Spanish vibe at Pica Pica in Sunway Iskandar

 

One of my fondest memories of a Spanish tapas experience in Johor Bahru was at EightLido, a cool destination for dining, drinks and special events, a place with a delightful vibe which sadly has since, ceased to exist.

 

Facade of Pica Pica Spanish Tapas Bar at
Sunway Commercial Area in Sunway Iskandar

This memory stayed so fresh in my mind that when I received the invitation to a review of Pica Pica Spanish Tapas Bar, I had a flashback to my experience at EightLido. Needless to say, I did not hesitate to accept.

 

There may be several meanings to the word, Pica Pica, but here it is Spanish for, “finger foods or snacks,” while tapas specifically refer to, “small Spanish savory dishes, typically served with drinks at a bar.”

 

Raising our glass tumblers
of Sangria for a toast to friendship

It did not take long for me to round up a few foodie friends and after a scorching hot Friday, we headed over to the Sunway Commercial Area in Sunway Iskandar Puteri, just as the sun was setting.

 

Bordered by ample parking spaces, Pica Pica is located in a corner unit which looked open and spacious, where diners were already seated at tables set up along tiled pavements, safely shaded under canopies. Posted on a pillar in front, a sign clearly announced, NON-HALAL.

 

In the tradition of Spanish tapas bars, Pica Pica serves their own recipe of refreshing chilled Sangria by a glass or in a one-lite carafe. So for us, it made sense to have a carafe of Sangria to share.

 

A glance at the other tables revealed that diners were not only enjoying Sangria but also a choice of alcoholic drinks as staff were helping to serve wine and whiskey in wine glasses and iced tumblers.

 

Padron Peppers on the serving of
Huevos Estrellados

Harish, the manager, was quick to inform us that Pica Pica welcomes diners to Bring Your Own alcohol – with no corkage charge – for a minimum spend of RM50 per person with a small service charge of only RM3.90 per person for the provision of ice and glasses.

 

As the tables around us quicky filled up that Friday evening, the mood was convivial with conversation, laughter and the taste of typically Spanish fare.

 

I observed that the kitchen was open on two sides and diners could see what was going on inside, which to me was also proof that the chef and his culinary team were clearly confident about performing their various tasks, in full view of diners.

 

As we sipped our tumblers of craft Sangria, our tasting meal kicked off with bowls of Gazpacho, refreshing chilled soup served with bread rolls.

 

Chef KT [Left] and culinary team working in
the kitchen, in full view of diners at Pica Pica

More Cold Tapas items to savour included smoky, thinly sliced, delicate cured meats from the Cured Meat Platter: Chorizo 60g (spiced and savoury) and Jamon 60g (smooth, buttery texture).

 

Aware that the chef was keen to let us taste as many items in their menu, I made a mental note to carefully pace myself so that I could enjoy every morsel I tasted.

 

Peppers – the very word warned of a spicey burn on the tongue – but it was not so for Padron Peppers that were deep-fried, lightly blistered and salted.

 

A serving of Gambas al Ajillo;
Note: Mop up the olive oil
with the bread rolls

It was easy to pop one tasty Padron Pepper after another, into my mouth but I consciously saved space (in my stomach!) to savour dishes that were arriving at our table.

 

Another dish that also featured Padron Peppers was Huevos Estrellados, topped by Padron Peppers and soft-cooked fried egg, drizzled over crisp fries.

 

Meanwhile, the name of the Spanish Bikini Sandwich raised some eyebrows probably because the thinly sliced, triangle shaped sandwiches resembled the bottom piece of a bikini.

 

When I sank my teeth through the crispy toasted sandwich, I could taste layers of the filling made up of aromatic black truffle, jamon and melted cheese.

 

A serving of Paella de Marisco
to share among us

More tapas dishes to enjoy included a Classic Spanish Tortilla stuffed with caramelized onion and golden Jamon Croquetas, croquettes filled with Iberico ham and silky bechamel.

 

When it was served, it was easy to recognize the tender spears of asparagus in the dish of Esparragos a la Parilla, topped with mojo rojo sauce and melted cheese.

 

It was likewise for the Patetas Bravas, crisp quartered potatoes topped with smoked bravas sauce and aioli.

 

As we passed the plates around the table to have a taste of each item, one particular hot tapas dish stood out as a firm favourite. This was Gambas al Ajillo, a dish of succulent whole prawns, sauteed with garlic, chilli and olive oil.

 

Pincho de Cordero, skewers of juicy lamb cubes
with honey mustard mayonnaise for a dip
 

When the Sharing Plate items were served, it started with a platter of Paella de Marisco. The slice of lemon was squeezed and its juice drizzled over the rice cooked in seafood stock. The rice was mixed with dollops of aioli and shared, topped with king prawns, mussels and squid.

 

This was followed by Pincho de Cordero, three skewers of juicy lamb cubes with a side of honey mustard mayonnaise for a dip and slice of lemon.

 

When the Chuleta de Cerdo was served, we agreed that it resembled a mini version of a tomahawk. This juicy grilled pork chop was served with a side of golden fries, Padron pepper and Djon Mustard sauce.

 

For fish-lovers, the Pan-seared fillet of Seabass with topped with tangy Mango Chimichurri sauce, just hits the spot.

 

The taste of fresh ingredients certainly made a difference to each dish and I did not hesitate to compliment the chef when he asked for my comments.

 

“Call me KT,” said the young chef, whose name was Kathiravan Thachinamoorthy, a Malaysian who acquired his culinary skills from working with restaurants abroad.

 

Chef KT's version of
Basque Cheesecake

After our chitchat, he was ready to serve us dessert of two separate items: Churros with chocolate and mango dip sauce, and Basque Cheesecake, a classic vanilla burnt cheesecake with creamy center.

 

I could hear the pride in his voice when Chef KT told us that he had perfected the recipe for this Cheesecake and was sure that his version was only served at Pica Pica.

 

I know it was not just this Cheesecake, the chill-out ambience or the food, but a certain Spanish vibe that will keep diners coming back. In fact, many there that evening were repeat diners since its recent opening.

 

As we were about to leave, Harish reminded us that Pica Pica is also a pet-friendly place as they will make everyone – diners and furry-friends – very welcome.

 

Pica Pica Spanish Tapas Bar [Non-Halal] is at 21-01, Laman Niaga Sunway, Persiaran Medini 3, Bandar Sunway, 79250 Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

 

Open from 3pm to 11pm on weekdays, from 12pm to 12am on Saturday and Sunday. Closed on Monday. For enquiries and reservations, Tel: +6012 700 0469.

A precious link to IJ Convent and Johor Bahru

 

As our Book Team worked on the Souvenir Book, published to commemorate the 100-Year Anniversary of the founding of the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in Johor Bahru (1925 – 2025), there were regular postings in the school’s Facebook page to drum up interest in this Book that will be sold to raise funds for the school’s maintenance projects.

 

Facade of the IJ Convent Johor Bahru
captured during the Convent Fun Run
held on 23 August 2025

The Team was more than pleased to complete this book project on time for its first fund-raising sale at the Convent Fun Run on August 23. It was a happy achievement for the Book Team as we worked within very tight deadlines. So relieved was I that I documented the journey to publishing this Book in My Johor Stories.

 

Little did I know that someone in Germany had read this and other blog posts on the Johor Bahru Convent school stored in My Johor Stories (www.peggyloh.com) with much interest, and did not hesitate to write to the email address provided in social media to place her own order for this Souvenir Book.

 

In fact, she was so resourceful that she managed to reach me on various platforms to introduce herself as Gayathri Habarakada and told me why she was so thrilled to read about the 100-Year Anniversary of the IJ Convent Johor Bahru. On August 25, 2025, she wrote:

 

“My name is Gayathri Habarakada, a Sri Lankan, now residing in Germany. It’s with great enthusiasm that I write to inquire about purchasing a copy of the 100 Years of IJ Convent book.

 

I stumbled upon your beautifully written article about the history of the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in Johor Bahru. I was so excited to see this as we share a bit of history with this school. Out of excitement, I posted a comment on the article too.

 

This was after finding my grandmother’s School Leaving Certificate randomly on my phone gallery, a nearly 95-year-old document which brought back fond memories and I just happened to see your article.

 

My paternal grandmother, Emiliyn Sebonis (though I’m unsure what name she used in Malaya), was a student at the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in Johor, approximately between 1925 and 1939. She must have been among the school’s earliest students. I will share photo of her blurred School Leaving Certificate – it is probably 90 plus years old.

 

Her grandmother's School
Leaving Certificate, circa 1939

She had migrated to British Malaya as a young girl with her two elder sisters, one a teacher and the other a nurse from what I know of, likely through the British colonial skilled recruitment scheme.

 

While her sisters worked, my grandmother attended the Convent. As one of them was a teacher, I’m not sure if she worked in the very same school as a teacher too.

 

My mother still keeps my grandmother’s School Leaving Certificate as a cherished souvenir. I will attach it here for your reference. After spending some years in Malaya, my grandmother eventually returned to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), married, and started her family in 1941 and had my father and aunty.

 

Grandmother’s sisters, however, remained in Malaya and lived out their lives there as part of the early Ceylonese community in Johor Bahru. Their names were Alpi and Theresa, who passed away in the 1980s.

 

My grandmother passed away in 1994 when I was only four years old. I grew up hearing the lovely stories she had shared, which remain as treasured, though vague, memories for me.

 

As a young girl, I was inspired by my grandmother’s adventurous life, grew up fancying her bravery so much so that it led me to pursue a career as a flight attendant. I later joined Qatar Airways and worked as a flight attendant close to eight years.

 

It was such a meaningful coincidence to come across this article and discover that a book had been published about the very school she attended. I would love to purchase a copy if there is a possibility. I would be truly grateful for any guidance you could provide on how I might purchase this book.”

When I read the messages from Gayathri and saw her yellowed, old photo of the School Leaving Certificate that belonged to her grandmother, it dawned on me that this was a precious piece of tangible proof of the wonderful work of the Johor Bahru Convent school in its early years.

 

The Book Team had invited contributions from alumni to compile into the Souvenir Book and the pieces received dated back to the Class of 1958. Now, this piece of School Leaving Certificate contributed by Gayathri, dated around circa 1939 would be an artefact of an alumni, her late grandmother, from an even earlier generation!

 

I was pleased to receive further messages where Gayathri shared more about her family in Johor Bahru as she was keen to connect with the Sri Lankan community here who may be familiar with her family who once lived here.

 

Meanwhile I learned that Gayathri moved to live in Germany with her husband since 2023 after they were married. She continued:

 

“My father, Herbert, was in touch with my grand-aunts until then and we have lost contact. My father had cousins, Chandra Lily and Sharma, who should be close to age 85 to 90, if they are still living. They used to write to my father before I was born.

 

By the way, we still have some letters they used to send us. On a letter from 1953, there was an address that said, No. 10 Kampung Baru, Jalan Haron. But this was 20 years since my grandmother returned to Sri Lanka. So it was written when the family moved from hospital quarters to a house at this address at Jalan Haron.”

 

Letter from her grand-aunt
written in Singhalese

She quoted from this letter which read like this: “Now we don’t live in the hospital quarters anymore and we got a small house and moved to this address No. 10 Kampung Baru, Jalan Haron. You can send letters here.”

 

She attached photo of that letter and when I looked closer, I saw that it was not written in English. When I asked, Gayathri confirmed that her grand-aunt wrote that letter in Singhalese. Gayathri herself could read and write in Singhalese as she lived in Sri Lanka and went to school there until she was aged 19.

 

Gayathri was hopeful that someone in Johor Bahru may remember two Sri Lankan families – her father’s and that of her father’s cousin – as she recalled that one of her father’s cousins was married to a Police officer.

 

And the male cousin, Sharma, who passed away due to a heart attack when he was in his 50’s. She shared a photo of her father because she was told, Sharma, his cousin and him looked very similar. She wrote again on August 26, 2025, and said:

 

“Thank you for your email and for the lovely conversation. I approached you through all the platforms just to make sure my message is delivered. I would definitely give you the permission to tell the story on your platform.

 

And meanwhile I’ll try to get you few pics of my grandma, if my mother can manage to find and send them, so it can add more colour to your article.

 

Even though this story is a very small in size, and also a very small part of my 35 years of life. Being connected to the small piece of history of my father’s life, just with the few information I have in my hand is a wonderful experience for me. 

 

Surprisingly I also managed to be connected to a kind lady called Ms Chew, who knows Jalan Haron street (I will tell you how I found her later) and she managed to send me a photo of an empty land today, where she thinks where my grand aunts must have earlier lived because there is no house No. 10 anymore, but 10A and 10D. But she said, she asked someone to look for information and I am hopeful. 

 

And last night, I read that you have published books on Johor Stories. Ms Peggy, along with the 100 year book, I would like to purchase those books as well. I would love to read and feel, what it was like to live in historical Johor many decades ago. 

 

I was awake last night reading your blog, and was amazed by reading such beautifully written stories. And didn’t know you were someone special, who has contributed to keep the Johor roots alive. I am honoured and glad I found you and thank you for being kind enough to engage in a conversation. Please let me know how can I pay for all the three books and how to get it posted to Germany.”

 

The she wrote again on August 30, 2025 and said: “Just wanted to let you know that I have found the whereabouts of the family with the help of a lady who knows the neighborhood. Waiting for her to get the contact number but not sure if they would like to reconnect but just hopeful. Apparently, one of my father’s cousins is still there.”

 

On September 10, 2025, she shared an exciting update: “I found out the whereabouts of our cousins and already had a call last Sunday. One of my Aunties is still there… will call her coming weekend. It’s after five decades we were reconnected. Really happy about it.”

 

Then on September 17, 2025, I dispatched the Souvenir Book and My Johor Stories books by courier to her and when I opened the mailbox to write an email to let her know, I saw that Gayathri had sent another email which read like this:

 

The garment her grandmother 
used to wear as her school uniform

“I will attach a photo in this email. I am not sure if you remember I mentioned, we had a piece of my grandmother’s school uniform (95+old). My mother sent a photo of the piece. I don’t even know if you are interested and I’m not sure if it was the uniform or just a dress she wore to the school.

 

But my mother said grandma used to say it’s her school uniform. It’s now yellow in colour. But I’m sure it was something white before. But it’s definitely what she wore to the school. 

 

Since you collect historical pics and docs maybe you will love to see and maybe you can make out which year of kids wore this kind of dresses, if it was a uniform.”

 

She was right. I was more than pleased to receive her photo of a garment which Gayathri said her grandmother used to wear as her school uniform. In fact, I can clarify that in the early years of the Johor Bahru Convent school, students did not wear uniforms but went to school wearing their own clothes.

 

For instance, the Chinese girls wore their traditional clothes like sam-foo while trousers were worn only by boys. I imagine that girls like her grandmother, probably wore a plain blouse such as this garment in her photo, matched with a long sarong-type of skirt in Sri Lankan or Indian tradition.

 

It was only in 1951 that uniforms were introduced for Convent students in the country, distinguished by a smart Blue box-pleated pinafore worn with a White short-sleeve blouse and belted at the waist, teamed with White canvas shoes and socks.

 

On Friday, September 19, I received a message from Gayathri with a photo to let me know that she had safely received the package of books I sent by courier from Johor Bahru. I could sense her excitement when she said: “Going to unbox now!”

 

Then she sent another photo of the opened box with four books: The 100-Year Anniversary Souvenir Book and the trilogy of My Johor Stories. She said: “I will start reading tonight.” She thanked me for arranging to send the books to her and looked forward to thanking me in person when she visits Johor next year.

 

In the meantime, I encouraged her to read about the 100-year-old Johor Bahru Convent and the collection of stories documented in My Johor Stories for Johor families, about Johor culture and heritage and my own grandfather stories.

 

Gayathri said she was always curious about how her grand-aunts and grandmother, then three young girls, who went abroad from Sri Lanka and how they survived over the years. It was a bygone era where young women did not dare to take much risks.

 

Package of books safely
received in Germany!

She realised that the story of her grandmother’s link to the IJ Johor Bahru Convent and her family’s life in Johor Bahru was about to get “buried” if not for her curiosity and interest to read about the 100-Year Anniversary Celebration of IJ Convent Johor Bahru on social media and how she got connected with me and My Johor Stories.

 

There is a Sri Lankan community in Johor Bahru so we remain hopeful that she can discover more about her family who once lived here, from reliable sources.

 

Thanks, Gayathri, for sharing a precious, tangible link to the early years of the IJ Convent Johor Bahru in the form of your grandmother’s School Leaving Certificate and her school “uniform” from a bygone era. Thank you, ever so much!

 

There is, indeed, so much to be grateful for even as we continue with celebrating the 100-Year Anniversary of the IJ Convent in Johor Bahru (1925 – 2025).

A new drum beat beckons...

 

This September, the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House roared to live again as Drum Up JB presented four dramatic drum shows over three days in, Drums: A New Beat Beckons.

 

A dramatic scene from, Drums: A New Beat Beckons
Photo Credit: Ms Wong Siew Heong

My Johor Stories have had the privilege to partner with Drum Up JB since 2023 and it was my pleasure to join them again at the, A New Beat Beckons series of shows.

 

This is because Book Three of My Johor Stories, documented the Art of the 24 Festive Drums among the Johor brands that were proudly established in Johor, spread nationwide and also exported abroad.

 

Guests listening to the pre-show introduction
held in the foyer of the Opera House

The contents of My Johor Stories 3: Proudly Johor, Then and Now, the third and final instalment to complete the trilogy of My Johor Stories, is made up of a collection of Johor stories that feature Johor culture and heritage, proudly Johor brands as well as some of my own grandfather stories.

 

To this day, many still think that the Art of the 24 Festive Drums is a Chinese cultural performance from China. While they are right about the drums – which is a traditional Chinese drum – the Art of the 24 Festive Drums is NOT from China but a performing art that originated in Johor Bahru.

 

Display of the Warisan Orang Hidup awards
presented to the the co-founders,
Tan Hooi Song and Tan Chai Puan

This art of dramatic drumming started in Johor Bahru in 1988 by the two Tans – Tan Hooi Song and Tan Chai Puan – and it gradually spread to schools, colleges and universities nationwide.

 

And when young drummers went abroad to further their studies, they brought along their passion for this art of drumming and started drum troops in universities across Asia, Europe, North America and even Africa. To date, there are some 600 drum troops established worldwide.

 

In recognition for their dedication and contribution to culture and heritage, the two Tans – Tan Hooi Song (2008) and Tan Chai Puan (2018) – each received the Warisan Orang Hidup (Living Heritage) award from the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry, Malaysia.

 

Cast and directors of A New Beat Beckons
taking a bow at the close of the show

On 14 February 2009, the 24 Festive Drums was honoured as a Malaysian National Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage.

 

Over the years, this art of drumming gradually evolved into a performing art of dramatic proportions where traditional drumming blends with contemporary elements and ethnic Malaysian percussion instruments to present a unique showcase of creative drumming, choreography, theatre, music and storytelling.

 

Cast, directors with co-founder, Tan Chai Puan,
and Drum Up JB advisor, Lee Sheah Liang

This performing art continued to be actively promoted and developed by younger generation drummers and professional drum troops like HANDS Percussion, Orang Orang Drum Theatre and the JB Drums.

 

Drum Up JB was formed in 2023 by Orang Orang Drum Theatre and JB Drums as a new entity aimed at preserving and sharing the cultural artform of the 24 Festive Drums, in the heartland of Johor Bahru where this performing art was born.

 

With Tan Guang Mei,
daughter of Tan Hooi Song

As the Drum Up JB shows earned a proud reputation as a quality performance presented at the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House and gained popularity among drumming enthusiasts and new fans, it also earned the prestigious Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award in 2024.

 

When the Art of the 24 Festive Drums was nominated by the Malaysian government for the 2026 UNESCO Intangible Heritage List, Drum Up JB has taken on the mantle of cultural activists who are intent on preserving and sharing the 24 Festive Drums artform, not just locally but all across the globe.

 

It is the vision and desire of Drum Up JB that this year’s performances will raise enough funds for this show to become a permanent performance at the Opera House, just like, ‘The Lion King’ in Broadway, or ‘Les Misérables’ in West End.

 

With Mrs Ivy Lee,
mother of Lee Sheah Liang
 

Then visitors who come to Johor in 2026, will have the opportunity to watch Drum Up JB shows at the Opera House.

 

At the A New Beat Beckons season this September, Drum Up JB provided a gallery of visual information in the foyer along with pre-show introductions – conducted in Chinese and English languages – for guests to have a better appreciation of the Art of the 24 Festive Drums.

 

My Johor Stories had the pleasure to compliment this effort as I chatted with readers who were keen to read and learn more about the Art of the 24 Festive Drums, documented in English, from my books.

 

Among them were Raymond Chin who came from Kuala Lumpur to experience the drum show for the very first time and Eipeldauer Wolfgang of Eastern & Oriental Express, who was delighted to discover that besides the Art of the 24 Festive Drums, another familiar Johor brand, My Liberica Coffee, was also documented in my book.

 

With Raymond Chin who came from
Kuala Lumpur to enjoy A New Beat Beckons

I was both pleased and so proud when Wolfgang told me that My Liberica Coffee was served on board the unique and luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express train. [This gave me yet another reason to have my own experience on board this train!]

 

It was always heartwarming to meet with Tan Guang Mei, daughter of the late Tan Hooi Song, and Mrs Ivy Lee, mother of Lee Sheah Liang, and for Tan Chai Puan, co-founder of the Art of the 24 Festive Drums, to stop by to capture a we-fie with me.

 

Then a group arrived later than the show’s start-time and the crew gently told them that they had to wait for a break in the show before they could enter the theatre. 

This was just courtesy, to avoid any disruption to the audience’s viewing pleasure and the artistes’ performance.

 

With co-founder, Tan Chai Puan

While waiting, a couple of ladies looked at My Johor Stories. It was amusing when one expressed surprise when she suddenly realised that my avatar printed on my book cover designs resembled me and she exclaimed, “Ah, it’s you!”

 

While Drum Up JB enjoyed a memorable season for, A New Beat Beckons in September 2025, preparations are underway for the next season, coming very soon in November 2025.

 

Look out for the dates and details, available soon on the Drum Up JB webpage and social media platforms.

Weekday lunch at Ibis Styles Johor

 

An invitation to review a buffet lunch served at STR-EATS Cafe in Ibis Styles Johor was a good reason for me to visit this cosy hotel located in Iskandar Puteri.

 

Wall panels that resemble giant slabs 
of chocolate in The Fix, cafe and deli bar

Conveniently accessible by expressways from the city-centre and the Second Link from neighbouring Singapore, Ibis Styles Johor joins other hotels in Iskandar Puteri to serve guests who are visiting the commercial centers, theme parks and healthcare facilities here.

 

When I emerged from the basement carpark to the reception area, one of the first things that caught my eyes at the hotel Front desk were the cocoa pods that were designed into the backwall as part of the decor.

 

While the finishing on the reception desk appeared to be designed in small brown tiles, I later learnt that these tiles were in fact, an attempt to resemble cubes of chocolate.

 

Eye-catching wall murals with the 
double-decker bunk beds in the family room

Aptly called, The Fix, a tiny café and deli bar on the lobby level serves light snacks and hot and cold drinks till late. Outdoor light that flooded in through floor-to-ceiling glass walls drew my attention to the wooden wall panels that clearly resembled bars of chocolate.

 

I liked that this hotel had a background story linked to the cocoa industry and that the designs within were inspired by the cocoa fruit.

 

With an agricultural background and sustainability as its core principles, the hotel is committed to providing eco-friendly guest amenities in the restaurant and guestrooms.

 

Check out the bolsters provided
with pillows on each bed

While coffee and tea facilities are provided in-room, a glass jug and electric jug kettle are also provided for hotel guests to help themselves to water from a dispenser dubbed, Oasis located at each level, to boil water for their hot drinks.

 

Designed in modern, contemporary style that features vibrant colours, this hotel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation in Standard and Superior rooms while their Family rooms are in popular demand by families with youngsters.

 

This was probably due to the comfortable Queen-size bed and the eye-catching murals painted as the backdrop to the double-decker bunk beds for the youngsters.

 

It was interesting to observe that whether it was for a Queen bed or twin single beds, this hotel not only provides pillows but even bolsters for guests to cuddle in bed.

 

Diners helping themselves to the
Big Boss lunch buffet in STR-EATS
 

STR-EATS, the all-day dining restaurant on Level One serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a special promotion of their all-you-can-eat Buffet Boss, served from Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2.30pm.

 

This restaurant is a regular choice for corporate groups and families who appreciate a leisurely lunch in a menu of appetizers, salads, main course dishes with rice and noodles, as well as dessert of cakes, puddings and icy treats.

 

While the spread may not be lavish, it was just right for a weekday lunch that ends comfortably with a choice of hot brews in a range of tea and coffee.

 

It was good to see that the restaurant provided nearby restrooms including one for the disabled, as well as a private dining room.

 

Host your event in this private dining room
known as The Chocolate Room

A glance inside this space revealed an entire back wall designed in brown wooden panels that could easily be mistaken for giant slabs of chocolate so its no wonder that this place is dubbed, The Chocolate Room.

 

Surrounded by so much ‘chocolate’ and in the spirit of buffets, I helped myself to my own chocolate indulgence in an icy treat made up of a cube of chocolate cake topped with scoops of chocolate ice-cream, garnished with sticks of chocolate-filled love-letter rolls.

 

So enjoy in a leisurely Big Boss lunch on weekdays at only RM28+ per person and RM18+ for children aged six to 12 years and senior citizens.

 

Reservations are recommended so call Tel: +6012 – 6053350 and +6012 – 4843352 to book your tables to enjoy the Buffet Boss.

 

Ibis Styles Johor Iskandar Puteri is at No. 1, Nusa Sentrum Complex, Jalan SiLC 2/9, Kawasan Perindustrian SiLC, Iskandar Puteri, 79200 Johor, Malaysia.

For Tel: +607 533 0533.