Chawan Kopitiam

After rebranding themselves with a catchier name (they're formerly a branch of the locally popular Teatime cafe), this eatery (located at the Fajar Complex area, directly facing the CIMB Bank main office) can't seem to get back their 'former glory' as lesser patrons can be seen dropping by said establishment. And it's a shame since the food that we'd tried out were pretty good. But then again it is understandable since competition is very stiff within the area. So far we have tried their Nasi Lemak Ayam Penyet, Mee Mamak Rendang Chicken and my mum's favorite the Claypot Yee Mee and all were flavourful and commendable. 

** Current status - Still in operation (as of Oct 2024) 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

La Doux Patisseries

Although I actually haven't had the pleasure of dining in this patisserie slash cafe at Garden City, (on the same row as a Dozo branch) yet, I did bought a couple of their products a few times and I must say that I'm impressed. It's not everyday that you could see a high end, high quality French types of pastries and cakes, especially in Tawau. Mind you the price might be on the 'premium' side but I personally thought that is was worth it. So far I've tried their Pain Au Chocolate, Chocolate Eclair, Chocolate Tart and Dark Chocolate Mango Yuzu Mousse and all were definitely decadent and tasty. But what I was most impressed by was their Wholemeal Oat bread as it was huge for its price. And you could also ordered western food should you wanted to eat something savoury in house. 

** Current status - Still in operation (as of Oct 2024) 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Eean Cafe

Also known as Nasi Payau Takada, this is actually the first time that I've encountered an eatery with 2 names. My hubby has seen them being promoted on Tiktok a couple of times so we decided to give them a go recently at Plaza Damai, Jalan Damai (they're right in front of Damai Suites, a soon-to-be-open budget hotel and not that far off from the Tabung Haji office). Since my hubby is a fan of payau, he'd ordered himself their Nasi Goreng Payau but got a bit disappointed with the bland taste of said dish. I've ordered their Nasi Ayam Bakar Sambal Ijo and I like the fact that the chicken was cooked throughout and the sambal was spicy. But hubby dearest absolutely loved their Watermelon Juice so it was all good in the end (I guess). 

** Current status - Still in operation (as of Oct 2024) 

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Reena Bakes

I was so into my back-to-back workload that lo and behold, it's already October. And since the viral dessert Cake in Bowl has been making its rounds here in Tawau as of late (with almost all bakery & sweet shops creating their own versions of the aforementioned), I might as well join the bandwagon. 

So I decided to try out the Reena Bakes version of said dessert, since it did promote its version as 'less sweet'. Located within Fajar Complex (right behind the Bakso Senario branch), it is also when I realized that social media is definitely not a reliable source for genuine reviews, as the cake in question was still sweet as hell (even for a self-proclaimed choco lover like me). But I do like the fact that they did at least tried to balanced the overly sweetness with a slightly salty based cake and sour cream cheese. My hubby tried their Pista Cheese in a Cup and it was just okay I guess as I'm not really a fan of cheese (which seems to overpower the pistachios tastes). They also have a variety of other cakes, pastries and desserts to choose from should you have a severe sweet tooth. Oh and it is worth mentioning that most of their desserts (other than the ones that you could see within the glass display) are on baked-to-order basis so waiting is unavoidable. 

** Current status - Still in operation (as of Oct 2024) 

• 
• 
• 
• 
•