back to Malaysia. Curry puffs- check! Wonton mee- check!

I had the chance to go to Malaysia again this past January and stayed in Johor Bahru, right over the border from Singapore, for a month.

If you know me, you know that Malaysia is one of my favorite countries to visit for a variety of reasons. 

The FOOD, the multicultural aspect, the laid-back friendly people you meet everywhere, the tropical weather, the very affordable prices, the FOOD. . .

Here's a little glimpse of what driving around Johor Bahru 

(known as JB to locals) 

looks like:


So many palm trees! Even smack dab in the middle of the city.

One of the first things that I did was seek out some of my favorite Malaysian foods. 

Why is it that you can find all kinds of Southeast Asian restaurants in cities around the world, except for Malaysian food? I used to travel to Chinatown and Flushing in New York City just for some authentic roti canai,
but outside of NYC...

Where are you my fine Malaysian restauranteurs?


Even though this curry puff shop is originally from Singapore, 
I love love love it. 
Their puffs are the flakiest, buttery bombs of curry that 
literally explode in your mouth.
I was so happy to find this branch in JB.


of course I had to try this one. It was incredible!


Old Chang Kee also has some of the best chicken wings I've ever had in my life.

_______

And here is a little bit about where I was staying.

I was lucky enough to stay in this wonderful place - with a 29th floor view!




I have literally never stayed in a place with affirmations all over the walls...

but I liked it!



The most exciting thing for me is always the pool...
and this was an infinity pool!




___________

Now, back to food...


Durians are the "king of fruit" in Malaysia, but this sign echoes my feelings about durian (and smoking for that matter)!
_______

Downstairs from where I was living there was a friendly little restaurant. 

The most expensive thing on the menu was 10 ringgit (a little more than $2 USD)



Here's the nasi ayam sambal geprek (or was it penyet?) 
I asked for the one that the lady working recommended 
and I believe she recommended the geprek.

Flavorful chicken with rice, cucumber, tempeh, a very spicy sambal, and soup on the side (not pictured) is just a wonderful little lunch!

I became obsessed with sambal and found this really wonderful vegetarian one at the shop downstairs. I could eat this by the spoonful.

Next, I went to seek out my favorite food:
wanton mee!

I went to Ho Seng Kee, a famous spot. All I wanted was just a bowl of regular wanton mee, but the options here blew me away! I was especially surprised to find some vegetarian options too.



I like also how you can choose the different flavors! 
If I lived near here, I would come back and try a different dish every day.

________

I don't know why, but cats in Malaysia seem to like me. I think maybe like Malaysian people, they're just friendly in general? 

I know this guy looks like a little grumpy-puss, but he followed me around for a long while after this photo. It's just his RBF.


Happy to be in my happy place!

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