Gohan signage
Gohan shop
A view of the alley
Cali Mango sushi
Sushi with wasabi and soy sauce
Cali Mango Sushi
Laksa
It was not our intention to eat at this food alley. I want to call it that. If there is a food court, then there's a food alley. This is actually part of one of the university's parking lot but at the end of lot are shops which included most food shops and a bank. As we were existing, we noticed a shop with boxes of food and other stuff displayed outside the shop and everything were on sale. We just couldn't resist. I mean, who doesn't like markdown products? Once we were done with shopping, we noticed at the end of the alley tables and chairs with some customers dining.
We were supposed to eat at another cafe but when we saw a tiny Japanese shop, we decided to eat there instead.
I was craving for ramen but unfortunately, it was not available at Gohan. The shop next to it is offering Laksa so we ended up ordering for those. I have to go back to Gohan and decided on sushi. I asked one of the staff if what is the bestseller. It's what I always ask if I'm not sure about the place. It can go either way though. However, at the end of the day, it still up to you if you enjoyed the food or not.
The staff said everything is bestseller (of course, I would have said the same thing, too). Luckily, Cali Mango Sushi is buy one, take one at that time so I gave in to that.
I like the vibe that this place gives. It's a good find. It is at the city center but it is in a quiet place almost secluded. You can hear the noise of the city but it gives an oasis. The red lanterns, the lattice doors of the shops, the color of the tables and chairs, the dark paint of the building across the shops were giving me a Japanese vibe.
I like finding places like this. This is a small touristy city and businesses try to make every space available profitable where everyone can benefit at least.
We were told by the girl at the Laksa shop that our order will take 10-15 minutes. However, it arrived just a few minutes later after the sushi which we were delighted by because we didn't have to wait that long and we can eat the sushi with the laksa.
The sushi arrived and it was cold, colder than I expected it to be. First bite got my sensitive teeth acting up a bit. I was surprised though by the wasabi. So far, the wasabi that I have tasted did not pack as much than what this wasabi did so I was taken by surprise. I thought it was like the previous ones that I have tasted so I took more than I should and placed it on a sushi before eating it. Good thing the effect passed quickly. It was a good sushi. Nothing to complain about. The soy sauce that comes with it was too salty though so I only dipped a few of the sushi that I have eaten. I'd rather go for spicy than salty.
The laksa was served in a bowl and it is packed with lots of noodles. It could be shared for people with small appetites. If I am not that hungry, I wouldn't be able to finish it. It does look good in appearance. It's more golden in color than those that we order online. It does have other ingredients like tofu, a spoonful or two of shredded chicken, fishballs, bok choy and other spices. The saltiness is controlled as well which is good but the creaminess of the soup may make you tire of it. Comparing to the laksa that we order from another shop, I find this one lacks the ingredients that I got used to, more seafood and more flavorful.
Would I recommend the place? Yes, I still will but just like with other shops, one should manage their expectations. All the food are good on their own without having to compare to others. The price is right, affordable and sensible. The serving portion is of a good sizable amount too. The staff are attentive and welcoming. The service is fast enough. The place adds plus points.
I'm going back there for sure and try the other food on the menu.
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