Johor Bahru - Mok Mok Brunch and Bistro

Fancy some Melbourne inspired brunch?

Words: Tricia

Pictures: Tricia

I have been to a number of cafes in Malaysia and the ones in Kuala Lumpur relatively fare better than the ones in Johor Bahru. Now, I must clarify I am not here to start a debate between the cafe scenes in KL and JB. Instead due to the demographics and population sizes of the two states, KL will definitely present a wider range of cafes resulting in their current standing to me.

Hence, it was a pleasant surprise when we stumbled upon Mok Mok Brunch and Bistro one Saturday noon. A cafe that not only looks good, but also serves up great food.

At Mok Mok, we are not looking at the typical "Big Breakfast" style of brunch nor the Eggs Benedict we see so often in a cafe. Over here, we are looking at fusion brunch ideas to Signature Bowls, all the way to their desserts.

I was presented with the Brunch Menu and was drawn to the names used such as "Krusty Krab", "Salmon Sunrise" and "Baba Spiced Lamb". I thought to myself, isn't this a tad too much for brunch?

Thankfully, the names simply indicates the type of protein they add into their brunch. Being a crab fan, I got myself the Krusty Krab; House Sambal Scramble Egg, Crab Meat, Parmesan, Bayam, Micro Greens, Toast, Fried Shallots. A note of advice though, eat it hot.

This trip to Mok Mok was with 4 full grown boys and boys being boys, they all chose the Signature Bowl because, filling. So here's a look at the 3 different bowls we've ordered.

This is the Smoked Duck Bowl; Pan seared smoked duck rubbed in house special spice, onsen egg served over MokMok's signature rice. Verdict: It tasted like smoked duck you can find in Cold Storage heated up with an additional onsen egg. But then again, smoked duck is smoked duck. How different was I expecting it to be?

Here we have the Kaarage Chicken; Crispy fried Chicken, Onsen egg, served over MokMok's Signature Rice. Verdict: I am not a fan of fried food but the chicken meat was tender and flavourful. At this stage, I am starting to wonder if the boys ordered these bowls for the onsen egg hmm.

If there is only one bowl that you must order, it would be the Gyutan Don, the star of Mok Mok Brunch and Bistro.

What makes this bowl of ox tongue so special? I was told by my friends that many Asian college students studying in Melbourne often visited Menya Ramen Restaurant located in Melbourne CBD. This Gyutan Don found in Mok Mok was the closest replica of what they have tasted back when they were students.

Is the owner of Mok Mok from Melbourne themselves? Or is this pure coincidence? Either way, this is one good bowl and no doubt their signature, if I say so myself.

To end off your cafe trip here at Mok Mok, do not forget to order the dessert Kumo Ultimo; House Special creamcheese souffle pancakes with cookie crumbs, flavoured mousse, ice cream. Choice of: Fresh Strawberries.

I was not expecting much from this dish but had to order it anyway because WHO DOESN'T LIKE SOUFFLE? I was so wrong. Verdict: Priced at RM 22, this SGD$8 dessert was worth every cent. What more can I say?