Sambols

As I’ve probably had mentioned several times now, the most popular morning dish in Tawau has got to be Mee Tauhu. Even though they’re delicious, too much of them could make even their most avid fan bored. So I was very glad when this eatery came along fairly recently. Situated at the heart of Fajar Complex (in the same row as the Leno store and in front of the Body Shop), the fledging shop caters to a very limited choice of breakfast/ brunch staples which includes an assortment of Nasi Lemak, Nasi Kuning and Nasi Ayam. And thankfully, no mee tauhu in sight (yet!).

Our maiden visit to the establishment made us tried out their Nasi Kuning Ayam (to which my partner said that it’s pretty good, but not fantastic) as well as their Nasi Lemak Ayam (I kinda like it actually; it’s not spicy at all). The said dishes had a somewhat Chinese spin to it, which was as well since the owners were young-looking Chinese couple (I assumed). It’s also good to note that their eatery opens at around 6am up until 3pm only. You guys should give them a go and have a taste for yourselves.

** Current status – Has been closed (as of January 2017) 

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LFT: Ice Coffee

I kid you not when I say that almost everywhere I went to in Tawau these days, I literary cannot escape from seeing coffee stalls. Initially I wasn’t a fan of such beverages but after trying out a sip (or two) from my partner’s drink, I suddenly became an ice coffee addict. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve tried out almost every coffee available here in Tawau but I have narrowed it down to my top two choices from the lot. Mind you, this two does not include those from cafes and such since I’m focusing on specialty stalls only.


Coincidentally (or maybe not so much on their part) my top choices actually resides right across one another, at the Hill Top area (beside the JPJ main office area). And unlike other locally produced coffee, these two are actually from popular franchises. So to sum things up and to see which one is better, I’m breaking them down to these facts… 

Anis Coffee

Brief description – Founded by a now millionaire entrepreneur who had also founded the once popular Anis Choc Moist Cake

The good – They definitely stick to what they know best and produce only 5 choices of coffee flavourings (so far) but each with very refreshing and compact tastes. Also they’re very mobile since they’re available at other places around different times of the day

The bad – I’m not too fond of their plastic packaging (although it’s unique, it made it hard for me to put it down while I’m driving). And the quantity might not be as much as it’s rival due to the packaging + ice content. 

My favourites – Chocolate & Mocha

Kopi Kocak

Brief description – Owned by QOMA Global Resource (thank you Anonymous reader for this info)

The good – They have better variety when it comes to their coffee, more in terms of coffee content and their stall was just cute to look at (a plus in attracting customers)

The bad – I’m sure that other people will disagree with me but I personally do not like their Fruity and Soda line of drinks though.

My favourites – Double Chocolate & Milo Dinosaur Special

My personal ratings (for both) are as follows…

Food – 4/5 (depending on your taste buds)  

Price – 3/5 (understandably a little pricey than your average coffee)

Service – 4/5 (unless you’re ordering more than 10, then it won’t take them long to prepare your fix)

Decor – 3/5 (fairly simple looking stalls)

Location – 4/5 (near to the Hill Top shops area, they’re visible by the roadside)  

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Backyard Vacay: Marco Polo Hotel

Wow… it’s been ages since I’ve done one of these and it took a recent public holiday for me to be able to relax & pampered myself again. Once known as the numero uno hotel in Tawau, the 3 star hotel (or was it 4?) is located at Jalan Klinik. It’s actually been more than 20 years since I last set foot in this hotel as an overnight patron. I can honestly say that I practically spend my childhood years within the hotel since I’ve had relatives visiting us from abroad that had made the hotel their top choice for accommodation.

So imagine my surprise when I got into my designated room and found out that the room looked exactly like it was 20+ years ago. I mean seriously! Every single thing that I could possibly remember from my childhood was still present. Of course the hotel management did a good job at maintaining their rooms and I must admit that I’m pretty excited to stay in a very spacious and classy room. But to any other new patrons, they might view the room as very dated and has this old school vibe. Heck, even their TV was still one of those bulky (and with very limited channels) types that I thought did not exist anymore and their bathroom was without any hose pipe (but with a bathtub) which was a common feature within any newer hotels nowadays. They do however provide a plastic scoop as a substitute for the situation – which was hilarious on my part since this is the first time I saw such a thing within a well established hotel. But personally I liked the whole nostalgic vibe and felt comfortable right away. The view was great as well and the hotel staffs were all smiles as well so that’s a plus. They also provide free breakfast (which was nothing special but still sufficient) and free parking (yay!) within the premises. If you’re thinking of walking around town for some sight-seeing and light shopping, then I recommend this hotel since they’re smacked in the middle of the Tawau town area.

Let us now move on okay…

Type – Standard Room

Room – 3/5 (the big space was definitely a plus)  

Price – 3/5 (you guys can get a very good price via travel websites)

Service – 4/5 (service with a smile is always a winner in my books)

Decor – 4/5 (clearly in need of refurnishing but I do dig the whole nostalgic vibe)

Facilities – 3/5 (a lot of weddings & private meetings has been held there)

Location – 4/5 (centrally located, right next to the older mosque in town among other things)  

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Cafe Societe

I admit that I’m a curious person by nature (especially anything that has got to do with food) so whenever I drove by the road leading to Giant Hypermarket (and into Perdana Jaya Commercial Centre – where this establishment is located, on the same row as Taste Two Restaurant & Bar) I noticed that the modern looking café seemed packed with customers. So I dragged by partner with me to try them out one evening and that was our mistake.

You see, the place has very specific menus for each meal time of the day. So it was unfortunate for us that when we arrived at around 3pm, we were told that they’re only serving tea time menu only (and with limited choices no less). But since we were already there, we might as well ordered what was available and decided upon their Fried Crunchy Wedges (portion was big but nothing special about it, there’s no sauce provided unless requested), Societe’s Chicken Burger (they use real chicken meat instead of a patty which was nice, and also love the fact that their sides includes salads) and their Oreo Cheese Cake (surprisingly good, not too cheesy). I would probably be more enthusiastic about this place, if only they did not overcharged us for a drink that they’d cancelled (yup, you read correctly) due to unavailability. Granted, it was also our fault for not checking the bill thoroughly before paying for our meal but don’t worry, we probably won’t be back anyways.

** Current status – Has been closed (as of September 2017)  

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Rumah Lama Cafe

First impression just went out of the window (especially for my parents) when we went there ourselves one evening. It was unfortunate that we were there during a punk+skinhead (very loud and unrecognizable shouts… err, singing) gathering so you could imagined the shock that my 50ish parents felt while entering the place. Personally I’m not that bothered because I do know that the place has a somewhat open mike concept (and a supposedly cultural dance performance every Saturday) but really, it is a bit inappropriate and I was somewhat embarrassed because I was the one that had suggested the place. The eatery was no doubt unique (there’s an actual old house within the said premise, where you could chill out with friends and family in a more laid back setting, other than the usual dining hall outside) but that pretty much got overshadowed by the latter event. I guess I can understand the business side of the situation but I also think that they do need to be more selective as well. I mean, most of the people patronizing the eatery were families with little kids.

Another thing that people seemed to comment about the place (unanimously no less) was the pricing of the food, which was on the expensive side. I personally don’t mind high prices just as long as the food was worth it. Unfortunately the food was just so-so at best. We’d ordered their Ikan Masak 3 Rasa (which was a bit overpowering with… something), Deep Fried Prawns (the flour tasted weird though) and their Kangkung Masak Belacan (which resembles the fish in taste for some reason – same wok maybe?) to go with our rice. But don’t just take my word for it. You guys can try them for yourselves at their eatery at Jalan Masjid (right next to a Michelin tyre store and a car wash).

** Current status – Has been closed (as of July 2018) 

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