Cool Soto

I’ve been under the weather for almost a week now so my strength (and brain) are currently not functioning as it should. So do forgive my somewhat short entry this time around okay. It was because my initial choice for soto was not available for the day that I’ve finally decided to try out this particular place. An equally popular eatery when it comes to anything and everything soto in town, the place might had a slight  advantage in terms of location as it is located quite centrally within the Fajar Complex (in the same row as Restoran Senario 2 and the newly relocated Indo Cafe).  They had a sizeable soto selection as me and my mom had their chicken and mixed seafood balls variety respectively. But both of us agree that both dishes were just average and lacklustre. The portioning of their ingredients were okay but their soup was a letdown, as it was borderline tasteless to me; with a strong peppery taste that wasn't kind to my nostrils.

** Current status – Still in operation (as of June 2018) 

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Bing Cafe

I actually went to this place sometime after the Chinese New Year but had sheepishly forgotten about them (I got totally blindsided by other eateries) until I did one of my file sweep recently. So I do apologize for the not-too-recent pictures below (with the CNY decors still in full display) of the eatery which is located at Bintang Kubota commercial centre, right behind Ding Tea. Now that we got that out of the way, let’s talk about the food. Among the things that we’ve tried out were their Mayo Fish Fillet Rice, Chicken Aglio Olio Spaghetti and Chocolate Moist Cake (if I’m not mistaken). Since I had both the Chicken Aglio Olio Spaghetti and Chocolate Moist Cake, I can honestly say that I love both of the dishes. The former had just the right amount of seasonings mixed into the spaghetti while the latter was soft and pleasantly taste. However, my partner who’d eaten the aforementioned rice dish commented that it was okay at best as he said that it tasted ordinary, what with the typical mayonnaise and all. But another thing that I actually like about the place were the cosy and subdued ambience, as it is situated a bit farther from the main road. Definitely a place to have a calm evening while sipping some coffee or tea and reading your favourite book (an activity that I sorely missed nowadays… sigh).

** Current status – Has moved to the Institute of Science & Management building (as of August 2020) 

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Japan Boat Takoyaki Tawau

I admit that I was the last person in my household to try out the ever popular Japanese snack takoyaki, due to my dislike over seafood. My initial impression of the snack was that it might have some sort of seafood smell and after taste that I’m so not fond of. But when my curiosity got the best of me one day as my mom presented me with a chicken version of said snack, I was instantly hooked! So ever since then, I’ve tasted a couple of locally produced takoyaki and so far everything was good but nothing too memorable. But unlike the others, I have eluded this particular stand for awhile now (even though they can be considered as the pioneer here) due to its singular flavouring.

This well known franchise has been making its rounds here in Sabah (as I’ve noticed several of them during my trips to KK) and Tawau is no exception. They’re previously located at a prime spot on the ground floor of Eastern Plaza (facing the main open stage) but had since moved a few lots away, to a more secluded area (possibly due to the increasing rent?) near to Servay Parkwell Hypermarket. As they did not offer any other choice other than ‘octopus’, I’d held out from stopping by their place on several occasions. But my eager partner had bought two sets of those yummy looking munchies recently so I figure that I should at least give them a chance. And I was surprise that I found myself not hating them at all. Granted, I’m still not a fan of seafood but the main ingredient pretty much got lost within the thick ball shaped flour and generous amount of toppings. Man, I never thought that I would be happy to taste the overwhelming sauces and tempura scraps before, as I found everything acceptable and to my preferences.  

** Current status – Still in operation (as of May 2018) 

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Dozo The Innovative Noodle Lab Fajar

While we’re on the subject of new eateries that had mushroomed within the Fajar Complex area in the space of a few months, here’s another one that can be considered as the baby of the bunch. Now it is forgivable should you think that the modern looking café only serve noodles (as I initially did). But I was glad to discover that they also had non-noodles dishes within their menu, such as rice based dishes and some light snacks. They can also be proud of their selection of beverages that includes western, Chinese and locally popular coffees and teas. By the way, they're right across the Perdana Club and visible from the Kingston Hotel.

Me and my mom made our maiden visit about 2 weeks ago as I had some errands to do nearby. Admittedly I was a bit confuse with their intricate looking menu but I managed to get the hang of it after a while (it was actually pretty simple if you follow the direction of the menu – silly me!) and had ordered their Nasi Ayam Bakar (the chicken was crispy) and the Wantan Mee Hoon in Soto Soup. My mom was thoroughly satisfied with her meal that she insisted that we come back a few days later. This time we had their Fried Fish Fillet Mee Hoon in Pure Tomato Soup (which I loved as it was not overly sour and the fillets doesn’t have that fishy smell that I dislike) as well as their Ayam Berempah Rice (again, my mom is a happy customer). I like the pick-and-match concept that they had with their soupy dishes as you can try out a variety of noodles and ingredients with different flavours of soups.

** Current status – Still in operation (as of May 2018) 

(Updated on 12/09/2018 - My mom had this Braised Chicken with White Noodles (a new item on their menu) recently and she was satisfied with its big portioning and well-seasoned chicken)

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