Nando’s City Square, Johor Bahru

Nando’s has opened a new outlet in the basement of City Square Mall, Johor Bahru.  Johor Bahru is the southernmost tip of Peninsula Malaysia (also referred to as West Malaysia) and City Square Mall is just across the border from Singapore.  After going through immigration and customs, one can easily walk to the mall under sheltered walkways.

As part of their grand opening, they have a special, limited period only item on the menu ——the Cataplana.

According to the menu, “Cataplana Originale is a traditional Portuguese dish of perfectly flame-grilled Peri-Peri chicken thighs, simmered with fresh strips of bell peppers, tossed with courgettes, onions and ripe tomatoes and served on a bed of spicy rice.’’  This is at a price of Malaysian Ringgit RM$25.90.  They also have another version, the Cataplana Porto, where the above vegetables are replaced by olives and button mushrooms and a sprinkle of parsley.  Both versions are served in an authentic copper dish.

The menu also recommends “Best paired with a refreshing Rosa Fresca designer drink at RM7.90 for the perfect feast” and elsewhere in the menu, “Rosa Fresca is a delicious blend of pomengranate and mint syrup, fresh lime juice and icy-cold Sprite.”

I chose the Cataplana Porto.  The portion is kinda of small.  It may be all right for a female diner, but I’m not sure if it’s enough for a male.  For RM$25.90, the dish felt lacking in value.

The Rosa Fresca felt like a waste of money.  Did they forget the mint syrup and fresh lime juice?  I certainly did not taste any of these in my drink, though I am quite sure they would have lifted the drink.  As it was, the drink was simply sugary and sweet, lacking in levels of taste and stimulation.

On a positive note, the server brought me a big glass of ice water, though I have previously been refused at Nando’s Malacca.  Improvement of service or inconsistency of service?

The contact details below are strictly for informational purposes only since I do not recommend Cataplana.  You might find better value with their Peri-Peri chicken (approx RM$16 for quarter chicken and approx RM$25 for half chicken).

Nando’s City Square

Lot MB-07, Level B1

Jalan Wong Ah Fook

80400  Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

Tel: 607-2267555