Updated 3 Oct 2019. Kluang is not exactly the natural break for the drive between KL and JB - the little town is 20km from the North South Expressway exit. But, we did just that today because I had this sudden craving for the Crispy Fried Duck from STAR Restaurant in Kluang.
STAR Restaurant hasn't change much, if at all, since we were last here 2 years ago. The small air conditioned restaurant is probably Kluang's nicest Chinese restaurant in terms of decor, service, food and pricing overall. I think it is a good choice for foodie platoons on a day trip 😄
First things first, we ordered STAR's signature Crispy Fried Duck which comes with a small basket of steamed buns, cucumber, and a brown sauce. Half a duck now costs RM38+.
I appreciate the service at STAR - the staff are friendly, attentive, earnest and polite.
She helped us cut and pulled the fried duck into bite size pieces.
We took a piece of duck, a stick of cucumber dipped in brown sauce and slotted it between the flaps of the hinged bun.
Oh... we love the blend of savoury sweet ducky flavours and mix of textures.
The tender juicy duck meat and fat gave the duck savoury and subtly ducky taste. The soft puffy bun was sweet, fresh crunchy cucumber was refreshingly sweet, and the brown sauce savoury sweet (like those served with Peking duck). The crispy duck skin added to the interesting texture mix.
For obligatory greens (since we were eating so much meat), we had simple sweet potato leaves stir fried with garlic, anchovies and lard. Price RM10+.
Oh my, it was beyond our expectations - the leaves and stems were crunchy and juicy sweet. The savoury flavours of the garlic, anchovies and lard complemented and balanced the vegetable's sweet taste. Whoever were in the kitchen are masters of flavours and textures, turning humble ingredients into a memorably delicious dish.
We enjoyed our duck and vegetables so much that we decided to stretch our tummies a little to slot in some more food. We opted for STAR's popular fried mee sua. Price RM23+.
It was a nice blend of savoury sweet flavours from the mee sua (rice noodles), bean sprout, fried shallot, egg, bits of pork, lard, soy sauce etc. It was slightly on the greasy side though.
Recommended for you 👍 Second time at Kluang's STAR Restaurant, we love the delicious food, nice ambiance, sincere service and competitive pricing here. If I plan a makan (eating) trip to Kluang, STAR will be in the itinerary.
26 Aug 2017. Whenever I ask Kluangites for their home town good food suggestions, STAR coffee house & restaurant at Jalan Sultanah is always mentioned. Established in 1979, 40 year old STAR is an institution of good food in Kluang.
So, I am glad that STAR restaurant was the very first place Kluangite Sarah brought us to, during our visit to her home town.
STAR restaurant is simply furnished but very comfortable inside. Size of two shop lots, it felt very welcoming as we stepped in. The air conditioning brought great relief from Malaysia's blistering tropical heat.
Sarah took charge of the ordering and she zeroed in on the signature STAR Special Crispy Fried Duck - STAR restaurant's claim to fame.
We had half a duck which was fried till golden brown outside (price RM30).
The friendly staff waited patiently for the aunties and uncle to finish feeding their Facebook and Instagram obsession, before he cut and shredded the crispy fried duck. (My friends gonna kill me 😱 )
The crispy duck broken up into shreds ready for eating. The skin looked crisp while the meat looked tender and moist.
The shreds of duck together with a stick of crunchy fresh cucumber, a stalk of cilantro, a bit of hoisin type sauce and chili sauce are sandwiched between a pillowy sweet steamed bun (mantou).
The crisp skin and moist tender meat were just mildly savoury and there was no duck gaminess at all. The savoury duck is well balanced by the gently sweet bun (I did not use the hoisin and chili sauce). There was no excess grease at all.
We also had the Chicken with Sesame Oil which STAR restaurant is also well known for (price RM28 for half a bird).
The kampung chicken was precisely done to 98% (metaphorically lah 😄). So, the skin was smooth, meat was tender and juicy, and the chicken's natural sweetness and chickiness were intact. The kampung chicken was not mushy soft but still had a bit of nice soft springy bite left.
Cod Fish with Soya Sauce.
The slice of cod was crisped to golden brown perfection outside while inside the white meat was tender and juicy. The delicately savoury premium soya sauce complemented the sweet cod flesh. Crisped garlic and fresh chive topping complete the delicious dish.
Fried Flour Vermicelli (price RM16).
Peanut Mochi Dumplings coated with toasted black and white sesame seeds.
I love the nutty flavour and crunch as well as the soft ball made with a blend of rice and other flours. The outside is crisp, so it has a nice contrast with the slightly mushy moist inside. My buddies felt it a little too soft but I found it just fine.
4-Star (out of 5). Nice signature crispy fried duck and other very well executed dishes. Nice ambiance and comfortable environment. Friendly service. Reasonable prices. If you are visiting Kluang, STAR restaurant is a Must Try.
Restaurant name: STAR Coffee House & Restaurant
Address: 10 & 12, Jalan Sultanah, Kampung Masjid Lama, Kluang, Johor
GPS: 2°02'02.5"N 103°19'18.0"E | 2.034015, 103.321678
Tel: +6013 723 3328 | +6019 773 3328 | +60 7-772 3288 | +60 7-773 3328 (best to reserve during peak season like holidays)
Hours: Lunch 11:30am - 3:00pm | Dinner 5:30pm - 10:30pm (Monday off)
Non Halal
Date: 26 Aug 2017
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