Amaya Food Gallery, Amari, Johor Bahru

There is always something enthralling about watching chefs cook up a storm for you, and at Amaya Food Gallery, you can fall under the spell of its chefs at work when you gaze into its multiple open kitchens.

Indeed, at this signature market-style all-day restaurant, it is not just the food that will entice your senses. You can admire its Thai-inspired decor, which pays homage to Amari’s origins with tasteful flourishes such as the intricately carved wooden shutters depicting the revered elephant. You can also feast your eyes upon the dominant red colour amid the restaurant, a nod to the unique Peranakan culture which is prevalent in the Johor, Melaka and Singapore regions.

The Peranakans, or Straits Chinese, are descendants of early Chinese immigrants who married local Malays and form a rich tradition amalgamating the best of both cultures with sprinkles of other ethnic influences. Similarly, the Amaya Food Gallery’s extensive Asian Street Food menu offers up an exquisite mix of cuisines and flavours all over Asia and beyond.  Don’t miss its signature Assam Pedas Fish, and remember to check out culinary delights such as Szechuan Prawns, Stir-fried Ginger Beef, Penang Char Koay Teow, Amaya Burger, Pad Thai, Som Tam and Nyonya Chicken Curry.

Executive sous chef Kanokwan Pungjaroenkijkul, or Gina as she is commonly known, is also on hand to whip up treats such as Thai Green Curry, Gai Pad Mamuang (stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts, onions, dried chillies and scallion) and Phad Thai Goong (stir-fried rice noodles with prawns, egg, bean sprouts, peanuts, onion, dried shrimp and tamarind sauce).

So let your senses be thrilled at Amaya Food Gallery as you take in its gorgeous architecture and flavourful cuisines from modern Asia.  Colours, rhythms and textures combine to make it a memorable dining experience, whether you are visiting for breakfast, for lunch or for its Asian food market-style dining at night. As a bonus, come during weekends for special promotions.