J Maison Café in Kulai, Johor

J Maison is a small café tucked at the back row of shoplots near the upcoming AEON Jusco Mall in Kulai, Johor.



I have tried J Maison's homemade cakes and liked them very much. Shirley, one of J Maison's young partners invited me to also try their café food which they serve for lunch and dinner.


Herbal Chicken Rice RM9.90

We started off with this Herbal Chicken with Steamed Rice. Shirley is quite excited and proud of this herbal chicken dish - it is her mum's recipe.



The herbal chicken leg was very soft. The tender meat slipped off the bone with just a gentle tug.

Shirley asked me how it was. Well, flavour wise, the herbal fragrance is certainly there but I thought the dish was rather unembellished. A little too noncommercial, too homely. Perhaps, it would be more interesting if it was dressed up with something bright and green like coriander leaves?

But then, on second thoughts, maybe that is why this herbal chicken is so appealing. It is straight from mum's kitchen. Honest and simple goodness without any frills :)


J Special Nasi Lemak RM7.90

The nasi lemak was also pretty straightforward. The rice had that lemak fragrance and was not greasy.



The two small pieces of chicken were nicely fried - crispy outside, still moist inside, not greasy.



But, to me it is J Maison's sambal that is the "Special" in the "J Special Nasi Lemak". Shirley's husband, who is Peranakan, personally makes the sambal based on his own recipe. Each batch of sambal took 3 long hours to make. The end result is a tasty blend of mildly spicy, savoury and sweet paste that complemented the coconut flavoured rice well.


Fish and Chips RM12.90

Actually, fish and fries.





Made with 2 large thin slices of Dory fillet. Everything was nicely executed and put in place.



The fish and fries is served with mayonnaise and chili sauce.


Curry Chicken RM8.90

Nice curry chicken with potato. The curry is mild, not too spicy nor too lemak. The well marinated chicken is tender and the curry infused potato is soft and delicious.



The curry chicken can be served with a choice of white rice, bee hoon, yellow noodles or toasted buns.


Tomyam Nasi Goreng RM6.90

I am impressed with J Maison's Thai style fried rice.



I like this Thai style fried rice because the bouncy, tasty rice are in loose separate grains (not lumped together in clumps). The flavours of sweet, savoury, tangy and spicy mixed with aroma from the spices were mild and easy to like. This dish can really get my saliva flowing.



The fried rice comes with a lovely, sunny side up done to perfection.


Musetti Latte RM6.90

When at J Maison, I will want to enjoy their Musetti coffee. Smooth, robust Arabica aroma with a good body.



oh... an update on the very interesting mural at J Maison's al fresco area. The artist hasn't had time to add any more strokes to the painting since our last visit :P It's still very pretty and interesting as it is :)



If you are the Kulai area and you want simple Café fare paired with nice cakes and coffee in a basic, laid back, cosy setting with the comfort of air con, then J Maison Café would be right for you.

Restaurant name: J Maison Café
Address: 122, Jalan Kenanga 29/6, Indahpura, Kulaijaya, Johor
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/mBXnN
GPS: 1.643308,103.618068
Hours: Saturdays 11:00am to 1:00am. All other days 11:00am to 11:00pm. Tuesdays off.
Parking: Ample, free street parking
Non Halal

Date visited: 8 Sep 2013