Nuffnang

Monday, December 28, 2015

[JB] Delicious Zi Char @ Restoran Ju Can Curry (聚餐特色咖喱魚頭) - CLOSED

Hubby and I have been keeping a look out for good food on our every road trip to Johor Bahru. We were very lucky and thankful to be directed to Restoran Ju Can Curry, which was highly recommended by the staff at JS Hotel during our recent stay with them.

About 5 minutes drive from Aeon Tebrau City and JS hotel, we spotted the humble restaurant along a stretch of shophouses. Business is brisk and we could see diners from every table have ordered a plate of Curry Fish Head.


Since it was our first visit at Restoran Ju Can, the staff kindly offered his recommendations. Curry Fish Head is a must-try as this is Ju Can's signature dish. For RM34, we were delighted to savor the juicy, fresh fish head dipped within the thick, yet not too spicy curry sauce. Gladys love the curry and it is very appetizing to go with rice. The curry fish head is cooked with a good balance of taste and flavour - not too sweet, salty and spice. Definitely one of the better curry fish head that we have tried so far that earned a lot of compliments from our kiddos.

Curry Fish Head - 咖喱魚頭 (RM34)

At times, we have difficulties thinking of which vegetable dish to order that will suit the taste bud of both adults and children. Thanks again to the recommendation by the staff of Ju Can, we have voted this plate of potato leaf (番薯苗) as our top favourite and a must-order. Stir-fry with garlic, the taste is uniquely fragrant and tasty. It was surprisingly amazing how fast we cleaned the plate within minutes after it was served.

Potato Leaf (RM8)

Another appetizing dish which our boy loves, that goes perfectly with rice. The minced meat in sweet gravy sauce spreading across the smooth, silky bean curd. Thumbs Up!

Minced meat with Bean Curd - 肉碎豆腐 (RM10)

This is one of my personal favourite. Salted egg gravy over fried chicken. Every bite is crispy and sweet within yet smooth and salty on the exterior. Another delicacy that can share among children.

黃金香酥雞 (RM16)

The braised pork belly is cooked till very soft and tender such that with every bite, you can feel the fats melting in your mouth. Served with preserved vegetables which is not overly salty.

Braised Pork with Preserved Vegetables - 梅菜扣肉 (RM15)

Sweet & Sour Pork is a very common dish in every Zi Char restaurant. However, not every place can cook up and serve a good plate of Sweet & Sour Pork dish. Restoran Ju Can is one that make its mark. The deep fried pork cubes were coated with a thin layer of batter, hence we could savor the meat and not so much of the flour. Stir-fried in a mouth-watering sweet & sour sauce enhanced the entire flavour of the dish.

Sweet & Sour Pork - 香碎咕老肉 (RM15)

Restoran Ju Can has been marked as one of our favourite Zi Char place in Johor Bahru. We have dined at Ju Can on two occasions and am very satisfied with the quality of food and service provided. If you are shopping at Aeon Tebrau City and am looking for a good dining spot nearby, you may wish to consider Restoran Ju Can for a hearty family meal.

Restoran Ju Can Curry (聚餐特色咖喱魚頭)
Address: No 41-G, Jln Harmonium 35/1, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100, Johor Bahru
Opening Hours: 1pm - 9pm, break time : approx 3.30pm - 5.30pm. (Closed on Mondays)
GPS: 1.555715, 103.789889

*Restorn Ju Can Curry has been closed since our last visit in 2017

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

JS Hotel (Tebrau City)

Lately, we have been hotel hopping in Johor Bahru, "hunting" for various boutique hotels at various locations. Since Hubby does not wish to drive out too far in the night, we figured it would be wise to find a resting stop that is near to a shopping mall (preferably within walking distance).

JS Hotel - a new boutique hotel which had it's grand opening in August 2015 was our latest finding. Strategically located next to Aeon Desa Tebrau and Tesco Hypermart, we were able to walk to both marts conveniently, which provide shopping, dining, leisure and entertainment.


There are a couple of parking lots in front of JS Hotel and parking is free. Most importantly, we are relieved to see a security guard keeping a look out for the cars in the night.


Lobby area

Stairways up to Level 2 where our room is located. You may wish to know that there is no lift within JS Hotel as it only occupies two levels. This might pose some inconvenience for those travelling with elderly or with heavy luggage. It would be welcoming if there are alternatives to make improvements in this area in the future.

Although Aeon is only 5 minutes walk away, JS Hotel has a mini snack counter in case we feel hungry in the night. :)

Upon check-in, we were only given 1 access card, 1 remote control for Air-condition and 1 remote control for television. I am guessing that the hotel is still very new and hence they wanted to ensure the remote controls are in good condition (by not placing them in the room).



As it is the holiday peak period, nearing Christmas, we were not able to book a bigger room. Hence, we settled for Deluxe King (RM128) plus an additional bed (RM30). Access to room is via key card and it is spacious and clean.


Extra bedding placed in our room upon arrival. 

There is a step leading to the toilet and everyone (particularly the younger children) has to be cautious to prevent incidents leading to fall. Otherwise, toilet and shower room is bright, clean and spacious. Towels, disposable toothpaste and toothbrush are provided too.


Resting zone in the room

Being located near to AEON and TESCO is an attraction to stay with JS Hotel. Pricing is affordable and we had a good rest. In addition, JS Hotel also offer bigger rooms for family - Superior Family (1 King bed + 1 Super Single bed), Deluxe Queen Double (2 Queen beds) and Deluxe Family Suite Tatami (2 King beds) under RM200. We would love to be back to check out their Family rooms next time.

Summary Notes:
Room
- Free Wifi
- Air-condition
- Window view - depends on room type
- Flooring - Tiled
- Water Flask - available
- Safety Box - not available
- Hair Dryer - available
- Phone - available
- Mini Fridge

Toilet/Shower
- Bath towels are provided
- Combined Toilet and Shower room
- Water Heater available.
- Disposable toothbrush/toothpaste provided

Parking & Security
- Parking lot - Reserve for guests
- Security guard on duty

JS Hotel
Address: #01-14, Block D, Tebrau City Residences, Jalan Harmonium 24/6, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru
GPS: 1.550546, 103.794316
Website: http://www.jshotel.com.my/

Want to find out more where you can stay in Johor Bahru?
Check out our blog post collection on

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Red Rice Wine Mee Suah at Restoran Lima Ratus (Taman Perling)

Our family was on our way to Perling Mall for an afternoon of fun at Big Boss N Landbut decided to explore Taman Perling since we were early. We dropped by Restoran Lima Ratus at Taman Perling to try the renown Foochow Red Rice Wine Mee Suah.

Apart from Red Rice Wine Mee Suah, it also sells other noodle dishes. (Wanton Mee, Chicken Feet Noodle, Char Siew Mee, etc)

We placed our orders and was surprised that a bowl of cucumber was served first. Not sure if this was part of the bill but I pretty much enjoyed the meat stuffing minus the cucumber since I am afraid of the bitterness.

Wanton Mee for our girl. The wanton skin is smooth and the meat is sweet and tender. Noodle tasted pretty delicious with the sauce and it is a comfort food for the children. However, Gladys switched bowl with Hubby after spotting the red rice wine mee suah.


Apart from Red Rice Wine Mee Suah, Hubby and I strongly feel that their chicken feet is a MUST TRY! The meat and skin is so soft and tender and the sauce is not overly sweet and salty. This is probably one of the best chicken feet I have tasted.


Red Rice Wine Mee Suah (RM8) - You can instantly smell the fragrance of the wine when it was served to our table. The chewy, silky soft mee suah locked in the flavour of the red rice wine and vinegar which makes every slurp uniquely tasty. Initially, I thought the children will not be able to adapt to the alcoholic red rice wine taste since it really tasted like confinement food. However, they surprised me saying that they LOVE it!

After chewing the soft chicken meat and slurping up the noodles and soup, my entire body felt warm. For RM8, I must say it is a pretty big bowl with lots of meat. As advised by the owner of the shop, Mr Low, who is going to be in his 80s, the soup is very healthy especially for women who has given birth. Drink the soup if you cannot finish the entire bowl.


Apart from cooking, Mr Low also has another talent - mimicking sounds of birds! He demonstrated the chirping sounds of a few birds which impressed all of us! Not only does it sound very much like a real one, it was so loud that it can be heard from afar! Mr Low shared with the children that he learnt and practiced at a very young age and has been invited to perform too. Now, he likes to entertain his customers and friends with his skill. If you are lucky, you might get a chance to see him in action and hear for yourself. The kids were honoured to have the opportunity to take a picture with Mr Low who is always friendly and healthy.


We are thankful for a very entertaining lunch with good food. 

Name: 何明记全旦云吞面 @ Restoran Lima Ratus (伍佰美食馆)
Address: 4, Jalan Undan 18, Taman Perling, Johor Bahru
GPS: 1.481969, 103.683761

Monday, December 14, 2015

Junior In Career @ Big Boss N Land (Perling Mall)

Career-building theme park has become pretty popular among children lately. While Kidzania Kuala Lumpur might be a little further for us to drive up to, we await eagerly for the opening of Kidzania Singapore! Meanwhile, to satisfy our little crave for some role-playing fun, we drove across the causeway and check in to Big Boss N' Land in Johor Bahru.


Big Boss N Land is a new edutainment concept park for kids. Following a similar concept as Baby Boss in Taiwan, children get to learn and explore their potential, gain independence, confidence and teamwork spirit through different role play.

We got to learn about Big Boss N Land via a roadshow in Sutera Mall and bought the Holiday Family Combo for 2 Adults and 2 Children at RM206 (~S$68).

BBNL Ticketing Rates

This is the first time our kiddos are going in to take on some responsibility and do some 'serious' work. Before entry, they are given some BBNL dollars, a name card and a booklet where they can keep the occupation cards that they have collected at each career station.

Here are some information to help you navigate your way through BBNL.

1. Each career station takes about 30 minutes to experience and complete. Staff will guide your child to put on the respective uniform, provide a short briefing about the occupation before your child have some hands-on session.

2. Each session (Morning or Afternoon) is 4 hours only (unless you purchase a whole day ticket). Children can role play different occupations of their choice (up to 8) during the stipulated time.

3. After the completion of each station, parents are invited to take a photo with their children.

*It is a pity that parents are not allowed to enter the career station/room with the child. Hence, we can only wait outside the room or the waiting area. Parents accompanying their child have to be prepared to wait for 4 hours (at least) within BBNL. The consolation is a photo-taking opportunity with our kiddos after they complete their work at each station. Some rooms have glass panels and we can observe from outside but others are concealed and we were blocked from the view.

4. Different career stations may earn the child extra dollars or he/she has to spend some money to buy ingredients for the food preparation. This helps to teach the child the concept of work and earning plus how to manage their money.

5. Since there are more than 40 occupations to choose from and some careers are only specific to morning or afternoon session, it is helpful to grab a map prior to your visit and let your child plan and decide which occupation he/she likes to do to save some time.

6. There is a toilet within BBNL, hence children need not leave the park.

Tips: As the hours stretches from 11pm to 3pm (Morning) and 4.30pm to 8.30pm (Afternoon), it is recommended to let your child have some food and drinks before entry as it cross over lunch and dinner hours.

In case your child feels hungry, they can always go for the baking/cooking stations where they can make dessert/sushi/pizza and eat their fruit of labour. :) Alternatively, they can use the dollars that they have earned and go to the mini-mart and purchase some snacks or drinks.

We are now READY to enter Big Boss N Land!

Upon entry, parents who are accompanying their child can choose to follow their kiddos and wait outside the room or sit at the waiting area.


Since it was our first visit, we were given a quick tour around BBNL. Remember to grab a map from the counter to guide you along.


Big Boss N Land occupies a portion of the space on level 2 of Perling Mall. The flooring looks like a game board which brings you to the different career stations. Although the entire space is not very big, there are over 40 occupations to choose from.




Every station has a banner indicating the estimated time required for the activity, the job type, how much dollar the child has to pay or earn, the maximum amount of workers allowed per session.



As we visited BBNL during the non-peak period, less than 10 children were in the park. There was no queue and the children maximized their time going to the different career zones of their choice.


Nail Art, Hair Salon, Mining, Police Station, Nursery Room, Fire Station, Clinic, Hospital, Speed Post, Airport, Dentist, Computer Laboratory, Painting, Archaeologist, Workshop, Bakery, DJ Studio, Stage, Cafe and more are some of the career zones that the children can engage in.


Banner outside the room where the children can refer to before deciding which role play they wish to take on. Child has to pay for a service or to buy ingredients. Alternatively, they can work and earn some BB Dollars.

For the next 4 hours, we followed our kiddos through 8 career zones. Initially, I thought our older boy who is 12, may not enjoy it and am afraid it might be too kiddish for him. However, it turns out to be otherwise! Denver loved it! He enjoyed putting on the uniform, actual experience and hands on work and felt good being rewarded with some dollars! Not forgetting collecting a career card after each session.

Station 1:  Being an astronaut. 

Station 2: Scientist for a day

Station 3: Website Designer

Station 4: Be an Archaeologist 

Station 5: Smart-looking pilot!

Station 6: Bakers in action!

Station 7: Professional Photographers

Station 8: Desserts Chef

Needless to say, the children were full of energy and wanted to go for more! But time is up and we have to go. :( The children earned some dollars after working for 4 hours and they happily hopped by BB Mart to make some purchases. Even though it was only some snacks and biscuits, they were very satisfied because they earned it!


Many thanks to the friendly staff who guided our kiddos around and made their experience a fun and educational one.



Big Boss N Land (大当家儿童职业体验任意城)
Address: Level 2-07, Perling Mall, Jalan Persisiran Perling, Taman Perling, 81200, Johor
GPS: 1.496796, 103.681144

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Spongebob SquarePants Krabby Patty Party @ CIty Square Mall

This Christmas, City Sqaure Mall has transformed into a world of bubbly Christmas fun with Nickelodeon's Spongebob SquarePants and his friends diving in for a sponge-tastic good time this festive season. 


Are you ready? 
Aye Aye Captain!
I can't hear you!
Aye Aye Captain!!


Spongebob SquarePants prepares to celebrate the Krabby Patty and everyone is invited to the party. Join in the Krabby Patty Dance and sing along! However, keep watch for Plankton as he attempts to steal the secret recipe of the Krabby Patty!


With a minimum spend of $50*, you can also redeem a Meet & Greet pass one hour prior to each show and snap a photo with Spongebob and friends.


SpongeBob SquarePants Krabby Patty Celebration 'Live' On Stage
Date: 5 - 20 December 2015 (Except Mondays)
Time: 2pm & 7pm (Tues - Fri); 1pm, 4pm & 7pm (Sat & Sun)
Venue: Level 1 Atrium

If you missed the live show, enjoy free screenings of SpongeBob SquarePants episodes at the Fountain Square.

SpongeBob SquarePants Episodes Screenings
Date: 5 - 27 December 2015 (Saturdays and Sundays only)
Time: 8pm - 9pm 
Venue: B1 Fountain Square

Do not miss the festivities at the outdoor Spongebob Playland with your kiddos. 


Snowy Playtime
Date: 20 November 2015 - 3 January 2016
Time: 8pm & 9pm daily
Venue: Level 1 City Green

Have loads of fun as dancing lights and a magical snowfall transform the park into a winter wonderland!

Outdoor SpongeBob Playland
Date: 20 November 2015 - 3 January 2016
Time: 12pm - 10pm daily (last admission at 9.30pm)
Venue: Level 1 City Green

Check out SpongeBob's Pineapple House and take family photos together, or jump into SpongeBob's Super Bouncer for inflatable fun. Don't forget to join in the mini-games at the Chum Basket and Krusty Krab stations. 

With a minimum spend of $30*, shoppers can redeem a SpongeBob Playland activity pass at L2 Customer Service Counter. Activities are suitable for age 3 and above.



Family photo inside the Pineapple House with SpongeBob.



For more details, check out City Square Mall Website

Disclosure: Media Invite - All comments and opinions are personal and no monetary compensation was received. Thank you City Square Mall for the invitation to experience SpongeBob SquarePants Krabby Patty Celebration 'Live' On Stage.