DESPITE being born in Penang, I feel more at home in Johor Baru as I spent most of my childhood and also young adult life in this southern city.
As a Penangite, the love of food runs in my blood and I am keen to try out new kinds of food, no matter how far I have to travel. And whether it is fine-dining cuisine or hawker fare, I still want to give it a try.
However, I have a penchant for local hawker food as it offers good value and also many choices.
In Johor, I find the food to be more varied as the state offers a good choice of local delicacies from the many different ethnic groups.
Much of Johor Malay food is influenced by a combination of mainly Javanese and Bugis cultures.
Besides Malay food, I also find the Chinese-based hawker fare in Johor Baru to be growing in choice. From the typical Hainanese chicken rice to har mee (prawn noodles) and curry laksa, they are all commonly found in most food courts in Johor Baru's suburban areas.
Now we can also get Penang and Ipoh-style hawker food, as well as the popular Malacca Peranakan cuisine here.
I know that for Penang folk, the typical char kuay teow here will not be the same as what would be found on the island but nevertheless, it adds diversity to Johor Baru's food choices.
On another note, even famous dishes from East Malaysia like the popular Sarawak kolok mee can be found here.
In some ways, Johor Baru is becoming like Kuala Lumpur where one can get the best types of food from the various states in our country.
And this is evident as many specialised eateries have started to crop up around the southern part of Johor. Basically, anything gastronomically nice about Malaysian is slowly making its way to here.
This is good as it reflects that Malaysians are serious about their food. And even Singaporeans are known for coming across the Causeway to find food in Johor, which says that there is a market for the good food here.
Even my family and my other half are passionate about food and this is something that we share together.
During my free time, I will even go riding to the rural areas of the state to search for good food, including seafood.
To me, this can be a therapeutic way to enjoy life. Sometimes, one needs to break away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
To me, meal times are always important and can be a memorable affair. Somehow, I think good food and their recipes can be a way of connecting with those we love.
Johor Baru-based Chow Weng Chuan, 25, is a self-confessed foodie who is known to try all types of food and beverages in his free time.Interview by Ben Tan
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