Monday, April 15, 2024

Madam Kwan's Nasi Lemak @ Mid Valley Southkey, in Johor Bahru [Malaysia]

I still remember the times when Malaysian style nasi lemak went upmarket for the domestic market in Singapore but the pricing of almost S$10 was deemed too exorbitant when a local nasi lemak went for only about S$3-4 more than a decade ago. 

Nevertheless, I did enjoy Madam Kwan's when I visited Mid Valley Kuala Lumpur in 2013 and hence, imagine my surprise when I chanced upon its branch at Mid Valley Southkey Johor Bahru (JB), which was much closer to Singapore! 

Interior of the restaurant; it was emptied of people simply because it was only about 10.00 am and I guess Singaporeans were still clearing customs. Having said that, I am not sure if people are even aware about this eatery given its obscure location. 

Outside seating for those who love the hot and humid weather.
Not for Singaporeans, generally speaking. 

Contactless ordering and I love how they even provide the Wi-Fi name and password for internet access! This should be the default case for all eateries asking us to order via QR code. 

Local Coffee - I was expected normal kopi and totally didn't expect a more classy version that's literally kopi-o kosong, and served in a pot! That's making a mockery for a local Malaysian brand. 

Nasi Lemak Curry Chicken - the signature for Madam Kwan's, the appearance of this visually pleasing dish was sufficient reason to whet my appetite, and I usually don't have breakfast! Surrounding the ball of steamed coconut rice would be a piece of curry chicken, "sambal ikan bilis, shrimp floss, hardboiled egg, acar and sliced cucumbers"! 

Special mention to the bed of stir fried onions underneath the broken bits of ikan ibilis. I personally don't quite like ikan bilis as they tend to overwhelm with their saltiness but in this case, the smaller parts complemented perfectly with the sweetness of the onions! Acar (spicy pickled vegetables) was also an explosion of flavors! Kudos! 

Best way to eat would be to mix up a bit of everything; the aromatic rice added with the acar, the ikan bilis, a bit of curry chicken and some shrimp floss! Perfect scope every single time! I did feel that the chicken was as delicious as I recalled although the gravy remained thick and creamy. 

A satisfied stomach that made the brain guilty as this was after a running session at the gym (of the connected St Giles Hotel). Kind of negate the calories I burnt earlier. 

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Address
Lot F-001, Mid Valley Southkey, 1, 
Persiaran Southkey 1, Southkey, 
80150 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Map
As above.

Pricing
Local Coffee - RM 6.90
Nasi Lemak Curry Chicken - RM 22.90
(Subject to Service Charge and Tax)

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