Selera Pantai Timur

I just realized recently that I’d skipped reviewing this place a few times and totally forgotten about them until I did a run through of my materials recently. Which is kind of surprising on my part since this place is actually quite good in terms of their foods.

The restaurant is located at the Prima Jaya industrial area, on the same row as the Grand Cafe. What is most appealing about this place was that it was opened by a Kelantanese couple and all the cooking was done by the husband himself. They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with their breakfast cum lunch time menu primarily being the DIY (or pick-them-out-yourself?) Nasi Kerabu and Nasi Dagang so you can literally take as many side dishes for your meal as possible (which was what me and my partner had done when we were there). The Nasi Kerabu that I chose was undoubtedly delicious and satisfying. They also provide some local kuihs for lunch as I’d tried out their Seri Muka (it was tasty but very soggy). I can’t comment much on their dinner menu as I haven’t got the chance to try them out personally but a colleague of mine did mention that he just loved their Nasi Lemak Sambal Kerang that he’d even tapau back some home with him on the same night. Other pantai timur staples that are also available for dinner includes Maggi Ketam and Laksam.  

** Current status – Has been closed (as of April 2024)

*The picture above was taken from my colleague's FB page, with permission of course (this is the Nasi Lemak Sambal Kerang)

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D'cyma Corner

It seems that my mother and I had made a habit of stopping by the Gaya Commercial Centre every so often, especially whenever we’re not in the mood to drive to somewhere even farther to buy things such as Giant Hypermarket. And thankfully, the ever changing food scenery within the area has been alive and kicking with new eateries such as this one. We’d seen several change-up of food establishment throughout the years so hopefully this one will stay for a while.

The Malay owned eatery provides typical local made-to-order dishes, as well as some lauk pauk for lunch. We’d actually dropped by during lunch time but I was not in the mood to try them so I’ve decided to order their Nasi Goreng Lalap Ayam (yes… I’d also notice that for some unknown reason even to me, I usually will end up ordering said dish as my go-to meal) and it’s quite tasty although nothing notable. My mom decided to try their lunch dishes aka Nasi Campur (as seen below) and she said that it’s just so-so. My inner greediness got the best of me yet again, as I’d decided to order a roti canai as well and I must say that the roti is non-greasy and quite crunchy. I just wished that the curry that came with it was as delicious as the latter (it was your average, unappealing curry I’m afraid). But we’ll most probably be back again in the future since the place can be considered (well, at least to me of course) as one of the top choices to eat within the area.

** Current status – Has been closed (as of June 2020)

(Updated on 28/02/2018 - Me and my partner dropped by again recently and had their Nasi Goreng Kampung (for him - to which he said that it was tasty) and Fried Mee Hoon, which was a little undercooked and had given me a somewhat severe diarrhea afterwards. In retrospect, it was partially my fault as well since I'd chosen to eat the dish even though I'd noticed it halfway through. Lesson learnt!)

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U & Me Cafe

For those of you in the know (or you might have just realized it by yourselves), this increasingly popular hangout place is actually related to that of Siang Siang Noodles & Coffee House. They’re most probably opened by the same owners since their food and beverages were similar to one another. Heck, they even promoted each other’s joint on their respective cafés so obviously that’s also some sort of a sign right? This happening place is strategically located at the corner lot of the Bintang Kubota commercial area, at Jalan Chong Thien Vun (in front of the Tawau Hospital Sin Onn branch).

As I’ve mentioned above, food choices seems to be similar to those available from their Fajar Complex ‘sisterly branch’ but with a few new editions added into the mix. I’d decided to try out one of their promotional meal set (at that time) the Tom Yam Sliced Fish with Fried Rice (plus a lemonade drink) and the sourly taste of said dish just tickles my taste buds. My partner ate their Nasi Goreng Pedas which made him sweat (and literally 'cry') like nobody’s business, plus some Chicken in Thai Sauce. We also shared their Mango Swiss Roll. The cake was okay at best and leaning more towards the sweet side of things. It is also good to note that their pricing was also slightly higher than their Fajar counterpart (maybe due to the rent?). I’m still considering whether or not it is worth it to pay RM5.30 for a glass of regular ice lemon tea though. Can that be considered as profiteering?

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

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Alek Tomyam House

It was only recently that I’d managed to confirm that the former Ginza Sup Tulang eatery (in front of the new Pusat Zakat Tawau, within the Taipan commercial area) that I’ve reviewed before has officially been closed and has now been replaced by Alek Tomyam House (hence this short 'latest update' post). Nothing much differs in terms of its décor and most of the menu items except maybe for the obvious (the place now focuses more in tomyam rather than sup tulang I presume?). I did not have the chance to try its namesake dish (again) because during me and my parents visit, we’d instead opted for their Nasi Goreng Kampung (tasty and not too salty), Singapore Fried Mee Hoon (again, very acceptable taste), Ginger & Onion slice fish as well as some Sweet & Sour slice fish (which oddly looks identical but I can assure you that both dishes tasted different and pretty good actually).

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

*By the way, this is the Ginger & Onion fish dish

*And this is the Sweet & Sour fish dish

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My 7 Peculiar Finds during Ramadhan 2017

Yup, it’s kind of obvious that I’m running out of ideas in writing a post specifically for the Ramadhan month (it’s a yearly activity of mine mind you). There seems to be less breaking-fast buffet being offered this year (I’m serious, several hotels has either limit their food to meal sets only or completely forgo them altogether) and even lesser places to get our usual bazaar treats (last year’s smaller bazaars were no longer available this year, leaving us with the Big Three again). But I do notice several ‘unique’ (or at least seldom seen and heard of) food that were available all over town this year so I’ve decided to feature them instead…

SUSHIS & TAKOYAKIS

*The right one was the Smoked Duck nigiri if I'm not mistaken

*This is actually a Chicken Takoyaki (also available were Beef, Squid, Original fillings)

I’m no expert when it comes to these Japanese specials but I do love the sushis that I’ve bought as they tasted fresh and yummy to eat. And although I’m not too fond of takoyakis, I did gave them a try when my mom bought them and thought that they were surprisingly not bad (probably because my mom had bought their Chicken Takoyaki instead of the ever popular squid variety)

The place? Fujimart Bazaar & MPT Bazaar

The cost? Around RM7.50 – RM20.00 (depending on your choice of sushi) and RM4.50 – RM5.00 (according to your preferred takoyaki fillings)

Are they available after the Ramadhan month? Yes, the Yamazaki Homemade Sushi that I had also provides COD services daily so do check out their FB page. There’s also an FB page for Tawau Takoyaki COD service if you guys are interested (or better yet you can just drop by the Japanese Boat Takoyaki at Eastern Plaza). .

TORTPIA WRAP

*Chicken Tortpia (other available fillings includes Beef Tortpia& Cheese Tortpia)

I’m going to make a wild guess here and say that this particular dish is a hybrid of the beloved Mexican food tortilla and a popia (spring rolls), which is not a bad idea at all in my humble opinion. The filling tasted similar to that of a Malaysian kebab (yes, the one with the pita pocket) but the texture actually resembles that of a murtabak instead of an actual tortilla (or even a popia).

The place? Fujimart Bazaar

The cost? Around Rm4.00 – 5.00 (depending on your fillings)

Are they available after the Ramadhan month? I’m not too sure about this but they do provide contact details should you guys have any inquiries (0168198971 Mizan).

BUKO PANDAN & BUKO SALAD

*Buko Pandan

*Buko Salad

These Filipino versions of our Ais Batu Campur are hands-down the breakout meal/dish/dessert this year, as I’ve seen their sudden emergence all over town. Both were quite refreshing I must say, even though it might not replace my all time favourite the cendol any time soon.

The place? Almost every bazaar has them this year

The cost? Mostly around RM5.00

Are they available after the Ramadhan month? I’ve seen them being promoted before and even after the Ramadhan month (but not  specifically) so you can check out this Tawau Food Delivery FB group for any recent updates.

NASI MBAK

This simple dish (of plain rice, fried chicken & some store bought chilli sauce) might be familiar to anyone from KK but this is the first time I’d seen them here. I wouldn’t say that the dish was bad or anything but it wasn’t outstanding either. Portioning might be a bit small but then again, you get what you’d paid for. Also, somebody told me that everything depends on how good the chickens were fried, and which brand of chilli sauce best compliment them.

The place? MPT Bazaar

The cost? RM3.00

Are they available after the Ramadhan month? Again, I’m not too sure to be honest as this is the first time I’ve spotted them here in Tawau. But I do imagine that it is not going to be that hard for you to prepare them for yourselves now, isn’t it?

MINAMI

I honestly never heard of this particular pastry until I’ve tried them out recently (and no, it’s not any type of Japanese dessert either). The crust was actually soft & chewy (not hard & crunchy at all like a tart crust) like a terang bulan (or apam balik as some people called them) but with a more modern, sweet toppings such as peanut butter and candies. I don’t really like overly sweet things but this one was acceptable in my opinion.

The place? Fujimart Bazaar

The cost? RM5.00 (for 2 regular sized minamis, I’m not too sure about the Baby Minamis though)

Are they available after the Ramadhan month? I think so as I’ve found some posts (but no official FB pages yet) and it is recommended that you guys call the person in charge directly should you’re interested (either this 01151638349 or 0198420187)

PUTU BAMBU

*I was told that this was the Putu Bambu Pandan flavour (there's also the Original flavour)

Again, this kuih might not be that new to some people (particularly West Malaysians) but to Tawaurians we might not be too familiar with them. In fact, this is the first time I’ve tried these sweet treats and boy… they were definitely SWEET! It closely resembles that of another local kuih called ketayap but with an even softer and smaller texture and size.  

The place? Fujimart Bazaar

The cost? RM4.50 for 5 pieces

Are they available after the Ramadhan month? Most probably not as I can’t seem to find any infos on them anywhere (at least anywhere in Tawau of course).

BEROBOK

This staple Buginese food might be popular locally but you seldom see them (well, at least I seldom see them) being sold during the Ramadhan month. The close cousin to that of a congee that I’ve had was very flavourful and scrumptious, with a generous amount of chicken chunks, corn kernels and spinaches as its condiments. 

The place? Fujimart Bazaar & MPT Bazaar

The cost? RM5.00 (but it also depends on the size of the plastic container)

Are they available after the Ramadhan month? Well, if you’re from a Buginese family than this might not be a problem. But for someone like me (who isn’t so lucky), may I suggest that you make lots of Buginese friends from here onwards? (hehehe…)

So until we meet again next year perhaps? Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri everyone!

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