The much-awaited grand opening of KAMIGŌ in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, has finally arrived with an exciting celebration, marking a new milestone for the management team and its partners as they introduce their food and beverage concept to the public.

The celebration began with a lively lion dance performance, bringing festive energy to the occasion and symbolising good fortune and prosperity for the newly opened establishment. It was a meaningful start to a new chapter for the KAMIGŌ team as they welcomed guests to discover what the brand has to offer.

For food lovers looking for another dining destination in Johor Bahru, KAMIGŌ presents a concept centred on making real food an easy choice for everyday dining. Whether it is brunch, lunch, dinner, a casual gathering with friends and family, or simply finding somewhere to enjoy a satisfying meal, the brand aims to make dining a more enjoyable part of daily life.

The Story Behind the KAMIGŌ Name

Beyond the food, one of the interesting aspects of KAMIGŌ is the story behind its name and visual identity.

The word KAMI comes from the Malay word “kami,” meaning “we,” while GO represents moving forward. Meanwhile, the distinctive character Ō, with a line above it, symbolises wholeness, balance and continuity.

Together, these elements express a simple but meaningful philosophy: “We move forward together.”

The Ō character is also designed as an open circle, creating a visual representation of continuity, flow and the idea of always moving forward. It reflects the brand's intention to build something lasting while bringing people together through food and shared dining experiences.

It is an interesting identity that connects the brand's name with a broader message of togetherness, progress and balance.

An Opening Celebrated with Overwhelming Support

The grand opening was made even more meaningful by the overwhelming support received from various partners and organisations. Beautiful flower arrangements and congratulatory messages were presented to celebrate the occasion, reflecting the encouragement and goodwill surrounding KAMIGŌ's arrival in Mount Austin.

Friends, family members and dining guests also came together to support the opening and explore the restaurant's offerings.

The atmosphere was lively, with guests eager to experience the new dining concept and discover the dishes available on the menu. With the restaurant welcoming a full house, it was clear that the opening had attracted considerable interest.

Although our food orders took a little while to arrive due to the busy dining environment, the waiting time remained manageable. The F&B team continued working to assist guests and provide the necessary service throughout the experience.

For a newly opened establishment experiencing a busy first day, seeing the team attend to diners while managing the crowd was part of the overall opening experience.

Exploring the Food: Presentation, Ingredients and Flavours

When our orders finally arrived, the presentation immediately caught our attention.

Each serving was thoughtfully presented, with an emphasis on making the dishes look inviting and enjoyable. Beyond their appearance, the combination of ingredients allowed us to appreciate the flavours and the overall dining experience.

KAMIGŌ's approach to food centres on the idea of real ingredients, balanced seasoning and meals that people can enjoy as part of their everyday routine.

For families like ours, it is also encouraging to discover a dining destination where both adults and children can find something to enjoy. Dining out becomes more memorable when everyone at the table can participate in the experience and share their favourite discoveries.

The Five-Second Fresh Egg Yolk Experience

One of the more exciting moments during our visit was the unique presentation of a fresh egg yolk placed on top of the burger patty in one of the dishes.

This was more than just an ordinary food presentation. The egg yolk had to be placed on top within five seconds, adding a playful element to the dining experience.

My wife had the opportunity to try this experience, with support from Ms Fion from Punching Star, while our two little ones were also part of the fun.

It was an enjoyable moment that added something different to our visit. Sometimes, it is these small and unexpected details that make a restaurant experience more memorable, especially when dining with family.

KAMIGŌ Chicken Hamburg with House-Made Gravy

After enjoying that experience, I continued exploring the menu and discovered the KAMIGŌ Chicken Hamburg.

The dish features a juicy chicken hamburg served with KAMIGŌ's own house-made gravy, accompanied by Japanese pearl rice.

The gravy brings a warm, smooth and savoury element to the dish, pairing nicely with the rice and chicken. Together, the components create a comforting meal that can appeal to diners looking for something satisfying without making the experience overly complicated.

One detail worth highlighting is KAMIGŌ's emphasis on preparing its sauces, dressings and gravies in-house. The brand focuses on real ingredients, balanced seasoning and flavours designed to be enjoyed regularly.

This approach is aligned with its broader philosophy of making real food an accessible and enjoyable everyday choice.

Rather than positioning food as something reserved only for special occasions, KAMIGŌ aims to make a good meal part of the ordinary moments people share with family and friends.

A Dining Destination for Family and Friends

What made our visit particularly enjoyable was the opportunity to experience KAMIGŌ together as a family.

From exploring the restaurant's concept to discovering its dishes and taking part in the egg yolk presentation, there were several moments that made the visit interesting for both adults and children.

For families visiting Mount Austin, KAMIGŌ is another dining option worth exploring when planning a meal together.

Whether you are meeting friends, enjoying a casual lunch, having dinner with loved ones or simply looking for somewhere new to try, the restaurant's everyday dining concept offers another reason to discover the area's growing food scene.

Of course, every dining experience is personal, and individual preferences will differ. What stood out during our visit was the combination of the grand opening atmosphere, the brand's meaningful story, the food presentation and the opportunity to enjoy the experience with my family.

Moving Forward Together Through Food

Overall, our visit to KAMIGŌ's grand opening in Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, was an exciting discovery.

The celebration marked an important beginning for the brand, while its name and identity communicated a message of togetherness and continuous progress. On the dining side, the KAMIGŌ Chicken Hamburg, house-made gravy and unique fresh egg yolk presentation provided some of the highlights of our visit.

Most importantly, my family and I enjoyed the experience together.

KAMIGŌ's philosophy of serving real food that belongs on every table is a concept worth discovering, particularly for those who appreciate having another place to explore when dining around Johor Bahru.

As the brand begins this new journey in Mount Austin, it will be interesting to see how it continues to bring its food concept to more diners and become part of their everyday dining choices.

For us, this was another opportunity to discover something new, enjoy good food and create family memories along the way.

If you are around Mount Austin, Johor Bahru, KAMIGŌ is another food destination to add to your list of places to explore. This is another great discovery by Jomtaralets, a foodie and travel blogger you can trust!

 

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!