Rainy days lately call for something warm, comforting, and straight-up soothing—hotpot. I searched online for a reasonably priced buffet spot with decent ingredients and fresh seafood, and lucky me, I found one within walking distance from home.

Booking through WhatsApp was effortless; their replies came quickly. The restaurant is tucked quietly behind Pintas Avenue with a wide open layout and even a playground inside, so families can dine while the kids stay entertained and burn their energy. 

They offer several types of basic soup bases—chicken, tomato, and tom yum—while Sichuan mala requires an additional MYR18. At the same time, they’re also providing a complimentary kimchi soup base, though it comes with minor terms and conditions. 

My favourite section was the seafood and vegetable (quite limited selection) counter, freshly prepared from the kitchen and well-maintained. Mr Hubby was busy creating his own DIY Thai red tea with boba, refilling soft drinks, and eating some of the cooked dishes. 

Service-wise, the service crews included the lady boss stayed sharp and attentive: they monitored customers’ pots, offered soup base refills proactively, and replenished ingredients rapidly when running low. No one is complaining and looked genuinely content. 

One of the coolest feature was the table buttons which available at each tables that raises and lowers the pot. You don’t lose your foods in the abyss or overcook anything, and it just makes the whole hotpot experience smoother and enjoyable. Superb! 

I truly enjoyed myself, especially with the seafood—crabs and shrimp were the stars. They had frozen dory as fish slices, which was passable. There’s also a selection of marinated items prepared for grilling, though grilling comes with an MYR18 of add-on.

Snow beef rolls, chicken slices and other frozen selections for shabu-shabu are available as well, but they weren’t quite on par with Chinese hotpot standards. The colour leaned darker instead of fresh bright red, so the quality felt a bit underwhelming. 

Still, the entire setup was thoughtful and complete, down to providing plastic gloves. It’s a solid hotpot buffet with good value, wide variety, attentive service, and a steady flow of fresh ingredients. Definitely worth checking out and stay tuned at their Facebook page. 

Kthxbye. 

🍲 80% Seafood, 20% Vibes 🥢

We’ve been coming to this little stall for ages, our go-to spot for weekend’s breakfast sometimes for Sarawak laksa, kolo mee, and wontons that don’t break the wallet. 

Today’s visit hit a bit differently though. The Sarawak laksa was decent, but it missing that bold kick it used to have. But the kolo mee (no picture) still a win. 

The wontons took their sweet time to show up, it delivered swimming in a greasy, flavour-packed soup base. Overall, still a solid breakfast joint worth only RM22. 

Kthxbye. 

🦐 AM therapy: Laksa, Noodle, Wontons 🥢

Mr Hubby is hooked on this spot — almost every time we come for dinner, he goes straight for their tom yum with chicken slices. It hits that spicy-sour and greasy combo just right, and he legit demolishes it with steamed white rice like it’s his life mission.

As for me, I went for the wat tan seafood but switched it up with rice noodles. I told them no fish cake, just the real deal, fresh fish slices, prawns, and squid. It turned out decent with generous portion, friendly price, no complaints on the value.

However, the hygiene needs a glow-up. The tables and chairs are always kinda sticky and oily on the surface, it definitely kills the vibe when I am trying to enjoy my meal. Cleanliness should not be optional. A good wipe-down would go a long way.

Kthxbye. 

🌶️ Spicy, Sour, Satisfying and… Slightly Sticky 🙃

This is officially my favourite Japanese spot. No pork on the menu, yet they’re serving excellence on every level: service on point, food consistently hitting, and this humble gem deserves all the stars and a shoutout.

I swung by recently to explore beyond the set lunch menu and went for the chasoba with assorted tempura set, plus an assorted sashimi salad for lunch. Honestly? I’ve got zero complaints—everything was on point.

The assorted tempura was lightly battered, super crispy and pale perfection that taste isn’t greasy at all. The sweet potato slices and shrimp stole the show, and I don’t even need to explain why, it’s worth every yen.

Chasoba held its own, the wakame and tenkasu added extra flavour, also giving the broth a subtle nutty and savory pop. Slightly sweet yet perfectly balanced, every slurp was just…itadakimasu-level satisfying~

The sashimi salad was a stunner—slices of butterfish, maguro, salmon and fresh catch of the day, paired with their housemade wafu dressing on the side. Genius move, especially if some aren’t into drowning the greens. 

That dressing is Japanese-style vinaigrette with a touch of minced onion, sesame, vegetable oil, and soy—isn’t overpowering, but it hits your taste buds in the best possible way. My mouth’s watering just thinking about it. 

Kthxbye. 

🥗 Itadakimasu Vibes, Oiishi Bites 🥢

Here I am return again at this humble little Japanese spot tucked inside the Damai Plaza, returning for their monthly lunch set offerings. 

Today, I went for the Harabire Set—salmon fin kuwayaki, Ika squid karaage, a fresh garden salad with their housemade dressing, gohan and miso soup. 

The place was packed with diners chasing the same monthly set, so I ended up at the sushi bar. No complaints there; it suited a solo lunch perfectly.

The salmon fin was pure indulgence. The fatty layer turned silky, buttery, and melting the moment it hit the tongue while the skin crisped up with a beautiful crackle. 

If anything, it was the teriyaki glaze though, it leaned too sweet for my taste bud, anyhow the texture of the salmon’s fins itself made up for it. 

The squid karaage delivered a solid contrast - tender inside, crispy outside, and lifted the whole bite with just a touch of lemon. Simple and clean. 

A satisfying return, and definitely the kind of set that keeps people filling the room month after month. Looking forward for my next dine. 

Kthxbye. 

🐟 Salmon Fins, Melted In The Mouth Magic ✨ 

This little Hangzhou eatery is operated by an old China couple, and it has been around for a few months now, and I finally dropped by for a late lunch before my monthly hair pampering session. 

Their menu is simple illustrated but confident, their specialties are handmade egg noodles and pan-fried fresh pork buns take center stage as their signatures. Some came for their fried dumplings too. 

I went for the thin-skinned wontons and grabbed a set of pan-fried pork buns to-go. The wontons came in a light seaweed broth, and each spoonful could easily scoop up three, light and tasty as a starter.

The pan-fried pork buns were beautifully golden with that irresistible crispy pattern. Too bad I had them for takeaway—these are definitely best enjoyed fresh for that perfect crunch. 

Still, the filling tasted fresh and flavourful, and their menu proudly states that everything is freshly prepared daily. A simple spot, but the kind that wins you over with honest flavours and handmade goodness.

Kthxbye. 

🥟 Thin-skinned Wontons That Melted In Mouth 🍜 

This has regularly become my go-to spot whenever my cravings for China style clear soup and silky rice noodles kick in—especially on hot days. 

Nothing beats slurping a big and generous bowl of noodles in the comfort of an air-conditioned shop. 

I usually dine at the Damai branch out of convenience, but honestly the Lintas branch still wins my heart. 

Their cooking is consistently better and the standards never slip. Damai, on the other hand, tends to overcook my wontons until the meat pops outs, sigh. 

Kthxbye. 


🥟 Heartbreak Of Broken Wontons 💔 

I’ve tried this Family Portrait Pro Max before at their Imago branch — however during back then, a few items were sold out, so my meal felt incomplete. This time, I finally got to enjoy the full set! 

What I love the most about this combo is how I can get to taste a bit of everything in one dish. And that rich and flavourful pork soup? Absolutely my kind of comfort home cooked style soup. 

Kthxbye. 

🐷 OINK-credible Pork Pro Max 🥄 

FINALLY - the long-awaited of M I X U E fever has hit Sabah! Two branches just opened last week, and another one is gearing up to welcome customers soon at Gaya Street. I’m eagerly looking forward to it! 

To celebrate their grand arrival, MIXUE is giving away a free sundae cone with any purchase of two drinks for a limite time. Without hesitation, Mr. Hubby insisted we check out the branch which nearest to us. 

We visited the Cyber Square outlet, mainly to dodge the crowd and score better parking. The shop itself is compact and cozy, though it doesn’t carry merchandise and the drink options are slightly limited. 

Still, everything ran smooth and systematically. From cone to cups, they are thoughtfully designed and matching the Mixue’s cheerful vibe. An extra touch of joy when I take pictures with it, it’s the little details. 

For us, MIXUE brings back travel memories — it’s Mr. Hubby’s all-time wallet-friendly favorite when we travel to China, Macau or KL. Their drinks are not just budget-friendly, incredibly refreshing, available everywhere. 

Kthxbye. 

⛄️ He asked ’want Mixue?’, I said ‘YESSSSSS!’🍦

I can now easily satisfy my cravings for authentic aborigine cuisine without going far — just a quick drive to this cozy hotel just nearby my house! 

They’ve recently rebranded their menu to showcase Borneo’s traditional flavours in order to aligning with their café’s name - My Native Sabah. 

Their concept is to create a space that feels like a “Tamu” — a gathering place where everyone can come together to enjoy native and other comfort foods. 

I went for Set A – Pinasakan Basungan, while Mr. Hubby opted for the Sabahan Bento, a native set featuring marinated tuhau fried chicken. 

Of course, I couldn’t resist ordering an extra bowl of Tenggiri Hinava, which was honestly what I came for in the first place! And lucky me, it’s available. 

However, Mr. Hubby was wee disappointed to find there’s only one fried chicken wing in his set meal — he was expecting at least another piece. 

On the downside, the service could really use some improvement. No one attended to us when we arrived, and we had to wave several times just to get a menu. 

For a place like this, I expected more attentive service, especially when there’s a service charge included. I had better and quicker service at smaller eateries. 

Well still, with a little fine-tuning on the service, it could truly live up to its name and concept as a gathering spot for food and culture lovers alike. 

Kthxbye. 


🐟 Native Flavours Meet Modern Vibes 🥄 

Bar Abong is managed by a dear school friend of mine who now helms the kitchen as its main chef. She’s working passionately to make sure every dish is thoughtfully prepared and served with pride. 

She has this magical touch in the kitchen — every dish she creates somehow manages to surprise me, leaving not just my stomach full but my heart warmed too. My personal favourite? Her housemade pesto soba. 

Who would’ve thought that earthy pesto could pair so harmoniously with Japanese soba noodles? The moment I took a bite, it literally melted in my mouth, and the fragrant aroma of the pesto lingered on my palate.

And then, her handmade crispy sourdough with local tenggiri, housemade tartar sauce and crunchy coleslaw — an absolute chef’s kiss! Every element sings freshness and creativity, a true reflection of her artistry.

Here’s are the other dishes I ordered & suggested by her:
🍳 Kundasang asparagus 
🥬 Charred miso cabbage 
🍝 Soba pesto
🦑 Jicama squid ball 
🐟 Stingray sambal served with steamed hot rice 
🥪 Fish sandwich 
🍮 Abong pudding 

Fun fact — she told me “Abong” means dizzy or blurred vision after being drunk in Bajau. An unexpected meaning for a name. Another must-try is their natural house wine which pairs beautifully with the dishes. 

Kthxbye. 

🥪 Soulful Bites, Natural Wines & Oldtime Stories 🍷 

I stumbled upon this humble coffee shop not long ago while wandering around the town area — and what caught my eye was their mixed beef laksa! They also serve a variety of simple Chinese dishes.

I ordered a small size of it and paired with a comforting bowl of wonton soup. The portion was just right for one — satisfying without being too heavy. The laksa itself leaned toward the lighter side, which I actually enjoyed. 

It came with a squeeze of calamansi that beautifully balanced the savoury broth, giving it a refreshing tang. I did request for beef tendon, though the lady chef accidentally missed it out. No biggy deal. 

Also, she mentioned that their wontons are available in both soup and dry mix versions which is a nice touch for varieties. Nevertheless, the soup version I had was clear broth, it was decent and comforting.

The place wasn’t crowded, just pleasantly warm and cozy — the kind of spot you could sit and enjoy your meal in peace. I even noticed a few tourists popping by for a quick bite, clearly enjoying their bowls of laksa too.

An ordinary and satisfying find — nothing fancy, but it’s got that local charm and honest flavours that make you want to return for more. Sometimes, it’s these unassuming little places that surprise you the most.

Kthxbye. 

humanburrito.bki