- only a couple of other pastas and salads are available.
Where: Thank U Mom
15, Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Other info: Wifi is available after activating the Facebook check-in function.
15, Jalan Austin Heights 8/4, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Other info: Wifi is available after activating the Facebook check-in function.
After a light lunch, we explored the area on foot. This is their mini town centre, so there are many shops to walk into. Food and entertainment options are aplenty. There are also a couple of lifestyle shops that you and your family can do some shopping at (think Daiso).
Ice cream for dessert.
Left: Oolong tea flavour; recommended if you love tea. The taste was light and refreshing. The crunch from the sunflower seeds gave a nice contrast from the smoothness of the ice cream.
Right: Dark chocolate; flavour was just right as it was not too cloying.
The cafe provided a good respite after much walking. A corner of the shop is set aside for the sale of a small selection of clothes from some independent designers.
Where: Softsrve
L1-03, Block A, Academic Suite Jalan Austin Heights, Taman Mount Austin
Other info: Wifi is available.
After leaving the place, we spotted a makeshift goreng pisang stall round the corner. We would have grabbed some freshly fried bananas if not for our exploding stomachs. What a pity!
We left the town after getting some cheesecakes from Uncle Tetsu. The cakes came with a thin perforated cloth, which prevented them from drying out even after a day. Worth a try!
No. 47, Jalan Austin Height 3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru
All in all, we spent about half a day just exploring the area leisurely. We reckon that the place is good for a 2D1N holiday, as there are many places around the area which we did not have time to try. I love places like this, where the rows of shop-houses give an area so much character, unlike malls were everything seems too neat and sterilised.
The place is near the Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, which we are aiming to visit the next time round. There is also an escape game to keep visitors busy.
The place is near the Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park, which we are aiming to visit the next time round. There is also an escape game to keep visitors busy.
Till the next holiday!
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