I love Muar

I found this interesting story about Muar which was published in the Malay Mail in 27.9.03. I also came across one story about how we used the word "tegak" rather than "terus". Well, my uni friends that I am too Muarian, and that I think Muar is a state of its own. Well, we do have our own flag kan ... I can only think of words such as "gobok" for almari, and "gebor" for selimut. What would be other things/words that would be so "Muar" .... :-)

MUAR CULINARY SECRETS

THERE'RE three reasons why you should stop at Muar. First, there's the fabulous otak-otak. Don't ask me how it's made, but it's one of the best starter meals one can ever get. Secondly, Muar is absolutely famous for its asam fish. I can vouch for that! Thirdly - Kopi chap 434. Since this location is a coastal town at the Northern tip of Johor, many travellers have overlooked or bypassed the town with the advent of the PLUS North-South highway. Right down from Johor Baru, Muar is about 134km away.You can access this town via Pagoh or the Yong Peng exit on the PLUS route.It's about a two and a half hours ride.From Kuala Lumpur, it's about the same time if you travel a wee bit further than the Ayer Keroh interchange in Malacca. Muar is a riverine town with a population of over 300,000 people.And since it's rather close to the Straits of Malacca, you can bet your top ringgit on getting good seafood. I once wrote about Malacca's Jalan Bunga Raya Hor-Chien or fried oysters. But my girlfriend Michelle's dad said Muar had the most awesome oysters one could ever taste. This delicacy is so popular, Singaporeans actually come all the way to savour it.Well, till now, I'm yet to sample any Muar Hor Chien, but since I'm based in Johor Baru, that won't be a problem. Okay, think I've got sidetracked...Coming back to otak-otak, some of my working buddies swear it's best eaten hot and washed down with some chilled beer.Michelle's family originated from this town, so, it's customary for the clan to assemble for the annual Cheng Beng festival and family gatherings.Just recently, I met Uncle Goh, Michelle's uncle who resides in Muar. But prior to the visit to her uncle's place, we checked out Restoran Yum- Yum which is located near Goh's house. First on the list, was a sampling of the much talked-about asam fish for a late lunch.And sotong goreng petai with sambal and stir-fried greens was as good. This particular makan place uses red snapper steaks with a concoction of spices and tamarind juice. The fish was fresh and the asam gravy was tasty beyond words. And with a combination of sotong and petai, flatulence was a concern what with the long drive back to Kuala Lumpur. Thankfully, our digestion system held up.Later, we caught up with uncle Goh at his residence and exchanged some conversation. And with all the formalities done, we set out to Muar town centre where Michelle gave me a tour and showed me where she grew up as a kid.Well, all that talking and driving got us very thirsty and I noticed some Kopi 434 signboards all over town."Hey, we've got to go to this 434 place lah! Otherwise the trip won't be complete!" I reminded Michelle. Well, strangely, the traffic in Muar was so heavy, it took us about 15 minutes to find a place to park before we could quench our thirst. The very minute I set foot in the 434 shop, I was impressed. From a small-time coffee seller in the Muar market, Kopi 434 is now an institution. My first thought was that someone in this family business had gone out and about and found a good marketing plan. For a mere two ringgit, I found myself in possession of the 434 special'. This was one of my best experiences ever in Muar.Rich black coffee, roasted with margarine and ground just right. Well, I must say that the coffee-brewing machine at this outlet is on par with those fancy-schmancy' Starbucks and Coffee Bean joints. Besides brewed coffee, the shop also sells coffee powder for as low as RM2 for a small pack.Some good stuff there were sold by the kilos. With an order, the server gave us a pack of snacks. Now, that's good service! We had some good brew and bought a couple of packs of 434s. Michelle told me that she did kind of export' the Muar coffee to her friend Mag who lives in Melbourne, Australia.I, for one, had a jolly good time at Muar and high on my to do' list is an overnighter in this town to check out the Hor Chien and Kuey Chap which is said to be the best in the world