Sometimes, the best travel experiences are not necessarily about travelling far away or visiting countless attractions. Instead, they are about taking a break from our daily routines, spending quality time with our loved ones, and appreciating the little moments that make life special.

During our recent family staycation at St. Giles Southkey Johor Bahru, we had the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing hotel experience while creating beautiful memories together. From the warm hospitality to the breakfast experience and dining opportunities at Level 28, our stay reminded us why spending time together as a family is so meaningful.

As a family of four, these little getaways are especially precious to us. They give us the opportunity to slow down, enjoy new experiences, and create memories that we can look back on for years to come.

A Warm Welcome That Makes a Difference

One of the things that can make a hotel stay memorable is the hospitality we experience throughout our visit.

At St. Giles Southkey Johor Bahru, we appreciated the warm hospitality that contributed to making our family staycation feel special. Beyond the accommodation itself, it is often the thoughtful service and welcoming atmosphere that leave a lasting impression on guests.

For families travelling with children, having a comfortable and welcoming environment can make the entire experience more enjoyable. It allows parents to relax while everyone gets to enjoy the getaway together.

Our experience reminded us that a wonderful hotel stay is not only about the facilities available but also about how guests feel during their time there.

Starting the Day with Breakfast at Level 28

A hotel stay would not feel complete without enjoying breakfast before beginning another day of discoveries.

During our stay, we had the opportunity to enjoy the hotel's breakfast experience at Level 28. It was a lovely way to start the morning, bringing the family together over a meal before continuing with our day.

Breakfast is one of those simple pleasures that many travellers look forward to when staying at a hotel. Instead of rushing through the usual morning routine, we could take our time, enjoy the meal, and appreciate having everyone together around the table.

For us, these moments are part of what makes a family staycation worthwhile. Sometimes, it is not about doing something extraordinary but simply enjoying an unhurried morning with the people we love.

Discovering the Dining Experience at Level 28

Beyond breakfast, Level 28 also became part of our dining discovery during our stay at St. Giles Southkey Johor Bahru.

We had the opportunity to explore the hotel's dining offerings, including its refreshments and menu selections available through the business lounge experience. Enjoying refreshments and dining at Level 28 added another dimension to our hotel visit.

The experience offered us another reason to appreciate the different ways a hotel stay can be enjoyed, whether through a relaxing meal, a refreshing break, or simply spending time together in a different setting.

For travellers who enjoy discovering food and dining experiences as part of their holidays, exploring what a hotel has to offer can be just as interesting as visiting restaurants outside the property.

Level 28 was certainly one of the highlights of our stay, giving us another memorable experience to share through our foodie and travel journey.

More Than Just a Hotel Stay

What makes a family staycation special is the opportunity to enjoy time together away from our usual schedules.

As parents, we know how quickly children grow up. The everyday moments that may seem ordinary today can become precious memories in the future. A family getaway gives us the chance to spend more time together, share conversations, enjoy meals, and experience something different as a family.

Our stay at St. Giles Southkey Johor Bahru was a reminder that family travel does not always require a long holiday or a trip to a distant destination.

Sometimes, a short staycation within Johor Bahru is enough to bring a refreshing change to our routine.

Whether it is enjoying breakfast together, exploring the hotel's dining experiences, or appreciating the hospitality throughout the stay, every little experience becomes part of our family story.

We would like to extend our appreciation to St. Giles Southkey Johor Bahru for the warm hospitality we experienced during our family staycation.

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to enjoy the hotel as a family and discover some of its dining experiences along the way.

For us, the best travel experiences are those that leave us with more than photographs. They give us stories to tell, moments to remember, and memories that stay with us long after we have checked out.

Our family staycation at St. Giles Southkey Johor Bahru was another reminder to appreciate the simple things in life.

From the welcoming hospitality to breakfast at Level 28 and the hotel's dining experiences, we enjoyed having the opportunity to spend quality time together and make the most of our stay.

After all, travelling is not just about discovering new places. It is also about discovering new experiences with the people who matter most.

So, folks, when was the last time you planned a staycation with your family? Sometimes, all it takes is a little time away from the usual routine to create memories that will last forever.

Another great discovery by Jomtaralets, a foodie and travel blogger you can trust.

Location: St. Giles Southkey Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

 

When it comes to food discoveries, there is always something exciting about exploring a restaurant for the first time, especially when it introduces us to a different dining experience. This time, our food adventure brought us to Awadori Japanese Restaurant in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, where we had the opportunity to experience Japanese izakaya dining for the very first time.

Folks, if you enjoy exploring Japanese cuisine and discovering different flavours, Awadori is a restaurant worth getting to know. From its variety of Japanese specialities to the fascinating preparation of freshly grilled dishes, our visit turned into an enjoyable culinary adventure filled with interesting discoveries.

Understanding the Japanese Izakaya Experience

Before we began exploring the menu, it was interesting to learn more about what makes an izakaya different from a typical Japanese restaurant.

In Japan, an izakaya is a casual dining establishment where people gather to enjoy food, drinks and conversations. Often compared to a Japanese gastropub, it encourages diners to order different dishes, share their favourites and enjoy a relaxed meal together.

Rather than focusing on just one main course, the experience is about exploring a variety of flavours, textures and cooking styles throughout the meal.

At Awadori, we were excited to discover an assortment of Japanese dishes, particularly its yakitori offerings. The menu features grilled skewers alongside other Japanese favourites, giving diners an opportunity to explore different aspects of Japanese cuisine in one sitting.

Among the dishes that caught our attention were the yakitori skewers, Mentai Dashi Maki and Unagi Rice Bowl. The Mentai Dashi Maki is a Japanese rolled omelette featuring seasoned pollock roe, while the Unagi Rice Bowl brings together grilled eel, rice and a sweet-and-savoury glaze.

With so many dishes to discover, we knew we had quite a food adventure ahead of us!

Freshly Prepared Dishes and the Aroma of Grilling

One of the things we particularly appreciated about Awadori was the opportunity to witness the preparation of the food.

The dishes were prepared fresh to order, and the grilling process added another interesting dimension to the dining experience. We could see the kitchen team busy preparing orders for diners, while the aroma of freshly grilled food made us even more excited to try what was coming next.

While waiting for our orders, I found myself looking around at the other dishes being served. The tempting aromas and appealing presentations certainly made the wait more exciting.

For food lovers like us, these little details are part of what makes discovering a restaurant enjoyable. It is not just about what eventually arrives at the table, but also about seeing the effort that goes into preparing each dish.

Following the chef's recommendations, we decided to explore several specialities, including Tori Paitan Ramen Shio, Wagyu Roast Beef, Yakitori Moriawase, Unagi Tamago Don, Salmon Fish Head Sumiyaki, Ebi Tempura, Dashi Tamago and Cho-Chin.

Here is a closer look at what we discovered.

Tori Paitan Ramen Shio: A Comforting Bowl of Japanese Flavours

Our meal began with the Tori Paitan Ramen Shio, a dish that immediately caught our attention with its appealing presentation.

The ramen features a creamy chicken-based broth seasoned with salt, delivering a rich and savoury flavour. The noodles soak up the broth, creating a comforting combination that makes every mouthful satisfying.

The toppings also contribute to the overall flavour, adding more character to the bowl without taking away from the comforting taste of the chicken broth.

What made this dish even more memorable was the response from our little ones. The kids really enjoyed it, so much so that we ended up ordering another serving!

For us, that was a lovely discovery. Sometimes, the dishes that become family favourites are not necessarily the most elaborate ones, but those that everyone at the table genuinely enjoys.

Wagyu Roast Beef: Rich Flavours with an Interesting Twist

Next, we explored the Wagyu Roast Beef, a dish that offers a different experience from the grilled skewers and comforting ramen.

Wagyu is prized for its rich beef flavour and natural marbling, which can contribute to a tender, juicy texture when prepared well. The roast beef provided a satisfying savoury taste that we enjoyed exploring with the accompanying condiments.

One of my favourite ways to enjoy it was by pairing a slice of the beef with the crispy sliced garlic. The garlic added a pleasant crunch, creating an interesting contrast with the tenderness of the meat.

I also enjoyed adding a little wasabi, which provided a sharper, refreshing kick that balanced the richness of the beef.

It was a simple combination, but one that made the dish even more enjoyable. Sometimes, discovering how different ingredients complement one another becomes part of the fun of dining out.

Yakitori Moriawase: Discovering the Art of Japanese Grilled Skewers

If there is one dish that deserves special attention during a Japanese izakaya experience, it is yakitori.

The Yakitori Moriawase at Awadori brings together an assortment of Japanese grilled skewers, allowing diners to explore different cuts, textures and flavours in one serving.

Each skewer offers its own character, while the grilling process contributes a smoky aroma and savoury finish. It is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the restaurant's speciality rather than limit themselves to a single dish.

What I particularly enjoyed was seeing the team prepare the skewers fresh on the spot. The grilling area was busy, and watching the food being prepared made the experience more engaging.

There is something special about freshly grilled food. The aroma, the slight char on the exterior and the anticipation of tasting each skewer all add to the overall enjoyment.

The Yakitori Moriawase was also a great dish to share, especially when dining with family or friends who want to sample different flavours together.

Unagi Tamago Don: A Satisfying Combination of Eel, Egg and Rice

Our next discovery was the Unagi Tamago Don, a Japanese rice bowl combining grilled eel, egg and fluffy rice.

The eel brings a sweet-and-savoury glaze, accompanied by a rich flavour that complements the rice beautifully. The egg adds another layer of softness, creating a comforting combination of textures.

What I enjoyed about this dish was how the ingredients worked together. The eel provides the stronger flavour, while the rice and egg help balance the overall taste.

It is a satisfying option for diners who prefer a rice-based meal while still wanting to experience the distinctive flavours of Japanese cuisine.

For anyone exploring the menu, this is the kind of dish that offers both comfort and a taste of something special.

Salmon Fish Head Sumiyaki: Smoky, Savoury and Full of Character

Seafood lovers may also appreciate the Salmon Fish Head Sumiyaki, another interesting discovery from our visit.

Sumiyaki refers to charcoal grilling, a cooking method that helps develop a lightly charred exterior while bringing out the natural flavours of the ingredients.

With the salmon fish head, the meat around the head can be tender and juicy, while the grilling adds a distinctive smoky aroma. The richer portions of the fish also make it an appealing choice for those who enjoy exploring different seafood cuts.

Personally, I enjoyed squeezing some lemon over the fish. The citrus added a refreshing sour note that helped balance the richness of the salmon.

It was a simple addition, but it made the flavours more enjoyable for me.

This dish also reminded us that Japanese dining offers more than familiar sushi and sashimi. Exploring grilled seafood and different cuts can introduce diners to new tastes and textures.

Ebi Tempura: A Crispy Favourite for the Little Ones

When dining as a family, it is always nice to find a dish that appeals to younger diners too.

At Awadori, the Ebi Tempura was one of those dishes.

The prawns are coated in a light batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the succulent prawn inside makes each bite satisfying.

What makes tempura enjoyable is its delicate coating, which allows the natural flavour of the seafood to remain the star of the dish.

Our son particularly enjoyed this one, making it another highlight of our family dining experience.

For parents visiting with children, having familiar options alongside more adventurous Japanese specialities can make it easier for everyone to enjoy the meal together.

Dashi Tamago: Appreciating the Simplicity of Japanese Cooking

Another dish we explored was Dashi Tamago, a Japanese-style egg preparation that highlights the delicate flavours of egg and dashi.

Dashi is a traditional Japanese stock that provides a savoury umami character. When incorporated into an egg dish, it adds depth while allowing the natural flavour and softness of the egg to shine through.

The result is a gentle, comforting taste that contrasts nicely with the stronger flavours of charcoal-grilled meat and seafood.

Sometimes, it is the simpler dishes that demonstrate how carefully chosen ingredients can create something satisfying without needing complicated flavours.

Dashi Tamago was another opportunity for us to appreciate the variety offered during our first izakaya experience.

Cho-Chin: An Adventurous Yakitori Discovery

For our final dish, I decided to try something a little different: Cho-Chin.

Cho-Chin is a distinctive yakitori preparation traditionally associated with the chicken's reproductive tract. It is an unusual choice for diners who are more accustomed to familiar chicken skewers, but it offers an opportunity to explore a more specialised side of Japanese grilled cuisine.

Its appeal lies in its distinctive texture and savoury flavour, making it an interesting option for those who enjoy trying dishes outside their usual comfort zone.

For me, this was one of the more adventurous moments of our meal. Food discoveries are not always about finding something familiar that we already love; sometimes, they are about being willing to try something new and learning more about another food culture along the way.

And that is exactly what made this visit memorable.

A Wonderful First Taste of Japanese Izakaya Dining

Looking back at our visit to Awadori Japanese Restaurant, the overall food experience was enjoyable, with a variety of dishes that allowed us to explore different Japanese flavours in one sitting.

From the comforting Tori Paitan Ramen Shio and the rich Wagyu Roast Beef to the smoky Yakitori Moriawase, satisfying Unagi Tamago Don and crispy Ebi Tempura, every dish offered something different to discover.

The Salmon Fish Head Sumiyaki introduced us to the appeal of charcoal-grilled seafood, while the Dashi Tamago and Cho-Chin gave us further opportunities to explore Japanese cooking beyond the more familiar dishes.

We also appreciated the freshly prepared food and the attentive customer service, which helped make the visit feel welcoming.

For us, this was more than just another meal out. It was our first opportunity to experience Japanese izakaya dining, share a variety of dishes as a family and discover new flavours together.

If you are exploring Japanese restaurants in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, Awadori is a place you may wish to add to your food discovery list, particularly if you enjoy yakitori and a menu that goes beyond the usual Japanese dining options.

Folks, have you experienced Japanese izakaya dining before? Which of these dishes would you be most excited to try? We would love to hear your recommendations for our next food adventure!

 

When exploring the food scene in Johor Bahru, discovering a restaurant is not just about tasting the dishes. It is also about understanding the concept behind the menu, meeting the people who bring the dining experience to life, and learning what makes each establishment different.

During my recent visit to KAMIGO, located in Taman Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, I had the opportunity to meet the restaurant's F&B Manager and learn more about its dining concept and the variety of dishes available. The experience offered a closer look at how the restaurant caters to diners looking for different meal options, including those interested in incorporating healthier choices into their everyday dining routines.

Getting to Know the Story Behind KAMIGO

One of the highlights of this visit was having the chance to speak with the F&B Manager (Encik Alif) about the restaurant's menu and the different dining options it offers.

For me, these conversations are an important part of food discovery. While photographs can capture the appearance of a dish, learning directly from someone involved in the restaurant helps provide a better understanding of its offerings and the experience it hopes to create for customers.

KAMIGO offers a selection that goes beyond a single style of dining. From rice bowls and salad options to soup-based dishes, familiar main courses, and refreshing beverages, the menu provides diners with different choices depending on their tastes and preferences.

For customers who are exploring healthier eating habits, having a variety of options can make everyday dining more interesting. Rather than being limited to one type of meal, diners can explore different ingredients, flavours, and combinations.

Exploring the Menu: From Salmon Nasi Lemak to Superfood Salad

During our visit, we had the opportunity to try several dishes that showcased the variety available at KAMIGO

Baked Salmon Nasi Lemak with Blue Pea Rice

One of the dishes that caught my attention was the Baked Salmon Nasi Lemak with Blue Pea Rice. Nasi lemak is a familiar Malaysian favourite, and seeing it presented with baked salmon and blue pea rice offers an interesting variation on a well-loved local meal.

It is an option worth exploring for diners who enjoy Malaysian flavours but are also interested in trying different combinations of ingredients.

Kids' Bowl with Chicken Hamburg and Spaghetti

Dining out with children can sometimes be challenging when everyone has different preferences. KAMIGO Austin also offers a Kids' Bowl featuring chicken hamburg with spaghetti, providing another option for younger diners.

Having a dedicated children's meal adds variety to the menu and makes the restaurant worth considering for families looking for different dining choices.

Tomyam Soup with Prawn

For those who enjoy Southeast Asian flavours, the Tomyam Soup with Prawn brings a familiar combination of seafood and the distinctive taste associated with tomyam.

Soup-based dishes provide another alternative for diners who prefer something different from a conventional rice bowl or a heavier main course.

Superfood Salad Bowl

For diners interested in salad-based meals, the Superfood Salad Bowl is another option to explore. It adds variety to the restaurant's offerings and caters to those who enjoy incorporating more greens and different ingredients into their meals.

Of course, the nutritional value of any dish depends on its ingredients, preparation, portion size, and dressing. Nevertheless, having salad options available gives customers more flexibility when deciding what to eat.

Kawin BBQ Beef Hamburg Rice Bowl with Miso and Sanitised Raw Egg

Another dish we tried was the Kawin BBQ Beef Hamburg Rice Bowl with Miso and Sanitised Raw Egg.

This combination brings together beef, rice, and accompanying ingredients in a bowl-style meal. The addition of miso gives the dish another flavour element, making it an interesting option for those who enjoy exploring different rice bowl combinations.

Chicken Chop Platter

For diners who prefer a more familiar main course, the Chicken Chop Platter provides another choice on the menu.

Having dishes such as chicken chop alongside salad bowls, soup, and rice-based meals means customers can explore different options rather than being restricted to a single dining style.

Refreshing Beverages to Complete the Experience

A good dining experience often includes something refreshing to accompany the food, and our visit also included two beverages.

The Promo Cucumber Lime Punch offers a combination of cucumber and lime flavours, making it an interesting option for those who enjoy refreshing drinks.

We also tried the Dirty Banana Choco Smoothie, which combines banana and chocolate flavours for a more indulgent beverage choice.

These drinks add another dimension to the menu, allowing diners to choose beverages according to their personal preferences.

A Restaurant with Different Choices for Everyday Dining

Beyond the individual dishes, what stood out to me was the variety available at KAMIGO Austin.

The restaurant offers a mix of familiar favourites and different meal combinations, making it possible for customers with varying preferences to find something that appeals to them.

For anyone trying to make more mindful food choices, variety is an important consideration. Healthy eating does not necessarily mean eating the same dishes every day. Exploring different ingredients and meal combinations can help make the experience more enjoyable and sustainable.

At the same time, it is worth remembering that the term healthy dining can mean different things to different people. Factors such as portion sizes, cooking methods, ingredients, and individual dietary needs all play a role in determining whether a particular meal suits someone's lifestyle.

This is why I find it interesting to learn more about a restaurant's concept directly from its team, rather than simply looking at the dishes on the table.

The Experience Behind the Food

The ambience at KAMIGO is simple and comfortable, providing a setting for casual dining.

For me, the visit was not only about sampling the food but also about understanding the restaurant through the perspective of its F&B Manager. These conversations help make a food feature more meaningful by connecting the dishes with the people and ideas behind the dining experience.

Whether you are looking for a rice bowl, a salad, a comforting soup, a main course, or a refreshing beverage, KAMIGO offers a selection worth exploring when visiting the Mount Austin area.

Where to Find KAMIGO Austin?

Address: No. 80, Jalan Austin Heights 8/2, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.

If you are exploring Johor Bahru and looking for a restaurant with a varied menu and options for different dining preferences, KAMIGO Austin is a place you may wish to add to your food discovery list.

My visit was a reminder that discovering a restaurant involves more than just enjoying a meal. It is also about meeting the people behind the food, understanding their offerings, and sharing these discoveries with fellow food lovers.