In a nutshell, Johorean cuisine highlights the flavours of all the ingredients, and creates a whole new flavour that is both alien but comforting.
Although it lacks the richness of Penang and Melaka cuisine, the influences of Javanese, Arabic, Indian, Chinese, Malay, European cuisine and many more gives Johorean food a unique character of its own.
Don’s take of Johorean fare
Not everyone has the luxury to travel over two hours just for a plate of authentic Kacang Pool or Mee Rebus.
A place closer to home is Don’s Warong in Taman Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. Wonder what the must-try items are? Check out the list below.
The Don
Just by its name, you know that the Don is a burger to be reckoned with -layers of succulent, juicy beef patty, crispy beef bacon, fresh lettuce and egg sunny side up sandwiched between two fluffy sesame buns.
The Don certainly makes eating burgers a truly pleasurable and life-changing experience especially when you are hungry.
Although not exactly a traditional Johorean meal, the Don is a classic dish on its own and is a reliable option for those who have more of an “ang moh” palate.
Nasi Goreng Kampung Muar
Who does not love a plate of good ol’ fashioned Nasi Goreng? Growing up with it, the Nasi Goreng Kampung at Don’s is clearly a winner.
Simple yet flavourful, with just a little of the chilli paste, the dish will take you from childhood favourite to spicy heaven in just a bite.
Sup Daging DW
After a long, stressful day, you want nothing but to unwind with some comfort food. Don’s hearty Sup Daging (beef soup) is just the thing to ease your nerves.
Succulent bite-sized chunks of beef in the soup are sure to melt your worries away with mouthful. To give an extra zing to this already delicious soup, add some cili kicap or ginger-garlic paste.
Mee Rebus Johor
Johor’s Mee Rebus is all about its gravy, which can make or break the dish. Thick and rich, it is savoury with a nutty nuance as well as with a slightly sweet and spicy aftertaste coming from the curry spices used.
Our verdict? You’ll be wanting another bowl right after you’re done with the first.
Nasi Lemak Kukus Johor
Nasi Lemak is a rite of passage for every Malaysian. Without Nasi Lemak, there is a void in our lives and the one served in Don’s Warong will leave you wanting a plate of it every day.
Although the sambal is a little on the sweeter side, the crispiness of the ikan bilis and the soft flesh of the fried chicken is enough to make you want to order another plate.
Keropok Lekor Mokcik
A light snack, the kerepok lekor served at Don’s is definitely one of the best so far. Crispy on the outside yet soft inside, Don’s has got their Keropok Lekor frying game on point!
Dipped in the sweet-spicy sauce, your batch of Keropok Lekor will vanish in seconds.
Kopi Muar 434
Lately, the weather has been hot and cruel. Drinking plain old water just doesn’t quench your thirst enough. What you need is Don’s Kopi Muar.
Cold and welcoming, Don’s Kopi Muar can be counted on to quench your thirst in no time, especially with the scoop of vanilla ice-cream which makes the drink better than any float you have had so far.
Ais Kacang Johor
If you are not a coffee fan, Don’s special Ais Kacang Johor will satisfy your need to cool off during this dry weather.
The balance between nuts, beans and other ingredients with syrup makes every spoonful of ice a perfect scoop.
Don’t be greedy and order one all to yourself because the portion served is more than enough to keep two people hydrated and cool.
Don’s Warong
B-0-4, Plaza Damas
Jalan Sri Hartamas 1
Taman Sri Hartamas
50480 Kuala Lumpur
This article first appeared in butterkicap.com
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