Han Yuan Daily, a modern kopitiam

 

The recent change in the city’s electronic payment system for vehicle parking is causing much anxiety among drivers – like me – who loathe to pay parking fines. I always sought to park my car legally so to avoid complications during this uncertain period, I park within the malls.

 

Facade of Han Yuan Daily at Taman Pelangi

When my grocery shopping was safely stored in the car, parked in the mall carpark, my friend and I decided to walk over to Jalan Pingai in search of some lunch.

 

City folks in Johor Bahru are familiar with two roads in Taman Pelangi where a collection of restaurants, cafés and eateries offer a choice of cuisine to enjoy from dawn to dusk.

 

This area is also a magnet for residents and neigbourhood shoppers who keep a weekly appointment with the night market set up along Jalan Perang every Tuesday evening.

 

Promo posters in front of the entrance to
Han Yuan Daily at Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi
 

Over the years, Jalan Perang and Jalan Pingai have housed popular cafés and restaurants, many of which have closed or relocated, while new outlets are still being opened in the rows of shops that border these two popular roads.

 

While considering the dining options along Jalan Pingai, my eyes locked onto the signboard that read, Han Yuan Daily, displayed over double-shop units. It was probably the clean colours of a modern kopitiam that drew us nearer for a look at their menu.

 

From the promo poster for Top Sellers, we learnt that this kopitiam serves traditional Hainanese bread, popular breakfast items, kopitiam comfort food and drinks.

 

Cover design of their menu

I am familiar with the main Chinese dialect groups in Johor, made up of Hokkien, Hakka, Hainanese, Cantonese and Teochew, their trades, traditions, culture and cuisine, so it did not take long for us to decide on a dining experience at Han Yuan Daily, a Hainanese kopitiam.

 

A wall poster listed the locations of their outlets in various residential areas. As we entered, I read “Since 2021” on the signboard above the main door and recalled that this was during the tail-end of the lockdown period, due to the global pandemic.

 

The word, "SUUKEE" on the lightbox poster
 

At a glance I saw serving staff, busy with brewing coffee the traditional way and taking slices of bread out from a bamboo steamer to toast, all happening behind a wall of plexiglass while the dining hall was already abuzz with diners, enjoying brunch or an early lunch.

 

This word, “SUUKEE,” in a lightbox poster that spanned an entire wall, caught my eye and caused me to pause and ask my friend, who happened to be Hainanese, for the meaning of that word.

 

[Like many Malaysians who are familiar with various Chinese dialects, the first words to add to our vocabulary were typically expletives, so I was curious to know what this word in Hainanese dialect, means. We also have a dear friend whose family name happens to be, Suki.]

 

Staff toasting bread, seen through a glass wall

Unbeknownst to me, someone was observing us from a nearby table. And while my friend was trying to explain the meaning of “SUUKEE,” this young man approached us and graciously offered to alleviate my curiosity.

 

He introduced himself as Derek Han. His surname “Han” rang a loud bell as it echoed the name of this kopitiam, Han Yuan Daily, and he turned out to be none other than the proprietor.

 

Derek was all smiles as he explained that the Hainanese word, “SUUKEE” was a warm word that means, “our people,” equivalent to, “kaki nang” in Teochew dialect.

 

A rare photograph of Han Senior, the baker
who operated a traditional kopitiam in Rengit

He showed us to our table and as he pointed out the menu highlights, I took the opportunity to quiz him about the origins of this kopitiam.

 

Over lunch of highly recommended items from the menu, Derek was pleased to share about the humble beginnings of Han Yuan Daily, which originated from his family’s traditional kopitiam that has been in business in Rengit for almost 60 years.

 

[Rengit is located some 40km south of Batu Pahat, not to be mistaken for Sungai Rengit, a coastal fishing town close to Pengerang in the Kota Tinggi district.]

 

A section of the dining hall in Han Yuan Daily

His father, Han senior, was the baker of their traditional Hainanese bread, served in their family kopitiam, steamed or toasted, spread with homemade Pandan kaya and salted butter. Derek said the recipe for this signature bread remains unchanged to this day.

 

After his father’s demise, his mother and cousins continue to run the business in Rengit. Now the supply of bread to the various outlets is delivered regularly from Rengit by their own transport.

 

In those days, Derek said a stall outside their family kopitiam was rented out to a Malay trader known as Pakcik Kamar, whose specialty was a snack of deep-fried tofu drizzled with spicy dark-chili sauce. To Derek, this specialty was a taste of nostalgia and he was pleased to feature it in the Han Yuan Daily menu as a tribute to Kamar.

 

Steamed Hainanese bread spread
with Pandan kaya and butter, 
Coconut Buns and Fried Tofu
drizzled in spicy, dark-chilli sauce

I must admit that I could not wait to have a taste of this specialty, soaked with such fond sentiments. Then I saw that it comprised two squares of tofu, crispy on the outside and oh so smooth on the inside. The spicy dark-chili sauce was like its name – spicy – and reminded me of the dip sauce for deep-fried bananas, savoured the uniquely Johor way.

 

Throughout this time, I observed that diners were arriving to seek a table while satisfied diners were paying at the counter and leaving. This outlet in Taman Pelangi, opened in March 2026, has certainly gained a reputation for its menu of kopitiam comfort food and traditional Nanyang white coffee and local-style milk tea.

 

They serve Hainanese coffee in their own “secret recipe” formula and when Kopi-O and Kopi-C were served to us in ceramic cups and saucers, Derek was pleased to demonstrate using the position of the mini-Chinese spoon placed in the cup or on the saucer, the traditional way kopitiam staff indicated which serving was with Less Sugar, Kosong or No Sugar, and Normal.

 

Red Date Fresh Milk, Kopi-C and
Kopi-O topped with salted butter

Having grown up in his family kopitiam, he observed how some coffee connoisseurs would enjoy their Kopi-O that was topped with a sliver of cold, salted butter and served with a toothpick on the side. They used the toothpick to pick up the butter and take a bite, then savour it as it melted in their mouth, with a sip of hot coffee.

 

Derek explained that prior to opening the first Han Yuan Daily outlet, he and his brother were involved in a Food & Beverage business.

 

When an opportunity arose in 2021, the brothers took over a business in Taman Molek and started the Han Yuan Daily brand. This kicked off a series of new openings in Taman Mount Austin and Taman Setia Tropika in 2022, followed by an outlet in Taman Eco Botanic in 2023 and recently, this outlet in Taman Pelangi.

 

A serving of Assam Fish with white rice
and a side of vegetables

A look at the attractive menu revealed that Han Yuan Daily has set itself apart from other kopitiam menus by featuring a range of items that appealed to diners of various ages and in different locations.

 

While there were kopitiam staples like Hainanese bread, classic soft-boiled eggs, soupy and stir-fried noodles, there were also choices of buns, sandwiches and wraps along with rice dishes in popular local, Korean and Japanese recipes.

 

I saw that vegan and vegetarian options were also available with icons on the menu that indicated, No Garlic, No Onion and No Animal Products or Contains Dairy Products & Eggs.

 

A serving of Fish Sauce Meehoon
with a side of spicy sambal

There was also a choice of comforting sweet broths like Tau Suan or split mung beans with Sago, Winter Nest Longan and Soya Bean Barley, as well as chilled oats and yogurt, a favourite among young diners.

 

I also saw that Han Yuan Daily offered two choices of traditional health drinks made with red dates. Derek said these warm beverages enjoyed by women, in particular, were inspired by his wife who often brewed Red Date in Fresh Milk and Red Date Ginger Brown Healthy Tea, to drink.

 

A serving of Prawn Cheong Fun
in light sauce

Because he appreciated the benefits of apple cider, Derek included a choice of drinks made with the refreshing taste of apple cider like Apple Cider Citron Ice Tea, Apple Cider with Calamansi Ice Juice and Apply Cider with Mint & Lime Ice Tea.

 

Photographs of mouth-watering dishes printed in the menu were making us hungry so we placed our food order for Assam Fish with rice, Meehoon or vermicelli stir-fried with Fish Sauce and Prawn Cheong Fun, to share.

 

The Assam Fish dish was a portion of ray fish stewed with tomatoes and ladies’ fingers while the Fish Sauce Meehoon was topped with three whole prawns, served with a side of own-made spicy sambal.

 

Having coffee and Coconut Bun
with Derek Han

I helped myself to a portion of the freshly steamed Prawn Cheong Fun, tasted the bites of fresh prawns in smooth rice rolls or chee cheong fun and could not stop at one piece but went on for the next and the next piece. The fine pastry, generous fillings and tasty light sauce, in my opinion, is a sure winner among other similar chee cheong fun servings I have tasted.

 

For a sweet ending, we shared a pair of Coconut Buns among us. Derek pointed out that the coconut filling used in their buns are freshly grated with its juices still intact. As we chewed the buns, this certainly made a difference to the fragrance and flavour.

 

As we made our way out of the kopitiam, more diners were arriving. On our slow walk back to the carpark in the mall, my friend and I agreed that we will visit Han Yuan Daily again to savour more items from their interesting menu.

 

Han Yuan Daily [No Pork, No Lard] in Taman Pelangi is located at No, 34 & 36, Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, Johor. Open daily from 7am to 9pm. For enquiries, Tel: +6018 7683436.

First peek into Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast

 

Over the years, I have cherished a long and enduring relationship with Desaru, a beachfront development on the south-eastern coast of Johor, that started in the 1970’s with frequent family staycations and more recently, to working in partnership with Desaru Coast, a premium destination resort in this region.

 

Front entrance into the Mandarin Oriental,
Desaru Coast in Johor, West Malaysia

I count it my privilege to witness how Desaru Coast gradually developed into an international resort destination and was thrilled when Desaru Coast was named one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places of 2021, in the third annual edition of the list published on 20 July 2021.

 

Desaru Coast was curated as a premium destination resort with a portfolio of globally renowned hotels and resorts like Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas and One&Only Desaru Coast as well as the Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast and Els Club Desaru Coast.

 

Signage by Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast

I treasure the memory of meeting with the then Group Chief Executive Officer of Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels, the master developer of Desaru Coast, at Riverside during the Ombak Festival to commemorate the official opening of Desaru Coast in July 2019 and her assurance that My Johor Stories will go a long way as a compliment to the destination.

 

What followed was the pleasure of working in partnership with these hotels and resorts on various projects and events, including the super luxurious One&Only Desaru Coast, where My Johor Stories books were placed in the villas and suites for their guests’ reading pleasure.

 

The reception desk, Mandarin Oriental,
Desaru Coast

After the global pandemic, when the borders were reopened for travel, many seized the opportunity to enjoy a welcome retreat at the resorts in Desaru Coast. Among them was one, Tan Mei Ling, who wrote me after reading a My Johor Stories book during her stay with the One&Only Desaru Coast.

 

She introduced herself and asked me to help her write a book as a precious tribute to her father. My exciting experience in this meaningful book project with the Tan family in 2023 was documented in, The Tan family’s book tribute.

 

Then when this property was rebranded as the Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast, I was delighted to receive an enquiry about My Johor Stories books. While Book One and Book Two were already sold out, I managed to arrange for a stock of Book Three, My Johor Stories 3: Proudly Johor, Then and Now, delivered to the Housekeeping Manager.

 

View of their signature swimming pool
Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast

Incidentally, Desaru Coast was officially declared opened in July 2019, so it was timely for me to receive an invitation in July 2026 to meet the General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental Desaru Coast for a chat over lunch at the resort.

 

This arrangement was made with Dharshini Ramu, an undergraduate from University Utara Malaysia who was doing her internship, attached to the resort’s Executive Office. A day ahead of the appointment, she sent a reminder message with a request to show that message to the security guard at the gated entrance, who should then permit me to enter.

 

I followed her instructions and when I said that my appointment was with the General Manager, the security guard directed me to the carpark to park my car.

 

Group shot: Dharshini, Shafiq, Emmi and Ros,
with me [seated] and My Johor Stories 3:
Proudly Johor, Then and Now

Dharshini, dressed in a patterned Salwar suit, welcomed me into the resort and did well to show me around as we made our way to the restaurant where the lunch was being hosted.

 

She politely waited as I took my time to pause and appreciate the charming resort, from its entrance to the front lobby and reception, to their signature swimming pool and beyond.

 

Some guests were chilling-out, seated in the shade of wide canopies by the pool and balconies while some young children were posing for photographs with their parents.

 

Adding value to the book
with an autograph

In the restaurant, we were being shown to our table when we were joined by General Manager, Fiona Hagan, and team members, Director of People & Culture, Emmi Lee, Commercial Director, Cerelle Gooding, and Director of Rooms, Sutthichai Kaewgun, better known as Khun X.

 

Over a convivial lunch of pizza and salads, I had the pleasure to introduce My Johor Stories to them while sharing some of my experiences from the early years when this destination was first developed to when the all-new Desaru Coast took shape.

 

Emmi discreetly requested her office to send over a copy of, My Johor Stories 3: Proudly Johor, Then and Now, and when it was delivered to our table, she said that she wanted the book to be autographed for the resort.

 

Photographs of the dusky monkeys
displayed at the Dusky Monkey bar

Among the many topics in our chat, Fiona and her team discussed ideas on how the resort can do more to create elevated experiences and exclusive escapades for guests to have meaningful and memorable moments with the resort.

 

Fiona was pleasantly surprised that I have not had the pleasure to visit the resort – until that day – and graciously offered to host my stay experience at the resort.

 

With telephone meetings scheduled after lunch, Fiona, Cerelle and Khun X had to leave the table while Emmi and Dharshini stayed with me to enjoy our dessert.

 

The landmark banyan tree in the
Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast

Emmi then invited her team from People & Culture (also known as Human Resources!) Rosmiyati Rudy and Muhammad Syafiq A. Amir Burhanuddin, to join us for dessert and have a chat with me.

 

No, we did not linger over our sweet treats as the team had to get back to work. Escorted by Emmi and Dharshini, I continued with the next part of my resort tour.

 

It was interesting to learn that the Dusky Monkey earned its name from the legendary dusky monkeys which felt so at home in this popular bar. Photographs of these monkeys, captured during their “visits,” were displayed on the bar counter.

 

The bar overlooked a section of the resort where rows of guest villas were located behind high walls. Emmi explained that the walls offered privacy as each villa was designed with its own plunge pool. She also explained that to preserve the “wow” factor, my visit into the villa will be reserved for later.

 

Panoramic view of part of the Els Club golf
course, the beach and the horizon

When I heard her brief description of their villa, I had a sudden flashback and shared with them about The Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat in Tambun, Perak, where I enjoyed an exquisite stay with spa treatment and bar experience within a limestone cave.

 

Emmi and Dharshini then led me to the resort library where the shelves were filled with a range of books. Three pairs of eyes searched closely for any My Johor Stories books and Emmi let out a shout of success when she found one copy of, My Johor Stories 2: Interesting Places and Inspirational People.

 

Lounge chairs to chill-out on the terrace

Then we headed to the resort spa. Emmi was keen to show me their landmark banyan tree which was carefully preserved when the architect, Kerry Hill Architects, designed the resort around it.

 

They led me pass the spa treatment rooms to the outdoor terrace which overlooked a section of the Els Club golf course and the beach. Lounge seats were arranged on the terrace for guests to enjoy a panoramic view and watch the sun set.

 

Our resort tour should aptly end at the souvenir shop and as we walked along a corridor, I saw a lady approaching from the opposite direction.

 

Dharshini and Dhayalini;
Can you tell who is who?

And when she was close enough, my eyes widened when I saw that she looked exactly like Dharshini – dressed in the same Salwar suit, completely similar from hairstyle to footwear – that I had to stop and check if I was seeing double.

 

By this time Emmi and Dharshini were laughing at my surprise and assured me that there was nothing wrong with my eyesight. The “double” was also laughing at my reaction so Dharshini did not hesitate to introduce me to her twin sister, Dhayalini or Dhaya in short, who was also doing her internship, attached to Learning & Development (Training department) in the resort.

 

I am sure this pair of identical twins have a lot of fun dressing up in similar outfits just to evoke some reaction from others – like me – who were confused when they saw double. After recovering sufficiently from this surprise encounter, we walked on to the souvenir shop to see a range of quality apparel, accessories and collectibles.

 

On my drive back to Johor Bahru, I thought it was indeed a very pleasant first peek into this seaside rainforest retreat. Meanwhile I can look forward to my next visit to experience the refined comfort and curated moments, promised by such a resort stay.

 

The Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast is located at Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor. For enquiries and reservations, Tel: +607 878 3400 or send email to: modes-reservations@mohg.com

Moonierena for Chinese-Muslim cuisine

 

If you often drive along Johor Bahru’s Tebrau Highway, you may have noticed how residential properties that border the road at Taman Melodies and Taman Kebun Teh were gradually being turned into commercial use.

 

Facade of Moonierena restaurant by night

Passers-by observed as a three-level bungalow steadily took shape here, paying much attention to its stylish architecture and building façade that featured arched windows and doorways, completed in a calming cream colour.

 

I was among those who were curious about this building, so when I received an invitation for a preview of the premises at the soft opening of Moonierena Restaurant, I did not hesitate to accept.

 

I drove slowly, careful not to miss the entrance to the slip road that runs parallel to the Tebrau Highway. And when I turned into the slip road, I was directed to the open carpark located adjacent to the building.

 

A separate wing of the dining hall
on the ground level

As I paused to admire the building façade, I thought that diners will agree with me that convenient carparking is a plus point to any restaurant.

 

I was still admiring the Moorish inspired Islamic architecture when I was warmly welcomed inside to the cool, air-conditioned interior.

 

From the lobby, a glance around gave me the impression of opulence created by elaborate ornamentation that featured panels of complex geometric patterns and arabesques in Islamic inspired trellis designs.

 

The horseshoe arches I saw outside were repeated in a series of smaller arches indoors, bordered by intricate designs throughout the ground floor and around the balcony in the upper-level dining hall.

 

A shimmering cluster of beautiful butterflies
in the chandelier, hung from the upper floor

When I looked up, my eyes locked onto the chandelier, a centerpiece that hung from the ceiling of the upper floor that showed off a shimmering cluster of lights in the shape of beautiful butterflies.

 

The furniture and fittings, designed in wood, cane and cream-coloured fabric, were a perfect foil for the charming, earthy theme in the decor throughout.

 

There were separate wings in the ground floor dining hall that accorded more privacy for small groups or families, and a choice of private dining rooms that were named Moon and numbered as 666, 777, 888 and 999.

 

The wide staircase with handrails

I guessed the rooms were named after Moonierena but I did not have the opportunity to find out more about the inspiration for such a name.

 

When I was invited to my table located upstairs, I was pleased to step onto the lighted staircase designed with handrails and was told that an elevator was also available for the convenience of those who were physically challenged.

 

The elevator was also a plus point because their event hall was on the third and top level of this building so it will be more comfortable and helpful for moving both, people and equipment for events.

 

While I was seated at a balcony table that overlooked the dining hall downstairs, I saw that the indoor section of the upstairs dining hall has some tables that enjoyed more privacy created within archways and cosy alcoves, separated by panels of geometric patterns.

 

More privacy within archways and cosy alcoves

From where I was seated, I observed as a music entertainer prepared to present live music entertainment, playing on his violin.

 

When I looked through the glass window panels, I saw that there was also an outdoor dining space arranged in a wide corridor that overlooked the Tebrau Highway.

 

As more guests arrived and were shown to their tables, we were served a chilled and refreshing welcome drink before the start of the event programme. This included a brief video presentation followed by an introduction to the owners and the executive chef, and a tour of the premises.

 

Outdoor dining section that
overlooks the Tebrau Highway

Then we were introduced to the inspiration behind this restaurant, Madam Lera. Her dining experience of Xinjiang cuisine during her travels was so memorable that she wanted to share the taste of bold spices, rich aromas and deep layers of flavour of this Chinese-Muslim cuisine with the people in Johor.

 

With a tagline which reads as, Where culinary art meets unforgettable flavours, I was more than keen to sample the much-touted cuisine served here.

 

After the words of welcome from their Chinese-Muslim business partner and Chef Harun from Xinjiang, guests were invited to visit the event space on the third level of the building.

 

A section of the event hall
on the top level of the building

At the top of the staircase, the outdoor section of the top floor event space boasts of a decorated gazebo which presented an ideal spot for photo mementoes.

 

Designed with glass walls and interesting lighting, the bright and airy indoor event space is best suited for hosting special occasions like engagement or wedding receptions, and graduation or anniversary celebrations.

 

Then it was time to savour the food. While there was a tasting menu with items from appetizer to dessert, the items served were not according to the list and the fish dish was changed from Steamed to a Fried version of fish. I understand that it was a soft opening event so it was not uncommon for this to occur.

 

Inside a private dining room

It was encouraging to know that Madam Lera wishes to present Moonierena as a destination where everyone, especially Muslim diners, may enjoy genuine Chinese cuisine and the true taste of Xinjiang with complete peace of mind and without compromise in taste and authenticity.

 

The restaurant aims to offer casual dining from a quick-service menu of ala carte dishes that included dim sum on the ground level of the restaurant.

 

Meanwhile diners in the upstairs dining hall or in private dining rooms will savour items from a Xinjiang cuisine menu, rooted in Chinese-Muslim heritage.

 

Enveloped in such elegant and opulent ambience with live music entertainment from a talented violinist, it was indeed a pleasant first dining experience at Moonierena.

 

Moonierena Restaurant is at No. 375, Tebrau Highway, Taman Melodies, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor. Opening hours (soft launch), from 12.30pm to 3pm and from 5pm to 11pm. For enquiries and reservations, Tel: +6011 5920 2084